The Impact of Environmental Factors and Applied Agronomy on Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Flax Fiber

According to the Liebieg’s law—in many regions of Europe, the main limiting factor that affects very often flax yield are weather conditions (precipitation). Resistance to drought stress of 51 flax genotypes was evaluated in pot trials (2002–2012). Controlled drought stress (62.5% optimal soil humidity) caused a decrease in fiber yield by 39.7–49.3% and a substantial drop in quality. Among the tested cultivars, the ones that gave relatively promising yields in conditions of water deficit were: Sara [PL], Ilona [NL], Modran [PL], Escalina [NL], Luna [PL], Aliz?e [FR], Artemida [PL], Selena [PL], Modran [PL], Nike [PL], and Venica [CZ]. Relatively good yields of fiber for these varieties were the result of the good yields of straw.

In field trials carried out on two types of soil (pseudosolic and black soil), the highest fiber yield with good quality was obtained using: (1) sowing density of 2 800 seeds m^?2, (2) row sowing, (3) harvesting time at green-yellow maturity stage (BBCH 83). Higher plant densities using row sowing resulted in higher fiber content (% in straw) together with better quality (tex). Earlier harvest times (BBCH 75, BBCH 79) allowed for obtaining very thin fiber. The content of pectin and lignin in the fiber increased with harvesting delay.     

Optimising flax production in the South Atlantic region of the USA

Worldwide the USA is the largest user of flax fibre, though very little is actually grown or produced in the USA. ‘Ariane’ flax was grown in 1990–1991, 1991–1992 and 1998–1999 in South Carolina, USA and evaluated for production characteristics. Plots (15 m long and 2 m wide) in the fall of 1990 and 1991 generated dry matter plant yields ranging from 4510 (early harvest at a seeding rate of 67 kg ha^?1) to 7340 (late harvest at a seeding rate of 134 kg ha^?1) kg ha^?1. Based on these results, seed was sown on a private farm using a drill in 19 cm rows at a seeding rate of 101 kg ha^?1 in 1998–1999. Early harvest, selected for optimal fibre quality, produced a dry matter plant yield that averaged 4076 kg ha^?1. Late harvest, selected to optimise seed plus fibre, produced a dry matter plant yield that averaged 5076 kg ha^?1. Stubble remaining in the field after mowing at about 6.0–7.6 cm above the soil surface resulted in a fibre loss of about 3% of total plant dry matter or 10% of potential total fibre yield. Dry matter and fibre yields suggested that flax could be produced in the southeastern USA using traditional farming methods for the area. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Protection of Fibre Flax Crop Against Flea Beetles and Seedling Blight Using Compound Seed-Dressers

Abstract

The trial was carried out at Upyte Research Station of the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture during the period 1999–2001, where flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cv. ‘Baltuciai’ had been grown. The effect of compound seed-dressers RAPCOL FDL 323 CS (active ingredients: insecticide phurathiocarb 300 g l^?1 + fungicide metalaxil 20 g l^?1 + fungicide fludioxonil 3 g l^?1) (3000 ml 100 kg flaxseed^?1) and CRUISER OSR 321.3 FS (active ingredients: insecticide tiametoxam 280 g l^?1 + fungicide metalaxil-M 33.3 g l^?1 + fungicide fludioxonil 8 g l^?1) (dose rates 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ml 100 kg flaxseed^?1) on the occurrence of flea beetles and seedling blight in flax crop when compared to the effect of seed-dresser Vitavax FF 200 (active ingredients: carboxine 200 g l^?1 + thiram 200 g l^?1) and insecticide Fastac 10 EC (active ingredient: alphacypermethrin 100 g l^?1) has been investigated.

The experimental findings suggest that 49.0 to 90.5% of flax plants were affected by flea beetles (Aphthona euphorbiaeSchr., Longitarsus parvulusPayk.) annually in the plots sown with untreated seed. Significantly fewer affected plants were identified in the plots sown with the seed treated with phurathiocarb 900 g + metalaxil 60 g + fludioxonil 6 g 100 kg^?1 seed (Rapcol, 3 l100 kg flaxseed^?1) and tiametoxam 28 g + metalaxil-M 3.33 g + fludioxonil 0.8 g 100 kg^?1 seed or tiametoxam 70 g + metalaxil-M 8.325 g + fludioxonil 2 g 100 kg^?1 seed (Cruiser,100 ml or 250 ml 100 kg^?1). Tiametoxam + metalaxil-M + fludioxonil, applied at higher dose rates (Cruiser, 500–1000 ml 100 kg^?1) gave a higher efficacy. The incidence of seedling blight (Colletotrichum lini (Westerdijk) Tochinai) was lower in the plots sown with the seed treated with compound seed-dressers. The impact of compound seed-dressers was noticed even at the flax 4–6 pairs of leaves stage.     

Analysis of furan in coffee of different provenance by head-space solid phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry: effect of brewing procedures

A simple, sensitive and accurate method for the analysis of furan in roasted coffee has been used based on headspace–solid-phase micro-extraction (HS–SPME) coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The extraction was performed using 75-µm carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fiber. Ionic strength, extraction time and temperature, and desorption time were assessed as the most important parameters affecting the HS–SPME procedure and d ₄-furan was used as the internal standard. The linearity range was in the range 0.0075–0.486 ng g^?1; the LOD and LOQ calculated using the signal-to-noise ratio approach were 0.002 and 0.006 ng g^?1, respectively. The inter- and intra-day precision was 8 and 10%, respectively. The concentration of furan found in batches of roasted coffee powder different producing countries ranged from 57.3 to 587.3 ng g^?1. The mean reduction in furan levels observed when brewing coffee by either infusion, using a moka pot or an expresso machine was 57, 67.5 and 63.3%, respectively.     

Palmyrah Distillery Spent Wash for Ethanol Production by a Thermotolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae S1 at 40°C

Palmyrah distillery spent wash was used as an alternative to the predefined PYN medium (peptone, yeast extract, magnesium sulphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate and ammonium sulphate). In this study, the focus was on the utilization of spent wash from Sri Lankan palmyrah based distilleries to reduce the biological oxygen demand (BOD). To utilise the spent wash, it was supplemented with glucose and different nitrogen sources. Replacing PYN medium with spent wash and the increase in the glucose concentration led to a decrease in ethanol production. Hydrolysis of spent wash with a commercial protease (Neutrase) and supplementation with 200 gL^?1 glucose produced 73.4 gL^?1 ethanol. Among the different nitrogen sources supplemented 4.6 gL^?1 (NH₄)₂SO₄ increased ethanol production to 92.5 gL^?1 indicating that the spent wash could be economically used to produce ethanol, while decreasing the BOD from 25,000 to 4,000 mgL^?1.     

Effect of calcium chloride on mechanical properties and microbiological characteristics of cv. Conservolea naturally black olives fermented at different sodium chloride levels

The effect of calcium chloride (CaCl₂)(5 gL^?1) and sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration (40, 60 and 8 gL^?1) on the microbiological and mechanical properties of naturally black olives of cv. Conservolea in brines was studied. In 40 and 60 g L^?1 brines the growth of lactic acid bacteria was favoured over that of yeasts, resulting in rather complete lactic acid fermentation as indicated by high free acidity (9.8–11.5 g lactic acid L^?1) and low pH (3.7–3.8). At 80 g L^?1 brine, yeasts were the dominant members of the microflora, rendering a product with lower acidity (8 g lactic acid L^?1) and higher pH (4.3–4.5). In the presence of CaCl₂ there was a consistent increase in the depth of the peripheral region in which cell wall breakage occurred. When cells separated, perforated walls were observed at sites associated with plasmodesmata. The flesh was strongest and stiffest when CaCl₂ was added to olives treated with 40 g L^?1 brine, consistent with cell wall breakage being the predominant mode of failure. The only observed effect on the mechanical properties of the skin was a stiffening at 60 g L^?1 brine on addition of CaCl₂. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Advanced Decortication Technology for Unretted Bast Fibres

Abstract

Advanced decortication technology is based on a simple mechanical process, in which bast fibres are decorticated by impact stress. Hemp, flax and linseed are processed with the same technology that is suitable for both unretted and retted plants. The process includes all stages from the reception of the straw bales to the separate final products, which are fibres and shives.

The industrial requirements of technical fibres regarding fibre yield, fibre length, fineness and cleanness, are met.

The possibility of processing unretted bast fibres without any negative influence on the fibre qualities is advantageous. Harvesting of unretted fibre plants saves expenditure on the field and reduces the weather risk.     

Performance, carcass, gastrointestinal tract and meat quality traits, and selected blood parameters of broilers fed diets supplemented with humic substances

BACKGROUND: The effects of humic substances (HS) on quality traits (colour, water‐holding capacity, and pH) of breast and thigh meats and on blood minerals (calcium and phosphorus) and on metabolites (glucose, total protein, triglyceride and cholesterols) as well as on the performance, carcass, and gastrointestinal tract (gut) traits of broilers were studied. In total, 480 male chicks (ROSS 308) were allocated to four treatments, each with five replicates containing 24 birds. While control birds were fed a diet (mash form) with no additives (0 HS), other treatment birds were fed with diets containing HS at 0.5 (0.5 HS), 1.0 (1 HS) or 1.5 (1.5 HS) g kg^?1 from 1 to 42 days of age. RESULTS: The body and carcass weights and feed efficiency increased (P < 0.05) by 1.5 HS, and blood cholesterol decreased (P < 0.05) by 1 HS and 1.5 HS compared to 0 HS. The 0.5 HS decreased (P < 0.10) low‐density lipoprotein compared to 0 HS. The 0.5 HS resulted in thigh meat and breast meat that were lighter and darker than those found in the other groups and 1.5 HS respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Feeding with a diet containing HS caused a measurable variation in the meat quality and blood cholesterol as well as the performance, carcass, and gut traits of broilers. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Partition of Photosynthates and Energy Production in Different Flax Cultivars

Abstract

Two field trials were carried out in the Agricultural Experimental Station of the National Research Centre at Shalakan, Kalubia Governorate during 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 seasons to evaluate seven fibre flax, i.e., Wiko, Nike, Alba, Viking, Texa and Belinka genotypes as well as two dual purpose flax, i.e., Giza 5 and Giza 6 in relation to energy production. The results showed that flax cultivars differed significantly in photosynthate partitions. Significant differences were obtained in carbohydrates, protein and oil percentage of vegetative organs, seeds and straw, except protein percentage of straw which responded insignificantly. Glucose required for synthesis of chemical constituents, carbon equivalent in vegetative organs, straw and seeds differed significantly in all investigated flax cultivars under investigation. Energy yield plant^?1 and hectare ^_1 for straw and seeds yield also differed significantly. All investigated flax cultivars showed significant differences in yield as well as its components.

Broad sense heritability and coefficient of variation were estimated for all investigated flax cultivars. Heritability ranged between 60.93% for number of capsules plant ^_1 and 90.74% for seed index.     

Comparison of lignans and phenolic acids in different varieties of germinated flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

The study aimed to evaluate the biosynthesis and accumulation of lignans, phenolic acids and also the antioxidant activities in 15 varieties of flax sprouts. The differential contents of lignans (13.30–8987 μg g⁻¹) and phenolic acids (72.55–597.1 μg g⁻¹) among 15 varieties of flax sprouts were observed. The total antioxidant activities ranged from 147.2 to 332.8 μmol TE g⁻¹ in the flax sprouts. The expression levels of five genes in the lignin synthetic pathway were analysed using RT-qPCR, and the results showed dramatical differences among different flax sprouts. Relatively dispersed analysis was showed by principal component analysis (PCA), and 15 flax sprouts were grouped by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) based on their phenolic acids, lignan compounds, length, gene expression and antioxidants after germination, primarily in relation to variety specificity. Present results would be instructive guidance for bio-fortification breeding and functional foods innovation in flaxseeds.     

Integrated processing of fresh Indian sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berries and chemical evaluation of products

An efficient pilot‐scale process was developed to produce nutraceutical products from fresh sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berries. Fresh berries were subjected to high‐pressure dewatering using a continuous screw press. The separated liquid phase containing 80–90% of pulp oil was clarified at 80 °C and centrifuged to obtain pulp oil, clear juice and sludge. The pulp oil yield was 2.7–2.8% of fresh berry weight with 66–70% extraction efficiency. The pulp oil was remarkably rich in carotenoids (2450–2810 mg kg^?1), tocopherols (1409–1599 mg kg^?1) and sterols (4096–4403 mg kg^?1), with a characteristic fresh berry flavour and 16:1 as the major fatty acid (45.6–49.1%). The clear juice obtained was free from oil and contained high amounts of vitamin C (1683–1840 mg kg^?1) and phytochemicals such as polyphenols (2392–2821 mg kg^?1) and flavonoids (340–401 mg kg^?1). Isorhamnetin (251–310 mg kg^?1) was the major flavonoid in the juice, along with quercetin (77–81 mg kg^?1) and kaempherol (12–16 mg kg^?1). The juice was very acidic (pH 3), with high concentrations of organic acids (30.8–36.0 g kg^?1). High‐performance liquid chromatography profiling of organic acids revealed quinic acid (18.1–19.9 g kg^?1) as the major acid in the juice. The seeds in the pressed cake were separated and extracted for oil using supercritical CO₂. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Characterisation of black cumin,pomegranate and flaxseed meals as sources of phenolic acids

The article focuses on the extraction of ten phenolic acids from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seed meals. The extracts have been fractionated as free, esterified and insoluble‐bound phenolic compounds and quantitatively determined by HPLC–PDA. The analysed meals can be utilised for obtaining valuable phenolic acids. However, the distribution of phenolic compounds varies depending on the meal source. The insoluble‐bound fraction has been the richest for the black cumin meal, both qualitatively and quantitatively, containing all ten analysed phenolics. In the pomegranate meal, the main phenolic has been gallic acid, accounting for nearly 48% in free form. The esterified form of the flaxseed meal has been abundant with ferulic (1025.44 ± 3.99 mg kg^?1 dry weight), caffeic and p‐coumaric acids. The total amount of phenolic acids would be underestimated if only free fractions would be taken into account, while neglecting esterified (for the pomegranate and flax meals) and insoluble‐bound fractions (for the black cumin and pomegranate meals).     

Protein,amino acid,ash and mineral contents in Brassica spp. grown in Northwest Spain

The protein, amino acid, ash, and mineral composition of different Brassica spp. grown in several areas of Galicia (Northwest Spain) were studied. The highest protein values were observed in Galega kales (crude protein: 29.66 g per 100 g) and turnip greens and turnip tops (27.74–31.46 g per 100 g), whereas the leaves showed higher protein contents than the stems. Glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid present (14.53% in turnip greens to 18.45% in white cabbage). Other amino acids such as arginine, aspartic acid, lysine, alanine and glycine were also observed in higher quantities. The stems contained the same amino acid as the leaves but at a lower level. Furthermore, differences in amino acid contents were observed among varieties. The proportion of essential amino acids was high (41% in leaves of turnip top to 47% in external leaves of oxheart cabbage). The studied varieties are also a good source of some minerals, which include as main element potassium (27.24–37.57 mg g^?1 in whole plants), followed by calcium (4.27–17.48 mg g^?1 in whole plants) and magnesium (1.62–2.92 mg g^?1 in whole plants). Significant differences among varieties and edible portions were found concerning ash and mineral contents.     

Relationship between N concentration of grain and grain yield in recent winter-wheat experiments in England and Belgium,some with large yields

Eight winter-wheat experiments conducted by Rothamsted on clay soils in 1980 and 1981 formed part of an inter-institute collaborative programme on yield variation. The tests included no N and four amounts of fertiliser N up to 200 kg ha^?1, with and without spray treatments to control pests and diseases. Large grain yields—in excess of 10 t ha^?1—were often obtained, mainly where losses had been limited by sprays. In Belgium, 10 experiments during the same seasons were on a wider range of soils and had spray treatments applied to all plots. Yields exceeding 10 t ha^?1 were obtained at one site. Graphs showing the inter-relationship between grain-N %, grain yield and N uptake are used to compare the recent results with those from a 20-year study of similar data from 124 earlier Rothamsted experiments. The envelope curve delineating the range of yield and grain-N % values from these older experiments enfolded most of the more recent data points, except those deriving from the largest yields which were associated almost entirely with grain-N % values below the minimum recommended for British breadwheat. The largest grain-N uptakes were 180–190 kg ha^?1 and 170–180 kg ha^?1 in the recent Rothamsted and Belgian experiments respectively, compared with 160-170 kg in the older experiments. The linear or near-linear relationship between grain-N % and amounts of fertiliser N, established in the 20-year study, was again observed in the recent Rothamsted and Belgian experiments, with about 38 kg of added N needed to increase grain-N concentrations by 0.1%.     

Determination of Chromium Species in Various Medicinal Plants Consumed in Hatay Region in Turkey

In this study, 22 species of medicinal plants (anise, centaury, chamomile, fennel, flax, green tea, indian hemp, laurel, licorice, linden, marestail, melissa, nettle, oat, red clover, riesenfenchel, rosehip, rosemary, sage, senna tea, yam, yarrow) were taken from five different local herbalists in Hatay. Chromium concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. The highest chromium concentrations were detected in chamomile (4.21 ± 0.18 mg kg^?1), licorice (2.80 ± 0.12 mg kg^?1), melissa (2.71 ± 0.10 mg kg^?1), marestail (2.66 ± 0.10 mg kg^?1), and anise (1.98 ± 0.06 mg kg^?1). Minimal concentrations of chromium were found in riesenfenchel (0.33 ± 0.01 mg kg^?1), red clover (0.37 ± 0.01 mg kg^?1), centaury (0.43 ± 0.01 mg kg^?1), senna tea (0.49 ± 0.01 mg kg^?1), and linden (0.50 ± 0.01 mg kg^?1). Cr(III) and Cr(VI) concentrations in medicinal herbs were found in the range of 0.26–3.12 mg kg^?1 and 0.07–1.09 mg kg^?1, respectively.     

Chemical characterisation of Tylosema fassoglensis (Kotschy) Torre & Hillc oilseed

Tylosema fassoglensis seeds contain high levels of lipids (240–300 g kg^?1) and proteins (446 g kg^?1 dry weight). Major fatty acids contained in the oil are linoleic (36–42% of the total fatty acids) oleic (32–35%) and palmitic (11.5–15.7%) acids. The proteins are characteristic with their high levels of lysine, proline and tyrosine. Due to their very low content, both methionine and cystine appear to be the limiting amino acids. Tylosema fassoglensis defatted meal contains substantial amounts of trypsin inhibitors and phytates 295 TUI mg^?1 and 35 g kg^?1 dry weight, respectively.     

3-ETHOXY-1-PROPANOL: A STRAIN- AND SPECIES-DEPENDENT YEAST METABOLITE

A survey of a large number of commercial ales and lagers has revealed that most ales contain more than 200 μgL^?1 of 3-Ethoxy-1-propanol. Most lagers contain less than 100 μgL^?1 and the concentration of this compound produced by Saccharomyces sp. appears to be both strain- and species-dependent. Feeding studies suggest that 3-ethoxy-1-propanol is derived from homoserine via O-acetylhomoserine, the latter being a crucial intermediate on the biosynthetic pathway leading to methionine .     

Efficient synthesis of hydroxystyrenes via biocatalytic decarboxylation/deacetylation of substituted cinnamic acids by newly isolated Pantoea agglomerans strains

BACKGROUND: Decarboxylation of substituted cinnamic acids is a predominantly followed pathway for obtaining hydroxystyrenes—one of the most extensively explored bioactive compounds in the food and flavor industry (e.g. FEMA GRAS approved 4‐vinylguaiacol). For this, mild and green strategies providing good yields with high product selectivity are needed. RESULTS: Two newly isolated bacterial strains, i.e. Pantoea agglomerans KJLPB4 and P. agglomerans KJPB2, are reported for mild and effective decarboxylation of substituted cinnamic acids into corresponding hydroxystyrenes. Key operational parameters for the process, such as incubation temperature, incubation time, substrate concentration and effect of co‐solvent, were optimized using ferulic acid as a model substrate. With strain KJLPB4, 1.51 g L^?1 4‐vinyl guaiacol (98% yield) was selectively obtained from 2 g L^?1 ferulic acid at 28 °C after 48 h incubation. However, KJPB2 provided vanillic acid in 85% yield after 72 h following the oxidative decarboxylation pathway. In addition, KJLPB4 was effectively exploited for the deacetylation of acetylated α‐phenylcinnamic acids, providing corresponding compounds in 65–95% yields. CONCLUSION: Two newly isolated microbial strains are reported for the mild and selective decarboxylation of substituted cinnamic acids into hydroxystyrenes. Preparative‐scale synthesis of vinyl guaiacol and utilization of renewable feedstock (ferulic acid extracted from maize bran) have been demonstrated to enhance the practical utility of the process. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparison of Industrial Scale Ethanol Production from a Palmyrah‐Based Carbon Source by Commercial Yeast and a Mixed Culture from Palmyrah Toddy

Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer) based products were used as an alternative carbon source for industrial scale ethanol production. The fermentation medium was enriched with spent wash obtained from a distillation column. The performance of a commercially available baker's yeast in the media was compared with a ‘palmyrah toddy mixed culture’ where the organisms were obtained from the sedimentation of palmyrah toddy. In a laboratory scale study, the ethanol produced from a palmyrah fruit pulp extract, diluted with distilled water, was 16.5 gL^?1 (36 h) and 13.0 gL^?1 (48 h) with ‘palmyrah toddy mixed culture’ and baker's yeast respectively. The ‘palmyrah toddy mixed culture’ performed better than the baker's yeast with palmyrah fruit pulp extract, diluted either with distilled water or spent wash. Among the different palmyrah based carbon sources, both cultures preferred molasses diluted with spent wash and both performed best in the medium containing the spent wash supplemented with sucrose. In a 5,000 L industrial scale fermentation of 20° Brix molasses supplemented with 10 gL^?1 ammonium sulphate, 72 gL^?1 and 65 gL^?1 ethanol was produced by the ‘palmyrah toddy mixed culture’ (72 h) and the baker's yeast (90 h) respectively. As the performance of the ‘palmyrah toddy mixed culture’ was better than that of the baker's yeast, the former was selected for the industrial scale studies of molasses fermentation media diluted with spent wash. In these studies the temperature reached 42°C by 36 h and resultant cell death was observed. However ethanol production was higher and more rapid in the molasses diluted with spent wash, rather than in the molasses diluted with tap water and supplemented with (NH₄)₂SO₄. Cell recycle operation obviated the interruption in fermentation caused by temperature induced cell death and increased rates and efficiency of ethanol production were observed.     

Abomasal or ruminal administration of flax oil and hulls on milk production, digestibility, and milk fatty acid profile of dairy cows

Four ruminally fistulated primiparous lactating Holstein cows were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to determine the effects of the site of administration (rumen or abomasum) of flax oil and flax hulls on diet digestibility and milk fatty acid profile of dairy cows. The treatments were 1) oil and hulls administered in the rumen and abomasal infusion of water (RUM/RUM), 2) oil and hulls infused in the abomasum (ABO/ABO), 3) oil administered in the rumen and hulls infused in the abomasum (RUM/ABO), and 4) oil infused in the abomasum and hulls placed in the rumen (ABO/RUM). Cows on the ABO/ABO and RUM/RUM treatments had the highest and lowest amounts of basal dry matter eaten, respectively. Higher dry matter digestibility was obtained when flax oil bypassed the rumen (ABO/ABO and ABO/RUM) compared with when flax oil was administered directly in the rumen (RUM/ABO and RUM/RUM). Apparent digestibility of ether extract was higher when flax hulls were administered in the rumen (RUM/RUM and ABO/RUM) compared with when flax hulls were infused in the abomasum (ABO/ABO and RUM/ABO). The lowest digestibility of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber was obtained when both flax products were added in the rumen, which may be attributed to the high amount of oil present in the rumen (7.8% of total dry matter input). The lowest yield of 4% fat-corrected milk was obtained for cows on the RUM/RUM treatment, probably as a result of lower dry matter intake and digestibility of fiber. Milk concentrations of protein, fat, total solids, and lactose were similar among treatments. Administration of oil and hulls in the rumen resulted in the highest concentrations of intermediate products of biohydrogenation and total trans fatty acids in milk fat compared with the other treatments. All ratios of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in milk fat were lower than the 4 to 1 ratio recommended to improve human health. These results suggest that the presence of both flax oil and flax hulls in the rumen decreases 4% fat-corrected milk yield and digestibility but provides a desirable fatty acid profile of milk to enhance consumers’ health.