Oil meals are a type of animal feed and fertilizer produced from the residue left after oil extraction from various seeds and nuts.
Definition of Oil Meals
According to the provided reference, oil meals are defined as: a meal made by grinding oil cake and fed to livestock or used as fertilizer.
Essentially, after the oil is pressed or extracted from oil-bearing materials like soybeans, sunflower seeds, rapeseeds, or peanuts, the solid residue that remains is called oil cake. This oil cake is then ground into a meal-like consistency, resulting in what is known as oil meal.
How They Are Used
Oil meals are primarily utilized in two main areas:
- Livestock Feed: They are a valuable source of protein and other nutrients for farm animals, including poultry, cattle, pigs, and aquaculture. Different types of oil meals offer varying nutritional profiles, making them suitable for different animal diets.
- Fertilizer: Due to their nitrogen and organic matter content, oil meals can also be applied directly to the soil as a natural fertilizer, enriching it and promoting plant growth.
Key Characteristics and Uses
Here is a summary based on the definition:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Composition | Ground oil cake (residue after oil extraction) |
| Primary Uses | Fed to livestock |
| Used as fertilizer |
Oil meals are a significant byproduct of the vegetable oil industry, providing valuable resources for agriculture and animal husbandry.
