Safflower Meal - Feed Ingredient

Safflower meal is the byproduct remaining after oil extraction from safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius). It is produced through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction, with the latter resulting in a lower residual fat content. The meal is typically ground into a fine, dry form and used as a protein supplement in animal feeds.

Safflower meal is moderate in crude protein and high in fiber, particularly lignin and cellulose, which limits its digestibility for monogastric animals like horses. It contains lower levels of lysine compared to other oilseed meals, which decreases its overall protein quality.

In equine feed formulations, safflower meal is used infrequently and in limited amounts due to its high fiber and lower palatability.