Feeding linseed as a seed, not micronised?

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QueenDee_

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Ordered some micronised linseed into my local feed store (or so I thought), sliced the bag open tonight only to find it isn't micronised but its the whole seed, obviously as I've opened the bag now I can't return it, so I was wondering if there is any way of feeding it to get the same benefits as feeding it in micronised form? It is for a big thoroughbred needing condition!
 
You will need to boil it in a saucepan of water until it turns to jelly. We used to use a double saucepan. Soak the seeds first over night.
 
Don't feed it raw, it's poisonous. It needs to be soaked and boiled to eliminate the prussic acid which is hydrogen cyanide. If you ordered micronised surely the feed store have made a mistake and should replace it?
 
Make sure you boil it well till it jellyfies (if that's a word)
The same think happened to me and I sold it on Preloved to bird keepers.
I can't stand the smell of boiling linseed and it's just too messy and stinky for me lol
 
Ladyinred said:
Nooooo.. it will still be poisonous!! Really important to overnight soak and then boil.
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It only gives off prussic acid when it has been wet, i.e. soaked. Dry it is safe to feed so long as you can find a way for them to digest it as the outer shell is pretty indigestible. Grinding in coffee grinder could be one way, I have never tried it.
 
I fed it this way last year and all 7 are still alive. I feed micronised now ......after grinding 7 cupful everyday I started losing the will to live plus cleaning the grinder every night was a pain in the ass.
 
To be honest I think I'd be more concerned about poisoning meself while boiling the stuff. Some Americans feed the whole seed without any ill effect... I thought about it but ended up buying a grinder. I suppose it's what as an individual you feel comfortable with doing
 
It is not poisonous and you can feed it whole and raw if you wish. You can buy it in the supermarket here (called flax seed) and it is no more toxic than apple pips, which contain the same ingredients.

For all those that still say it is - would love to see the case notes of a proven case.

Best way to feed it is to grind it in a coffee grinder - do it fresh each day if you can as it goes off very quickly. We cannot buy micronized linseed/flaxseed here. I feed hemp seed cake for preference, but when I can't get that feed whole linseed - I also eat it myself (whole). I usually grind it for the horses, but if I'm in a hurry ( I feed four) I just feed it whole and have done so for years. Both horses and I are in fine health.
 
Y
onemoretime said:
You will need to boil it in a saucepan of water until it turns to jelly. We used to use a double saucepan. Soak the seeds first over night.
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EventingMum said:
Don't feed it raw, it's poisonous. It needs to be soaked and boiled to eliminate the prussic acid which is hydrogen cyanide. If you ordered micronised surely the feed store have made a mistake and should replace it?
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Ladyinred said:
Nooooo.. it will still be poisonous!! Really important to overnight soak and then boil.

OP its a faff but it does work wonders, your horse will lok amazing!
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All old wives tales!

It is the quantity that is fed that causes it to be poisonous. So long as you feed no more than a cupfull of raw Linseed a day your horse will be fine, (reduce proportionally for ponies).

Invest in a coffee/spice grinder, it will grind half a cup in seconds. Freshly ground it also supplies Omega Oils essential for healthy joints.

If you need to feed in larger quantities (an expensive way to add condition) yes you will need to cook it to open the seeds.

In a large pan add your Linseed, a teaspoon of salt and double the volume in water. YOU DO NOT NEED TO SOAK IT FIRST! Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off and allow to cool. It holds its heat for a long time.

It comes with a major warning. WATCH IT like a hawk while coming to the boil as it climbs the sides like milk. It is worse than milk to clean up.

A heavy bottomed pan is best. The consistency when cold can be runny jelly like to thick jelly block. The amount of water you use when cooking decides the final texture.

For those of you panicking about the 'feeding raw' I've been feeding it to mine freshly ground for around 15 years, no ones died yet!

Have a wonderful Xmas.
 
Can I ask, do you have to grind it daily, or could you do a couple of days worth and keep it?
I've have heard it goes rancid quickly?
Kx
 
Circe said:
Can I ask, do you have to grind it daily, or could you do a couple of days worth and keep it?
I've have heard it goes rancid quickly?
Kx
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A couple of days is fine. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge.

ameeyal said:
You can feed it raw, they dont need a lot of it though { can not remember how much}
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1 cupful daily for a horse, proportionally less for a pony
 
You can feed it raw (I feed it to myself daily :-), the main reason not to is that it tends to go straight through and is not digested. I have just resumed boiling it and they adore it! Have ground it in a coffee grinder, but life's too short.
 
Cortez said:
You can feed it raw (I feed it to myself daily :-), the main reason not to is that it tends to go straight through and is not digested. I have just resumed boiling it and they adore it! Have ground it in a coffee grinder, but life's too short.
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TAkes far longer to cook it - ground it is easily digested and good for joints. Boiled Linseed only improves the coat it doesn't help the joints
 
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