ABSTRACT
Oilseed crops are important sources of edible and industrial fats and oils. Over 40 million metric tons of fats and oils were extracted from these oilseeds. Production of various oilseeds varies by country. The US produces over half the soybeans in the world and is a major producer of cottonseed, peanuts, sunflowers, and flax. Oilseed constituents are used in a wide variety of products. An important byproduct of oilseed crops is the residual meal after the oil is extracted from the fruit or seed. The meal of most oil-seed crops contains an excellent balance of amino acids essential for animal growth and development. Therefore, the meal is commonly used as a high-protein feed supplement for livestock and poultry. Oilseed crops continue to be a major source of both edible and industrial oils. Since most oilseeds supply a major proportion of high-protein feed supplements, they also play a significant role in maintaining a productive livestock industry.
