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Relatively little research is reported in the scientific literature
specifically regarding the potential benefits of including rice
bran oil in animal diets. Most rice bran oil feeding studies involving
animals have been designed to investigate the effects of rice bran
oil upon human health by use of model systems. Such studies have
utilized a wide range of animal species including other primates,
hamsters, pigs, and rodents. Although not an objective of those
studies, trial results indicate that rice bran oil and its constituents
may provide opportunities in the care of pets and other animals.
As illustrated in various technical papers cited elsewhere on this
website, rice bran oil and its derivatives offer several opportunities
in the form of desirable functional properties. Through further
study, combined with RITO’s knowledge of rice bran oil processing
and fractions, products could likely be developed to capitalize
upon these properties to improve animal nutrition and health. Brief
discussions of these functional properties and their potential roles
in animal care are provided below.
Antioxidants
Rice bran oil contains several components that exhibit antioxidant
properties. These include gamma-oryzanol, tocotrienols, tocopherols,
and squalene. Through the use of selective refining and fractionation
techniques, rice bran oil and concentrates may be produced to optimize
composition for specific applications. Examples include:
- Refined rice bran oil that retains much of its naturally-occurring
Vitamin E activity
- Refined rice bran oil that retains 1% gamma-oryzanol
- Concentrated natural antioxidant to extend pet food shelf life
- Concentrated natural antioxidant to provide health benefits
associated with dietary intake of antioxidants
Growth / Muscle Development
Some believe that specific components of gamma-oryzanol promote
the development of lean muscle mass, and a crystallized form has
been sold to body-builders for that purpose. By analogy, then, it would
seem to potentially offer a method of accelerating weight gain and
increasing lean to fat ratios in cattle or other animals produced
for meat. We must caution, however, that results of scientific studies
designed to investigate this property are inconclusive, at best.
Cardiovascular Health
Minor constituents in rice bran oil, particularly gamma-oryzanol,
tocotrienols, and tocopherols, have been shown in numerous laboratory
animal and human studies to provide benefits to the cardiovascular
system. Investigators have noted that these constituents are not
only effective in reducing harmful LDL serum cholesterol, but they
also appear to play a role in reducing plaque build-up on artery
walls. Inclusion of these constituents in high-end pet diets should
be considered.
Physical Performance / Stamina
Improvements in physical endurance and stamina among athletes
have been attributed to the consumption of concentrated forms
of gamma-oryzanol (likely related to reported effects on growth
and lean muscle development discussed above). This suggests that similar
benefits may be achieved through supplementing the diet of animals
used in competitive sports with gamma-oryzanol. As before, however,
findings from scientific studies of which we are aware have yielded
mixed results.
UV Light Absorption / Inhibition
Gamma-oryzanol is effective in absorbing ultraviolet light, thereby
inhibiting a number of adverse effects attributed to exposure to
sunlight. A number of sunscreen formulations incorporating oryzanol
have been developed and marketed for human use. The use of high-oryzanol
rice bran oil (1% oryzanol) and oryzanol concentrate should be considered
in formulations for the protection of animal coats.
Anti-Cancer Activity
A number of minor components in rice bran oil have been found, through
controlled studies with laboratory animals, to exhibit anti-cancer
activity. This property may be particularly valuable in the production
of high-end, health-enhancing pet foods.
Fatty Acid Source
The fatty acid composition of rice bran oil is well documented.
As with humans, a number of fatty acids are required in animal diets.
It appears that rice bran oil is roughly equal to other vegetable
oils in supplying fatty acid requirements. In consideration of this
and the other properties described above, rice bran oil has much
to offer in caring for nutritional and health needs of pets and
other animals.
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