Linolenic Acid (ALA / GLA) Supplier South Africa

What Is Linolenic Acid?

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an 18-carbon omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (18:3 n-3) that is an essential dietary nutrient for animals — it cannot be synthesised de novo and must be obtained from feed. ALA is the metabolic precursor to long-chain omega-3 fatty acids including EPA (20:5 n-3) and DHA (22:6 n-3), which are critical for cellular membrane function, eicosanoid signalling, and neural development.

Benefits in Animal Nutrition

Supplemental ALA from flaxseed, canola, or purified linolenic acid improves the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in animal diets, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and favouring anti-inflammatory signalling. In dairy cows this supports uterine involution and reproductive recovery after calving. In broilers it improves meat omega-3 profile for human health. In aquaculture marine species can partially elongate ALA to EPA and DHA for membrane function.

Supply and Formulation

Terracore Chemicals supplies alpha-linolenic acid as a concentrated oil fraction and also sources gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3 n-6) from borage or evening primrose for speciality applications. Both are available in drums with antioxidant stabilisation. We advise on inclusion rates, oxidative stability management, and synergistic antioxidant packages to prevent rancidity in the final feed.