The purpose of this study was to find the optimum level of ground flaxseed to fortify broiler meat and fats with ω3 fatty acids (FA). In a completely randomized design, 360 day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were obtained from a local hatchery, placed in floor pens, and reared till day 24 based on Ross guideline. On d 25, chickens were assigned to 4 dietary treatments containing 6 replicates of 15 birds in each replication. Treatments were: corn-soybean meal based diet as control (Ctrl); Ctrl replaced in part by 3% ground flaxseed (Flax3); Ctrl replaced in part by 6% ground flaxseed (Flax6); Ctrl replaced in part by 9% ground flaxseed (Flax9). On days 34 and 45, 2 birds from each replicate (12 birds/treatment) were randomly selected and euthanized, the viscera was excised, and the relative weight of the carcass (with skin), skin, muscles (breast and thigh, without skin), internal organs (liver and heart), and abdominal fat pad (AFP) were recorded and stored at -20°C for fatty acid analysis. Data were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS and means were compared by Tukey’s test (P< 0.05). Birds fed with Flax6 had higher (P < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and ω3 FA in breast and thigh muscles and lowered (P < 0.05) the relative weight of AFP compared to control group. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) both in 34 and 45 days of age in skin and AFP increased and ω6/ ω3 ratio decreased at Flax6 when compared to those of other treatments (P< 0.05). Total ω3 FA was also increased at skin of chickens at 45 d by Flax6. In conclusion, feeding Flax6 to chickens at finisher period may improve meat, skin and AFP ω3 FA, ω6/ω3 ratio and lowers fat depots so under these conditions, we may consider skin and AFP as safe products for human health.

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