compositions of ruminant feed and feed components are disclosed , as well as methods for preparing oil seeds for ruminant feed . oil seeds may be subjected to heat and an aqueous alkaline solution until the seed coat is broken , exhibiting splits , cracks , wrinkles , and deformations . preferably , the heat is applied until the mix of seeds and alkaline solution reach between about 160 - 220 ° f . preferably , the heat and alkaline solution treatment is maintained for between 20 and 100 minutes , in order to thoroughly “ cook ” the seeds , as exhibited by swelling , splitting , cracking , wrinkling and / or deforming of the seed coat . then , the hot , wet , treated seeds may be subjected to , for example , a screw extruder or other process for mashing , macerating , or otherwise forming the treated seeds into a damp noodle or other pasty , mashed , and / or mealy material .