THE REPLACEMENT VALUE OF CANOLA MEAL FOR SOYBEAN MEAL IN POULTRY DIETS

Abstract

The effects of replacing between 0 and 100% of dietary soybean meal with canola meal was investigated using broiler chicks and laying hens. At the highest inclusion levels, canola meal accounted for 38 and 25% of the diet of broilers and layers, respectively. For broiler chicks, there was no effect of the dietary treatments on feed intake, weight gain or feed efficiency (P > 0.05). Canola meal replaced 100% of dietary soybean meal without any significant effect on protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus or magnesium retention and energy utilization. There was also no significant effect of replacing soybean meal with canola meal on fecal soap concentration, bone ash and bone calcium, phosphorus and magnesium content. There was no significant effect of replacing all dietary soybean meal with canola meal on performance, nutrient retention and bone mineralization in laying hens (P > 0.05). These results suggest that canola meal can replace soybean meal without any adverse effects on general performance, nutrient retention or mineral metabolism of chicks and laying hens. Key words: Canola meal, broiler, layer, performance, nutrient retention