Effect of Canola (Low Glucosinolate Rapeseed) Meal, Protein and Nutrient Density on Performance, Carcass Grade, and Meat Yield, and of Canola Meal on Sensory Quality of Broilers

Abstract

Candle canola (low erucic acid, low glucosinolate rapeseed) meal (CM) was incorporated into wheat-based broiler diets at up to 281 g CM/kg in starter diets with either 230 or 210 g protein/kg and up to 121 g CM/kg in finisher diets with either 190 or 170 g protein/kg. Each combination of CM and protein levels was fed in diets of low and high nutrient density to assess the value of added fat in maintaining constant the true metabolizable energy content of diets containing CM. Liveweight gains were not affected by either CM or nutrient density. Feed efficiency was not affected by CM when nutrient density was maintained with fat but decreased in diets of lower nutrient density. Low protein diets reduced liveweights, feed efficiency, carcass fleshing grades and edible meat yield, and increased abdominal fat. Carcass fleshing grades increased from 7 to 8 weeks of age with no corresponding increase in edible meat yield. Intensity of chicken flavor decreased and frequency of off-flavors increased when the diets contained 281 g CM/kg in the starter with 121 g CM/kg in the finisher. No adverse sensory effects occurred when the diets contained CM at up to 210 g/kg in the starter with 90 g/kg in the finisher.