Effect of rapeseed meal on nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens

Abstract

Rapeseed meal (RSM) is a good protein source for animal nutrition, but there are some concerns about its effect on digestibility and gut health, especially in young animals such as broiler chickens. Study was carried out to determine the effect of rapeseed meal in broiler chicken diets on nutrient digestibility. Three groups of chickens were formed and fed either with corn-soy based diet (control group) or with inclusion of 10% (RSM 10%) or 15% of rapeseed meal (RSM 15%) respectively. Feed was composed to meet nutritional requirements of used broiler strain and balanced to same energy and crude protein level. To determine digestibility, 20 Ross 308 male chickens of average weight were used per treatment. Acid insoluble ash was used as marker. At 21 days of age, chickens were sacrificed to obtain samples for determination of ileal digestibility. Digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and energy was determined. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in any measured digestibility parameter. It is concluded that addition of up to 15% of rapeseed meal in well balanced diets of young broiler chicken does not have an adverse effect on digestibility of nutrients.