Canola meal as an alternative dietary protein source in quail (Coturnix coturnix) diets – A review

Abstract

ABSTRACTFast-growing and highly adaptable avian species such as the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) have greater potential for use in alleviating food and nutrition insecurity. However, the continued use of soybeans as a protein source may reduce the contribution of quails to food and nutrition security. It is, therefore, prudent that alternative dietary proteins, with no direct food value for humans, be evaluated to allow for sustainable intensification of quails. One such protein source is canola meal, a by-product of oil extraction from canola seed. This review explores the potential of canola meal as a replacement for soybean meal in quail diets by presenting a comparative analysis of the composition and functional properties of the two proteins. A balanced assessment of in vivo responses to canola meal in quails and other avians is presented with the objective of enhancing the quail's contribution to food and nutrition security.