Changes in performance and apparent ileal digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets containing electron-irradiated full-fat canola seed

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of electron-beam irradiation of canola seed on the performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. In the first experiment, the chemical composition of raw and electron-beam irradiated canola seed at doses of 10, 20, 30, and 40 kGy was characterized in order to determine the appropriate dose for the in vivo experiment. The results indicated that applied doses of electron irradiation did not affect dry matter (DM), crude fiber (CF), ash, neutral (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE) content of canola seed. Irradiation, however, decreased tannin (P < 0.01) content. Also, the glucosinolate of samples decreased by increasing irradiation dose (P < 0.01). In the second experiment, seven dietary treatments included canola seed at 5%, 10%, and 15% (raw and irradiated at 40 kGy), and a control diet was used in a completely randomized design. Birds fed 5% of irradiated canola seed had the highest feed intake during the grower (P < 0.05), finisher, and the total experiment period (P < 0.01). In the starter period, birds fed 10% of irradiated canola seed had the highest body weight gain (BWG) (P < 0.01). Birds that consumed the control diet had the highest BWG compared with the other treatments (P < 0.05) during the total experiment period. In the starter period, birds consumed the control diet, 5%, 10%, and 15% of irradiated canola seed had a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to those fed raw canola seed (P < 0.01). Apparent ileal digestibility of CP, EE, and DM significantly decreased in birds fed 15% canola seed (raw or irradiated) compared to those fed other treatments (P < 0.01). In conclusion, radiation reduced glucosinolate and tannin and improved FCR in the starter period. Therefore, if high levels of canola seed (e.g., 15%) are used in the diet of broiler chickens, then radiation can be helpful.