Rapeseed meal and its use in poultry diets. A review

Abstract

Rapeseed meal is a very important source of protein and its use for both ruminant and non-ruminant animals has increased over the last decade. Recent experiments, mainly within the last four years, on the use of rapeseed of different types for broilers, laying and breeding chickens, and turkeys are discussed. The chemical components of rapeseed which are responsible for its under-utilization in the poultry feed industry are described, together with an indication of the main areas of current research designed to improve the crop, increase its food value and remove the factors responsible for the problems associated with the use of rapeseed products by poultry. Emphasis is given to the two major problems currently limiting the use of rapeseed meal in poultry diets: the production of a fishy off-flavour in the eggs of certain birds from brown egg laying flocks; and the increased incidence of liver haemorrhage (and associated mortality) which results from high intake of certain varieties of rapeseed and its products. The consequences of adding rapeseed gums to poultry diets and of using full-fat rapeseed are also discussed.