Sunflower Seed Meal as a Replacement for Soybean Meal Protein in Laying Hen Rations ,

Abstract

Sunflower seed meal (SSM) processed from oilseed varieties was evaluated as a replacement for soybean meal (SBM) in corn-SBM rations for laying hens. Two experiments were conducted in which the major variables were commercial source of SSM, replacement level of SSM and supplemental lysine. Generally speaking, SSM replaced 50% of the SBM protein without adversely affecting hen performance. However, 100% replacement of SBM protein with SSM resulted in decreased egg production and feed efficiency. Although the two SSM’s generally produced similar effects, the SSM of highest fiber content resulted in increased feed consumption when used at the 100% replacement level in mash rations. Lysine supplementation did not consistently improve utilization of the diets used.Characteristic egg shell stains that developed after egg laying when SSM was used in mash rations were markedly reduced when similar rations were fed in crumble form. A phenolic compound (chlorogenic acid) present in sunflower seeds apparently is responsible for these stains.Metabolizable energy values of 2,205 and 2,139 kcal./kg. (D. M. basis) were obtained for the two SSM’s used in this study.