CANOLA MEAL AS A SUPPLEMENT IN POULTRY RATION

CANOLA MEAL AS A SUPPLEMENT IN POULTRY RATION

Canola meal, a byproduct of oil extraction from canola seeds, is a valuable source of protein and energy for poultry feed formulations. With its favorable amino acid profile, high protein content, and cost-effectiveness, canola meal serves as an excellent alternative to conventional protein sources in poultry diets.

Canola, a low-acid cultivar of rapeseed which was developed in Canada, and largely considered as Canada’s most valuable oilseed, as the total value of annual exports of canola seed oil and meal is more than three billion dollars. The Canola Meal obtained after crushing of the canola seed, is used commonly in animal feed due to its protein content of 36-38%. Canada is the world’s largest exporter enjoying a mammoth share nearly 50% in the world canola meal trade.
Historically, soybean meal has been the most common protein source in poultry and cattle feed production. Due to increase in feed costs, nutritionists are looking for alternatives in their feed formulations. A study at the University of Nevada and University of Wisconsin supports canola meal as an exceptional protein source and alternative to soybean meal.
Additionally, increased production of canola in recent years has also led to a greater availability of canola meal as a protein supplement in livestock diets.

Canola, belonging to the family of Brassicas, is produced as a byproduct of rapeseed during oil extraction process. Canola differs from rapeseed in its lower glucosinolate and low oil content. Production of canola meal is the second largest in the world after soybean meal (Aachary et al., 2015).  Canola meal is used as a feed ingredient because of its consistent quality having higher essential amino acid and good quality protein. The increasing diet cost in animal production has made canola meal an efficient alternative to reduce feed cost.

Canola Meal as feed ingredient

Chemical composition of Canola Meal

The chemical composition of canola meal resembles closely with soyabean meal and can be used to complement the supplementation of soyabean meal in livestock diet.  Canola meal is rich in levels of methionine, lysine, cysteine and tryptophan than those of the other commonly used cereal varieties. It has higher fat content for phospholipids, triglycerides and free fatty acids. With high protein content and an excellent amino acid profile, canola meal is evidenced to support high levels of production in livestock species. The high digestibility and palatability of meal makes it a perfect replacer of vegetable protein in ration. The high fiber content of canola meal restricts its quality and interferes with the digestibility of meal, however, it is the amino acid profile and presence of sulphur containing amino acids which enhance the quality of canola meal. The amounts of available Ca, Mg and P are higher in canola meal whereas K and Cu contents are lower. Vitamins specially biotin, niacin, choline, thiamin are present in higher amount with lower pantothenic acid levels.

Canola meal inclusion in poultry diet

Canola meal provides excellent value in diets where the greatest emphasis in formulation is placed on amino acid balance. Inclusion of canola meal at 20% level is made when diet formulation is well balanced specially for its amino acid content, having no influence on growth rate and feed efficiency (Rogiewicz et al., 2015). The lower energy content in canola meal restricts its inclusion in broiler ration not more than 10% of diet. However, incorporation of extra animal fat along with canola meal will help bring up the energy level and increase the inclusion level in broiler diet. Inclusion levels of canola meal in layer diet was earlier restricted to 10% because of liver hemorrhage mortality which was significantly observed in layers fed on higher inclusion levels of canola meal. However, the presence of sinapine in canola meal causes delay in breakdown of trimethylamine, imparting fishy flavor in the eggs.

Factors affecting utilization of canola meal

Factors which affect the utilization of canola meal in diet include its glucosinolates, sinapine, phytic acid, tannins, dietary fiber, and electrolyte balance. These anti nutritional factors hinder animal growth performance by interfering with nutrient absorption in the digestive system.

Fiber- Canola meal fiber is rich in NSP, lignin associated with polyphenols and polyphenol glycoproteins. The content of these fibers is three times higher than soyabean meal.

Glucosinolates- The sulphur containing plant secondary metabolite itself is not harmful to the animal but the breakdown products of glucosinolates impair liver and kidney function, inhibit thyroid hormone production and cause depression in growth performance.

Phytic acid- Canola Meal contains 4-6 % of phytic acid, reducing its nutritional value by binding to multivalent cations (Zn, Ca, and Fe) reducing the nutrient digestibility in animals. Sinapine- Is bitter tasting phenolic compound contributing to unpleasant flavor in feed and limiting feed intake in animals.

Canola meal represents a valuable supplementary ingredient in poultry rations, offering a cost-effective, nutritious, and sustainable protein source for poultry diets. With proper processing, formulation, and management practices, canola meal can be effectively utilized to support optimal growth performance, feed efficiency, and profitability in poultry production systems. By incorporating canola meal into poultry rations and implementing best practices for its utilization, poultry producers can enhance the sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness of their operations while meeting the nutritional needs of their flocks.

Compiled  & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

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