Biological evaluation of crambe meals detoxified by water extraction on a continuous filter

Abstract and Summary Crambe meals prepared by water extraction on a continuous filter when fed to rats gave protein efficiency ratios that were equal to or higher than the casein control, indicating that the water washing produced a palatable, nutritious meal. In a 4‐week chick‐feeding study, crambe was fed at 20% of the total diet. The diets containing crambe had somewhat lower gains (83–87% of control) and feed efficiency (94–95%) compared to the basal control group. Livers and kidneys appeared normal for all groups. There was some very slight gizzard erosion in the crambefed group. In a 90‐day rat‐feeding study, water‐washed crambe was fed at 30% of the total diet, and body and organ weights were determined. Growth was slightly less than with the 30% soy control. There were no significant differences among relative organ weights for all groups. Results of feeding studies in rats and chicks indicate that the process of water extraction on a continuous filter can successfully prepare crambe meals with greatly reduced toxicity.