Amino Acid Balance of Rapeseed Meal

A series of experiments was conducted to investigate amino acid relationships in rapeseed meal. A 15% protein semi-purified diet containing rapeseed meal as the sole source of protein was used. Essential amino acids considered to be most limiting in rapeseed were added to the RSM basal diet. Lysine addition significantly reduced growth rate (P < 0.05). Addition of arginine or methionine alone gave little response but the combination of these amino acids significantly improved performance (P < 0.05). A tentative explanation for these results is discussed.