The Value of Rapeseed Meal in Broiler Breeder Diets

WITH the increase in rapeseed production in Western Canada, increasing quantities of rapeseed meal (a by-product of the edible oil industry) are becoming available for livestock feeding. Although the use of rapeseed meal in poultry diets has increased it is still accepted with reluctance by many in the feed industry. There has been a considerable volume of work reported on the feeding value of rapeseed for poultry (O’Neil, 1957; Bowland et al., 1965, Clandinin, 1967; Summers et al., 1967, 1969, 1971; and Jackson, 1969). By and large the reports indicate that relatively high levels of rapeseed meal can be substituted for soybean meal for most classes of poultry. Recently, inquiries have been made concerning the feeding value of rapeseed meal for laying hens, especially breeders. A search of the literature reveals that information has already been accumulated on this subject. O’Neil (1957) reported that rapeseed meal could replace all of…