The effects of toasting canola meal on body weight, feed conversion efficiency, and mortality in broiler chickens

Chemical composition and digestible and metabolizable energy contents in cold-pressed canola expellers fed to growing pigs

Cold-pressed canola expellers (CPCE) are a byproduct of canola oil production obtained using the pressing method without thermal and chemical treatment. While CPCE is a valuable source of dietary energy and protein in swine nutrition, the discrepancy in processing conditions leads to variability in the nutritional quality of CPCE from different sources. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, and digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) values of CPCE when fed to growing pigs. Samples of CPCE were collected from five processing facilities across Western Canada. The physical appearance of the CPCE samples hinted at a potential quality variation. Samples were subjected to a complete chemical characterization. Variations (P < 0.05) were observed in the chemical composition, with the exception of non-phytate phosphorus, xylose, mannose, and galactose. On a g/kg dry matter (DM) basis, CPCE samples ranged as follows: ether extract from 85 to 177; crude protein (CP) from 351 to 419; neutral detergent fiber 231 to 300; total dietary fiber from 326 to 373; glycoproteins from 30 to 76; non-starch polysaccharides from 188 to 204, non-phytate phosphorus from 5.5 to 6.4, and gross energy (GE) in kcal/kg 5,027 to 5,635. The total glucosinolates (GLS) ranged from 5.0 to 9.7 µmol/g DM. Thirty-six (36) growing barrows, with an average initial body weight of 19.2 ± 1.0 kg, were individually housed in metabolism crates and assigned to one of the six experimental diets in a completely randomized design, with six pigs per diet. The diets included a corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based basal diet (100%) and five (5) experimental diets in which 18% of the basal diet was substituted with CPCE from different producers. Pigs were fed the experimental diets for 10 d, with 5-d adaptation period, followed by a 5-d period for the total, but separate, collection of feces and urine. Significant differences (P < 0.05) among processing plants were observed in the DE and ME contents of CPCE, which averaged 3,531 and 3,172 kcal/kg DM, respectively. Differences (P < 0.05) were noted in the apparent total tract digestibility of GE, nitrogen (N), as well as in the retention of DM, GE, and N in CPCE samples. In conclusion, while the chemical composition and values of DE and ME in CPCE vary among processors, the byproduct obtained through cold pressing process can be a valuable source of energy and protein for pig nutrition.

Carbohydrate-active enzymes in animal feed

Considering an ever-growing global population, which hit 8 billion people in the fall of 2022, it is essential to find solutions to avoid the competition between human food and animal feed for croplands. Agricultural co-products have become important components of the circular economy with their use in animal feed. Their implementation was made possible by the addition of exogenous enzymes in the diet, especially carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). In this review, we describe the diversity and versatility of microbial CAZymes targeting non-starch polysaccharides to improve the nutritional potential of diets containing cereals and protein meals. We focused our attention on cellulases, hemicellulases, pectinases which were often found to be crucial in vivo. We also highlight the performance and health benefits brought by the exogenous addition of enzymatic cocktails containing CAZymes in the diets of monogastric animals. Taking the example of the well-studied commercial cocktail Rovabio™, we discuss the evolution, constraints and future challenges faced by feed enzymes suppliers. We hope that this review will promote the use and development of enzyme solutions for industries to sustainably feed humans in the future.

Over-toasting dehulled rapeseed meal and soybean meal, but not sunflower seed meal, increases prececal nitrogen and amino acid digesta flows in broilers

Poorly digestible proteins may lead to increased protein fermentation in the ceca of broilers and hence, the production of potentially harmful metabolites. To evaluate effects of protein fermentation on gut health, an experimental contrast in ileal nitrogen (N) and amino acid (AA) flow is required. Therefore, our objective was to develop a model that creates a contrast in protein fermentation by increasing the prececal flow of protein within ingredients. To this end, we used additional toasting of protein sources and evaluated the effect on prececal N and AA flows. One-day-old Ross 308 male broilers (n = 480) were divided over 6 dietary treatments, with 8 replicate pens with 10 broilers each. Diets contained 20% of a regular soybean meal (SBM), high protein sunflower seed meal (SFM) or a dehulled rapeseed meal (dRSM) as is, or heat damaged by secondary toasting at 136°C for 20 min (tSBM, tSFM, or tdRSM). Ileal and total tract digesta flows of N and AA were determined with 5 birds per pen in their third week of life using an inert marker (TiO2) in the feed. Additional toasting increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) only in birds fed dRSM (1.39 vs. 1.31), but not SBM and SFM (interaction P = 0.047). In SBM, additional toasting increased the flow of histidine, lysine, and aspartate through the distal ileum and excreted, while in SFM it had no effect on flows of N and AA. Toasting dRSM increased the prececal flows and excretion of N (862 vs 665 and 999 vs 761 mg/d, respectively) and of the AA. Of the ingredients tested, toasting dRSM is a suitable model to increase protein flows into the hind-gut, permitting the assessment of effects of protein fermentation.

Performance and Egg Quality of Laying Hens Fed Diets Containing Raw, Hydrobarothermally-Treated and Fermented Rapeseed Cake

The present study was conducted to investigate how raw rapeseed cake (RRC), hydrobarothermally-treated rapeseed cake (HRC) and fermented rapeseed cake (FRC) fed to laying hens over a period of 12 weeks affected their performance, and the quality, fatty acid (FA) profile and oxidative stability of eggs. A total of 304 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 36 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized design to four treatment groups with 38 replicates per treatment and two hens per replicate. The birds had ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the study. During the experiment, the birds were fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets in mash form, with various protein sources. In the control group (C), soybean meal (SBM) was the main source of dietary protein, whereas the experimental groups were fed diets containing 20% of RRC, HRC or FRC. Hydrobarothermal treatment and fermentation decreased the glucosinolate (GLS) content of RC, and fermentation reduced the concentration of phytate phosphorus (PP). In comparison with the RRC group, layers from the HRC and FRC groups were characterized by higher laying performance, comparable with that in group C. Irrespective of its physical form, RC added to layer diets adversely affected eggshell quality in all experimental groups, whereas albumen quality was highest in the FRC group. In comparison with group C, diets containing RRC, HRC and HRC led to a significant decrease in the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), an increase in the proportion of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the total FA pool in egg yolks, and a decrease in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. The inclusion of RRC, HRC and FRC in layer diets decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in egg yolks, relative to group C. Group FCR eggs were characterized by the highest activity of catalase (CAT) and the lowest lipid peroxides LOOH concentration, compared with the remaining groups. The addition of RC to layer diets did not compromise the sensory quality of eggs, and eggs produced in group FRC received the highest overall score. It can be concluded that the inclusion of 20% RRC, HRC and FRC in layer diets does not compromise the sensory quality of eggs and has a beneficial influence on the FA profile and antioxidant potential of egg yolks. The use of FRC is recommended because it contributes to the highest laying performance, superior albumen quality and the highest sensory quality of eggs, relative to RRC and HRC.

Breeding Canola (Brassica napus L.) for Protein in Feed and Food

Interest in canola (Brassica napus L.). In response to this interest, scientists have been tasked with altering and optimizing the protein production chain to ensure canola proteins are safe for consumption and economical to produce. Specifically, the role of plant breeders in developing suitable varieties with the necessary protein profiles is crucial to this interdisciplinary endeavour. In this article, we aim to provide an overarching review of the canola protein chain from the perspective of a plant breeder, spanning from the genetic regulation of seed storage proteins in the crop to advancements of novel breeding technologies and their application in improving protein quality in canola. A review on the current uses of canola meal in animal husbandry is presented to underscore potential limitations for the consumption of canola meal in mammals. General discussions on the allergenic potential of canola proteins and the regulation of novel food products are provided to highlight some of the challenges that will be encountered on the road to commercialization and general acceptance of canola protein as a dietary protein source.

Expeller-Pressed Canola (Brassica napus) Meal Modulates the Structure and Function of the Cecal Microbiota, and Alters the Metabolome of the Pancreas, Liver, and Breast Muscle of Broiler Chickens

The inoculation of one-day-old broiler chicks with the cecal contents from a mature broiler breeder resulted in a highly diverse and uniform cecal bacterial community. CM did not affect feed consumption, weight gain, nor the richness, evenness, or diversity of the cecal bacterial community. However, the structure of the bacterial community was altered in birds fed the CM diet. Although the CM diet was formulated to contain equivalent metabolizable energy to the control diet, it contained more dietary fiber. The abundance of bacterial families, including those that are known to contain species able to metabolize fiber was altered (e.g., bacteria within the families, Methanobacteriaceae, Atopobiaceae, Prevotellaceae, Clostridiales Family XIII, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Succinivibrionaceae), and concentrations of SCFAs were higher in the ceca of birds fed the CM diet. Moreover, concentrations of isoleucine, isobutyrate, glutamate, and 2-oxoglutarate were higher, whereas concentrations of phenyllactic acid, indole, glucose, 3-phenylpropionate, and 2-oxobutyrate were lower in the digesta of chickens that were fed CM. The metabolic profiles of pancreas, liver, and breast muscle tissues of birds fed the CM diet differed from control birds. Metabolites that were associated with energy production, protection against oxidative stress, and pathways of amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism had altered concentrations in these tissues. Some of the observed changes in metabolite levels may indicate an increased disease risk in birds fed the CM diet (e.g., pancreatitis), and others suggested that birds mounted metabolic response to offset the adverse impacts of CM (e.g., oxidative stress in the liver).

Toxicity of Canola-Derived Glucosinolate Degradation Products in Pigs-A Review

Canola co-products are widely included in swine diets as sources of proteins. However, inclusion of canola co-products in diets for pigs is limited by toxicity of glucosinolate degradation products. Aliphatic and aromatic glucosinolates are two major classes of glucosinolates. Glucosinolate degradation products derived from aliphatic glucosinolates (progoitrin) include crambene, epithionitriles, and goitrin, whereas indole-3-acetonitrile, thiocyanate, and indole-3-carbinol are the major aromatic glucosinolates (glucobrassicin)-derived degradation products. At acidic pH (<5.7), progoitrin is degraded by myrosinases to crambene and epithionitriles in the presence of iron, regardless of the presence of epithiospecifier protein (ESP), whereas progoitrin is degraded by myrosinases to goitrin in the absence of ESP, regardless of the presence of iron at neutral pH (6.5). Indole-3-acetonitrile is the major degradation product derived from glucobrassicin in the absence of ESP, regardless of the presence of iron at acidic pH (<4.0), whereas thiocyanate and indole-3-carbinol are the major glucobrassicin-derived degradation products in the absence of ESP, regardless of the presence of iron at neutral pH (7.0). In conclusion, the composition of glucosinolate degradation products is affected by parent glucosinolate composition and hindgut pH. Thus, toxicity of canola co-product-derived glucosinolates can be potentially alleviated by modifying the hindgut pH of pigs.

Standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of protein sources for broiler chickens is influenced by the feed form

The aim of present study was to determine the influence of the feed form (FF) on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of nitrogen (N) and amino acids (AA) in 3 protein sources (PS) for broiler chickens. Six diets were tested in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments involving 3 PS (meat and bone meal [MBM], soybean meal [SBM], and canola meal [CM]) in mash and pelleted forms. The basal endogenous N and AA losses were determined by offering a N-free diet in the mash form. From day 1 to 18, the birds were offered a broiler starter diet. The diets and the N-free diet were randomly assigned to 6 replicate cages (8 birds per cage) and fed from day 19 to 23. The ileal digesta were collected on day 23. The SID of N was higher (P < 0.05) in SBM followed by MBM and CM. The average SID of AA in SBM and MBM were similar (P > 0.05), and greater (P < 0.05) than that in CM. The FF had no influence (P > 0.05) on the SID of indispensable AA, the only exception being His, which was reduced (P < 0.05) by pelleting. Pelleting, however, resulted in reduction (P < 0.001) in the SID of all dispensable AA and average of AA. The AA most affected by pelleting was Cys, with a 15.4% decrease in the SID. The standardized ileal digestible contents of protein and the average of indispensable AA and dispensable AA were higher in MBM than in SBM, with CM being the lowest. Pelleting decreased (P < 0.05) the digestible protein and total digestible AA contents. These findings reveal that the FF has a substantial impact on AA digestibility estimates of feed ingredients and it must be considered in AA digestibility assays of ingredients with high protein and AA contents.

Canola meal in nursery pig diets: growth performance and gut health

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of including canola meal (CM) in nursery pig diets on growth performance, immune response, fecal microbial composition, and gut integrity. A total of 200 nursery pigs (initial body weight = 7.00 kg) were obtained in two batches of 100 pigs each. Pigs in each batch were housed in 25 pens (four pigs per pen) and fed five diets in a randomized complete block design. The five diets were corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based basal diets with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% of CM. The diets were fed in three phases: phase 1: day 0 to 7, phase 2: day 7 to 21, and phase 3: day 21 to 42. Diets in each phase were formulated to similar net energy, Ca, and digestible P and amino acid contents. Feed intake and body weight were measured by phase. Immune response and gut integrity parameters were measured at the end of phases 1 and 2. Fecal microbial composition for diets with 0% or 20% CM was determined at the end of phase 2. Overall average daily gain (ADG) responded quadratically (P < 0.05) to increasing dietary level of CM such that ADG was increased by 17% due to an increase in the dietary level of CM from 0% to 20% and was reduced by 16% due to an increase in the dietary level of CM from 20% to 40%. Pigs fed diets with 0% or 40% CM did not differ in overall ADG. Dietary CM tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.09) serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) level at the end of phase 2 such that serum IgA level tended to reduce with an increase in dietary CM from 0% to 20% and to increase with an increase in dietary CM from 20% to 40%. Dietary CM at 20% decreased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum and tended to increase (P = 0.07) the relative abundance of Firmicutes phylum. Dietary CM linearly increased (P < 0.05) the lactulose to mannitol ratio in the urine by 47% and 49% at the end of phases 1 and 2, respectively, and tended to linearly decrease (P < 0.10) ileal transepithelial electrical resistance at the end of phase 1 by 64%. In conclusion, CM fed in the current study could be included in corn-SBM-based diets for nursery pigs 20% to improve the growth performance and gut microbial composition and reduce immune response. Also, the CM used in the current study could be included in corn-SBM-based diets for nursery pigs at 30% or 40% without compromising growth performance. Dietary CM increased gut permeability, implying that dietary CM at 20% improves the growth performance of weaned pigs through mechanisms other than reducing gut permeability.

Effects of Fermentation on Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids and Apparent Metabolizable Energy in Rapeseed Meal Fed to Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

Rapeseed meal (RSM) is a by-product of rapeseed oil production. Owing to its lower cost and abundant sulfur-containing amino acids, RSM can be used for replacing soybean meal in broiler diets. However, its use is limited by the presence of numerous anti-nutritional factors. As an ancient technique to convert the complex substrates into simple compounds by a number of microorganisms, microbial solid-state fermentation (SSF) has been shown as an effective way to eliminate or reduce anti-nutritional factors in RSM and improve growth performance when fed to animals. This improvement is not yet clear; in particular, the understanding of the feeding nutritional value of fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) is not very well studied. Hence, the trial is conducted to investigate the effects of fermentation on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) in RSM fed to broiler chickens. According to our findings, fermentation had a significant effect on the chemical composition of RSM. In comparison to RSM, FRSM had greater nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) values and SID of amino acids. FRSM was nutritionally superior to RSM for use in broiler diets.

Abstract

Rapeseed meal (RSM) is a common protein ingredient in animal diets, while the proportion of RSM in diets is limited because of its anti-nutritional factors. Fermentation based on mixed microbial strains appears to be a suitable approach to improve the nutritive value of rapeseed meal in animal feed. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fermentation on the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) values and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids in RSM fed broilers. The AME and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) values of RSM and fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) were determined by the substitution method, with RSM and FRSM proportionally replacing the energy-yielding components of the basal diet by 30%. Results show that fermentation improved AME and AMEn of RSM from 7.44 to 8.51 MJ/kg and from 7.17 to 8.26 MJ/kg, respectively. In the second experiment, two experimental diets were formulated, with RSM and FRSM being the sole sources of amino acids. A nitrogen-free diet (NFD) was also formulated to determine endogenous amino acids losses (EAAL). Feeding on FRSM resulted in higher (p < 0.05) apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and SID of alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, lysine, arginine, and phenylalanine. No significant differences between RSM and FRSM were found for AID and SID of asparagine, histidine, threonine, serine, glutamine, praline, glycine, methionine, and cystine. FRSM had greater AMEn values and SID of amino acids compared to RSM, therefore, FRSM was nutritionally superior to RSM in broiler diets.

Energy metabolism and sources of oxidative stress in wooden breast - a review

Modern broilers show dramatic growth over a short interval and contribute directly to the success of the poultry meat industry. The growth performance of commercial broilers is a result of genetic selection for "performance traits", such as body size, meat yield, and feed conversion rate. However, due to the rapid growth rate of modern commercial broilers, several growth-related conditions have arisen, increasing economic losses and consumer concerns. Among the most economically consequential is the muscle disorder called wooden breast. Together with associated myopathies such as white striping and spaghetti meat, wooden breast is causing losses of $200 million a year in the U.S. alone and occurs worldwide. No causative factors are known for wooden breast to date. Wooden breast can affect over 80% of broilers in a flock, yet no methods of amelioration are currently available. Overall, the evidence suggests that wooden breast is a genetic, age-dependent condition associated with fast growth rate. The primary features of wooden breast are muscle degeneration and fibrosis, high levels of oxidative stress, hypoxia, and altered energy metabolism. Recent work has also implicated reduced pectoral vessel density in the pathogenesis of wooden breast. This review examines the history of myopathies in commercial broilers and the relationship of myopathies to metabolism and oxidative performance. This review summarizes the foundational knowledge of wooden breast and provides a platform for further investigation of wooden breast.

In Vitro Methods of Assessing Protein Quality for Poultry

Protein quality assessment of feed ingredients for poultry is often achieved using in vitro or in vivo testing. In vivo methods can be expensive and time consuming. Protein quality can also be evaluated using less expensive and time consuming chemical methods, termed in vitro. These techniques are used to improve the user's efficiency when dealing with large sample numbers, and some mimic the physiological and chemical characteristics of the animal digestive system to which the ingredient will be fed. The pepsin digestibility test is the in vitro method of choice for quick evaluation of protein sample during quality control and in most research settings. Even though the pepsin digestibility test uses enzymes to liberate the amino acids from the protein, it does not mimic normal in vivo digestive conditions. The results obtained with this method may be misleading if the samples tested contain fats or carbohydrates which they often do. Multi-enzyme tests have been proposed to overcome the problem encountered when using the pepsin digestibility test. These tests use a combination of enzymes in one or multiple steps customized to simulate the digestive process of the animal. Multi enzyme assays can predict animal digestibility, but any inherent biological properties of the ingredients on the animal digestive tract will be lost.

Interactive effects of threonine levels and protein source on growth performance and carcass traits, gut morphology, ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids, and immunity in broilers

An experiment was executed to test the hypothesis that supplementation of dietary threonine (d-Thr), above NRC recommendation to diets containing poorly digestible protein source (PS) may compensate its detrimental effects on overall performance of broilers. In total, nine hundred 1-day-old mixed sex broilers (Ross-308) were randomly distributed over 6 (2 × 3) experimental diets comprising 5 replicates of 30 broilers each for 35 d. The experimental diets contain either soybean meal (SBM) or canola meal (CM) with 3 levels (100, 110, and 120% of NRC recommendation) of d-Thr. During the course of the trial (0 to 35 D), interactions (P < 0.05) between PS and d-Thr were observed for feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass, and gut health parameters. The broilers fed recommended level (100%) of d-Thr had 7 and 5% poorer FCR compared with those fed diets with 110 and 120% d-Thr, respectively. For villus height (VH), an interaction (P = 0.007) was found between PS and d-Thr level. Broilers consuming SBM diets had 22% longer villi, 10% deeper crypts, and 30% greater VH to crypt depth ratio (VCR) compared to those fed CM. The broilers fed 110% d-Thr diets had 9% lower crypt depth (CD) and 15% greater VCR compared with those fed diets containing NRC recommended levels. CM resulted in 9% lower protein digestibility with lower (P < 0.05) of some AA, whereas it was improved by 7% in broilers fed 120% d-Thr supplemented diets. The bursa and spleen weights were positively affected (P < 0.001) by PS. Threonine supplementation (10%) resulted in 25% greater thymus, 18% heavier bursa, and 30% greater infectious bursal disease titer. In conclusion, supplementation of d-Thr, above NRC recommendation, resulted in a better growth performance and carcass traits, improved ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids, better gut health, and immunity in broilers.

Growth performance, organ weights, and blood parameters of nursery pigs fed diets containing increasing levels of cold-pressed canola cake

Oilseed cakes have high oil content, and thus their inclusion in swine can lead to reduced dietary inclusion of oil, and hence reduced cost of feed. An experiment was conducted to determine effects of including Brassica napus-derived cold-pressed canola cake (CPCC) in diets for nursery pigs on growth performance, organ weights relative to live body weight (BW), and blood parameters. A total of 160 pigs (initial BW: 7.8 ± 0.9 kg), which had been weaned at 21 d of age were housed in 40 pens (4 pigs/pen) and fed 4 diets (10 pens/diet) in a randomized complete block design for 35 d. The 4 diets were corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based basal diet and the basal diet with corn and SBM replaced by 20, 30, or 40% of CPCC. The diets were fed in 2 phases, Phase 1 from day 0 to 14 and Phase 2 from day 14 to 35; and were formulated to meet NRC (2012) nutrient recommendations for nursery pigs and to have the same net energy, standardized ileal digestible amino acid, and digestible P contents. Increasing inclusion of CPCC in diets was achieved by partial replacement of corn, SBM, limestone, and mono-calcium phosphate. Growth performance was determined by phase. On day 35, 1 pig from each pen was euthanized for determining organ weights and blood parameters. The CPCC contained 7.63% moisture, and on a dry matter basis, it (CPCC) contained 39.6% crude protein, 2.32% Lys, 0.74% Met, 1.63% Thr, 0.50% Trp, 16.0% ether extract, 20.7% neutral detergent fiber, and 14.9 µmol/g of glucosinolates. Increasing dietary CPCC from 0 to 40% linearly reduced (P < 0.05) overall (day 0 to 35) average daily gain and average daily feed intake (0.440 to 0.288 kg/d and 0.739 to 0.522 kg/d, respectively). Increasing dietary CPCC from 0 to 40% resulted in a linear increase (P < 0.05) in liver weight by 0.1 g/kg of BW and in thyroid gland weight by 2.2 mg/kg of BW, but in a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in serum tetraiodothyronine (T4) level by 0.2 ng/mL for each 1% increase in CPCC at 35 d of age. No differences were observed in heart and kidney weights relative to live BW, and in serum triiodothyronine (T3) concentration. In conclusion, increasing dietary CPCC from 0 to 40% by reducing corn and SBM levels resulted in depressed growth performance, increased metabolic activity in liver and thyroid gland, and reduced serum T4 level of pigs. Thus, the amounts of CPCC included in nursery pig diets should be based on targeted growth performance and cost of other feedstuffs in relation to that of CPCC.

Comparative ileal digestibility of amino acids in 00-rapeseed meal and rapeseed meal fed to growing male broilers

Rapeseed meal (RSM) is a commonly used protein source in poultry diet but its usage is limited due to antinutritional factors, the glucosinolates (GLS) and erucic acid. The 00-rapeseed meal (00-RSM) is the developed variety of rapeseed with reduced GLS and erucic acid content through genetic selection. The present study was conducted with the objective of comparing the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in 00-RSM and RSM when fed to growing broilers. Three samples of each ingredient were collected from different sources. Two hundred and fifty two day-old male broilers (Hubbard × Hubbard) were fed a corn-soybean meal based starter diet in crumble form from day 1 to 13. On day 14, all chicks were individually weighed and randomly distributed to 42 replicate pens (6 birds in each pen). Six test diets (2 ingredient × 3 samples) with approximately 20% crude protein were made in mash form in such a way that the 6 test ingredients served as the sole source of AA in one diet. The endogenous AAs (EAA) were determined by feeding a nitrogen-free diet to six replicate pens. Each test diet was fed to six replicates of broiler chicks from 14 to 21 days of age. Results indicated that the SID of all AA differed (P < 0.001) among 00-RSM samples. Among RSM samples, the SID of AA varied for arginine, methionine (P < 0.01), histidine, leucine, lysine, aspartic acid, and phenylalanine (P < 0.05). A greater (P < 0.05) SID of all AA except arginine, histidine, phenylalanine, cysteine, and glutamic acid was observed in 00-RSM compared with RSM. In conclusion, 00-RSM had greater SID of AA compared with RSM and it is nutritionally superior to RSM to be used in broiler diets.

Performance, nutrient utilization, and energy partitioning in broiler chickens offered high canola meal diets supplemented with multicomponent carbohydrase and mono-component protease

Two broiler chicken experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of canola meal (CM) replacing soybean meal (SBM) in diets supplemented with carbohydrase and protease on performance and partitioning of energy. First, a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed to evaluate: protein meals (CM vs. SBM), carbohydrase (none or 300 mg/kg), protease (none or 200 mg/kg), and their interactions. Each treatment was fed to 6 replicated pens of 16 male broilers (Ross 308) from d 10 to 35. In the second experiment, 32 broiler chicks were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to investigate CM and carbohydrase effects on energy partitioning. Birds were transferred into 16 closed-circuit calorimeter chambers (4 chambers/diet; 2 birds/chamber) to measure heat production (HP), metabolizable and net energy (NE) by gaseous exchange, and total excreta collection from d 25 to 28. There were no 3-way interactions among experimental factors for any of the performance parameters measured. Birds given CM diets consumed less feed, had lower BW, and exhibited higher FCR compared to the control birds (P < 0.01). Both enzymes, alone or in combination, improved final BW and FCR (P < 0.05). There was an interaction between carbohydrase and protease for FCR over the grower period (P < 0.01), in which the combination of the enzymes resulted in further improvement of FCR. Energy, DM, and crude protein digestibility values were higher in control birds (P < 0.05). There was an interaction of protein meal and carbohydrase for HP, respiratory quotient (P < 0.05), and NE:ME ratio of the diets (P = 0.06). Inclusion of CM without carbohydrase increased HP and decreased NE and NE:ME ratio of the diets (P < 0.05). Carbohydrase decreased HP and increased retained energy (P = 0.06) and NE and NE:ME ratio (P < 0.05). In conclusion, high CM in the diet negatively affects growth performance through reduction in feed consumption, nutrient digestibility, and NE of the diet, which could partly be restored by enzyme supplementation.

Nutritional evaluation of conventional and increased-protein, reduced-fiber canola meal fed to broiler chickens

Experiments were conducted to evaluate conventional canola meal (Conv CM) and a new increased-protein reduced-fiber CM (Test CM). The Test CM contained higher levels of all digestible amino acids than the Conv CM as determined in 2 precision-fed rooster assays wherein Single Comb White Leghorn roosters were fasted for 24 h and then tube-fed 30 g of Conv CM or Test CM. Excreta were then quantitatively collected for 48 hours. All diets in 2 broiler experiments then were formulated to be equal in AMEn and digestible amino acids based on values from precision-fed rooster assays. In Experiment 1, diets were corn and soybean meal based and contained zero, 10, 20, 30 or 40% Conv CM from 2 to 21 d of age and zero, 10, 20 or 30% Conv CM from 21 to 37 d of age. In the starter phase of Experiment 1 (2 to 21 d), there was a significant negative effect (P < 0.05) on weight gain and feed intake for CM levels in excess of 10%. In Experiment 2, both Conv CM and the new Test CM were evaluated. For the starter phase (2 to 19 d), the diets contained no CM or 8% Test CM or 8% Conv CM. For the grower phase (20 to 44 d), the chicks were fed diets that contained either no CM or 8, 16, or 24% of Test CM (Diets 2 to 4) or the same levels of Conv CM (Diets 5 to 7). The Test CM diets contained less soybean meal and less added fat than the Conv CM diets. There were no significant differences among dietary treatments for growth performance for either phase of Experiment 2. These results indicate that the new Test CM has increased levels of digestible amino acids compared to Conv CM and that up to 24% of either type of CM could be fed to broiler chickens during the grower phase with no statistical differences (P < 0.05) in performance when diets were formulated to be equal in AMEn and digestible amino acids.

Effect of increasing dietary canola meal inclusion on lactation performance, milk composition, and nutrient digestibility of lactating sows

The aim was to determine the effects of increasing dietary canola meal in substitution for soybean meal in lactation sow diets. Forty-five sows with an average parity of 1.8 (SD = 0.83) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments ( = 15) consisting of a corn-based control diet and 2 diets with 15% and 30% canola meal formulated by replacing soybean meal with canola meal. Diets were formulated to be similar in standardized ileal digestible AA content and NE value and to meet or exceed nutrient recommendations for lactating sows. Sows were moved to farrowing on d 111 of gestation and fed the experimental diets until weaning on d 21. Sows were fed 3.0 kg/d from d 111 of gestation until parturition. After farrowing, feed was gradually increased through d 6 after which the diets were offered on an ad libitum basis until weaning. Sows were weighed and backfat thickness measured on d 111 of gestation and also on d 0, 7, and 21 postfarrowing. Litters were weighed on d 0, 7, and 21. Weaning to estrus interval in sows was also recorded. Blood and milk samples were collected 2 h postfeeding from sows on d 0, 7, and 21 and analyzed for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and milk composition. Fecal samples were collected on d 10, 11, and 12 postfarrowing to determine energy and nutrient digestibility. There were no dietary effects on lactation feed intake, sow BW and backfat change, weaning to estrus interval, and milk fat, protein, lactose, and urea composition. Also, there were no dietary effects on piglet ADG ( 0.10). Sows fed diets containing 15% and 30% canola meal had lower (linear, < 0.05) PUN values compared with those fed the control diet on d 0, 7, and 21 postfarrowing. Apparent total tract digestibility of DM, GE, CP, and P were reduced linearly ( < 0.05) with increasing canola meal inclusion. In conclusion, up to 30% canola meal in lactation diet can support satisfactory sow and suckling piglet performance.

Estimation of the maximum safe level of feed ingredients by spline or broken-line nonlinear regression models

The use of non-linear regression models in the analysis of biological data has led to advances in poultry nutrition. Spline or broken-line nonlinear regression models are commonly used to estimate nutritional requirements. One particular application of broken-line models is estimating the maximum safe level (MSL) of feed ingredients beyond which the ingredients become toxic, resulting in reduced performance. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of broken-line models (broken-line linear or BLL; and broken-line quadratic or BLQ) in estimating the MSL; to identify the most efficient design of feeding trials by finding the optimal number of ingredient levels and replications; and to re-estimate the MSL of various test ingredients reported in the nutrition literature for comparison purposes. The Maximum Ingredient level Optimization Workbook (MIOW) was developed to simulate a series of experiments and estimate the MSL and the corresponding descriptive statistics (SD, SE, CI, and R2). The results showed that the broken-line models provided good estimates of the MSL (small SE and high R2) with the BLL model producing higher MSL values as compared to the BLQ model. Increasing the number of experimental replications or ingredient levels (independently of each other) reduced the SE of the MSL with diminishing returns. The SE of the MSL was reduced with increasing the size (total pens) of the simulated experiments by increasing either the number of replications or levels or both. The evaluation of MSLs reported in the existing literature revealed that the multiple range procedure used to determine the MSL in several reports can both overestimate and underestimate the MSL compared to the results obtained by the broken-line models. The results suggest that the broken-line linear models can be used in lieu of the multiple range test to estimate the MSL of feed ingredients along with the corresponding descriptive statistics, such as the SE of the MSL.

Nutritive value and the maximum inclusion level of pennycress meal for broiler chickens

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritive value and maximum safe level (MSL) of pennycress meal (PM) for broiler chicks. In experiment 1, a total of 480 chicks was fed either mash or crumbled diets containing zero, 5, 10, or 15% PM for 18 d (8 diets; 6 replications per diet). In experiment 2, a total of 660 chicks was fed mash diets containing zero, 3, 6, 9, 12, or 15% of either PM or canola meal (CM; a comparative reference) for 14 d (11 diets; 6 replications per diet). Analytical results show that PM is a good source of protein (∼31% CP) and it is very comparable to CM (∼36% CP). However, it contains higher erucic acid (∼1.68 vs. < 0.021%), glucosinolates (sinigrin) (∼63.5 vs. <0.163 μmol /g), and crude fiber (18.60 vs. 9.27%) compared to CM. In experiment 1, increasing PM from zero to 15% resulted in linear reductions (P < 0.05) in FI, BWG, and FCR at 10 days. Above 10%, performance responses were affected for FI and BWG at 18 d, respectively. An estimated MSL of 10% PM based on orthogonal contrast was optimal for satisfactory FI and BWG. The MSL as estimated by broken-line linear (BLL) and broken-line quadratic (BLQ) models was 9.12 ± 0.50 and 7.0 ± 1.27%, respectively. In experiment 2, growth performance at 14 d was reduced above 9% due to PM inclusion. CM inclusion did not affect growth performance at 14 d, suggesting 15% to be safe. The MSL for maximum growth performance varied depending on the statistical analysis as follows: 12% by orthogonal contrast and LSD, 15% by the Scheffé test, 10.84 ± 0.57 by BLL, and 8.61 ± 1.29 by BLQ. In conclusion, PM can be included in broiler starter diets as a protein source but its inclusion should be limited to no more than 8.5%. Different statistical procedures give different MSL and this should be considered when interpreting the data.

Effect of expeller extracted canola meal on growth performance, organ weights, and blood parameters of growing pigs

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of increasing levels of expeller extracted canola meal (EECM) in diets for growing pigs on performance, gastrointestinal tract weight, thyroid gland weights, blood plasma concentration of triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine, red blood cell count, hemoglobin content in blood, and hematocrit. Four diets were fed to 48 pigs (19.9 ± 1.60 kg initial BW) in 24 pens (6 pens per diet) for 4 wk in a completely randomized design. The diets were a control corn-soybean meal basal diet and 3 additional diets produced by replacing 33, 66, or 100% of soybean meal with EECM to achieve inclusion levels of 0, 10, 20, and 30%. Diets were formulated to be similar in NE and nutrient composition and to meet nutrient requirements for pigs. Pigs were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water for the duration of the study. Feed intake and BW of pigs were determined on a weekly basis, whereas organ weights and blood parameters were determined at the end of the study. Average daily feed intake linearly decreased ( = 0.001) whereas ADG tended to linearly decline ( = 0.084) with increasing levels of EECM in the diet. The G:F was not affected ( > 0.10) by the dietary level of EECM. Thyroid weight and serum triiodothyronine linearly increased ( = 0.031) whereas serum tetraiodothyronine was linearly reduced ( = 0.001) with increasing inclusion of EECM. Other blood parameters and organ weights were not affected by increasing inclusion of EECM. The analyzed concentration of glucosinolates in the EECM used in this study was 9.27 μmol/g, with values in the diets ranging from 1.02 to 2.75 μmol/g for the lowest to highest inclusion levels, respectively. The increased thyroid weight and changes in thyroid hormones indicate that glucosinolates present in EECM adversely affected performance of growing pigs.

Evaluation of Different Levels of Canola Meal on Performance, Organ Weights, Hepatic Deiodinase Gene Expression and Thyroid Morphology in Broiler Chickens

This study was carried out to determine the effects of dietary inclusion level of canola meal (CM) on performance, organ weights and hepatic type I deiodinase gene expression in broilers. A completely randomized design with 4 levels of CM (0, 10, 20 and 30%) as a substitute for soybean meal (SBM) was utilized with 5 replicates of 9 birds each. The results showed that body weight gain (1 to 42 d) decreased linearly (P<0.01) as the inclusion of CM increased. An increase in dietary level of CM also resulted in a linear (P<0.05) increase in feed conversion ratio (1 to 42 d). Proportion of thyroids (P<0.05) and liver (P<0.01) increased linearly with increased levels of CM. A significant linear increase in right ventricular weight: total ventricular weight ratio (P<0.01) and heart weight (P<0.05) were observed by substituting CM for SBM. The concentration of plasma triiodothyronine and triiodothyronine: tetraiodothyronine ratio decreased linearly (P<0.01) with increasing level of CM. Expression of hepatic type I deiodinase gene (D1) decreased linearly (P<0.01) as inclusion level of CM in diets increased. Moreover, increasing linear (P<0.01) and quadratic responses (P<0.05) were observed in follicles number and epithelial thickness in broilers thyroids followed by increased levels of CM. In addition, increases in dietary CM inclusion led to a linear (P<0.01) increase in thyroid follicles diameters. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that feeding increasing CM inclusions from 0 to 30% negatively affect growth performance of broiler chickens. From this study, it can also be concluded that substitution of CM for SBM adversely interferes with thyroid and liver functions and decrease D1 gene expression, likely because of higher dietary concentration of glucosinolates.

Protein structural changes during processing of vegetable feed ingredients used in swine diets: implications for nutritional value

Protein structure influences the accessibility of enzymes for digestion. The proportion of intramolecular β-sheets in the secondary structure of native proteins has been related to a decrease in protein digestibility. Changes to proteins that can be considered positive (for example, denaturation and random coil formation) or negative (for example, aggregation and Maillard reactions) for protein digestibility can occur simultaneously during processing. The final result of these changes on digestibility seems to be a counterbalance of the occurrence of each phenomenon. Occurrence of each phenomenon depends on the conditions applied, but also on the source and type of the protein that is processed. The correlation between denaturation enthalpy after processing and protein digestibility seems to be dependent on the protein source. Heat seems to be the processing parameter with the largest influence on changes in the structure of proteins. The effect of moisture is usually limited to the simultaneous application of heat, but increasing level of moisture during processing usually increases structural changes in proteins. The effect of shear on protein structure is commonly studied using extrusion, although the multifactorial essence of this technology does not allow disentanglement of the separate effects of each processing parameter (for example, heat, shear, moisture). Although most of the available literature on the processing of feed ingredients reports effects on protein digestibility, the mechanisms that explain these effects are usually lacking. Clarifying these mechanisms could aid in the prediction of the nutritional consequences of processing conditions.

Effects of derived meals from juncea (Brassica juncea), yellow and black seeded canola (Brassica napus) and multicarbohydrase enzymes supplementation on apparent metabolizable energy in broiler chickens

Two experiments were conducted to determine the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of differently processed meals from Juncea (Brassica juncea), yellow and black seeded canola (Brassica napus), with or without supplementation of multi-carbohydrase enzymes (Enz) in diets for broiler chickens. The first experiment was a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the main factors being seed type (yellow [Yellow] or black [B1] canola seeds and Juncea seeds), processed at two temperatures (high temperature desolventized-toasted [HTDT] at 95°C or low temperature desolventized-toasted [LTDT] at 57°C), with or without Enz. In Exp. 1, a total of 384 one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 64 battery cages, with 6 birds/cage. The second experiment was a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the main factors being seed type (Yellow or black [B2]), seed source (Scott, Saskatchewan or Truro, Nova Scotia) and Enz (with or without) supplementation. A total of 264 one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 44 battery cages, with 6 birds per cage. In Exp. 1 and 2, all birds were fed a common starter diet from 1 to 14 days of age. From d 15 to 21, the birds were fed one of the test treatments, a basal grower diet or the basal grower diet replaced with 30% test ingredient with celite (0.8%) added as an inert marker. Excreta was collected on d 20 and 21. In Exp. 1, there were no interactions (P > 0.05) among seed type, processing temperature and Enz. Processing temperature and dietary Enz did not affect (P > 0.05) AMEn of different canola meals. The AMEn of prepress solvent extracted canola and juncea meals (PSEM) from Yellow (11.2 MJ/kg) was higher (P < 0.05) than B1 (10.2 MJ/kg) and Juncea (10.2 MJ/kg). In Exp. 2, there were no interactions (P > 0.05) among seed color, location and Enz. Supplementation of dietary Enz did not affect (P > 0.05) AMEn of different cold press canola meals. The AMEn of cold press canola meals (CPM) from Yellow (14.7 MJ/kg) was higher (P < 0.05) compared with B2 (12.2 MJ/kg). In conclusion, among the different processing methods of oil extraction, meals derived from yellow seeded canola had higher AMEn than B seeded canola and Juncea.

A review of canola meal as an alternative feed ingredient for ducks

This review provides an overview of the published data on the canola meal and its suitability for duck as an alternative plant-origin protein source to soybean meal. Canola meal is a legume origin protein source containing comparable amino acid profile to soybean meal and rich in essential minerals and vitamins. Nonetheless, it is known to contain less in energy content than soybean meal. Factors like field conditions and processing methods creates compositional variations among canola meal. Presence of anti-nutritional factors such as phenolic substances, phytate and glucosinolates which are known to reduce growth performance in livestock animals, are the major drawbacks for canola meal to be a competitive plant-origin protein source in the feed industry. This review is focused to address i) nutritional characteristics and feeding value of canola meal for ducks and ii) impacts of feeding canola meal on performances of ducks.

Standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of expeller-extracted canola meal subjected to different processing conditions for starter and grower broiler chickens

Six expeller-extracted canola meal (ECM) samples produced under different seed conditioning temperatures (90, 95, or 100°C) and screw torques in the second press (low or high) were evaluated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effect of processing on standardized ileal amino acid digestibility (SID) in 10 and 24-day-old broilers. A nitrogen-free diet was fed to determine ileal endogenous amino acid flow. Each diet was fed for 5 d to 6 replicate cages of 10 or 7 chicks, and ileal samples were collected at 10 and 24 d, respectively. The endogenous flow (mg/kg DM intake) of CP and all amino acids except Cys decreased (P < 0.01) with age. Conditioning temperature by screw torque interactions were detected (P < 0.05) for apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of CP, Arg, Ile, Lys, Phe, Thr, Ala, Asp, Glu, Pro ,and Ser at d 10, and the same trend was observed at d 24 except for Ile, Phe, Ala, and Pro (P > 0.05). Meals processed under medium conditioning temperature (95°C) at either low or high screw torque had the greatest (P < 0.05) AID of CP and total amino acids. The SID values followed a similar pattern as AID at both ages. When corrected for endogenous losses, the average AID of total amino acids improved approximately 3.5 and 2.0 units, at 10 and 24 d, respectively. The AID and SID values increased (P < 0.05) with age for most AA, but the effect of age was not consistent between ECMs. A negative correlation was detected between NDF and neutral detergent-insoluble nitrogen (NDIN) content of the meals and SID values of Lys at d 24 (r = -0.79, r = -0.76; P = 0.001, respectively). Processing conditions affected CP and amino acid digestibility, likely because of alterations to the chemical composition of ECM and formation of indigestible complexes of amino acids with fiber. The AID and SID values increased with age independent of meal processing conditions.

Ileal amino acid digestibility in canola meals from yellow- and black-seeded Brassica napus and Brassica juncea fed to growing pigs

Twelve ileal cannulated pigs (30.9 ± 2.7 kg) were used to determine the apparent (AID) and standardized (SID) ileal digestibility of protein and AA in canola meals (CM) derived from black- (BNB) and yellow-seeded (BNY) Brassica napus canola and yellow-seeded Brassica juncea (BJY). The meals were produced using either the conventional pre-press solvent extraction process (regular meal) or a new, vacuum-assisted cold process of meal de-solventization (white flakes) to provide 6 different meals. Six cornstarch-based diets containing 35% canola meal as the sole source of protein in a 3 (variety) × 2 (processing) factorial arrangement were randomly allotted to pigs in a 6 × 7 incomplete Latin square design to have 6 replicates per diet. A 5% casein diet was fed to estimate endogenous AA losses. Canola variety and processing method interacted for the AID of DM (P = 0.048), N (P = 0.010), and all AA (P < 0.05), except for Arg, Lys, Phe, Asp, Glu, and Pro. Canola variety affected or tended to affect the AID of most AA but had no effect on the AID of Lys, Met, Val, Cys, and Pro, whereas processing method had an effect on only Lys and Asp and tended to affect the AID of Thr, Gly and Ser. The effects of canola variety, processing method, and their interaction on the SID values for N and AA followed a similar pattern as for AID values. For the white flakes, SID of N in BJY (74.2%) was lower than in BNY and BNB, whose values averaged 78.5%; however, among the regular meals, BJY had a greater SID value for N than BNY and BNB (variety × processing, P = 0.015). For the white flakes, the SID of Ile (86.4%), Leu (87.6%), Lys (88.9%), Thr (87.6%) and Val (84.2%) in BNB were greater than BNY and BJY. Opposite results were observed for the regular processing, with SID of Lys (84.1%), Met (89.5%), Thr (84.1%), and Val (83.6%) being greater in BJY, followed by BNB and BNY(variety × processing, P < 0.057). The SID of Met was greatest for the white flakes (90.2%) but least for the regular processing (83.0%) in BNY (variety × processing, P < 0.057). It was concluded that the AID and SID of N and AA of the CM tested varied according to canola variety and the processing method used. Overall, the SID values for Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Thr, and Val averaged across CM types and processing methods were 81.8, 82.6, 83.4, 85.9, 80.8, and 78.4%, respectively.

Comparison of amino acid digestibility coefficients for soybean meal, canola meal, fish meal, and meat and bone meal among 3 different bioassays

The objective of this study was to determine amino acid digestibility of 4 feedstuffs [soybean meal (SBM), canola meal, fish meal, and meat and bone meal (MBM)] using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay (PFR), the standardized ileal assay (SIAAD), and a newly developed precision-fed ileal broiler assay (PFC). For the PFR, cecectomized roosters were precision-fed approximately 30 g of feed sample, and excreta were collected 48 h postfeeding. For the SIAAD, 16-d-old broilers were fed a semipurified diet containing the feed samples as the only source of protein from 17 to 21 d, with ileal digesta collected at 21 d. For the PFC, 22-d-old broilers were precision-fed 10 g of feed sample mixed with chromic oxide, and ileal digesta were collected at 4 h postfeeding. Digestibility coefficients were standardized using a nitrogen-free diet for the SIAAD and PFC and using fasted roosters for the PFR. There were generally no consistent differences in standardized amino acid digestibility values among assays, and values were in general agreement among assays, particularly for SBM and MBM. Differences did occur among methods for amino acid digestibility in fish meal; however, these differences were not consistent among methods or amino acids. The results of the study indicated that all 3 bioassays are acceptable for determining the amino acid digestibility of SBM, canola meal, MBM, and fish meal for poultry.

The effect of different dietary levels of rapeseed meal on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in turkeys

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different dietary levels of low-glucosinolate rapeseed meal (RSM) on growth performance, blood thyroid hormone concentration, carcass traits, and chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and fatty acid profile of breast meat in growing turkeys. The experiment lasted for 21 wk. Large White BIG-6 turkeys were fed isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets containing 0, 60, 120, and 180 g/kg of RSM. Each experimental group was comprised of 7 replicates/pen of 28 birds each. There was no effect of graded levels of RSM on final BW. An increase in the inclusion rate of RSM was followed by a linear increase in feed conversion ratio, which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the group fed 180 g/kg of RSM. The blood levels of free triiodothyronine decreased significantly (P < 0.05) regardless of the dietary level of RSM. No significant changes in the carcass dressing percentage or the meat fat content were observed. Significant differences were found in the fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties of breast meat. The concentrations of margaroleic acid and saturated fatty acids, including myristic and palmitic acid, in meat from male turkeys fed 120 and 180 g/kg of RSM decreased linearly; whereas the levels of oleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic acid (an n-3 fatty acid), increased linearly. An increase in RSM content of the diets was accompanied by the unfavorable changes in selected functional properties of meat, including a significant increase in drip loss in groups fed 120 g/kg of RSM (from 1.85 to 2.38%) and 180 g/kg of RSM (from 1.85 to 3.02%) and a decrease in Warner-Bratzler shear force values in turkeys fed 180 g/kg of RSM (from 19.1 to 15.8 N). The results suggest that the quality of turkey meat could be affected by impaired triiodothyronine secretion caused by dietary RSM.

Glucoraphasatin: chemistry, occurrence, and biological properties

Glucoraphasatin is an atypical glucosinolate mainly found in Raphanus sativus roots and sprouts. This review focuses on the chemistry, the occurrence, and the biological properties of glucoraphasatin.

Energy and amino acid utilization in expeller-extracted canola meal fed to growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the nutritive value of expeller-extracted canola meal (EECM) for growing pigs. In Exp. 1, a total of 6 ileally cannulated barrows (average initial BW = 26.8 kg) were fed 3 diets in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design to determine the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) values of N and AA and the SID AA contents of EECM. The 3 diets were a cornstarch-based diet with either solvent-extracted canola meal (SECM) or EECM as the sole source of protein, and a low-casein cornstarch-based diet, which was used to estimate basal endogenous N and AA losses to determine the SID of N and AA. All 3 diets contained chromic oxide as an indigestible marker for determining nutrient digestibility by the indicator method. In Exp. 2, a total of 18 intact barrows (average initial BW = 25.9 kg) were fed 3 diets in a completely randomized design (6 pigs per diet) to determine apparent total tract digestibility and retention of nutrients and the DE and ME contents of EECM. The diets were a basal corn-based diet or the basal diet with corn replaced by 35% SECM or EECM. The basal diet was used for determining the total tract digestible nutrient content by the difference method. Solvent-extracted canola meal, which is commonly used in the formulation of swine diets, was fed in both experiments for comparison with EECM. The SECM and EECM were similar in CP content (41.8 vs. 41.4%). Expeller-extracted canola meal was, however, greater in ether extract content (12.03 vs. 5.54%) and decreased in NDF content (23.8 vs. 29.9%) compared with SECM. The EECM also had a greater content of all the AA except Met, Cys, and Ser, by approximately 6.6%; Cys was greater in SECM, whereas Met and Ser were similar between the 2 meals. The EECM had greater (P < 0.05) SID of N, Arg, Ile, Leu, Phe, Glu, and Pro. The SID contents of Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Phe, Val, Ala, Asp, Glu, Gly, Pro, and Tyr were also greater (P < 0.05) for EECM than for SECM by an average of 15%. The EECM had greater (P < 0.01) DE (4,107 vs. 3,790 kcal/kg) and ME (3,978 vs. 3,564 kcal/kg) values compared with SECM. The results show that the EECM used in the current study had greater digestible AA and energy and a greater ME content than the SECM; hence, it may be a better source of protein and energy for growing pigs than SECM.