Effect of substitution of Soybean meal with Canola meal on the performance of broiler chicks

This experiment was conducted to study the possibility of substituation of different levels of Canola meal as a protein source in broiler's diets, with and without carohydrate enzyme and its effect on broiler performance. In this study 320 day old Arbor Akers chicks were used in a factorial experiment completely randomized design with 4 replications. The first and second factors were application of enzyme from 0 to 0.07% and substituation of Soya bean meal with Canola meal in 4 levels including 0, 35, 70 and 100% respectively. Broilers were fed a balanced ration for one week, based on recommended amounts of NRC (1994). The total experimental period was divided to 3 periods: initial (7-21 days), growth (21-42 days) and final (42-49 days). Results showed that using different levels of Canola meal had no significant effect on daily feed consumption. Comparing the ration containing 100% Canola meal to others, reduction in daily gain and feed conversion ratio were different significantly (P<0.05). Based on the results, adding carbohydrase to rations had no significant effect on the studied parameters. Furthemore in all studied traits no significant intractions between enzyme and Canola meal were observed. The results showed the possibility of substitution of Soya bean meal with Canola meal up to 70% without any negative effects on the performance of chicks.