Effects of low and high glucosinolate rapeseed meals on productive performance, egg quality, composition of liver and incidence of haemorrhagic liver syndrome in laying birds

Abstract

1. Two experiments were done with low and high glucosinolate rapeseed meals (RSM) fed to layers at various concentrations in the diets.

2. The inclusion of low glucosinolate RSM (100g/kg) in the diet did not affect egg production adversely. Inclusion at a rate of 125 or 150 g ‘ of this type of meal per kilogram resulted in non‐significant reductions in egg production when compared with that of the birds fed on the control diet.

3. Egg weight, specific gravity and Haugh unit values were unaffected when low glucosinolate RSM was included at rates of up to 150 g/kg whereas inclusion of high glucosinolate RSM at the rate of 100 or 150 g/kg decreased egg production and Haugh unit values when compared with the results obtained from a control diet based on soyabean meal.

4. Thyroid glands were slightly enlarged when low glucosinolate RSM was included in the diet at concentrations up to 150 g/kg, while 100 or 150 g high glucosinolate RSM/kg caused marked enlargement in thyroid glands.

5. None of the treatments affected liver weight, spleen weight, composition of liver, liver fat score or the incidence of haemorrhagic liver syndrome.