![Sample our Food Science & Technology journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5936/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Food-Science-Technology.jpg"})
Abstract
1. The effect of 100 g rapeseed meal (RSM)/kg diet on the energy metabolism of hybrid laying hens was examined by indirect calorimetry. Thyroid hormone concentrations, thyroid weight, liver weight and body weight, egg production and food intake were also measured.
2. Fasting heat production was significantly lower in hens receiving RSM than in controls, but this difference disappeared when the birds were fed.
3. Thyroid hormone concentrations decreased, while thyroid and liver weights increased slightly; none of these effects was significant. Body weight, egg production and food intake were unaffected and no liver haemorrhages were noted.
4. The maintenance metabolisable energy (ME) requirement of control and treated birds, estimated from short‐term energy balance measurements, was 474 kJ/kg0.75 d; net availability of ME in both treatments was 0.85.
Notes
Present address: West of Scotland Agricultural College, Poultry School, Auchincruive, Ayr KA6 5HW, Scotland.