Deepak Subedi, The University of Sydney
Soybean meal (SBM) is the main protein source in poultry diets, but reliance on imports and rising costs have prompted interest in alternatives like canola meal (CM) and canola seed (CS). Australia produces large volumes of canola, making it an attractive option for sustainable poultry production. However, high canola inclusion often reduces feed intake and growth performance.
Researchers at the University of Sydney tested whether increasing dietary nutrient density (energy and amino acids) could offset performance losses in broilers fed high-canola diets. The study involved 1,080 Ross 308 broilers across four treatments: a wheat-SBM control diet (T1), a high-canola diet (T2), and two high-canola diets with progressively higher nutrient densities (T3 and T4). Canola inclusions were 15-30% across feeding phases, while nutrient density was increased by up to 6% in T4.
Key Findings
High canola inclusion reduced feed intake by 7.5% and weight gain by 7.6% compared to the control diet.
Increasing nutrient density did not restore growth performance; instead, the highest nutrient density (T4) further depressed feed intake to 4,207 g/bird.
Feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved slightly in high-density diets, but weight-corrected FCR remained worse than the control.
Poor pellet quality and elevated energy levels were strongly correlated with reduced feed intake.
High-canola diets lowered feed cost per bird and per kg of body weight but increased the age to reach 2.5 kg. Increasing nutrient density raised feed costs further.
Carcass yield was significantly lower in high-canola diets, while woody breast and white striping were not affected.
Implications for ProducersIncreasing nutrient density in high-canola diets does not solve the problem of reduced feed intake and growth. Instead, focus should shift to improving pellet quality and feed palatability when using high levels of canola products. While canola can reduce feed costs and support sustainability, inclusion rates must be managed carefully.
Bottom LineHigh canola inclusion reduces feed intake and growth, and increasing nutrient density worsens intake issues. Improving pellet durability and feed form could be key to making high-canola diets viable.
Journal: Journal of Applied Poultry Research
Full paper: “Increased dietary nutrient density did not restore growth performance in broiler chickens offered diets with high canola inclusion”DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2025.100566
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