CHOLINE, NIACIN AND THIAMINE SUPPLEMENTATION OF CANOLA AND SOYBEAN PROTEIN DIETS FED TO BROILERS TO 6 WK OF AGE

Abstract

Diets containing canola and soybean meal as the only source of protein and containing no supplemental niacin, choline or thiamine were fed to male broiler chickens from 1 wk to 6 wk of age. Supplementation of the basal diet with various levels of the vitamins failed to significantly alter weight gain, gain:feed ratio or percent bone ash values. Examination of the birds for leg deformities and difficulty in walking showed no difference between the basal and the vitamin-supplemented diets. It was concluded that the three vitamins investigated would not be factors in problems arising from the substitution of canola for soybean meal in practical type broiler diets. Key words: Canola, soybean meal, vitamins, broilers