Validation of the net energy content of canola meal and full-fat canola seeds in growing pigs

Abstract

A study was conducted to estimate the net energy (NE) content of canola meal (CM) and full-fat canola seeds (FFCS) in growing pigs, and to validate the results through a growth trial. The digestible energy (DE) content of the canola products was measured in a digestibility study by the difference method, with diets containing two-thirds of a basal diet of known digestibility and one-third of the canola products. The NE content was estimated by means of a prediction equation based on the DE content and chemical composition of the canola products. The NE was 2.43 and 3.56 Mcal kg-1 DM for CM and FFCS, respectively. For the growth study, 31-kg pigs (18 per treatment) were fed for 35 d with wheat/barley-based diets containing either 0, 5, 10 or 15% FFCS or 0, 7.5, 15 or 22.5% CM. The gain-to-feed ratio was unchanged by the levels of CM or FFCS (P > 0.05), but the highest level of FFCS decreased feed intake (P < 0.001) and thus increased the gain-to-feed ratio (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the NE content was correctly estimated for CM, but slightly underestimated for FFCS. Also, growing pigs can tolerate diets containing up to 22.5% CM or 10% FFCS.Key words: Net energy, growing pigs, canola meal, full-fat canola seeds