Enhancing The Nutritional Value of Poultry Feedstuffs Using The Example of Rapeseed Products – A Review

Abstract This paper outlines the main goals and methods for improving the nutritional value of poultry diets. The benefits of various processing techniques are demonstrated using the example of rapeseed and rapeseed by-products, i.e. rapeseed cake and rapeseed meal. The progress made in plant breeding in the past decades led to a significant reduction in the content of anti-nutritional factors and ingredients which reduce the nutritional value of feed. Rapeseed by-products have become a valuable source of protein for feedstuffs, and they can be safely used in poultry rations at high inclusion rates. Mechanical treatments, such as rapeseed hulling, and enzyme supplementation (phytases, carbohydrases) also significantly increase the nutritional value of feed ingredients. Further research is needed to tap into the new opportunities for improving the nutritional value of feedstuffs