Sunflower meal was evaluated in terms of amino acid profiles, apparent and
true amino acid digestibilities, total protein efficiency as well as AME(n)
and TMEn. Two growth trials were conducted in which sunflower meal protein
partially replaced 0.0%, 20.0%, 40.0% and 60.0% of soybean meal protein in
iso-caloric, iso-nitrogenous diets in the 1st trial. The SFM levels in the
2nd trial were 0.0%, 25.0% and 50.0% of soybean meal protein. In both tria
ls, there were four subgroups within 20.0%, 40.0% and 60.0% or 25.0% and 50
.0% levels, which were fed without or with Optizyme and/or L-lysine HCl. Di
ets were fed from 28 to 58 d of age in the 1st trial and from 14 to 52 d of
age in the 2nd trial.
The data from TPE assay indicate that SFM could not entirely replace soybea
n meal and SFM is deficient in lysine. Values for AME(n) and TMEn were 6.09
3 and 7.025 MJ/kg, respectively. The data indicate that 60.0% of sunflower
meal protein (18.0% SFM in the diet) could replace soybean protein when sup
plemented with L-lysine without any effects on growth and feed/gain ratio d
uring 28-58 d of age. Results reveal that sunflower meal protein between 25
.0-50.0% of soy bean meal protein (9.0-12.0% in che diet) can be also fed d
uring 14-52 d of age. Addition of L-lysine to 50.0% SFM improved growth, bu
t feed/gain ratio was poorer than that of soybean meal-control diet.
There were insignificant differences in percentage of dressing, front or hi
nd part and abdominal fat or any of body organs of ducks when different lev
els of SFM replaced soybean meal. It was found that SFM (26.5% CP; 22.6% CF
) as an alternative protein component in duck diets could be fed between 9.
0-12.0% of the diet during 14-58 d of age or supplemented with L-lysine and
fed at 18.0% oi the dice during 28-58 d of age without affecting performan
ce of Pekin ducklings, although 9.0%-12.0% seems to be more profitable due
to less lysine required.