Influence of fat source on the performance of broilers, and on relevant carcass characteristics for consumers - 1(st) Report: Influence of rapeseed oil and animal fat on growing and slaughtering performance of broilers

Rapeseed oil and animal fat were compared in broiler diets consisting of 59 ,4 % corn, 30 % soybean meal, 3 % corn gluten, 3,7 % mineral and vitamin pr emix and 3,9 % added far. In the four experimental groups 3,9 % animal fat were gradually substituted by rapeseed oil in steps of 1,3 %. Each experime ntal group consisted of 45 day old broiler chicks which were arranged in 3 replicates (3 pens) with 15 chicks each. The inclusion of rapeseed oil reduced the body weight gain of the broilers. Feed conversion was between 1,85 and 1,88. Body weight at slaughter was 18 43, 1750, 1720 and 1730 g for groups with 0, 1,3, 2,6 and 3,9 % of rapeseed oil, respectively. The lower daily weighs gain of the groups with more tha n 1,3 % rapeseed oil is a result of a lowered feed consumption. The relativ e carcass yield was not influenced by the different dietary fat sources. The fatty acid composition of the carcass was significantly influenced by t he dietary fat. The saturated fatty acides decreased and the unsaturated fa tty acides increased by the substitution of animal fat by rape seed oil. It is concluded that the substitution of animal far by rapeseed oil in broi ler diets reduces growth performance. On the other hand, the content of pol yunsaturated fatty acids of meat portions is changed in a direction desirab le for the consumers.