Abstract
Rapeseed meal was treated with sodium carbonate or autoclaved to detoxify glucosinolates. Treated meals were used at 5 or 10% level along with similar levels of untreated control in broiler starter and finisher rations. The birds fed on rations containing sodium carbonate-treated meal showed the highest weight gains, followed by those fed on rations containing autoclaved meal and untreated control. Feed consumption and feed: weight gain ratio followed the same trend. The effect of treatment was non-significant on internal organs (heart, gizzard, liver). However, the weight of thyroid gland was significantly higher in birds fed untreated meal. Key words: autoclaving, broiler feeds, nutritive value of rapeseed meal
