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Nutritional value of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) for broilers
C L Nalle1, V Ravindran, G Ravindran
1Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
British Poultry Science
|January 7, 2012
Summary
Narrow-leafed lupins are a good protein source for broilers but lack energy and sulfur amino acids. Properly balanced lupin diets at 200g/kg inclusion show no adverse effects on broiler performance.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Poultry Science
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) is a potential protein source for animal feed.
- Evaluating the nutritional value of different lupin cultivars is crucial for optimizing broiler diets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the nutritional value of three narrow-leafed lupin cultivars (Wallan, Tanjil, Borre) for broilers.
- To determine the effects of incorporating these lupins into broiler starter diets on growth performance and digestive tract development.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Determined apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility.
- Experiment 2: Formulated diets with 200g/kg lupin, evaluated broiler performance, and examined digestive tract parameters.
Main Results:
- Lupin cultivars showed no significant differences in AME or amino acid digestibility, with methionine being poorly digestible.
- Broiler performance (weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion) was similar between lupin-fed and maize-soy basal diets.
- Lupin inclusion did not affect intestinal tract development but led to higher relative liver weights.
Conclusions:
- Narrow-leafed lupins are valuable protein sources but require careful balancing of AME and sulfur-containing amino acids.
- Lupins can be included at 200g/kg in broiler starter diets without negatively impacting performance if diets are properly balanced.
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