Canola Meal: A Sustainable Protein Source for Poultry Diets

Soybean meal has traditionally dominated poultry diets as the protein source. However, its widespread use raises concerns regarding economic costs, environmental impact and social sustainability. As a result, there is growing interest in alternative protein sources, such as canola meal, which may reduce feed costs while sustaining productivity. This review evaluates the potential of canola meal as a sustainable protein source in modern poultry production systems, focusing on nutritional, economic and environmental advantages, as well as the potential implications of canola meal inclusion in reduced-protein diets. Evidence from scientific studies indicates that canola meal's nutritional profile supports bird growth and production, although higher fiber content and anti-nutritional compounds reduce metabolizable energy, making it more suitable for laying hens than broiler chickens. Processing techniques, enzyme supplementation, fermentation, and modern cultivars have improved both nutritional value and practical utility of canola meal. Performance outcomes differ by species. Broilers exhibit variable growth at high inclusion levels, whereas laying hens are estimated to tolerate up to 20% without affecting laying performance or egg quality; however, data is severely lacking, particularly under the context of modern reduced-protein diets. Economically, canola meal is cost-competitive with soybean meal. From an environmental perspective, substituting imported soybean meal with local canola reduces greenhouse gas emissions, enhances resource efficiency, and supports pollinators. Nevertheless, trade-offs exist, including increased land use, variable digestibility, and potential eutrophication. Incorporating canola meal into reduced-protein diets offers both economic and ecological benefits, though effectiveness depends on the extent of protein reduction and the precision of amino acid formulation. Overall, canola meal offers a sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally responsible protein source for modern poultry production, provided that inclusion levels are adjusted to species-specific requirements and regional conditions.