Canola a genetically improved variety of rapeseed after extraction of oil, as a meal, is the best supplement protein source among the vegetable protein sources which can be incorporated in different classes of poultry rations.

The present experiment was conducted to study the long term effect of canola meal feeding on the performance of 216 layer chicks from 19th 29th weeks. The birds were divided into six main groups, having 36 layers each and further sub-divided into 3 replicates of 12 layers each. Each replicate was treated as an experimental unit. All the managemental programs like, feeding, watering, vaccination, lighting and temperature were provided according to the recommended requirements for Babcock B300 layers.

Six experimental rations, A, B, C, D, E and F were prepared containing 0, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15% canola meal in the layer mash, while with the same designation of rations, 0, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21% canola meal containing starter and grower rations were fed during the previous phase of the project (Phase-I). The rations were formulated and provided according to the Babcock B300 strain requirement.

In this project, effect of feeding different levels of canola meal was checked in lieu of soybean meal on feed consumption, feed efficiency (Kilogram of feed per dozen eggs) egg production, weight of twelve eggs, egg shell thickness, chemical composition of eggs, organoleptic evaluation and economics.

Feed consumption, per dozen egg weight and egg production were significantly lower (P
Chemical composition and organoleptic evaluation of the eggs from the hens fed on soybean meal or canola meal containing ration did not show any pronounced effect. While the economics of the experimental rations indicated that rations contain canola meal were cheaper as compared to soybean meal containing rations. The overall picture of the whole experiment revealed that canola meal can replace completely soybean meal in laying phase. But it has little problem of poor feed intake which was may be due to picking problem of the birds due to smaller particle size of canola meal.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the present study following are the recommendations:

1. With the energy compensation of the layer ration canola meal can be incorporated upto 15% dietary level.

2. A wide range of glucosinolates is present in canola quality of rapeseed i.e. 1-3O.smol/gm DM meal. It is very critical for formulation.

3. Canola meal should be incorporated in layer mash ration after pelleting in order to avoid the low feed intake problem.

CONCLUSIONS
Results of the present study reveals that canola is one of the best vegetable protein sources that can replace completely soybean meal in the layer diets with respect to the performance of the birds upto 30th week of age.