Evaluation of sunflower meal as a feedstuff in diets for ducks

Sunflower meal was evaluated in terms of amino acid profiles, apparent and true amino acid digestibilities, total protein efficiency as well as AME(n) and TMEn. Two growth trials were conducted in which sunflower meal protein partially replaced 0.0%, 20.0%, 40.0% and 60.0% of soybean meal protein in iso-caloric, iso-nitrogenous diets in the 1st trial. The SFM levels in the 2nd trial were 0.0%, 25.0% and 50.0% of soybean meal protein. In both trials, there were four subgroups within 20.0%, 40.0% and 60.0% or 25.0% and 50.0% levels, which were fed without or with Optizyme and/or L-lysine HCl. Diets were fed from 28 to 58 d of age in the 1st trial and from 14 to 52 d of age in the 2nd trial. The data from TPE assay indicate that SFM could not entirely replace soybean meal and SFM is deficient in lysine. Values for AME(n) and TMEn were 6.093 and 7.025 MJ/kg, respectively. The data indicate that 60.0% of sunflower meal protein (18.0% SFM in the diet) could replace soybean protein when supplemented with L-lysine without any effects on growth and feed/gain ratio during 28-58 d of age. Results reveal that sunflower meal protein between 25.0-50.0% of soy bean meal protein (9.0-12.0% in che diet) can be also fed during 14-52 d of age. Addition of L-lysine to 50.0% SFM improved growth, but feed/gain ratio was poorer than that of soybean meal-control diet. There were insignificant differences in percentage of dressing, front or hind part and abdominal fat or any of body organs of ducks when different levels of SFM replaced soybean meal. It was found that SFM (26.5% CP; 22.6% CF) as an alternative protein component in duck diets could be fed between 9.0-12.0% of the diet during 14-58 d of age or supplemented with L-lysine and fed at 18.0% of the dice during 28-58 d of age without affecting performance of Pekin ducklings, although 9.0%-12.0% seems to be more profitable due to less lysine required.