Variation in feed ingredient quality: oilseed meals

Oilseed meals frequently constitute between 20 and 30% of poultry and livestock diets and contribute more than half of total protein. Thus, factors relating to protein quality and amino acid composition are of prime concern in assessing oilseed meal quality. Total protein content can be affected by factors such as cultivar, growing conditions, and levels of fiber and moisture. Of equal concern is the quality of protein in oilseed meals as influenced by degree of processing. Overheating during the drying/desolventizing phase can impair lysine digestibility. An overall quality control program for oilseeds must be based on the measurement of variations in protein content and, in addition, degree of processing.