Evaluation of high levels of solvent extracted Camelina sativa meal in diets on performance, blood indices, cecal microorganisms, and nutrient digestibility in broilers

This study aimed to investigate the influence of utilizing high levels of solvent extracted Camelina sativa meal (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz, Arslanbey cultivar) in broilers. A total of 270 Ross 308 male chicks were randomly distributed into five groups. Solvent extracted Camelina sativa meal was used at the levels of 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25%. The trial lasted 42 days. Significant linear reduction was observed in live weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, European Production Efficiency Factor, and carcass yield. The relative weight percentages of the heart, proventriculus, gizzard, and thyroid gland, as well as the heterophils/lymphocyte ratio, serum total cholesterol, albumin, IgA, and IgG levels increased linearly with the use of Camelina sativa meal in the diets. No significant changes were observed in free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) hormone levels and fT3/fT4 ratio in serum and the counts of E. coli and Lactobacillus in the cecum. Dietary Camelina sativa meal causes a significant reduction in villus height of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. It decreases the villus height/crypt depth ratio in jejunum and ileum and also the digestibility values of dry matter, crude protein, and energy. It is concluded that high levels (10, 15, 20, and 25%) of solvent extracted Camelina sativa meal were not suitable feedstuffs for broiler production.