The effect of autoclaving and methionine supplementation on the growth of chicks given diets containing field beans (Vicia fabaL.)

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Abstract
Three experiments are described. The first two show that a beneficial effect on live‐weight gain and food conversion efficiency may be obtained when beans are autoclaved before feeding to chicks at levels up to 75% of the diet. However, much of the response obtained may have been due to an increase in amino acid availability after autoclaving. When no amino acids were limiting, the response in live‐weight gain to autoclaving was small and it is unlikely to justify commercial adoption. In the third experiment it was found that the gain was similar whether the beans were autoclaved for 15, 30, 60 or 90 min. No response to the removal of tannins by ethanol extraction was obtained.