[Testing of rapeseed with different glucosinolate contents in growing swine--a contribution for the evaluation of native harmful substances in food].

Glucosinolates are present in kale but also in rapeseed meal. Rapeseed meal diets with 0.2 to 8 g (0.5-19 mmol) glucosinolates/kg were tested with a total of 197 growing pigs. The iodine supply was different. In case of lacking iodine pigs consumed less of feed with rapeseed meal. The growth was strongly lowered. Clinical hypothyroidism had occurred. In the serum T4 was not detectable. The strongly enlarged thyroid contained only little iodine. The Zn status was impaired. The serum vitamin A concentration was increased and Cu has been accumulated in the liver. Giving iodine the glucosinolates were without any effect or the effects were weakened. In case of < 2 g glucosinolates/kg diet the feed intake was not impaired. 1 g glucosinolates/kg diet had not affected thyroid weight (reference range: 80-120 mg/kg body weight). However iodine dosage was above requirement. In people an estimated daily intake of 0.1 g glucosinolates may be a health risk only under iodine deficiency conditions.