Canola as a feed for dairy cows

Canola defined The official definition of canola is a rape plant of an imporved variety having seeds that are low in erucic acid and are the source of canola oil

Word origin of canola The word origin of canola is: CANCanada OOil LALow Acid

Facts about Canola Canola is Canada’s major oilseed crop Canola averages 0.6% erucic acid Considered a very healthy oil that may improve health by lowering blood cholesterol levels and regulating blood flow Good source of vitamin E

Canola as a feed additive Feeding dairy cows is the highest cost on a farm, the use of high quality forages and corn silage control these costs. If a poor growing season occurs levels of protein and energy will decrease in our harvested feeds, lowering feed intakes and milk production. In this case farmers must purchase feed additives to raise protein and energy levels.

Canola as a feed additive Canola is grown for its oil, the meal, a byproduct remaining after the oil is pressed from the seed, is used as a protein supplement. The nutritional value of canola meal compares favorably to soybean meal, being just slightly lower in protein and energy but higher in fiber.

Canola as a feed additive Research has demonstrated its value as a very satisfactory protein and mineral source for all classes of dairy animals. Canola meal protein is degraded relatively fast in the rumen. Canola meal is much safer to feed than rapeseed meal.

Canola meal-vs-Soybean meal Canola meal:Soybean meal: 40% crude protein- 49.9% crude protein 3.0% fat- 1.5% fat.79 NEl-.89 NEl 36% NDF- 15% NDF The added fiber will promote a healthy rumen and the levels of crude protein are adequate for a healthy dairy cow supplement.

Canola Meal Canola meal has an excellent amino acid profile and is rich in vitamins and essential minerals Canola meal is one of the most widely used protein sources in animal feeds.

Research study done in Alaska The study done was called Use of Canola in dairy cattle diets from the Agriculture and Forestry Experimentation Station by: Kirsten Randall Stephen M. Dofing Donald J. Brainard

Research Study The study was done over 3 years, 20 cows were housed in 5 groups of 4 cows each. Cows began the trial in their 3 rd week post partum and continued through their 15 th week. Diets contained 0,2,4,6 pounds of canola/cow/day, which equals to 0,4,8, and 12% total canola in the diet.

Results of the tests showed Results of the tests showed more milk production in the diets that contained canola as a feed additive over the non canola test group. The group fed no canola averaged 91.6lbs of milk-vs-103.2lbs. for the group fed 2 lbs. of canola. Researchers recommended feeding canola at a rate of 3-4lbs/cow/day or 6-8% of the total diet on a dry matter basis.

Price of Canloa-vs-Soybean meal Canola Meal: $159.00/ton On a 100 cow farm at the recommended rate of 2-3 pounds/cow this would be $0.24/cow/day. Soybean Meal $190.00/ton 100 cow farm at 2-3 pounds would be $0.28/cow/day

Conclusion Overall the benefits of using canola will help our dairy cows by increasing protein, fat, and fiber levels. Contrary to what is said canola is safe for cows and has low levels of erucic acid. The biggest advantage is that it is palatable and highly digestible.