Canola meal makes ration balancing simple. The superior amino acid profile, along with a high percentage of rumen bypass protein has repeatedly been shown to support milk production with lower amounts of protein, resulting in lower levels of milk urea nitrogen (MUN) and less waste.
Canola meal is a well-researched feed ingredient for dairy cows that consistently provides value for producers, as shown in recent academic studies. Field trials conducted in Wisconsin have shown that canola meal can be an alternative for animal proteins and can also be used to replace the high bypass protein soybean meal products that are often needed in rations balanced for amino acids.
The following are some ways canola meal provides value to dairy producers:
- Mid-lactation cows fed canola meal as their primary protein source average 2.2 pounds more milk per day when compared to cows fed primarily soybean meal (Huhtanen et al., 2011).
- Canola meal in early lactation has been shown to get cows off to a good start, with even higher production. Cows receiving canola meal produced 4 kg/day more energy corrected in one trial
- Cows find canola meal highly palatable. Recent studies have demonstrated that cows will readily consume 20 percent of their diet as canola meal.
- Canola meal has been proven to pair well with high-forage diets, as well as with a variety of grains and starch levels.
- Canola meal is a rich source of phosphorus, often a costly required nutrient.