The field trials were conducted by the Canola Council of Canada with the help of GPS Dairy Consulting. The purpose of the trial was to find if producers could increase efficiency by replacing multiple high-priced protein sources, such as animal protein blends and treated soybean meal, with canola meal while maintaining milk yield.
Two Wisconsin dairies volunteered to participate in the trial. The first farm, Shiloh Dairy, milked 2,100 cows with an average of 100 pounds of milk per cow per day. The second farm was a 700-cow dairy that also averaged 100 pounds of milk per cow per day. The trial rations replaced animal protein and high-bypass soybean meal with canola meal and rumen-protected lysine. Cows were monitored for a total of four months: two months on the control diet and two months on the trial diet.
After the trial was complete, both dairies noted:
- The trial ration was comparable in price or less expensive;
- Their yield weight of milk, fat and protein increased (See Tables 1 and 2); and
- The additional canola meal allowed them to streamline sourcing protein ingredients.
These findings are important for dairy operations looking to lower feed costs while maintaining production. “The trial demonstrated that cows will readily accept 8 to 9 pounds of canola meal,” stated Dr. Essi Evans, Technical Advisory Services, Inc. “It provided cows with a well-balanced diet and allowed higher-priced proteins to be removed.”
Although the field trials were small, the Council was encouraged by the positive results, and will continue to research the uses of canola meal for dairy animals.
For more information about the Canola Council of Canada or its field trials, contact Brittany Dyck at 204-982-7763 or visit www.canolamazing.com.
About Canolamazing
Canola meal is a coproduct of canola processing and is approximately 36 percent crude protein, with a high bypass protein value and amino acid profile well suited for milk production. Because of its high protein content, canola meal is often used as a protein supplement for animal feeds, including dairy rations. Visit www.canolamazing.com to learn more.
