Advances in dairy Research
Open Access

Abstract

Canola Meal as a Feed Ingredient for Lactating Dairy Cows: A Review

Essi Evans* and Brittany Wood

The objective of this review is to compile the most recent research into the use of canola meal as a feed ingredient for lactating dairy cows. Canola is a relatively new oilseed derived largely from rapeseed and bred to remove the prominent anti nutritional factors found in the oil (erucic acid) and the meal (glucosinolates). Canola meal is the residue remaining after oil extraction and solvent extracted canola meal contains on average 42% crude protein (dry matter basis) and is used primarily as a protein supplement. Canola meal is more fibrous than solvent extracted soybean meal and therefore supplies less energy than soybean meal but a greater rumen escape protein value (% of protein basis) along with an amino acid profile similar to that of milk, making it well suited for lactating dairy cows. Values for the nutrient content and nutrient digestibility are reviewed. Results from early and mid-lactation feeding studies in which canola meal was substituted for soybean meal are summarized. Similarly, findings from mid lactation feeding trials involving other vegetable proteins are given. Recent information regarding the contribution of canola meal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is provided. Keywords: Canola meal; Lactating dairy cows; Milk production; Greenhouse gas mitigation Abbreviations: CM: Canola Meal; DCAD: Dietary Cation-Anion Difference; DDGS: Distillers’ Grains and Solubles; DM: Dry Matter; DMI: Dry Matter Intake; NDF: Neutral Detergent Fiber; RUP: Rumen Undegraded Protein

Published Date: 2023-08-14; Received Date: 2023-06-08