The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) has released the 7th edition of the Canola Meal Dairy Feeding Guide in April 2024, offering dairy producers and nutritionists an updated, research-based resource on the benefits of canola meal in dairy cattle diets. This comprehensive guide provides the latest insights into nutrient profiles, digestibility, economic advantages, and environmental impacts of feeding canola meal to dairy cows.
Key Updates in the 7th Edition
Since the last edition in 2019, extensive research has further clarified the benefits of incorporating canola meal into dairy rations. The new edition includes:
- Updated nutrient profiles and digestibility values for both solvent-extracted and expeller canola meal.
- Findings on canola meal’s role in early lactation and its ability to support milk production throughout the lactation cycle.
- Evidence of canola meal’s impact on gut health and its contribution to overall herd well-being.
- Research on how canola meal supports environmental sustainability in dairy production.
- Expanded studies on feeding canola meal to dairy calves and heifers.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
One of the guide’s primary focuses is addressing concerns around profitability and sustainability in dairy nutrition. Field trials featured in the guide show that feeding canola meal can lead to increased profitability.
Additionally, canola meal has been shown to contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing methane emissions in lactating dairy cows. Research included in the guide indicates that canola meal can lower enteric methane and nitrous oxide output, two significant greenhouse gases in livestock production, while simultaneously enhancing milk yield.
Growing Adoption in Dairy Nutrition
As more dairy producers in the U.S. incorporate canola meal into their feeding programs, the guide serves as a practical resource for ration formulation. It provides a balance of theoretical knowledge and real-world application, helping producers compare production results with other protein sources and offering nutritionists in-depth digestibility data.
About Canola Meal
Canola meal, a byproduct of canola processing, is a high-quality protein source containing approximately 36% crude protein. With a strong amino acid profile and high bypass protein value, it is well-suited for milk production and is widely used as a protein supplement in dairy rations.
For more information and to access the full guide, visit Canolamazing.com.
