Canola meal
Canola (Brassica napus or Brassica campestris) is an oilseed which is widely grown in Australia, Canada and the Northern states of the U.S. and has been developed out of rapeseed, which is high in erucic acid and glucosinolates. These anti-nutritional factors have sharp bitter flavours and can cause decreased performance and feed consumption. Canola was developed to produce food grade oil (Canadian Oil, low acid) and a feed grade by-product (Canola meal) low in anti-nutritional factors. The oil is separated from the meal by crushing and solvent extraction of the Canola seed. Canola meal is widely used as feed ingredient in ruminant diets, mainly for its protein content.
Features and benefits:
- Canola meal contains about 40 percent protein, o0f which 30-35 percent is rumen undegradable ("bypass"). The other is 65-70 percent is degradable in the rumen. This is quite similar to the protein fraction found in soybean meal
- Canola meal is relatively high in the amino acids histidine, Threonine and the sulphur containing amino acids methionine and cystein, which makes it a good combination with other protein sources like soybean meal
- As the canola-hulls stay with the meal while being processed the fibre levels (NDF) are slightly higher than those found in soybean meal, which is de-hulled before the extraction process. This results in a ME somewhat lower than found in soybean meal
- The level of macro minerals like Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus are relatively high in Canola meal as compared with other oilseed meals
- Canola works well in diets low in rumen degradable protein, e.g. in diets with over 40 % of the diet in low protein feeds as maize silage, whole crop silage, stalky grass silage or grain.
Feeding recommendations:
The benefits of canola meal are best captured in a balanced feed ration. Normally feeding rates for dairy cows are 0.5-2 kg per day. Canola meal is slightly less palatable than other oilseed meals and usually will take a few days for dairy cattle to adjust to after introduction. Canola meal can be fed mixed with silage in the paddock or on the feed pad. It can also9 be fed via the grain feeding system in the dairy shed, by itself or mixed with other ingredients. Canola is not suitable for self-feeding like Palm Kernel Expeller. Consult your nutritionist or farm consultant to work out the most optimal inclusion level for your particular situation.
Storage:
Like all feedstuffs, canola meal should be stored dry, in bulk bins or placed on cement slabs (away from vermin and covered and protected from the weather accordingly).
Inclusion Levels
| Animal | Inclusion Level (%) |
|---|---|
| Calves Inclusion (%) | 15 |
| Beef Cattle Inclusion (%) | 20 |
| Lamb Inclusion (%) | 10 |
| Sheep Inclusion (%) | 15 |
| Broiler Inclusion (%) | 15 |
| Layer Inclusion (%) | 10 |
| Starter Pig Inclusion (%) | 10 |
| Finisher Pig Inclusion (%) | 15 |
| Sow Inclusion (%) | 20 |
Nutritional Information
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Moisture (%) | 11.08 |
| Protein (%) | 40.0 |
| ME (MJ/kg) | 11.5 |
| DE (MJ/kg) | 11.9 |
| AME (MJ/kg) | 7.3 |
| Fat (%) | 2.0 |
| NDF (%) | 27.0 |
| Ash (%) | 7.0 |
| ADF (%) | 18.0 |
| Calcium (%) | 0.65 |
| Phosphorus (%) | 0.50 |
| Magnesium (%) | 0.40 |
| Lysine (%) | 1.95 |
| Methionine (%) | 0.73 |
| Cysteine (%) | 0.87 |
| Threonine (%) | 1.49 |
| Tryptophan (%) | 0.45 |
| CP (%) | 38.0 |
| DM (%) | 88.9 |
Disclaimer
These feeding recommendations are to be used as a guide only, and to assist readers in understanding generally accepted feeding levels. Readers should not rely on these guidelines in making specific feeding decisions but should consult an appropriate nutritionist for specific total dietary approach recommendations. Online Supplements Ltd. makes no warranties that these recommendations are suitable for any particular herd or for any particular animal. Online Supplements Ltd. disclaims any liability for any problems encountered in the use of these recommendations.
