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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Dairy Forage Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #347898
Research Project: Forage Characteristics and Utilization that Improve Efficiency of Growth, Performance, Nutrient Use, and Environmental Impacts of Dairy Production

Location: Dairy Forage Research

Title: Canola meal versus soybean meal in dairy cow diets

Author
item Kalscheur, Kenneth
item MOORE, SPENCER - University Of Wisconsin

Submitted to: Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/2017
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The use of oilseed crop by-products as animal feed is an effective way to feed dairy cattle and supply required nutrients, specifically protein. Two of these popular oilseed by-products used in dairy systems include canola and soybean meals. While soybean meal has long been a staple in North American dairy rations, the popularity of canola meal inclusion is on the rise due to an increase in canola production in North America. The increased availability of this quality animal feed has necessitated research efforts to evaluate its value in dairy production systems. Recent research in which cows were fed either canola meal or soybean meal as the primary protein feedstuff for the first 4 months of lactation resulted in a 9.9-lb/per day increase in milk production from cows fed canola meal. Increased milk production may be explained in part by a 1.8-lb/per day increase in intake, but also an improved amino acid supply in diets with canola meal. Canola meal may provide a cost-favorable source of essential amino acids, especially for dairy cows in early lactation.