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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 #353470
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 for early lactation cows

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

Submitted to: Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/25/2018
Publication Date: 6/14/2018
Citation: Moore, S.A.E. and K.F. Kalscheur. 2018. Canola meal for early lactation cows. Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, Dubuque, Iowa. Symposium Proceedings pages 149-151.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Energy and protein demands in early lactation are great. Feed intake during the postpartum period does not provide the nutrient quantity necessary for the lactating animal and therefore, body reserve mobilization occurs. The dairy cow utilizes protein as an energy source and amino acids for the synthesis of milk lactose and protein, respectively. Increasing the quantity or the quality of the protein provided during this period can be a useful tool in managing the highly sensitive and important transition period. Canola meal is a high quality feed that can be used in early lactation to meet the protein demands of high producing dairy cows. Recent research in which cows were either canola meal or soybean meal as the primary protein feedstuff for the first 4 months of lactation resulted in a 9.9 lb increase in milk production from cows fed canola meal. Increased milk production may be explained in part by a 1.8 lb 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.