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May 2014
Research isn’t sparse that proves canola meal protein is an effective protein ingredient in dairy rations, and can be substituted for soybean meal without question. We have similarly learned that canola meal and high-protein dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) work well when mixed together as protein sources for dairy cows, but how do they compare alone? In a study conducted in California in 2012, four groups of 320 cows each were fed different rations: Two groups received rations in which the protein was made up of different levels of canola meal and DDGS; one control group received only canola meal protein; and a fourth control group were given protein only from DDGS.
The table below shows the results of the two control groups:
The cows receiving only canola meal produced over 5 pounds more milk, 0.06 pounds more fat and a whopping 0.18 pounds more protein than those cows receiving protein only from DDGS. While many dairyman have found success feeding a ration containing both canola meal and DDGS, by itself, canola meal has proven to be a high-quality protein source for dairy cows.
