Feeding Value

November 2013

Being a dairy producer isn’t cheap. Facility, labor, animal health and feed costs all add up quickly, meaning that every decision made on the farm must bring some type of value to the operation. With feed costs dominating the expense sheet for most dairy producers, why not pick a protein source for your cows that is both high-quality and affordable?

When picking a protein source, nutritionists may consider for an amino acid profile that is as similar to the amino acids present in the microbial protein, or the protein present in a cow’s rumen that helps to turn low quality protein into something usable for the cow. Even though microbial protein helps improve the protein you are feeding, at some point, the microbial protein cannot improve the source anymore, due to the first limiting amino acid. Think of it like building a brick wall. The cement helps strengthen the bricks, but once you run out of cement, you can no longer strengthen the wall.

If you feed a protein source that is made up of amino acids similar to the ones that make up microbial protein, then you are ensuring that your cows are getting the best possible nutrients so they can keep producing milk.

One example of a protein with an excellent amino acid profile in canola meal. Canola meal’s amino acid profile is closer to that of microbial protein than any other plan-based protein source. The microbial protein is able to improve upon canola meal more than soybean meal or corn DDGS, meaning dairymen get more value out of canola meal than other protein sources. Feeding canola meal as your protein source means having to feed less to get to your desired protein levels, as well as less waste, resulting in value and efficiency for your operation.

Want to learn more about canola meal? Ask your nutritionist how canola meal can play a part in your dairy ration.