Using canola as cattle feed
Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist, Swift Current Saskatchewan Agriculture
Are you considering incorporating canola into your feeding program? In a recent webinar, Dr. Greg Penner, professor at the University of Saskatchewan, and Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist Alexis DeCorby presented on using canola as a protein supplement for livestock and as a forage source. Here we will discuss some key takeaways from their presentations and some considerations when deciding if canola is the right option for your operation.
Canola as a protein supplement
Canola can be an excellent supplement for diets that are deficient in crude protein. Dr. Penner noted that not only do protein deficient diets reduce performance, but feed intake is also negatively affected by a reduction in the rumen microbe’s ability to degrade fibre, reducing passage of fibre through the rumen and limiting how much cattle can consume. Studies have demonstrated an improvement in pregnancy rate and calf average daily gain when offered diets with sufficient protein relative to those that do not meet cow requirements. While energy supplements must be fed daily, protein supplements can be offered on a regular but infrequent basis. Feeding protein every second day can maximize the animal’s capability to recycle urea that would otherwise be lost in urine. By doing this, it maximizes the amount of nutrients available to be incorporated into microbial protein development.
How does canola compare to other protein supplements? Canola meal typically contains around 39 per cent crude protein with fat content varying by oil extraction method. If feeding whole off-grade or heat-damaged canola, the increased fat content can improve the energy value greatly. However, the seeds must be processed or they will pass through the gut undigested. Dr. Penner shared data demonstrating that there was minimal observed difference between canola meal, distiller’s grains and soybean meal, and suggested that selection of the protein source be based upon commodity prices, as performance responses are likely to be marginal. When pricing out protein supplements, be sure to compare price per unit of protein. Due to its higher protein content, in many cases canola meal may be more economical despite appearing more costly. Canola forage
Alexis DeCorby highlighted some best management practices to keep in mind when harvesting canola as forage. When harvested under ideal conditions, canola can have similar protein, energy and fibre content to a grass alfalfa blend when harvested as hay, or barley silage when harvested as silage. To maximize feed value, canola should be harvested at the late bloom to early pod stage; beyond this stage, quality will decline as the forage becomes stemmier. While standing canola can be grazed, it requires feed testing, careful management and limiting cattle access to small portions of the field. Consult the Guide to Crop Protection to determine any feed or grazing restrictions that may apply based on herbicide, fungicide, or insecticide use.
Pricing canola forage when harvested as a salvage crop can be challenging. Consider input costs, cost of harvest/ baling and the potential feed value of the crop based on its stage when negotiating prices. Both Alexis DeCorby and Dr. Penner cautioned that canola can be high in sulphur and nitrates, so it is imperative to test feed and water sources to ensure that total sulphur and nitrate levels do not exceed recommended guidelines. As well, be sure to test for fat content as high dietary fat can decrease fibre digestibility. If quality of forage or presence of high sulphur or nitrates limits the amount of canola that can be incorporated into the diet, consider the additional feed resources you have available or will require to utilize the canola.
When in doubt about harvesting canola as a salvage crop, consider the following acronym:
C – Conditions – What stage is the crop at, are there any chemical restrictions?
A – Anti-Nutritional Factors – Consider
nitrate, sulphur and fat content.
N – Negotiate a price.
O – Options – Is it best to bale, graze or silage this crop to achieve optimum quality?
L – Limitations – If blending is necessary, what other feed do you have? Is water quality an issue?
A – Assess quality of feed – Remember to feed test. Drought-stressed crops have unpredictable quality.
View the webinar recording to learn more about how canola can fit into your rations. For more information on how to use canola as a feed on your operation, contact your local livestock and feed extension specialist or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.