This year we are seeing huge canola yields being recorded all across Australia. With such high levels being recorded often the result is lower protein levels in the meal which is something that all buyers and sellers should be aware of.
It is important to realise that the level of protein in Canola Meal can be impacted by the type of growing season it has had. A hot and dry growing season often leads to lower yields and increased protein levels, whereas, a wet growing season often results in higher yields and lower protein levels. In order not to lose productivity in your herd it is essential to find out exactly what you are feeding them as the protein levels may have changed from last year.
Canola Meal is an important protein component that is used in high production dairy cow and beef feedlot rations throughout Australia. This rich protein source has been growing in popularity over the recent years in the livestock industry and has also had many improvements in increasing its protein levels and yield potential from breeding. Due to the sugars and residual oils found in Canola Meal, the degradable protein fraction in the product is able to breakdown and ferment slower in the rumen which means that it is less likely to cause a sudden decrease in the pH levels which could cause acidosis. The un-degradable protein fraction is successfully broken down in the small intestine where it releases essential amino acids.
If you are buying canola meal or selling canola meal we recommend you get it tested, not only will your Feed Test tell you how much protein is in the meal but it will also give you the following information listed below, making it a valuable piece of documentation that you cannot afford not to have!
Feed Testing (NIR) tests for the following:
- Moisture
- DM
- CP
- ADF
- NDF
- Fibre
- Ash
- Crude Fat
- Soluble Protein % of CP
- NFC
- TDN
- Net Energy Lactation
- Net Energy Maintenance
- Net Energy Gain
- DE
- ME
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sulfur
