Level of canola source fat in pregnant beef cow diets - effects on cow and calf performance

Term: 3 years, beginning in 2021
Status: Ongoing
Researcher: Bart Lardner, University of Saskatchewan
SaskCanola Investment: $25,000
Total Project Cost: $421,179
Funding Partners: Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association, Beef Cattle Research Council

Objectives

1. Evaluate the pre and postpartum performance of beef cows receiving four levels of fat from canola seed supplementation.

2. Evaluate the birth to slaughter performance of progeny of beef cows that received four levels of fat from supplementation during gestation.

3. Study biological systems involved in performance change of progeny of beef cows that received four levels of supplement.

4. Determine systems costs and net returns for four levels of fat from canola seed supplementation of beef cows.

This research is not only focus on determining the optimum amount of fat from off-grade canola seed supplementation to gestating beef cows, but the economic price point (taking into account prices of traditional feed sources and canola inclusion costs) when canola supplementation is most profitable. The proposed study will generate a new potential use for the large amounts of off-grade canola seed produced every year in Saskatchewan, as well as new information on supplementation strategies for cow-calf producers to reduce feed costs and improve animal performance of the herd.

Other References to this Research Project

• Saskatoon StarPhoenix article: Upcycling canola may increase cattle health: U of S research