Comparing the protein source and frequency of supplementation of forage intake, competitive feeding interactions, and nutrient utilization for beef cattle fed low-quality forages
Date: July 2021
Term: 2 years
Status: Completed
Researcher: Gregory Penner, University of Saskatchewan
SaskCanola Investment: $64,115
Total Project Cost: $134,230
Funding Partners: Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Project Summary
Researchers wanted to determine if canola meal could be a suitable protein source for beef cattle. The main objectives of this study were to compare distillers’ grains and canola meal as protein supplements for beef cattle consuming low-quality forage, and to evaluate if the frequency of protein supplementation affected nutrient utilization and feeding behaviour. Overall, the study showed that protein supplementation of heifers grazing low-quality forages does increase forage DMI, heifer ADG and other factors, and that feeding double the amount of protein supplements every second day was sufficient. The study showed that canola meal is a high-quality protein source and may be more economically favourable than distillers' grains.
Forages in western Canada may not contain sufficient protein to meet nutrient requirements for beef cattle. Therefore, producers may be required to utilize protein supplements to augment the dietary protein level. Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan and industry wanted to determine if canola meal could be a suitable protein source for beef cattle.
The main objectives of this two-year study were to compare use and digestion kinetics for low-oil dry distillers’ grains, a high protein byproduct from the ethanol industry, and canola meal, a major high protein byproduct of canola oil production, as protein supplements for beef cattle consuming low-quality forage. Researchers also wanted to determine whether the source of protein and the frequency of protein supplementation, daily versus alternate days affected nutrient utilization and feeding behaviour of cattle.
The study was conducted at the University of Saskatchewan's Livestock Research Building using yearling heifers. The control treatment group were fed a mature grass hay-based diet and no protein supplements for 21 days. The other treatments included feeding the mature grass hay-based diet and either canola meal or low-oil dry distillers' grain supplements as pellets either daily or every second day for 21 days. Factors including heifer performance and behavior, forage dry matter intake (DMI), heifer average daily gain (ADG), total ruminal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration and ruminal ammonia concentration were assessed.
The study results confirmed that providing supplemental protein to beef heifers when fed a protein deficient diet stimulates forage intake and average daily gain. Beef heifers fed low quality forage and provided with either canola meal or distillers' grains showed increased forage DMI, heifer ADG, total ruminal SCFA concentration and ruminal ammonia concentration than those without protein supplementation. The growth performance responses in the study showed gains of more than 0.8 lbs/day over the control, and really shows that control cattle were limited on protein to meet their daily requirements.
Although performance results of feeding canola meal or distillers' grains were similar, the study showed that canola meal is a high-quality protein source and may be more economically favourable than distillers' grains. Canola meal protein was degraded to a greater extent in the rumen than low-oil dry distillers' grain protein resulting in greater levels of ruminal ammonia-N. The supplement frequency did not affect forage or pellet DMI, but alternate-day supplementation led to increased competitive behavior between heifers and faster eating rate of the supplement provided due to increased motivation to feed when feed is offered less frequently.
Overall, the study showed there is a clear need for protein supplementation of heifers fed low-quality forages, and that canola meal can be a suitable economically favorable option. The study also showed feeding double the amount of protein supplements every second day was sufficient, saving producers time, labor and machinery costs. Overall, the study results highlight that cattle can up-cycle byproducts such as canola meal that are not suitable for humans and convert them into a high-quality meat source.
Other References to this Research Project
RealAgriculture article and video: A little canola meal goes a long way on heifer gains
Video: Continuing Chronicle of Canola Meal Supplementation at Circle