Slight Increase in Oil in April Canola Exports

WINNIPEG - May 23/02 - STAT -- There was a slight increase in the oil content of canola exported from Canada during April, according to the latest quality data compiled by the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC).

Shipments during the month average 42.2% oil, just ahead of the season average and oil content levels measured in March. Both came in at 42.1%. But slightly below the 42.5% average oil content in canola shipped during the 2000-01 marketing campaign.

Protein content in April came in at 21.7%, down from the 22.7% average reported for March cargoes, but identical to the season average of 21.7%. Protein content during the 200-01 marketing year averaged 21.1% on export cargoes shipped from Canada.

April's numbers were based on shipments of 155,207 metric tons (MT) of No 1 Canada canola. This lifted season to date totals of No 1 grade export clearances through Canada's major ports to 1,762,037 MT, compared to exports of 3,170 MT of No 2 Canada product and 118,058 MT of farmers dressed No 1 Canada canola -- or NCC (not commercially cleaned) canola.

The amount of chlorophyll in seed exported during April was 26 mg/kg, the same as the season average but 1 mg higher than recorded o in March.

Looking at other quality parameters, the CGC found the oil in April canola shipments contained an average of 0.2% erucic acid, 9.9% linolenic acid, 7.2% saturated fatty acids, 0.7% free fatty acids, and an iodine content of 113. Canola shipments so far this season contain an average of 0.1% erucic acid, 9.9% linolenic acid, 7.2% saturated fatty acids, 0.8% free fatty acids and an iodine value of 113.

The most important anti-nutritive element in canola meal are glucosinolates. The quantity present in April was identical to the season average of 12 umol/gram, which is 9% above the 11 umol/gram found in cargoes shipped during the 2000-01 sales campaign.