Oilseeds Can Supplement Cattle Rations

REGINA - Apr 12/05 - SNS -- Oilseeds which are not suitable for crushing can be a good supplement in cattle rations, says Vern Racz, Executive Director of the Saskatoon-based Prairie Feed Resource Centre (PFRC).

"Every year in Saskatchewan, we have oilseed commodities that are unfit for human consumption. For instance, last year we had a lot of green and sample canola, due to frost and poor growing conditions. We are showing producers how they can use these off-grade oilseeds in the diet of their cattle in a way that is beneficial for both oilseed and livestock producers," Racz said.

"When sunflower, flax and canola seed are integrated as protein and energy replacements in barley-based rations, the oil they contain is fermented differently. You get a more efficient rumen fermentation for a unit of oil than you get for a unit of starch."

This has the effect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock herds. To actually measure this, researchers use an apparatus fitted as a yoke around the neck of the animals, which captures the gas that comes out of cattle's nostrils. The contraption doesn't bother the animals and provides an accurate read of emissions.

Research has shown that rations with higher oil content significantly reduce production of methane, a greenhouse gas produced in the rumen of cattle.

In order to ensure effectiveness, a certain amount of feed processing has to take place. For instance, canola has to be ground with barley at a rate of one-third as much barley as canola, in order to keep the hammer mill screens from getting plugged.

Initial results are encouraging, according to Racz. "We have also been looking at the effect of oilseeds on carcass composition and the fatty acid content of the meat. We will follow up with the animals to study how they respond to the diet with the intention of stimulating developments in specialty meat products — what is increasingly being referred to as designer meats."

The use of edible oils in rations is becoming increasingly attractive, not only because of their ability to increase production efficiency; reduce greenhouse emissions; and produce meat and milk products with enhanced health benefits; but also because it eliminates some of the negative side effects and digestive disorders that can be associated with feeding more fermentable carbohydrates found in high grain rations.

"With oils, producers have the benefit of increasing energy density in the diet without increasing the risk of acidosis. All of these factors make for a very promising field of opportunities for agricultural producers. Stay tuned," says Racz.