Study Suggests Canola as Feed Bumps Milk Production

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The Canola Council of Canada recently announced the findings from an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada-funded Chinese study that suggests dairy cattle fed canola meal significantly increased their total milk production.

The study shows that when used in dry rations, meal from Canadian canola can increase daily milk production by .6 kilograms per cow, according to a Canola Council press release. One kilogram of milk is roughly equivalent to one litre. Over the past 30 years research done in various countries with Canadian canola meal has shown a cumulative average increase in milk production of one litre per cow per day, so this most recent study in China is consistent with long-term studies, the Canola Council says.

The findings are significant, as Chinese demand for milk is skyrocketing and milk quality is a concern for both dairies and consumers alike. The study marks a turning point in the development of China’s dairy industry, and it opens up potential opportunities for Canadian canola meal in China, the Canola Council says. Assuming the entire Chinese dairy industry included Canadian canola meal, milk production in China would inc

Canola Council President Patti Miller chaired a recent event that rolled out the findings, saying,“We are delighted with the success of this joint research project with China,” said Miller. “Canola meal has now proven its value as a feed product in Chinese dairies, opening the door for China’s milk industry to enhance quality and increase production without significantly increasing cost.”

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