Canola Meal — Livestock Feed Analysis
Canola meal is the protein-rich residue remaining after oil extraction from canola seed, providing 36% crude protein and 74% TDN. Canola meal has become an increasingly important protein supplement as canola production has expanded in the United States and Canada. Its amino acid profile is similar to soybean meal but with slightly lower lysine and higher methionine content. Canola meal has a high proportion of ruminally undegradable protein (40-45%), providing excellent bypass protein for dairy cows and growing cattle. For swine and poultry, canola meal can replace up to 50% of the soybean meal in the diet without affecting performance. Modern canola varieties contain very low levels of glucosinolates and erucic acid, which were concerns with older rapeseed varieties. Canola meal is particularly cost-effective in the northern Great Plains and Pacific Northwest where canola is grown locally.
Which Animals Can Canola Meal Feed?
The table below shows how Canola Meal performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 36% crude protein and 74% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 36% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 74% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where canola meal fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 26.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $140.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 54.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $285.83 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 24.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $128.33 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $30.63 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $35.00 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $30.63 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.3 lbs | Yes | No | $70.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | No | $43.75 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $1.17 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | No | $1.75 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | Yes | No | $5.10 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $1.84 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $1.63 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $36.75 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $15.75 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $43.75 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $210.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $116.67 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.6 lbs | Yes | Yes | $29.17 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $35.00 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Canola Meal with other feeds in the protein-supplement category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Soybean Meal | 90% | 44% | 84% | $450 | $500 |
| Cottonseed Meal | 91% | 41% | 75% | $380 | $418 |
| Canola Meal | 90% | 36% | 74% | $350 | $389 |
Feeding Guidelines for Canola Meal
When incorporating canola meal into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 90%, each pound of as-fed canola meal provides 0.90 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 36% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 5.8 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 74% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of canola meal at $350 per ton translates to $0.175 per pound as-fed or $0.195 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.