Fermented rapeseed meal in lactating-cow diets
Dairy farming is developing more slowly than it could. One reason is that many farms have yet to adopt modern technologies that help animals express their genetic potential. As a result, even high-quality cows produce less milk than they are capable of.
Why conventional diets fall short
The main challenge is feeding: diets often remain incomplete or unbalanced. Crude protein and energy content are usually considered, but these alone are not enough. The balance between rumen-degradable and rumen-undegradable protein is equally important. If this balance is wrong, cows do not receive enough amino acids and milk production falls below its potential. This is why more farms are turning to modern feed additives.
The value of fermented protein
Fermented rapeseed meal is a new-generation ingredient produced by solid-state fermentation. It has a high rumen-undegradable protein content—over 60%—and is virtually free of antinutritional factors.
The benefits include:
Fermented ingredients therefore provide a practical tool for improving productivity.
The benefits include:
- Noticeably improved nutrient utilisation;
- Higher rumen volatile fatty acid levels;
- Lower ammonia levels and more stable digestion;
- More microbial protein available for milk protein synthesis.
Fermented ingredients therefore provide a practical tool for improving productivity.
Trial results
A trial on a farm near Moscow examined the effect of replacing conventional rapeseed meal with fermented meal. Three groups of cows with similar characteristics received different diets:
Even partial replacement produced a noticeable effect: milk yield increased by approximately 4.4%, and milk protein content rose by 1.5%. The cows produced more milk with greater nutritional value. Full replacement produced an even greater response: protein was utilised more effectively and directed more efficiently towards milk protein synthesis. Fermented meal therefore helped improve both milk volume and quality.
Rumen measurements also showed a positive response: cows receiving fermented rapeseed meal produced more volatile fatty acids and less ammonia, indicating healthy rumen function.
- The control group received conventional meal only.
- The first treatment group received a mixture of equal parts conventional and fermented meal.
- The second treatment group received fermented meal only.
Even partial replacement produced a noticeable effect: milk yield increased by approximately 4.4%, and milk protein content rose by 1.5%. The cows produced more milk with greater nutritional value. Full replacement produced an even greater response: protein was utilised more effectively and directed more efficiently towards milk protein synthesis. Fermented meal therefore helped improve both milk volume and quality.
Rumen measurements also showed a positive response: cows receiving fermented rapeseed meal produced more volatile fatty acids and less ammonia, indicating healthy rumen function.
Canolac: a proven source of fermented protein
Canolac is a modern protein supplement based on fermented rapeseed meal. Its fermented protein improves nutrient utilisation, optimises rumen function and supports healthy digestion, which is particularly important in early lactation. Small peptides formed during fermentation are absorbed faster than free amino acids, require less metabolic energy and provide broader benefits, supporting immunity and reducing the risk of intestinal disease.
The trial showed that even partial replacement of conventional meal with fermented meal at 1.25 kg per head increased milk production and substantially improved nutrient digestibility and protein-use efficiency. Consistent quality and demonstrated performance make Canolac an economically attractive ingredient for lactating-cow diets, helping farms obtain more value from feed and improve the nutritional quality of milk.
The trial showed that even partial replacement of conventional meal with fermented meal at 1.25 kg per head increased milk production and substantially improved nutrient digestibility and protein-use efficiency. Consistent quality and demonstrated performance make Canolac an economically attractive ingredient for lactating-cow diets, helping farms obtain more value from feed and improve the nutritional quality of milk.
