Canola and sunflower meal in beef cattle diets

It is apparent from the limited research that sunflower meal is a biologically and economically useful protein source for growing and finishing cattle, Similarly, beef cows can be provided supplemental protein effectively with sunflower meal. Sunflower meal may be especially useful in diets where degradable protein is required, such as lower quality forage or high corn finishing rations. The increased bulk of this relatively high fiber meal may affect logistics, but ruminants are positioned to be more tolerant of high fiber levels than other species. Additional research is warranted to evaluate practical and economic aspects of using sunflower meal in beef cattle diets. Canola meal appears to be a good source of supplemental protein for beef cattle. The ruminal escape value is similar to soybean meal with some variation due to processing plant, canola variety, and other conditions. Canola meal is in effective supplement for nursing calves, growing and finishing cattle, and beef cows. Decisions on the use of canola meal in beef cattle operations should be based on cost and availability of competing protein supplements.