Canola Meal, Cottonseed, and Soybean Meals as Protein Supplements for Calves

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Abstract
Holstein calves (45-day-old) were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 calf starter rations that differed because Canola meal, cottonseed meal or soybean meal were protein supplements. In each group there were 7 female and 8 male calves. Calves were offered fresh starter ration, free choice, daily during an 8 wk preweaning period and were fed 2.27 kg per head daily throughout an 8-wk postweaning period. For calves fed canola, cottonseed and soybean meals, average daily gains for the preweaning period were 0.58, 0.62 and 0.62 kg and for the postweaning period were 0.89, 0.89 and 0.92 kg. In the same order, starter consumptions for the preweaning periods were 20.6, 26.7 and 24.6 kg; milk consumptions were 161, 176 and 174 kg; packed blood cell volumes were 24.4, 22.9 and 24.9%; triiodothyronine concentrations were 1.78, 1.68 and 1.72 ng/ml, and tyroxine was 21.1, 23.6 and 21.1 ng/ml. There were no significant differences. Canola meal is acceptable nutritionally as a protein supplement for calf starters.