July 1, 2005

USDA: France explores using more rapeseed meal 
 

As rapeseed meal production increases due to biodiesel production, the French are studying the impact of increased rapeseed meal percentages in animal feed rations. 

Research conducted in France recently concluded that replacing soybean meal with rapeseed meal in the feed rations for dairy cows and for fattening beef cattle is technically feasible. The research concluded that the quantity and quality of milk produced by dairy cows fed on rapeseed meal would be higher.

A national effort to increase biodiesel production is boosting rapeseed production. In France, rapeseed oil is used to make methyl ester. The main by-product is rapeseed meal, which is becoming increasingly available and pushing into the animal feed market.

The research concluded that in dairy cow feed, though more rapeseed meal is needed to replace soybean meal, there is no change in corn silage consumption. With this substitution, milk production increases slightly, milk butterfat content declines and milk protein content increases slightly.

The research also found that for feed rations for fattening young bulls, though more rapeseed meal is needed to replace soybean meal, there is lower corn silage and grain consumption, but with no impact carcass weight or quality.

In France, soybean meal and rapeseed meal consumption for animal feed were 4.75 MMT and 1.03 MMT in marketing year 2003/04, respectively. In 2004/05, soybean meal consumption is estimated to decline to reach 4.15 MMT, while rapeseed meal consumption is expected to go up to 1.22 MMT.

Soybean meal continues to be a major ingredient in the feed rations for poultry, swine, dairy cows, and beef cattle, as it usually represents 15 to 23 percent of the ration. Rapeseed meal has been used in lower percentages (8 to 20 percent) for swine, dairy cows and beef cattle.

For the full USDA report, click here.