Rapeseed and canola meal as protein sources in starter diets for calves: current knowledge and directions of future studies

Abstract

Rapeseed and canola meal are not commonly used in starter diets for calves due to concerns over palatability and digestibility of the feed. The aim of this paper was to briefly summarize our knowledge on the effects of rapeseed and canola meal use in starter diets for calves, with particular emphasis on the period before and shortly after weaning, and the impact on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, body weight gain, and feed efficiency of calves. Possible strategies allowing for increased inclusion of rapeseed and canola meal use in calves' nutrition were also suggested and briefly discussed.