Valuing canola and camelina biodiesel byproduct meal as a livestock protein supplement

Abstract

A byproduct of canola and camelina biodiesel production is a protein rich byproduct meal. Byproduct feedstuffs such as canola and camelina meal may be a cheaper source of protein and energy than conventional feeds. This report evaluates the market value of canola and camelina byproduct meal as a livestock feed protein supplement and discusses their feed properties and limitations. The first sections of the report briefly review Washington canola and camelina production, processing and their nutrient profiles. The next sections present the least-cost ration formulation and input substitution principles used to estimate canola and camelina meal values. The last sections of the report evaluate the accuracy of the market value estimates to actual prices reported in the Pacific Northwest and offer summary conclusions.