Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

This project is a collaborative effort between West Central Pelleting of Wilkie, SK, the University of Saskatchewan and Western Beef Development Centre and is designed to develop strategically blended feed products derived from by-products of the grain, pulse and oilseed sectors using off-grade canola or flax as fat sources. The research will show the value of feeding pelleted high fat feed products to over-wintering pregnant beef cows and the subsequent benefit on their calves following calving (i.e. morbidity and mortality; birth weights, growth, carcass quality). Development of high fat feed products for over-wintering pregnant beef cows will form the basis of a product line for West Central Pelleting Ltd. As well the results will be available to the wider feed industry for uptake. The project will provide western Canadian beef producers with alternative, lower cost feed alternatives for over-wintering cows and potentially enhance calf survivability and growth. By helping to control rising feed prices, this project will contribute to the overall health of the Canadian beef industry. Similarly, by adding value to by-products of the grain and oilseed processing sectors, the project will enhance the viability of several agricultural related processing sectors including canola, ethanol, oat, pulse and grain cleaning. As such the project will add value to the rural economy. The importance of this project to the feed, grain and oil seed sectors is evidenced by the fact that it has received financial support from industry including West Central Pelleting Ltd. and the Western Grains Research Foundation.