Replacing soy with rapeseed meals to reduce costs and improve protein content
We eliminated imported soybean meals and replaced this with rapeseed meals to reduce costs and GHG emissions.
Last updated on March 24th, 2023
Why does it matter?
Using local protein sources increases feed autonomy and decreases the volatility of feed costs and potential financial losses. Using local protein sources also improves the farm’s carbon footprint due to reduced transport emissions.
How did we solve this?
Together with these farms, Danone Spain proposed a new diet for cows where soy was replaced with rapeseed. We carefully monitored cow performance and adapted the diet when needed. After one year, all imported soy was replaced with rapeseed, which now accounts for 2,9% of the feed ration. The milk yield rose from 29kg to 31,5kg FPCM/day/cow and the protein content in milk increased by 0,15%. The project also resulted in GHG emissions being reduced from 1,3kg to 1,2 kg CO2 eq/kg of FPCM/year.
Opportunities for other farms?
Most livestock farms use soy as a protein source in cows’ diets. Soy use on farm can be replaced through diet reformulation, close monitoring and by using an appropriate alternative protein source. Using local protein sources increases feed autonomy, reduces deforestation and therefore reduces the farm’s environmental impact.
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