One of the biggest challenges dairy cattle farmers face is achieving the right level of fibre. For rumen health, dense grains are often the go-to solution for high-producing cows, displacing bulk forage.
To help meet these fibre and nutrition shortages, Sevita International has developed Alinova, a 2900 high oleic soybean oil variety which it says has demonstrated exceptional yields.
The company had test plots of Alinova available for viewing at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show.
WHY IT MATTERS
Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show highlights the latest in crop, livestock and machinery near Woodstock, Ont., every year.
The variety was originally developed for a Japanese buyer for Identity Preserved soybean export. However, the seed quickly found a market in Ontario. Farmers liked the agronomic benefits, along with the fit for feed.
“There was a burst in Ontario where dairy farmers were interested in them, which spawned our feed program, as well as our IP export program on the high-oleic side,” said Kyle Smith of Sevita sales and contracting.
Feed value
Smith said Alinova allows farmers to feed the beans to their cows at a higher inclusion rate than traditional soybeans or a Roundup Ready soybean. The bean is also SCN resistant.
Smith noted the bean has a higher oleic content versus linoleic content, so it can be fed at a higher rate, increasing butterfat and lowering feed costs.
As the product gains traction, Smith said there is also interest from other livestock producers. He said both sheep and goat farmers have integrated Alinova into their operations.
“We are also doing some trial work to find new opportunities beyond the dairy side,” he said.
Where it grows
Alinova is best suited to climates in southwestern Ontario, according to Smith. He added there are pockets in eastern Ontario which may be suitable to grow 2,900 heat unit varieties.
“Your traditional 1.5 relative maturity, 2,900 heat unit areas are the ones that should target it for sure,” he said.
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