This project aims to establish an effective microbial fermentation process to convert canola meal (CM), a low-value byproduct from canola oil extraction, into a more valuable feed ingredient with…

The Regents of the University of Minnesota received a $317,750.73 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants program (CFDA 10.200), awarded September 15, 2025, with completion targeted for September 14, 2028. The project aims to develop an effective microbial fermentation process to convert canola meal (CM), a low-value byproduct of canola oil extraction, into a higher-value nonruminant animal feed ingredient with an improved nutritional profile. Building on preliminary findings from Norwegian Research Council-funded work, the research will comprehensively investigate bioconversion conditions and screen different fungal and bacterial species to identify optimal fermentation parameters that remove antinutrient phytochemicals, reduce insoluble fiber content, and increase protein levels in processed canola meal.

The deliverables include identification of practical and effective fermentation protocols through screening and characterization of microbial species, along with development of culture, maintenance, and inoculum preparation methodologies. An Industrial Advisory Group will be established to guide research activities and develop extension materials to facilitate technology adoption. The project directly addresses NIFA's Priority Area A—Canola under the Supplemental and Alternative Crops program—with anticipated outcomes that will enhance profitability for canola growers, expand canola meal applications in the livestock industry, and provide farmers with improved crop rotation options in volatile global markets.

This project aims to establish an effective microbial fermentation process to convert canola meal (CM), a low-value byproduct from canola oil extraction, into a more valuable feed ingredient with improved nutritional profile for nonruminants. This project is based on a preliminary study funded by the norwegian research council, in which we observed that the CM portions processed by mechanical fractionation can be more effectively fermented by the selective fungal strains, leading to the dramatic removal of antinutrient compounds and the elevation of protein level in CM. In this project, we intend to conduct more comprehensive investigations to study the bioconversion conditions, and understand fermentation and nutritional improvements in this process. The goal of identifying a practical and effective fermentation process will be achieved by screening different fungal and bacterial species and investigating their culture, maintenance, and inoculum preparation. The bioconversion will enhance the nutritional profile of fermented CM for animal feeding, including removal of antinutrient phytochemicals, decrease of insoluble fiber, and increase of protein content. An industrial advisory group will be set up to help guild our research activities and develop extension materials. Overall, an improved animal feed from CM will increase the profitability of canola plantation and expand the application of CM in livestock industry. This will provide farmers more choices for crop rotation and better preparation for volatile global market. This project addresses priority area of a: canola at the program of supplemental and alternative crops (SAC).