Cattle are the biggest users of palm kernel meal. The rumen handles its fibre well, and the slowly degrading protein reaches the small intestine, where it supports milk and gain.
Typical shares
For beef cattle the usual share is 30 to 50% of the ration dry matter, with a maximum safe share of about 80%. For dairy cows it is also 30 to 50%, with a maximum of about 50%. Start at the lower end.
What to expect
In beef cattle, the benefits reported are a higher daily gain and better meat quality. In dairy cows, the saturated fat in the meal can raise milk fat and give a firmer butter. Both come with a lower feed cost per kilogram of gain or of milk, depending on the price of the grain and protein feeds you are replacing.
What to watch
Palm kernel meal is low in lysine and methionine. For high-yielding cows, blend it with soybean meal or add synthetic amino acids. Bring it in over one to two weeks, mix it evenly, and keep the ration dry so the meal does not mould.
Check the exact share with your nutritionist before you change a ration.
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