Soybean Meal
Soybeans (Glycine max) are a high protein legume and is the most commonly used protein supplement in dairy diets throughout the world. Soybean meal is accounting for nearly 65 percent of the world's protein feed demand. The United States, Brazil, Argentina and India are the major producers and exporters of soybean meal in the world. Soybean meal is the product remaining after removing most of the oil from toasted whole soybeans by solvent extraction. Soybean meal is palatable, nutrient dense, high in digestibility, and a relatively consistent source of protein. It has an excellent amino acid profile and is a concentrated source of protein and energy. There are several anti-nutritional factors (ANF's) associated with soybean meal (trypsin inhibitors), which are partially inactivated or minimized during the toasting process. These ANF's have the greatest effect on monogastric animals such as, poultry and swine. It has a lesser effect on ruminant animals, because of the transformation that occurs in the rumen.
Features and benefits:
- Protein supplements like soybean meal can be fed to balance out low protein pasture and/or supplements.
- Cows in mid-lactation require about 16 percent dietary crude protein. In summer pasture protein levels can drop under 16 percent, and in these situations deficiencies can become an issue. Under these circumstances soybean meal stimulates production levels.
- Soybean meal contains around 50 percent protein of which 35 percent is rumen undegradable ("by-ass") and 65 percent is rumen degradable.
- Soybean meal is rich in lysine, and of the common plant proteins used in animal feeds, soybean meal has the highest percentage of essential amino acids (47.6 percent).
- Methionine is the first limiting amino acid, therefore high methionine protein supplements like canolameal and fishmeal make a good combination with soybean meal.
Feeding recommendations:
There is no maximum for the use of soybean meal in dairy rations, and can be fed to meet protein requirements. Normal feeding rates will be around 0.5-2 kg per head per day. Soybean meal can be fed mixed with silage in the paddock or on the feed pad. It can also be fed via the grain feeding system in the dairy shed. Consult your nutritionist or farm consultant to work out the most optimal inclusion level for your particular situation.
Storage:
Like all feedstuffs, soybean meal should be stored dry in bulk bins or placed on cement slabs (away from vermin and covered and protected from the weather accordingly).
Inclusion Levels
| Animal | Inclusion Level (%) |
|---|---|
| Calves Inclusion (%) | 20 |
| Beef Cattle Inclusion (%) | 20 |
| Lamb Inclusion (%) | 20 |
| Sheep Inclusion (%) | 20 |
| Broiler Inclusion (%) | 30 |
| Layer Inclusion (%) | 30 |
| Starter Pig Inclusion (%) | 10 |
| Finisher Pig Inclusion (%) | 30 |
| Sow Inclusion (%) | 30 |
Nutritional Information
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Moisture (%) | 11.0 |
| Protein (%) | 47.0 |
| ME (MJ/kg) | 12.9 |
| DE (MJ/kg) | 14.6 |
| AME (MJ/kg) | 9.8 |
| Fat (%) | 1.6 |
| Starch (%) | 2.0 |
| Crude Fibre (%) | 3.2 |
| NDF (%) | 14.0 |
| Ash (%) | 6.6 |
| Calcium (%) | 0.30 |
| Phosphorus (%) | 0.10 |
| Potassium (%) | 2.10 |
| Sodium (%) | 0.01 |
| Lysine (%) | 2.1 |
| Magnesium (%) | 0.28 |
| Methionine (%) | 0.63 |
| Cysteine (%) | 0.74 |
| Threonine (%) | 1.79 |
| Tryptophan (%) | 0.62 |
| ADF (%) | 9.3 |
| CP (%) | 48.0 |
| DM (%) | 90.0 |
Disclaimer
These feeding recommendations are to be used as a guide only, and to assist readers in understanding generally accepted feeding levels. Readers should not rely on these guidelines in making specific feeding decisions but should consult an appropriate nutritionist for specific total dietary approach recommendations. Online Supplements Ltd. makes no warranties that these recommendations are suitable for any particular herd or for any particular animal. Online Supplements Ltd. disclaims any liability for any problems encountered in the use of these recommendations.
