soybean meal animal feed

Types of Soybean Meal Animal Feed

As a by-product of oil extraction from soybeans, soybean meal animal feed is widely used in livestock production due to its high protein content. It comes in various types, each tailored to different requirements and animals. Here are the most common types:

• Conventional Soybean Meal

  Conventional soybean meal is the most commonly used form of soybean meal feed. It is extracted from non-genetically modified soybeans. It consists of high protein content, ranging between 44% and 48%, making it a staple in livestock diets. It is mainly used in poultry, swine, and cattle feed as protein supplement.

• Expeller-Pressed Soybean Meal

  Expeller-pressed soybean meal is produced using a mechanical extraction method that applies heat and pressure to extract oil from the soybeans. This method leaves a higher oil content compared to solvent-extracted soybean meal, which contributes to its energy value. The meal retains a rich nutrient profile, containing approximately 48% protein. The expeller-pressed meal is coarse and bulky and may require further grinding to improve its texture for animal consumption.

• Pelleted Soybean Meal

  Pelleting is a process where soybean meal is compressed into pellets to enhance its feed value and ease of handling and feeding. The pelleting process exposes the meal to steam and high pressure, which can improve the digestibility of certain nutrients, particularly fibber and starch. This is mainly used in ruminant diets, including cattle and sheep feed.

• Roasted Soybean Meal

  Roasted soybean meal is produced through low-temperature roasting of soybeans. This process denatures anti-nutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitors and lectins, making the protein more digestible to animals. Roasted soybean meal has a higher amino acid bioavailability.

• High-Iron Soybean Meal

  High-iron soybean meal is a specialized product meant to address iron deficiencies in animal diets. Through selective breeding or processing, the meal is fortified with higher iron content. This type of soybean meal is commonly used in young animal feeds, such as piglets, poultry chicks, and dairy calves, to prevent anemia.

Benefits of Soybean Meal Animal Feed

With immense protein contents, soybean meal for animals has numerous benefits to livestock. Here are some of the benefits:

• High Protein Content

  With a protein content of between 44% and 48%, soybean meal is one of the richest vegetable protein sources available for animal feed. Its protein content supports muscle development, growth, and overall wellbeing. Soybean meal is a critical source of protein in poultry, swine, ruminants, and fish feeds, supporting egg production, weight gain, milk production, and meat quality.

• Amino Acid Profile

  Soybean meal is rich in essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan. These amino acids are often limiting in other feed ingredients. The high bioavailability of this profile supports various biological functions, including tissue repair, immune response, and hormone production.

• Energy and Carbohydrates

  Though soybean seed meal is primarily known for its protein content, it also provides a good source of energy due to its carbohydrate content. This meal gives energy required by livestock for daily activities, growth, and overall productivity. It helps in maintaining body temperature, supports metabolic processes, and is especially important in high-energy demanding animals like racing horses or lactating cows.

• Rich in Minerals and Vitamins

  Moreover, soybean meal is fortified with vitamins like E and B, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, all essential for various physiological functions in animals. Vitamin E is important for immune function, while B vitamins play a role in energy metabolism.

• Cost-Effective Protein Source

  Compared to fish meal, meat meal and other protein sources, soybean meal is relatively cheap and accessible worldwide. It makes it an economical choice for livestock feed manufacturers. It allows them to produce nutritionally balanced feeds without incurring exorbitant costs.

How to Use Soybean Meal Animal Feed

Using soybean meal as livestock feed is critical for their growth and productivity. Due to its rich nutrient profile, soybean meal is considered a crucial ingredient in animal feed in many agricultural production systems. Here are the ways its used:

• Poultry Feed

  In poultry farming, soybean meal is a primary source of protein that supports egg production, feather development, and overall growth. It is used in layer feeds to ensure hens produce eggs with high-quality shells and good nutritional content. For broilers, the amino acids in soybean meal promote muscle development and meat quality.

• Swine Feed

  In pig farming, soybean meal is used in nursery and growing diets to support lean muscle development and weight gain. Its rich amino acid content is particularly beneficial for young pigs requiring high protein for optimum growth. It is also used in sows to support litter size and milk production.

• Dairy Cattle Feed

  Organic soy meal provides dairy cows with essential amino acids needed for milk protein synthesis. It is used in lactating cow diets to improve milk quantity and quality. Besides, it balances the amino acid profile of the feed, ensuring the cows utilize nutrients more effectively for milk production.

• Beef Cattle Feed

  In beef cattle, soybean meal supports muscle development and improves weight gain in pasture-raised or feedlot cattle. It is used in finishing diets to enhance meat quality and increase protein content in the carcass.

• Aquaculture Feed

  In fish farming, soybean meal is used in feeds for species such as tilapia and catfish. It provides a digestible plant protein source that supports growth and feed conversion rates. Also, it is a sustainable alternative to fishmeal in aquafeeds, reducing pressure on wild fish populations.

• SpecialityFeeds

  Roasted soybean meal is used in special feeds for pets and zoo animals. For instance, in dog food, it provides high-quality protein for muscle maintenance. Also, in zoo or farm attractions, soybean meals is included in the diets of various species for balanced nutrition.

How to Store Soybean Meal Animal Feed

Properly storing soy meal is essential to ensure it retain its nutritional value, prevent spoilage, and maintain quality over time. Here are some key strategies for storing soybean meal feed:

• Dry and Cool Conditions

  Storage should be done in dry and cool conditions. Soybean meal is susceptible to spoilage and mold growth if exposed to moisture. Ideally, moisture content of the meal should be kept below 12% to minimize risk of fungal contamination. This should be done in a cool environment, as higher temperatures can degrade the nutritional quality of the feed over time. The room should have good ventilation to prevent accumulation of moisture and maintain a stable temperature.

• Airtight Containers

  Use airtight containers or bags to minimize exposure to air. Oxygen can lead to oxidative rancidity, which causes nutrient loss and decreased feed palatability. Metal, plastic, or galvanized containers are ideal for storage. Seal bags tightly after each use to prevent air entry.

• Regular Rotation

  Practice FIFO (first in, first out) to ensure older stock is used before newer stock. This helps prevent feed from sitting too long and going bad, as nutrient content degrades over time, particularly for vitamins and amino acids. Train the staff to always move older bags to the front and newer ones to the back.

• Protection from Pests

  Protect soybean meal from insects, rodents, and birds that could contaminate the feed or cause it to spoil. Some of the pests may infest the feed, while others may damage storage containers. Use pest control measures such as traps or natural repellents near storage areas to reduce risk of infestation.

• Monitoring Quality

  Regularly check the storage conditions and the quality of the feed for signs of moisture, mold, or pest infestation. Look out for any changes in smell, texture, or color. Discard any spoiled or contaminated feed immediately to prevent livestock from consuming harmful substances.

• Bulk Storage Precautions

  For large-scale storage in bulk, consider using silos with proper aeration systems to maintain dryness and prevent spoilage. Aeration helps cool the meal and prevent moisture accumulation. Use a grain probe to check moisture content from different areas within the pile.

Things to Consider When Buying Soybean Meal Animal Feed

When purchasing soybean meal animal feed, there are several key factors to consider to ensure the feed meets nutritional needs of the intended livestock. Here are the things to consider:

• Quality and Purity

  Make sure the meal is of high quality and pure to ensure it is not mixed with other inferior meals or grains. Verify the source to ensure they stock quality products. Organic soybean meal and conventional meal have different qualities. Organic meals may be more appealing to organic farmer.

• Protein Content

  Different formulations contain different protein contents. Therefore, consider the protein content of the feed to ensure it meets the target animal's dietary requirements. High-protein meals are suitable for growing or lactating animals that require more protein for muscle development or milk production. Low protein meals are suited for animals with less protein requirements, such as mature livestock.

• Amino Acid Profile

  Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Therefore, consider the amino acid profile of the feed. Some meals are formulated with high levels of certain amino acids, such as lysine and methionine, to balance the diet for specific livestock. Farmers should look for meals with optimal amino acid bioavailability to enhance animal growth.

• Processing Method

  How the soybean meal is processed will determine its quality. Meals that are roasted or toasted have higher bioavailability of nutrients. Similarly, high-heat and alkaline treatments will help inactivate anti-nutritional factors, making the feed safer for consumption. Also, standing during production of soybean meal increases its digestibility.

• Grind Size

  The grind size of the soybean meal affects its utilization. Finer meals have higher surface area for enzyme activity for better digestion of nutrients. On the other hand, coarser meals can reduce efficiency as they may not be completely broken down during digestion. Therefore, consideration should be based on the target livestock's feed preferences and the existing grinding infrastructure.

• Texture and Palatability

  Soybean meal can range from powdery to gritty textures, affecting its mixing and consumption rates. The texture affects its mixing and uniformity in balanced rations. Some livestock may prefer specific textures over others. For instance, pelleted soybean meals may be more palatable than meals in powder form. Therefore, consider the meals consistency and whether it can be easily incorporated into existing feeding systems.

• Availability and Supply Stability

  Availability of soy feed meal depends on climatic conditions and demand. Also, seasonal variations in soybean harvest can affect the availability of soybean meal. Therefore, buyers should ensure a stable supply year-round. Preferably, buy from suppliers with a consistent stock and reliable sourcing to avert feed shortages during critical production periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is soybean meal used for in animals?

A1. Soybean meal is used primarily as a high-protein dietary supplement in livestock feed. It helps boost the animals’ protein, amino acids, minerals and vitamins content.

Q2. What are the benefits of soybean meal?

A2. Soybean meal is highly digestible, making its nutrients more accessible to the animals. It helps in muscle development. It is an economical source of protein because it is cheaper than animal-based protein sources like fish meal and meat meal.

Q3. Can cattle eat soybean meal?

A3. Yes, cattle can eat soybean meal. It helps improve milk production in dairy cattle and boosts weight gain and muscle development in meat cattle.

Q4. What are the side effects of soybean meal?

A4. Soybean meal can cause allergic reactions and may contain trace amounts of plant toxins and anti-nutrients. They may also develop estrogen-related effects due to high phytoestrogen content.

Q5. How long can one store soybean meal for animals?

A5. Properly stored soybean meal can be shelved for 6 months to a year before quality begins to degrade, particularly if it's kept dry and free from pests.