Soybean Meal: A High-Value Feed Ingredient with a Bright Future

The convergence of animal nutritionists and the soy checkoff ushers in a new era of potential for U.S. soybean meal. Through their collaboration, a wealth of opportunities emerges, benefitting the poultry, pig, dairy, and aquaculture sectors, while fortifying the foundation of American farming. 

Fueling this transformation is the Animal Nutrition Working Group (ANWG), a collective of industry leaders convened by the soy checkoff. This esteemed group guides strategic research investments that maximize value for farmers and broader industry. United Soybean Board (USB) sets forth a visionary strategic plan, focusing on three key priorities for soybean meal: optimizing nutrient composition, advancing measurement of anti-nutritional factors, and capitalizing on the resulting advantages for animal production, performance, and health. 

Animal nutritionists, attuned to the needs of modern farming, formulate feed based on digestible amino acids, net energy content, and cost-effectiveness. Meanwhile, farmers strive to maximize yield. This pursuit has led to the development of high-yielding seed varieties with declining crude protein concentrations—a global issue addressed by the proactive efforts of the USB throughout the value chain. 

While soybean meal maintains its status as the benchmark for protein feedstuffs, this dynamic team of nutritionists delves beyond protein content, seeking to broaden awareness and understanding of the myriad benefits of U.S. soybean meal for animal health. By encouraging value-driven ingredient decisions throughout the supply chain, they aim to inspire a paradigm shift in the industry. 

Through research funded by the soy checkoff, the remarkable potential of enhanced nutrient content has been unveiled. Improved animal health, enhanced feed efficiency, and increased valuation of soybean meals have emerged as tangible outcomes. The collaboration between the USB and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research on the Soybean Nutrition Enhancement Project exemplifies the cutting-edge approach adopted.  

Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and multidisciplinary expertise, this project strives to enhance soybean protein and amino acid composition, thereby delivering greater economic returns to soybean farmers and bolstering the entire U.S. soybean industry. 

Compelling research demonstrates a direct positive relationship between soybean meals and improved performance and efficiency in pigs, broilers, and laying hens. Additionally, soybean meal exhibits additional nutritional factors, showcasing antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects that mitigate the negative impact of swine health challenges. 

Innovative economic frameworks have also been established, providing insights into the value of soybean meals. By considering the complete nutritional package of crude protein, amino acids, and energy concentrations, researchers have determined that a mere 1% increase in soybean meal crude protein can yield a value increase of $10.27 for swine and $12.62 for poultry per metric ton of complete feed. 

With global demand for nutritious and sustainable animal protein on the rise, the soy checkoff remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritizing research that ensures the delivery of a comprehensive and invaluable product to the animal agriculture industry.  

Collaborating with nutritionists and animal scientists, the soy checkoff strives to communicate the multifaceted advantages of U.S. Soy, including health benefits, sustainability, and various other factors that transcend cost and crude protein considerations.