By Dr.Jeff Lehmkuhler
The current low grain commodity prices have sparked several questions regarding feeding soybeans to beef cattle. There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to feed or sell beans to the elevator. The following will touch on a few of these items to consider when making that decision.
Let’s first review the nutrient content of soybeans on a dry matter basis. In general, soybeans are used as a protein supplement as they contain approximately 40% crude protein. Soybeans also contain a significant amount of oil, near 20%, which makes them an energy supplement as well. Soybeans contain an inverted calcium to phosphorus ration which may require the diet to be supplemented with calcium. Looking at the calcium to phosphorus ratio is particularly important when feeding grain-based feedstuffs such as corn silage, wheatlage, or grain-heavy rations such as finishing diets.