Soy hulls are a by-product of soybean processing for oil and meal production, consisting primarily of the skin covering the soybean. Typically soy hulls do not need further processing to feed. The ‘super’ fibre in soy hulls is rapidly fermented, highly digestible and may contain substantial amounts of pectin.
Use and application
Soy hulls may be used without major restrictions in properly formulated beef and dairy rations. They can be fed on the feed pad, via some feed systems in the shed or on a trailer/in a trough in the paddock. Using soy hulls in energy-dense dairy rations especially high starch diets may improve animal performance.
Consult your nutritionist or farm consultant to determine the optimal feeding level for your particular situation.
Features and benefits
Soy hulls are utilised in diets for dairy cattle as partial replacements for forage and concentrate. The fibre of soybean hulls is very digestible and coupled with a very low non-structural carbohydrate content the product is an excellent energy and fibre source. This results in a more favourable rumen fermentation pattern.
The low lignin and high digestibility means the energy provided for a high fibre diet by soy hulls is similar to that of corn.
Storage and handling
Like all feedstuffs, soy hulls should be stored dry, in bulk bins or placed on cement slabs (away from vermin and protected from the weather). Soy hulls come in a pellet form; however, due to the high fibre content the pellet is soft and may have a high meal content at time of delivery.
Typical analysis
| Dry matter (DM) | 91% | Crude fat | 2.5% |
| Crude protein | 11.5% | Calcium | 0.6% |
| Metabolisable energy (ME) | 11 MJ/kg DM | Potassium | 1.5% |
| Crude fibre | 36% | Lysine | 3% |
| Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) | 67% | Theonine | 1.79% |
| Acid detergent fibre (ADF) | 45% | Moisture | 9% |
| Lignin | 3% | Total digestible nutrients | 72% |
note: typical analysis only, not specification.
Download the soy hull fact sheet [Link to fact sheet]
These feeding recommendations are to be used as a guide only. Readers should not rely on these guidelines in making specific feeding decisions but should consult an appropriate nutritionist for specific total dietary approach recommendations. Bunge makes no warranties that these recommendations are suitable for any particular herd or for any particular animal. Bunge disclaims any liability for any problems encountered in the use of these recommendations.
Connecting farmers to consumers to deliver essential food, feed and fuel to the world.
© 2026 Bunge.
