Soybean Meal

Soybean meal is made of the high protein soybean (Glycine max) legume and is the most commonly used protein supplement in dairy diets throughout the world.

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. Soybean meal accounts for nearly 65% of the world’s protein feed demand.

There are several anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) associated with soybean meal (trypsin inhibitors), which are partially inactivated or minimised during the toasting process. These ANFs 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.

Use and application

There is no maximum for the use of soybean meal in dairy rations, and it can be fed to meet protein requirements. Normal feeding rates will be around 0.5-2kg 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.

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% dietary crude protein. In summer pasture protein levels can drop under 16%. In these situations deficiencies can become an issue and soybean meal can be used to stimulate production levels.

Soybean meal contains around 50% protein of which 35% is rumen undegradable (“by-pass”) and 65% 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%).

Typical analysis

note: typical analysis only, not specification.

Download the soybean meal 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.