Feeding Value of Soybean Hulls for Swine

Korean researchers compared the feeding value of soybean hulls to those of wheat bran for inclusion in swine rations. They reported the composition of soybean hulls, on a dry weight basis to be: 11.1% crude protein, 32.5% crude fiber, 36.8% acid detergent fiber; 0.6% calcium, 492 ppm iron, 0.66% lysine and 0.37% total sulfur-containing amino acids. A digestion study reported apparent digestibility values for soybean hulls of 71% for dry matter, 50% for dry matter, 50% crude protein and 74% for crude fiber. Apparent digestibility energy and metabolizable energy value for soybean hulls were found to be 2,420 and 2,370 kcal/kg, respectively. Feeding studies indicated no significant differences in weight gain, feed utilization, carcass measurements or diet palatability between pigs fed soybean hull or wheat bran containing diets. The researchers concluded that soybean hulls can be included up to 10 and 12% for growing or finishing pig diets, respectively, replacing wheat bran on a weight basis with effecting diet palatability or animal performance.

Chee, K.M. and co-workers. 2005. Comparative feeding values of soybean hulls and wheat bran for growing and finishing swine. Australian J. Animal Sci. 18(6): 861-867.