Replacing Soybean Meal with Raw Soybeans

Recently we have had several questions on the use of whole raw soybeans in the diets of ruminants. The following two reports indicate that soybeans can be included in ruminant diets as a source of protein and energy.

Two experiments were conducted at the University of Missouri to determine the efficacy of whole raw soybeans as a replacement for soybean meal in a corn-soybean meal–based feedlot diet. Steers were fed isonitrogenous diets containing 0, 8, 16 or 24 percent whole raw soybeans. Increasing the level of raw soybeans in the diet of feedlot steers had little effect on weight gains, feed efficacy or carcass quality. There was a small treatment response for hot carcass weight and longissimus muscle area for the steers fed 24 percent soybean diet in one experiment. The researchers concluded that feeding levels of soybeans above 24 percent might not be beneficial.

Felton, E.E.D. and M.S. Ferley. 2004. Performance and carcass quality of steers fed whole raw soybeans at increasing inclusion levels. J. Animal Sci. 82(3):725-732.