Soybean Hull Supplement

A Canadian study was reported where a 50:50 soybean hull: corn supplement was fed at 0.75 percent body weight decreased a libitum intake of gamagrass and orchardgrass hay by steers, but increased total dry matter intake, dry matter digestibility, nitrogen intake and nitrogen retention. Supplementation had a greater effect on nitrogen metabolism in steers fed orchardgrass than steers fed gamagrass. These data support the value of soybean hulls in supplements to improve the utilization of low quality grass hays for steers.

Magee, K.J. and co-workers. 2005. Nitrogen metabolism in beef steers fed gamagrass or orchardgrass with or without a supplement. Canadian J. Animal Sci. 85(1): 107-109.