Comparative Soybean and Soybean Meal Quality

Quality of soybeans and soybean meals (SBM) from non-US and US origins were compared in a series of studies at Iowa State University. They reported that US soybeans were lower in protein than Brazilian soybeans, but higher than Argentine soybeans. The crude protein disadvantage of US soybeans was offset by higher concentrations of the essential amino acids in the lower protein soybeans. The US soybeans were lower in oil content compared to South American meals.



They reported that the SBM of U.S. origin was more consistent, had higher digestibility (by KOH solubility) and lower fiber, and was a better source of essential amino acids compared to SBM of other major export origins (Argentina, Brazil and India). While the protein content was higher for the SBM from Brazil, the percentage of total digestible amino acids was highest for the SBM from the US and China. The US SBM had the highest total of five amino acids essential for both poultry and swine feed uses which when coupled with higher digestibility, would give US meal an advantage in rations formulated using digestible amino acids.



This study supports earlier studies showing that US SBM is a quality protein source that can provide the amino acids needed for superior performance. The digestibility/availability of amino acids in US SBM helps poultry and swine producers formulate diets that maximize the bird's/animal's genetic potential.

Maitri Thakur and Charles Hurburgh. 2007 Quality of US soybean meal compared to the quality of soybean meal from other origins. J. Amer. Chemist 84(9):835-843.