Raw Soybeans-Sheep

Raw soybeans were compared to soybean meal as a protein source for feedlot lambs and lactating ewes in research reported by the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Results of a study involving 306 lambs indicated that raw soybeans could successfully replace soybean meal as the protein source in the diet of feedlot lambs. Feeding 20 percent raw soybeans in a corn-alfalfa-based diet resulted in slower growth (0.78 vs. 0.67 lbs/day) compared to a diet where the supplemental protein was soybean meal. There was no significant difference in daily gains (0.71 vs. 0.72 lbs/day) of lambs fed grain sorghum diets containing raw soybeans or soybean meal. They also reported that raw soybeans could replace all of the alfalfa and up to one-third of the grain in the diets of lactating ewes without affecting weaning weights or the average daily gains of their lambs.

Frank J. Schwulst. 1988. Raw soybeans in diets of sheep. Agricultural Experimentation Station Report entitled, “Keeping Up With Research”, Kansas State University.