But for a professional feed manufacturer, the answer to the question “how much protein?” is not enough on its own.
The real value of soybean meal is understood by assessing the product’s fat content, moisture, processing characteristics, amino acid profile and suitability for its intended use together with its protein content.
Protein content matters, but it is not enough on its own
Soybean meal is used mainly as a high-quality protein source.
That is why protein content is an important starting point in the product’s commercial assessment.
But two products with the same protein level may not have the same value as feed.
As well as the amount of protein, the level of amino acids and their availability to the animal should also be taken into account.
Especially in poultry feeds, the amino acid profile of soybean meal is an important element of assessment for the ration.
Fat content can change the product’s value
The amount of fat remaining in soybean meal can affect the product’s energy value and its use in the ration.
Full-fat soya and soybean meal from which most of the oil has been separated are not the same product.
Likewise, soybean meals obtained by different processing methods may differ in their nutritional characteristics.
So when buying the product, it is necessary to know not only its protein content but also its fat content and how the product was obtained.
Why does processing quality matter?
The heat treatment applied during the processing of soybeans can directly affect the product’s feed value.
Insufficient processing can mean that some anti-nutritional factors found in soybeans are not sufficiently inactivated.
Excessive heat treatment, on the other hand, can reduce the availability of proteins to the animal.
The aim with good soybean meal is therefore not just to achieve high protein, but also to preserve protein quality and availability.
Moisture is also a commercial criterion
Moisture content can affect both the product’s nutrient concentration and its storage characteristics.
Because high moisture can pose a risk of undesirable changes during storage, it is one of the parameters to consider when accepting and storing the product.
That is why the moisture value in analysis results should be assessed as carefully as protein.
It matters which animal you will use soybean meal for
The assessment of soybean meal cannot be separated from the feed it will be used in.
Ration needs differ for poultry, dairy cattle, beef animals and other animal groups.
That is why the characteristics of the raw material to be bought should be assessed together with the ration it will be used in and the needs of the target animal.
A product being very suitable for a particular use does not mean it should be assessed the same way for all rations.
Organic soybean meal has one more criterion
In organic feed production, the organic status of soybean meal is as important as its nutritional characteristics.
The product must fall within the relevant organic certification scope, the required documents must be available and its organic identity must be protected throughout the supply chain.
At Biosmyrna, when assessing feed raw materials such as soybean meal, we see protein content as an important criterion; but we do not make the purchasing decision on a single analysis value.
The real commercial value of soybean meal emerges when source, processing method, protein, fat, moisture, quality, organic status and intended use are assessed together.
