Soybean meal is a product that remains after the extraction of oil from soybeans through mechanical pressing or extraction. It is one of the most nutritious and popular protein supplements for animal feed worldwide, especially in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture.
Main Characteristics of Soybean Meal:
| Characteristic |
Value |
| Appearance |
Whole or ground |
| Color |
From yellow to light brown |
| Smell |
Characteristic of soybean meal, without foreign odors |
| Mass fraction of crude protein on an absolute dry matter basis |
Not less than 42.5% |
| Mass fraction of crude fiber on an absolute dry matter basis |
Not more than 7% |
Uses in Animal Husbandry:
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For cattle: Soybean meal is a valuable source of protein and amino acids, contributing to increased milk production in dairy cows and improved muscle mass gain in beef cattle.
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For pigs: Due to its high protein content and balanced amino acids, soybean meal positively influences the growth and development of pigs, enhancing meat quality.
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For poultry: Soybean meal is an essential ingredient in poultry diets. It helps maintain high productivity in laying hens and promotes growth in meat breeds.
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For aquaculture: Soybean meal is used as feed for aquaculture due to its high protein content and relatively low cost.
Storage:
Soybean meal should be stored in dry conditions with proper ventilation to avoid mold formation and spoilage. Increased humidity can negatively affect the quality of the meal and reduce its nutritional value.
Advantages of Soybean Meal:
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High protein content: Soybean meal is one of the richest plant sources of protein, making it indispensable in animal diets.
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Essential amino acids: The meal contains essential amino acids necessary for animals, making it an ideal feed additive for achieving high productivity.
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Economic benefits: Soybean meal is a relatively inexpensive feed ingredient with a high digestibility rate.
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Eco-friendliness: As a byproduct of soybean processing, its use helps reduce waste in the food industry.
