Research Enhances Understanding of the Nutritional and Economic Differences in Soybean Meal from Different Origins

A new meta-analytical study reinforces U.S. Soy’s reputation for being a global leader in quality and nutrient-density. The study, entitled, “Chemical composition, protein quality and nutritive value of commercial soybean meals produced from beans from different countries,” demonstrates that not all soybean meals are created equal and that meal from different countries of origin should be treated individually when formulating swine and poultry diets. The data from this study were then processed by the Nutrient Value Calculator (NVC), a software tool constructed by Genesis Feed Technologies, a company built to bring visibility into feed costs. This cost analysis supported the economic benefits of U.S. soybean meal relative to meal from other origins as a key ingredient in poultry rations.

Dr. Gonzalo Mateos, Professor of Animal Science at the University of Madrid in Spain and study co-author, first presented findings from the meta-analysis at the U.S. Soybean Export Council’s (USSEC) Asia Trade Exchange to 850 U.S. Soy customers and soybean industry representatives. This pioneering compilation of research is the most comprehensive quality review of soybean meal that has ever been conducted, and it gives customers greater clarity around soybean meal quality from different countries of origin. The meta-analysis looked at 18 different studies and 1,944 samples to quantify the relationship between country of origin of the bean and the chemical composition and nutritive value of the soybean meal. Soybeans from the following origins were analyzed: Argentina (ARG), Brazil (BRA), USA (USA) and India (IND).

“One of the main points from the study, is that customers should be using different matrices for the evaluation of the nutritional value of soybean meals of different origins,” said Dr. Gonzalo Mateos, Professor of Animal Science at the University of Madrid, Spain. “If they buy only based on protein or vegetable sucrose content, they may buy a product that is actually lower quality. Therefore, it is important to check all of the values that are related to the nutritive value of the soybean meal before making purchase decisions, which this study addresses.”

The data in this meta-analysis forms a new key pillar of the economic evaluation of soybean meal in global markets. Using the Nutrient Value Calculator from Genesis Feed Technologies, the economic value of U.S. soybean meal can be evaluated in global markets using formulas representative of the regional feed manufacturers. Nutrient values and prices of all the other components of the diet are also used in this calculation. The NVC indicates that U.S. soybean meal is the leading contributor to cost reduction in broiler diets.

“Our company was thrilled to participate in this groundbreaking research conducted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council,” said Peter Schott, CEO and Co-Founder of Genesis Feed Technologies. “We hope that buyers take note of the results, purchase more U.S. soy and see a significant reduction in their feed costs. This NVC analyzes economic nutritional value of soybean meals from different origins to give traders and buyers a platform to connect with nutritionists directly to better inform their feed investments.”

When comparing cost reductions with incorporation of data from the aforementioned meta-analytical study, premiums of U.S. soybean meal range from $14.57 to $23.24 per tonne over Argentine soybean meal and range from $2.48 to $10.26 per tonne over Brazilian soybean meal.

“U.S. soy and soybean meal products offer a price advantage and rank first on a number of important nutritional attributes when compared to other origins, including remarkable amino acid and energy profiles,” said Paul Burke, USSEC’s Senior Director for U.S. Soy Marketing. “This will continue to ensure we deliver a valuable, consistent and more economical product that our customers can count on.”

Soybean meal is an important source of protein for the global feed industry, where it is used in livestock, poultry and aquaculture diets. To meet this demand for animal feed, the farmers that grow sustainable U.S. soy not only care about being a reliable supplier but take pride in providing a high-quality product to their international customers.

“The world’s need for a high-quality protein product like U.S. soybean meal will be critical as our population continues to grow. And U.S. farmers around the country are ready and willing to meet that need,” said Monte Peterson, Chairman of USSEC, board member of the American Soybean Association and soybean farmer in Valley City, N.D. “Our soybean farmers provide a consistent, nutritious and efficient source of protein for both the food and feed sectors. This meta-analysis is important because it shows how U.S. soy is the most high-quality and best economic choice, backed by science.”

To learn more and access a summary of the meta-analysis, click here. And register to watch USSEC’s recorded webinar with Dr. Gonzalo Mateos and Genesis Feed Technologies to hear key insights about the meta-analysis and better understand the nutritional value of U.S. soybean meal as compared to different origins.

ABOUT U.S. SOYBEAN EXPORT COUNCIL

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is a dynamic partnership of U.S. soybean producers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses and agricultural organizations working to build preference for U.S. soy throughout the world. Through a global network of international offices and strong support in the U.S., USSEC works to build a preference for U.S. soybeans and soybean products, advocates for the use of soy in feed, aquaculture and human consumption, promotes the benefits of soy use through education, and connects industry leaders through a robust membership program. USSEC is partially funded by the United Soybean Board. Learn more at www.ussec.org.

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Contact information

Paul Murphy-Spooner
PmurphySpooner@unitedsoybean.org
515.975.6584