U.S. soybean meal plays a key role in the growing demand for animal protein, as its nutritional benefits are essential for poultry, swine, dairy, and beef production.
55%
of high oleic soybeans are used in dairy rations.
Animal agriculture is the top market for soy, consuming
33
million metric tons in the U.S. during the ’22/’23 market year.
60%
of soybean meal in the animal feed market is consumed by poultry.
animal agriculture
Soybean meal provides value above and beyond its unmatched nutritional bundle. Our ongoing research and awareness continue to highlight soy’s role in promoting high-quality diets that enhance the performance, biology, and gut health of many animals.
Dairy
Research indicates dairy cows fed high oleic soybeans can increase milk fat yield and reduce milk fat depression; in turn, increasing profit potential.
Poutlry & Swine
Checkoff-funded research shows soybean meal improves the health of pigs, broilers, and laying hens, while its complementary nutrients offer antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits, which specifically enhance swine health.
Beef
Innovations in soybean meal are making it more sustainable and profitable for beef cattle. In 2024, United Soybean Board, The Yield Lab Institute, and AWS Startups named Clean Label Solution, an enhanced soy-based cattle feed, the grand prize winner of the Soy Innovation Challenge. Trials showed how this product’s boost in digestible protein could increase meat production and curb methane emissions in cow feed.
soybean meal
The true value of soybean meal has been a moving target as markets fluctuate, but we’ve been able to establish a framework based on its full nutritional package: a 1% increase in crude protein adds $10.27 for swine and $12.62 for poultry, per metric ton of complete feed.
of U.S. soy have been proudly grown by farmers in the past five years.
And it’s up to us to keep growing soy’s opportunities for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Learn how the checkoff is expanding the possibilities of soy.
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