SOYBEAN MEAL

Soybean meal is a high-protein feed ingredient derived from soybeans after the oil has been extracted. It's a major component in animal feed, particularly for poultry and swine, and is also used in aquaculture. 

 Here's a more detailed look:   

 Production:   

• Soybean meal is a byproduct of soybean oil production. 

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• The process involves crushing whole soybeans to extract the oil, leaving behind a protein-rich meal. 

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• Different processing methods exist, leading to various types of soybean meal with varying protein and fiber content. 

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 Composition:   

• Soybean meal is characterized by its high protein content, typically ranging from 43-49% depending on the processing method. 

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• It's also a good source of metabolizable energy for animals.

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• Other components include carbohydrates, ash, and residual lipids. 

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 Use in Animal Feed:   

• Soybean meal is a crucial protein source in animal feed, supplementing diets for livestock and poultry. 

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• It's particularly valuable for its amino acid profile, especially lysine, which is often deficient in other feed grains. 

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• Soybean meal is highly digestible and palatable, making it a desirable ingredient for animal nutrition. 

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• Several feed industry sources note it's the most important protein source for animal feed worldwide. 

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 Other Uses:   

• While primarily used for animal feed, a small portion of soybean meal is used in some soy-based foods like tofu and soy milk. 

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• It can also be used as a fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content. 

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 In South Africa and Africa:   

• Soybean meal is the most important protein source for animal feed in South Africa and Africa. 

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• It represents a significant portion of the total world output of protein feedstuffs