THE

NUTRITIONAL
VALUE OF U.S.
SOYBEAN MEAL

1
The Nutritional Value of U.S. Soybean Meal www.ussec.org

U.S. SOY for a growing world

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Executive Summary

3 U.S. Soybean Production

3 U.S. Soy Provides a “Total Value Package”

4 The Nutritional Value of U.S. Soybean Meal

6 Maximizing the Value of U.S. Soybean Meal

6 Capturing the Real Value of U.S. Soybean Meal

7 Feeding Studies Confirm U.S. Soy Advantage

7 Realizing the Value of U.S. Soybean Meal

9 U.S. Soybean Industry Commitment with Quality and Information

10 References
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Decades of sampling and analytical measurement of soybean and soybean meal have
documented the nutritional advantages and added value of U.S. soybeans and U.S.
soybean meal compared to soybean meals of other origins.

U.S. soybean meal provides a “Total Value Package” that is composed of the most
valuable nutrients needed in animal diets:
• Superior amino acid profile and amino acid digestibility
• Increased metabolizable energy
• Lower fiber content
• Higher total phosphorus
• Greater uniformity among batches
The unique nutrient profile of U.S. soybean meal has a significant value when compared
to soybean meal of other origins. This superior value will produce improved profitability
through ration efficiency and lower feeding costs.

Intensive animal production is driven by bottom line profits and optimum animal
performance and efficiency. Least Cost Formulation is used to optimize ration cost and
animal performance but should utilize accurate nutrient profiles for the various soybean
meals of different origin to generate rations which will produce the desired performance.

Feeding studies around the world have compared soybean meal from other countries to
U.S. soybean meal. Results consistently show a significantly higher nutrient profile
resulting in lower feeding costs and better performing animals when the rations contain
U.S. soybean meal.

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The Nutritional Value of U.S. Soybean Meal www.ussec.org
Animal agriculture is facing a technical evolution, addressing best management
practices while balancing optimum profitability and minimized environmental impact.
U.S. soybean meal, supported by its superior nutritional and quality values, will allow
animal production enterprises to achieve these goals.

U.S. soybean producers provide the feed industry with the most consistent and reliable
source of soy protein in the world.

U.S. SOYBEAN PRODUCTION

The United States soybean industry enjoys high soil fertility, proper climate, excellent
plant genetics, and outstanding crop management from farm to port allowing production
of the highest quality soybeans and soybean meal in the world.

Analyses show that soybeans grown in the U.S., compared to other origins, contain a
higher concentration of the essential amino acids needed by animals.

U.S. SOY PROVIDES A “TOTAL VALUE PACKAGE”

Animal nutrient requirements vary from species to species by age and production phase of
the animal. Although nutrient needs vary, digestible amino acids, metabolizable energy
and available phosphorous are considered to be three of the most costly nutrients making
up the diet. When these important nutrients are not provided in the ration in sufficient
quantity or quality, animal performance will suffer and profitability will be greatly reduced.

Nutritionists look for ingredients that will provide high concentrations of essential
nutrients and utilize least cost ration software to compare and choose the ingredients
with the highest nutritive composition, consistency and value. Nutritionists consider
composition, availability, uniformity and price/value when making formulation decisions.
Extensive testing in well-known universities and research centers around the world has
proven that U.S. soybeans and U.S. soybean meal contain more nutrients, including
amino acids, phosphorus and energy, than soybean meals of other origins.
• Superior amino acid content and amino acid profile
• Increased metabolizable energy content due to higher sugar levels,
lower fiber content and improved amino acid digestibility
• Higher total phosphorus content
• Greater uniformity of U.S. soybean meal among batches

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The Nutritional Value of U.S. Soybean Meal www.ussec.org
Maximizing the effective use of essential amino acids will reduce the amount of crude
protein required by the animals and can substantially reduce production costs, while
increasing animal production profitability.

THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF U.S. SOYBEAN MEAL

An extensive comparative study of soybeans from around the world was conducted from
2007 to 2011, with more than 430 samples of soybean meal from Argentina, Brazil, and
the United States. The samples were obtained at shipping ports or country of origin and
analyzed for proximal analysis, amino acid content, sugars, and mineral content. Also,
some of them were analyzed for ileal digestibility of amino acids in broilers. Universities
and research institutions around the world have demonstrated the superior amino acid
profile and digestibility of the U.S. soybean meal. The figures 1 and 2 combine some of the
results reported in recent years.

Figure 1. Amino Acid Profile of Soybean Meals of Different Origins (% CP)

UNIV. POLITÉCNICA MADRID – SPAIN 2007-2011 MASSEY UNIVERSITY – NEW ZEALAND 2011
13.5 13.5
13.47
13.2 13.2

12.9 12.9 12.98

12.89 12.93
12.87
12.75 12.76
12.6 12.6

12.3 12.3

12.0 12.0
Arg Bra USA Arg Bra Ind USA
SUM LYS + MET + CYS + THR SUM LYS + MET + CYS + THR

KOREA FEED ASSOCIATION 2007-2011 EVONIK® – AMINODATA 2005-2010

13.5 13.5

13.2 13.2

13.07 13.09
12.9 12.9
12.94
12.77 12.77 12.77
12.6 12.6 12.66 12.68

12.3 12.3

12.0 12.0
Arg Bra Ind USA Arg Bra Ind USA
SUM LYS + MET + CYS + THR SUM LYS + MET + CYS + THR

95

90
4
90.9

91.0
89.9

89.9
89.7

89.5

The Nutritional Value of U.S. Soybean Meal www.ussec.org

87.2
87.4

87.0

85
86.6
86.1
83.3

83.2
83.4

83.1

80
9.8
90

90.9

91.0
89.9

89.9
89.7

89.5
87.2
87.4

87.0
85

86.6
86.1
83.3

83.2
83.4

83.1
80
The higher content of essential amino acids in U.S. soybean meal, particularly digestible

79.8
lysine
75 and methionine, produce higher density diets even at a lower inclusion rate,

76.3
therefore allowing cheaper cost per kilogram of feed.
70

71.4
70.6
Ind 62.9
The
65 lysine to crude protein ratio of soybean meals of three country sources are shown in

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA
Arg

Arg

Arg

Arg

Arg
Bra

Bra

Bra

Bra

Bra
Ind

Ind

Ind

Ind
Figure 2. The U.S. soybean meal samples shown in red are significantly higher (P<0.001 )
60 POLITÉCNICA MADRID – SPAIN 2007-2011
UNIV. MASSEY UNIVERSITY – NEW ZEALAND 2011
in lysine thanLYS
13.5
the ArgentinianMET CYS
and Brazilian sources.
13.5
THR AVG AA

13.47
13.2 13.2
Figure 2. Lysine : Crude Protein Ratio of Soybean Meal of Different Origens (n=403)
UNIVERSIDAD
12.9 POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID 12.9 12.98
12.89 12.93
12.87
LYS (%DM) 12.76
12.6
12.75 12.6
3.6
y = 0.057x+0.267 USA soybean meal samples show
12.3 R2 = 0.72 P<0.001 significantly higher and more
12.3 consistent
lysine levels than soybean meal from
Argentina and Brazil
12.0 12.0
Arg Bra USA Arg Bra Ind USA
SUM LYS + MET + CYS + THR SUM LYS + MET + CYS + THR
3.4

KOREA FEED ASSOCIATION 2007-2011 EVONIK® – AMINODATA 2005-2010

13.5 13.5

13.2
3.2 13.2

13.07 13.09
12.9 12.9 KEY
12.94
Argentina
12.77 12.77 12.77 Brazil
12.6 12.6 12.66 12.68 USA
3.0
12.3 12.3
48 50 52 54 56 58
12.0 12.0
Arg Bra Ind USA CP (%DM) Arg Bra Ind USA
SUM LYS + MET + CYS + THR SUM LYS + MET + CYS + THR
Figure 3. Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Broilers - %
MASSEY UNIVERSITY, NEW ZEALAND
95

90
90.9

91.0
89.9

95 87
89.9
89.7

89.5

LYSINE CYSTEINE
87.2
87.4

87.0

85 85
86.6

93
86.1

83
83.3

83.2
83.4

83.1

91
80
81
79.8

89
79
75
76.3

87 77
46.2

46.3

46.2

46.3
45.6
45.9

46.4

48.2
49.0
49.1
49.3
49.4
49.7

46.4

47.3
47.5
47.8
48.6
45.7
46.0

46.6

45.7

45.6
45.9

46.4

48.2
49.0
49.1
49.3
49.4
49.7

46.4

47.3
47.5
47.8
48.6
46.5
46.6

45.7
46.0

46.6

45.7
46.5
46.6

70
71.4
70.6

Arg Bra USA Arg Bra USA

Ind 62.9

65
USA

USA

USA

USA

USA
Arg

Arg

Arg

Arg

Arg
Bra

Bra

Bra

Bra

Bra
Ind

Ind

Ind

Ind

60
LYS MET CYS THR AVG AA

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The Nutritional Value of U.S. Soybean Meal www.ussec.org

LYS (%DM)
3.6
y = 0.057x+0.267 USA soybean meal samples show
R2 = 0.72 P<0.001 significantly higher and more consistent
 48 50 52 54 56 58

CP (%DM)

Figure 4. Standardized Ileal Digestibility Lysine and Cysteine in Broilers - % CP (88% DM)
UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID – 2010 (n=22)

95 87
LYSINE CYSTEINE
93 85

83
91
81
89
79

87 77
46.2

46.3

46.2

46.3
45.6
45.9

46.4

48.2
49.0
49.1
49.3
49.4
49.7

46.4

47.3
47.5
47.8
48.6

48.2
49.0
49.1
49.3
49.4
49.7

46.4

47.3
47.5
47.8
48.6
45.7
46.0

46.6

45.7

45.6
45.9

46.4
46.5
46.6

45.7
46.0

46.6

45.7
46.5
46.6
Arg Bra USA Arg Bra USA

MAXIMIZING THE VALUE OF U.S. SOYBEAN MEAL

Nutritionists and feeding managers around the world express the need for lower feed
cost, efficient animal performance, and optimum profitability of the enterprise.
• Purchasing managers should source the highest value products with value
measured in terms of nutrient density and feeding value.
• Production managers should be offering animals rations that meet animal nutrient
requirements to deliver efficient performance.
• Nutritionists should formulate with accurate ingredient nutrient profiles and precise
nutrient specifications to properly utilize the superior value of U.S. soybean meal.
• Ownership should understand increased profit will occur if U.S. soybean meal is used.

CAPTURING THE REAL VALUE OF U.S. SOYBEAN MEAL

Most nutritionists use Least Cost Formulation software that compares many feed
ingredients simultaneously to generate a ration to achieve the best outcome, such as
maximum profit or lowest cost. This important technique used in the feed industry
improves animal performance through precise ration formulation.

Formulators should use current and accurate nutrient profiles for the ingredients under
consideration, or the rations will not be accurate and the desired animal performance will
not be realized. Table 1 provides the nutrient profile for the U.S. soybean meal to be used
for accurate calculation of the desired diets. The superior nutrient profile for U.S. soybean
meal drives the premium value of U.S. soybean meal obtained in least cost ration
formulation, but more importantly, U.S. soybean meal reduces ration costs and improves
animal performance when compared to soybean meals of other origins.

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The Nutritional Value of U.S. Soybean Meal www.ussec.org
FEEDING STUDIES CONFIRM U.S. SOY ADVANTAGE

An 8-year series of 27 feeding studies in swine and poultry around the world compiled by
the American Soybean Association demonstrated the economic value of U.S. dehulled
soybean meal from higher protein, better amino acid profile, and enhanced amino acids
digestibility. The studies examined the performance of animals fed various batches of
soybean meal from the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, India, China, Thailand, and Malaysia using
standard feed ingredient prices. In these studies, the U.S. soybean meal provided an
economic advantage over soybean meal from other origins.

Swine—Seven feeding studies demonstrated that U.S. soybean meal gave better
overall performance in terms of feed efficiency, average daily gain and cost per unit
of live weight when compared to meals from other origins. Results show that
producers can significantly lower feeding costs as well as increase nutrient density
of diets by using U.S. dehulled soybean meal.
Poultry—In twenty studies with broilers and layers, U.S. soybean meal provided
superior overall feed conversion, including better live-weight gain and lower cost per
unit of production (meat or eggs) over soybean meals from other origins. The results
show that producers can considerably reduce feed costs increasing the profitability
of the poultry enterprise.

REALIZING THE VALUE OF U.S. SOYBEAN MEAL

Years of testing has proven U.S. soybeans and soybean meal produced from U.S.
soybeans possess a superior nutrient profile. The added value of U.S. soybean meal will
reduce feed cost because they contribute to a higher concentration of nutrients per
kilogram of meal. Depending on the diet requirements, this value will result in significant
feed savings. Traders and buyers of soybean meal should realize that crude protein is not
a good indicator of soybean meal value. Amino acid profile and digestibility should be the
focus of value in the buying and selling of soybean meal.

The most important nutrient values of different soybean meals, for swine and poultry, are
listed in Table 1. The nutrient profile of U.S. soybean meal is superior to the profiles of the
soybean meals from other origins for feeding, efficiency and profitability. Nutrients that
have a minimum or a maximum restriction or requirement in the formulations influence
both the feed cost and shadow prices of feedstuffs. The energy, the ileal digestible amino
acids, and the phosphorus content are most crucial.

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The Nutritional Value of U.S. Soybean Meal www.ussec.org
Table 1 Nutrient values of the soybean meals by origin.

ARGENTINA BRAZIL U.S.

GRAMS/KILOGRAM 46.0% CP 47.1% CP 46.7 % CP
Chemical Analyses
Moisture 120.0 112.0 125.0
Crude Protein 460.0 471.0 467.0
Lysine 28.3 28.6 29.9
Met+cys 13.5 13.4 13.5
Tryptophan 6.3 6.3 6.5
Threonine 18.2 18.2 18.2
Isoleucine 20.8 21.2 22.0
Ash 67.0 62.0 66.5
Crude Fat 16.0 19.0 16.3
Starch (Ewers) 25.0 25.0 25.0
Sugars 67.0 53.0 79.0
Calcium 3.30 3.00 3.80
Phosphorus 6.90 6.20 6.80
Potassium 22.5 21.3 21.8

Energy Value
NE swine kcal 1940 1980 2000
EVswine 92.38 94.29 95.24
AME layer kcal 2242 2320 2325
AME broiler kcal 1901 1970 2000

Digestible Nutrients
Dig. P swine 2.70 2.40 2.60
Dig. P poultry 2.80 2.30 2.85
il.dig.Lys swine 24.0 24.7 26.2
Il.dig.Lys/100 g.Pr 5.26 5.29 5.53
il.dig.Meth swine 5.5 5.4 5.8
il.dig.M+C swine 10.9 11.1 11.6
il.dig.Tryp swine 5.4 5.4 5.5
il.dig.Thre swine 14.5 14.7 15.6
il.dig. Isol swine 17.5 18.1 18.7
dig.Lys poultry 24.0 24.7 26.2
dig.Lys/100 g.Prot 5.29 5.34 5.53
dig.Meth poultry 5.5 5.5 5.8
dig.M+C poultry 11.1 11.2 11.7
dig.Tryp poultry 5.4 5.4 5.7
dig.Thre poultry 14.9 15.2 16.2
dig.Isol poultry 18.1 18.7 19.1

G.G. Mateos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (study included 425 samples taken between 2007-2012)

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The Nutritional Value of U.S. Soybean Meal www.ussec.org
U.S. SOYBEAN INDUSTRY COMMITMENT WITH QUALITY AND INFORMATION

The information contained in this document reflects the acquired knowledge related to
the quality of the US soybean meal and the nutritional differences between soybean
meals from different origins. The commitment of U.S. soybean farmers with the global
animal nutrition and animal production sectors will continue and more data will be
generated as new technologies and analytical systems become available. The goal is to
present to the global animal production industry an update of this document every six
months or sooner, and according to the relevance of the information that will continue
coming from first order universities, reputable research institutions and most important
scientific publications.

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The Nutritional Value of U.S. Soybean Meal www.ussec.org
REFERENCES

De-Coca-Sinova, A., E. Jiménez-Moreno, R. Lázaro, and G.G. Mateos. 2008. Apparent ileal
digestibility of energy, nitrogen, and amino acids of soybean meals of different origin in
broilers. Poultry Science 87:2613-2623.

De-Coca-Sinova, A., D. G. Valencia, E. Jiménez-Moreno, J.M. González-Alvarado, M. Frikha,

R. Lázaro, and G. G. Mateos. 2010. Influence of source of soybean meal and lysine content
of the diet on performance and total tract apparent retention of nutrients in broilers from
1 to 36 days of age. Poultry Science. 89:1440-1450.

Doppenberg, J. 2012. Soybean Meal Quality by Origin: Economical Value of Hipro Soybean
Meal in Least Cost Formulations. Report: ASA-IM (series)

Frikha, M., M. P. Serrano, D. G. Valencia, C. Centeno, R. Lázaro, and G. G. Mateos. 2010. Ileal
digestibility of the amino acids of soybean meals of different origin in broilers. Poultry
Science. 89 (Suppl. 1):210 (Abstract)

Karr-Lilienthal, L. K., N. R. Merchen, C. M. Grieshop, M. A. Flahaven, D. C. Mahan, N. D.

Fastinger, M. Watts, and G. C. Fahey, Jr. 2004. Ileal amino acid digestibility by pigs fed
soybean meals from five major soybean-producing countries. Journal of Animal Science.
82:3198-3209.

Lee H. S., J.G. Kim, Y.W. Shin, Y.H. Park,S.K. You , S.H. Kim, K.Y. Whang, Comparison of
laboratory analytical values and in vivo soybean meal quality on pigs by employing soy
flakes heat-treated under different conditions Animal Feed Science and Technology134
(2007) 337–346

Mateos, G. G., S. Sueiro, M. González, M. Hermida, J. Fickler, P. G. Rebollar, M.P. Serrano, and
R. Lázaro. 2011. Differences among origins on nutritional and quality parameters of
soybean meal. Poultry Science 90 (Suppl. 1):57

Park, Y. H., H. K. Kim, H. S. Kim, H. S. Lee1, I. S. Shin1 and K. Y. Whang Effects of Three Different
Soybean Meal Sources on Layer and Broiler Performance. Asian-Aust. Journal of Animal
Science 2002. Vol 15, No. 2 : 254-265

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The Nutritional Value of U.S. Soybean Meal www.ussec.org
Ravindran, R, 2011. Nutrient Analysis, Metabolizable Energy and Digestible Amino Acids of
soybean meals of different origin for broilers. Preliminary report of a research project
conducted by the Monogastric Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North
New Zealand. (Personal Communication)

Wang, J. P., S. M. Hong, L. Yan, J. H. Cho, H. S. Lee and I. H. Kim. The evaluation of soybean
meals from three major soybean-producing countries on productive performance and
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