Quality of US Soybean Meal Compared to the Quality of Soybean Meal from Other Origins

Quality of soybeans and soybean meals (SBM) from non-US and US origins were compared. The US SBM was more consistent with higher digestibility (by KOH solubility), lower fiber and better quality of protein (by essential amino acid levels) than SBM of other major export origins (Argentina, Brazil and India). Protein quality carried through from whole soybeans to SBM, for a given origin. While the protein content was higher for the SBM from Brazil, the percentage of total digestible amino acids was highest for the SBM from the US and China. The US SBM had the highest content (total) of five essential amino acids for both poultry and swine feed uses, which when coupled with higher digestibility, would give US meal an advantage in rations balanced on amino acids. The mean particle size for all SBM from all origins was within the desirable range specified by nutritionists. The US soybeans were lower in protein than Brazilian soybeans, but higher than Argentine soybeans. The crude protein disadvantage of US soybeans was offset by higher concentrations of the essential amino acids in the lower protein soybeans. The US soybeans were lower in oil content than soybeans from either of the South American origins. Average protein and oil contents of US soybeans were consistent with the 2003 and 2004 annual soybean quality surveys. The US SBM held an advantage in digestibility and concentration of key amino acids in all three studies.