Feeding Whole Soybeans to Beef Cattle
By the Kent Nutrition Department
When commodity prices are low, feeding raw soybeans to beef cattle can make economical sense. Raw beans can be used by all classes of beef cattle, if they are introduced gradually into the diet. If soybeans are added to the diet too quickly, then diarrhea and reduced performance may result. Beans cannot replace all the protein supplement in a corn silage-based diet, they should be limited to 8 percent of the diet for growing calves and 6 percent of the diet for finishing calves. The amount fed to growing calves can be increased to 10 percent if the beans are roasted.
Processing the beans prior to feeding will improve performance of cattle. A coarse crush would be adequate for optimal performance, but the beans may gum up rollers or grinders if they are not mixed with other grains. Due to possible fat rancidity, they need to be fed within one to two weeks of crushing, depending on season and outside temperature.
The feeding value of beans will vary with the price of corn and soybean meal. As fed, whole soybeans run approximately 37% protein and 17% fat, which makes for a good source of protein and energy. Calcium levels are typically .25% and phosphorus will run about .60%. An estimate of the value can be calculated using the following equation:
(.35 x price/cwt of corn) + (.75 x price/cwt of SBM) =
price/cwt of whole soybeans
For example: corn at $1.90/bu or $3.39/cwt and soybean meal at $158/ton or $7.90/cwt would give a value for whole soybeans of about $7.11/cwt.
(.35 x 3.39) + (.75 x 7.90) = 7.11/cwt
Beans should never be fed to young calves that do not have a functional rumen. Raw soybeans contain urease and trypsin inhibitors. Urease and trypsin inhibitors are proteins that are denatured by heating, thus improving the feeding value of soybeans for monogastrics and pre-ruminants. Mature ruminants will deactivate the trypsin inhibitor with little problem, however, care should be taken in feeding raw soybeans with supplements high in urea. The urease will break down urea to ammonia and increases the potential for ammonia toxicity if energy and forage are in short supply.
Molds in soybeans can also create toxicity problems in beef cattle. Field molds are typically not toxic, however, high estrogen levels due to molds can cause abortions in pregnant females. Storage molds on the other hand, can be very toxic to livestock, and soybeans with storage mold should be fed with great care. Storage molds tend to grow on soybeans stored with moisture content higher than 13%.
Raw soybeans do not replace the need for supplementation. They will change the nutritional profile of the diet from a protein and energy standpoint, however, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, as well as trace minerals and vitamins will need to be accounted for.
Raw soybeans are a commodity that, during certain economic times, can be a cost-effective ingredient in any beef diet. Just watch the inclusion rate, and supplement accordingly. Kent® ADE Mineral™ will supplement most brood cows, and a low-protein supplement for feedlot cattle such as Gluten Aide™ or Gluten Aide™ II will deliver the required nutrients, plus any medication combination needed for optimal performance.