Animal Agriculture

U.S. Soy: Fueling Animal Agriculture, Driving Economic Growth

Animal agriculture — the segment of the industry dedicated to raising livestock for consumption — is the largest end user of soybeans. Chickens, pigs, turkeys, cattle, fish and other farm-raised animals consume 97% of domestic soybean meal (source). 

The Foundation of Feed: Why U.S. Soy Powers Animal Agriculture

Global demand for meat continues to rise, which means livestock and poultry producers require more feed for their operations. This critical market underscores the advantages of U.S. soybeans and creates opportunities for farmers.

To remain the preferred source of plant-based protein for animal agriculture, U.S. soybean farmers must continue providing the highest-quality soybean meal (SBM). Though some regional variations exist, U.S. soybeans are generally considered to offer the following benefits, compared to other nations: higher sucrose levels, excellent amino acid profile, better digestibility, increased metabolizable energy and lower fiber (source).

To maintain our competitive advantage, the Soy Checkoff invests in research that demonstrates the quality of U.S. soybeans while also exploring industry partnerships necessary for continued long-term growth. Beyond its nutritional benefits, U.S. soybeans are grown with a strong commitment to sustainable farming practices, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint in animal agriculture.

Unlocking Soy’s Full Nutritional Potential

The United Soybean Board (USB) actively collaborates with animal nutritionists to enhance the value of U.S. soybeans across various sectors within animal agriculture. Recognizing that feed formulation often prioritizes cost and basic nutritional components, USB’s strategic plan focuses on demonstrating the comprehensive benefits of SBM, including its overall nutrient composition, anti-nutritional factor management, and positive impacts on animal production, performance, and health.

One recent high-impact investment includes the U.S. Soy CAN (Center for Animal Nutrition and Health), a Soy Checkoff-funded website that provides resources for the animal agriculture industry. This “one-stop shop” serves as a technical resource for nutritionists, veterinarians, and animal scientists, offering the latest research, diet formulation tools, articles, and webinars focused on soy’s role in poultry, swine, and dairy diets. It also offers a calculator for animal nutritionists to see the value of soybean meal under different scenarios, demonstrating economic outcomes. The site aims to help producers optimize the value of U.S. soybeans in animal feed and stay informed on industry events.

Through other targeted research, including partnerships like The Soybean Nutrition Enhancement Project, the checkoff is proving SBM’s economic return and its crucial role in improving animal health and feed efficiency. Studies have shown that SBM offers additional benefits like antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects (source), and that even a 1% increase in crude protein significantly boosts its economic value for swine and poultry.  (source) This comprehensive approach aims to shift the industry’s focus to the full spectrum of SBM’s advantages, ensuring its continued role as an excellent protein source. During 2023, animal agriculture delivered significant economic benefits, including $532.7 billion in economic output, 2.3 million jobs, and $108.9 billion in earnings. (source)

Recent studies confirm that reducing SBM in pig diets, even when balancing amino acids, negatively impacts weight gain and feed efficiency. This highlights that while cost is a factor, the intrinsic value of SBM’s health-promoting compounds cannot be fully replicated by other ingredients, emphasizing its essential role in maximizing profit and animal performance in the swine industry. (source)

What’s Happening Now in the Dairy Industry: Enhanced Milk Production and Profitability

High oleic soybeans are being planted by more farmers and offer significant advantages for the dairy industry by providing a high-quality feed ingredient that optimizes cow health and milk production. Unlike conventional soybeans, their high oleic acid content and low polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels prevent the detrimental effects on rumen microbes and milk fat depression often associated with traditional soybean feed. This improved fatty acid profile directly translates to enhanced milk fat synthesis, leading to higher milk fat concentration and yield, which directly impacts a dairy’s profitability. Furthermore, the ability for dairies to grow or source high oleic soybeans for on-farm use can lead to substantial cost savings on purchased fat and bypass protein, as demonstrated by farmers realizing significant daily savings per cow. (source)

Key Insights: The Indispensable Role of U.S. Soy 

  • 97% of U.S. soybean meal is consumed by animal agriculture, making it the most important customer of U.S. soybeans. (source) This vital market drives demand and creates opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers.
  • As an unmatched package of high nutrient density, U.S. soybean meal provides an excellent amino acid profile and essential vitamins and minerals, offering intrinsic value beyond basic protein content. (source)
  • U.S. soybean meal plays a crucial role in improving animal health, performance, and feed efficiency, with current research demonstrating its economic return. This research, supported by the Soy Checkoff, also highlights benefits like antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. (source)
  • Rising global demand for animal protein ensures continued high demand for soybean meal, which also supports the adequate supply of soybean oil for food and fuel sectors.
  • U.S. soybean production for animal feed is increasingly sustainable, with farmers adopting practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and improve soil health, supporting the environmental goals of the animal agriculture industry. (source)
  • The growth in demand for sustainable biofuels is likely to lead to an increase in U.S. soybean production and processing capacity, which in turn ensures a robust, reliable and affordable supply of high-quality soybean meal for animal agriculture. (source)
  • Components of the soybean: Meal typically makes up 80% of a soybean, while oil is 20%. (source)
  • Economic impact: During 2023, animal agriculture delivered significant economic benefits, including $532.7 billion in economic output, 2.3 million jobs, and $108.9 billion in earnings. (source)
  • SBM consumption by animal ag sector: During 2023, 38.05 million short tons of soybean meal were consumed by the animal agriculture segment, with poultry, swine, and dairy cows being the largest consumers. (source) 

Deep Dive: Resources for U.S. Soy in Animal Ag