Soybean meal is the product remaining after extracting most of the oil from whole soybeans. The oil may be removed by solvent extraction or by an expeller process in which the beans are heated and squeezed. The nutrient composition of the oil extracted soybean meal 48 is shown in the table below.

Soybean meal is high in protein and energy and is one of the most commonly used protein supplements worldwide. It is a palatable feedstuff and may be used as the major protein supplement in rations for dairy cattle.

Typical Analysis (Solvent extracted soybean meal 48)

Dry matter 89 %

Crude Protein 48.0 %

Fat 01.0 %

Crude fiber 03.0 %

Neutral Detergent Fiber 07.1 %

Acid Detergent Fiber 05.3 %

Calcium 00.2 %

Phosphorus 0.65 %

Total Digestible Nutrients 78.0 %

Net energy—Lactation 81.1 Mcal/100 lbs