Low grain prices and variable harvest conditions often have producers asking: should I feed soybeans to my cattle or sell them?
Whole soybeans supply both protein and energy, but they must be managed carefully. Here’s a practical look at how soybeans fit into beef rations—and when they might offer a cost-effective alternative.
A Two-in-One Feed
On a dry-matter basis, soybeans contain roughly 40% crude protein and close to 20% oil (fat). This makes them a valuable dual-purpose feedstuff, providing both amino acids for growth and energy for performance.
However, soybeans have more phosphorus than calcium, so calcium supplementation is needed when they replace traditional protein sources. This is especially important in grain-heavy diets such as finishing rations or corn-silage programs.
Oil Content: The Limiting Factor
Soybean oil is energy-rich but can disrupt rumen fermentation when overfed. Total dietary fat should stay below about 6% of the total dry matter to maintain fiber digestion and feed efficiency.
Because most forages already provide 2–3% natural fat, soybeans can contribute only a few percentage points more—typically 2½ to 4 pounds per head per day for mature cattle, depending on diet composition. Feeding above that level can reduce intake and fiber digestibility.
Feeding Stage and Animal Age
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Growing cattle: Only feed to calves with fully developed rumens (300 lb+). Limit soybeans to about 10% of total ration dry matter or 0.3% of body weight for grazing stockers.
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Finishing cattle: Up to 15% of total diet dry matter may be used if total fat remains within safe limits.
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Mature cows: Supplementing 2–2.5 lb/day can help correct protein shortfalls in low-quality forage diets. Research has shown that soybeans can support good body condition and even increase milk production in early lactation.
Processing and Feeding Form
Raw soybeans are safe for cattle with developed rumens. Processing methods like roasting, extruding, or rolling destroy enzymes that can interfere with protein digestion in young calves, but they rarely improve feed efficiency enough to offset added cost.
Grinding soybeans is generally discouraged because it releases too much oil in the rumen, potentially reducing fiber digestion. For most operations, feeding whole raw soybeans is the simplest and most economical approach.
Special Situations: Immature or Damaged Beans
In drought or early frost years, immature or small soybeans can still be valuable feed—but only after a feed test confirms nutrient content. These beans often contain slightly less oil and energy than mature soybeans.
Avoid feeding flood-damaged or sprouted soybeans, which may contain pathogens or mycotoxins. If quality is questionable, composting or disposal is the safer choice.
Economics and Feed Value
The financial case for feeding soybeans depends on local market conditions. In many situations, their feed value based on protein and energy is similar to—or slightly lower than—their cash-crop value at the elevator.
That means feeding whole soybeans generally becomes attractive only when they are discounted, damaged, or on hand for immediate use.
When evaluating options, compare feeds on a cost-per-unit-of-protein and energy basis rather than by ton price alone. Factor in handling, storage, and the value of any commercial supplements you might replace.
Your nutritionist can help determine whether feeding soybeans fits economically within your operation.
Bottom Line
Soybeans can serve as a flexible protein and energy source for beef cattle when prices and management align. The key is moderation: keep total dietary fat under 6%, balance minerals, and avoid feeding to young calves.
Used strategically, soybeans can stretch feed resources—especially in years when other supplements are costly or homegrown beans can’t make the grade for delivery.
