Research Highlights:

• Roasted soybeans have a higher energy content and are rich in beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that support cattle growth and overall health.

• The study compared three treatments: raw soybeans, roasted soybeans, and extruded soybeans. The results showed that roasted and extruded soybeans provided better protection of healthy fats from rumen degradation, resulting in more efficient utilization by the cattle.

• Cattle fed roasted or extruded soybeans experienced superior weight gain and feed efficiency. Steers fed roasted soybeans had an average daily gain of 3.7 lbs, while those fed extruded soybeans had an average daily gain of 3.5 lbs.

• Roasted soybeans outperformed extruded soybeans in terms of feed efficiency. The feed-to-gain ratio for roasted soybeans was 6.69, while the ratio for extruded soybeans was 7.26.
  

Summary:



Incorporating roasted soybeans in beef cattle finishing diets can significantly improve growth performance, feed efficiency, and overall health. For cattlemen seeking an innovative approach to their feeding program, roasted soybeans, backed by the research from Iowa State University, present a viable, advantageous alternative to traditional soybean meal.

REFERENCE:

Iowa State University Digital Repository - Retrospective Theses and Dissertations 1984

Use of Full-fat soybeans as a source of ruman bypass polyunsaturated fatty acids for beef cattle finishing diets

by Daniel Clark Rule - Iowa State University

https://irp.cdn-website.com/1416f3ba/files/uploaded/Full-fat%20soybeans%20for%20beef%20cattle.pdf

Feed-To-Gain Ratio Explained

The feed-to-gain ratio is a measurement used to evaluate the efficiency of an animal's feed utilization. It is calculated by dividing the amount of feed consumed by an animal by the weight gained during a specific period.

A lower feed-to-gain ratio indicates that the animal is more efficient in converting feed to body weight. In other words, a lower ratio means the animal needs less feed to gain the same amount of weight compared to an animal with a higher ratio. This measurement is an essential indicator of animal performance and economic efficiency in livestock production.