Soybean Meal for Animal Feed: A Buyer’s Guide to Grades and Quality
Soybean meal is the most important protein source in animal feed worldwide. It is the product left after oil is extracted from soybeans, and it is used in feed for poultry, pigs, dairy and beef cattle, and fish. This guide explains the main grades and the quality checks feed mills and distributors should make.
Main grades
- 44% protein (with hulls): the standard grade, widely used in poultry and livestock feed.
- 46–48% protein (dehulled, “hi-pro”): lower fibre and higher energy, preferred for broilers, piglets and aquafeed.
Quality tests to agree
| Test | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Crude protein | The main value of the meal; price is linked to it. |
| Moisture | Usually around 12–12.5% maximum; higher moisture risks mould. |
| Crude fibre | Lower fibre means higher digestibility, especially in hi-pro grades. |
| Urease activity | Shows whether the meal was heated correctly. Under-heated meal reduces animal performance; over-heated meal loses protein quality. |
| Fat and ash | Affect energy value and mineral content. |
Always ask for a certificate of analysis, and consider independent inspection for large shipments.
Packaging and storage
Soybean meal is shipped in 50 kg bags, jumbo bags or in bulk. Store it dry, ventilated and off the floor, and use it within a few months to protect quality. Check regularly for heating, caking or insects.
Documents
Soybean meal falls under HS code 2304.00. As a plant product it normally needs a phytosanitary certificate, plus the usual commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin. Some countries also require a health or feed-safety certificate. See our guide to export documents.
Related feed products
Many buyers combine soybean meal with forage such as alfalfa hay pellets. View our soybean meal product for details, and read how to check a supplier before you pay before your first order.
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