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October 18, 2004 Green Soybeans Can Be Fed to Livestock Frost-damaged or green soybeans can be used effectively in livestock diets, according to Greg Lardy, North Dakota State University Extension beef cattle specialist. Lardy suggests this option as an alternative to taking discounted prices at the elevator. Lardy says that some local elevators may even refuse green soybeans, as they are undesirable from the processor’s standpoint, because green pigment remains in the oil and meal. Research conducted at South Dakota State University indicates that raw, frost-damaged soybeans should be limited to less than 14 percent of diet dry matter, to avoid negative effects from the amount of oil or enzyme inhibitors. Lambs fed higher levels of soybeans (in corn silage-based diets) had lower fiber digestibility because of high oil levels. “As a general rule of thumb, you should consider keeping the added fat from any oilseed in a diet below 3.5 percent to 4 percent,” Lardy says. Whole soybeans are high in fat, limiting the amount a producer can include in ruminant rations. The soybeans do not need to be ground or rolled to be fed to cattle or sheep, but processing the beans in some manner may minimize sorting and help ensure proper mixing. “In warm weather, only process the amount which will be fed in seven to 10 days, since warm temperatures can cause processed beans to become rancid,” Lardy says. Variability in nutrient content should be expected. Lardy recommends that producers have a nutrient analysis done on frost-damaged or immature soybeans before balancing rations. ### Source:
Greg Lardy, (701) 231-7660, glardy@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
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North Dakota State University |
