What We Know About Feeding High Oleic Soybeans
Video Overview
This session features Extension educators Katelyn Goldsmith and Matt Lippert as they explore the transition from field to feed for high-oleic soybeans within dairy operations. The discussion centers on the unique fatty acid profiles of these beans and how they can serve as a beneficial, cost-effective component in modern dairy diets.
Key Nutritional Differences
The primary advantage of high-oleic soybeans is their modified fatty acid composition. By replacing a significant portion of linoleic acid (polyunsaturated) with oleic acid (monounsaturated), these soybeans offer a healthier profile for dairy cows. Traditional soybean oil often carries a high risk of causing butterfat depression, whereas the inclusion of high-oleic soybeans is less disruptive to rumen bacteria, potentially supporting improved milk fat yields without the negative consequences of traditional fat sources.
Research and Performance
Research trials conducted by institutions such as Michigan State University and Penn State University highlight several consistent outcomes:
- Milk Fat Yield: Most studies report an increase in milk fat yield (typically around 0.25 pounds per day).
- Milk Protein: Generally, there is no significant change in milk protein concentration.
- Efficiency: While dry matter intake and total milk yield vary based on the specific diet, high-oleic soybeans have shown no negative impacts on milk production and can be a valuable energy source when replacing lower-energy ingredients.
Feeding Strategies and Best Practices
Proper preparation is essential for maximizing the value of these soybeans. The speakers emphasize that roasting is a critical step, regardless of whether the beans are conventional or high-oleic, for several reasons:
- Digestibility: Heat treatment significantly enhances protein digestibility and increases Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP) levels.
- Anti-Nutrients: Roasting deactivates natural anti-nutrients like trypsin inhibitors and urease, which can otherwise impede digestion.
- Particle Size: Grinding the roasted beans to an optimal particle size (recommended at 700 to 800 microns) is vital to ensure cows utilize the oil effectively and prevent waste.
Economic Considerations
Feeding high-oleic soybeans can be highly economical compared to expensive commercial supplemental fats, such as palm fats or calcium salts. If a farm has the capability to grow and process (roast and grind) their own beans, they can significantly reduce dependency on external, high-cost fat supplements while maintaining high performance. However, producers must account for the investment in equipment, labor, and quality control measures like PDI (Protein Dispersibility Index) and urease activity testing to ensure the heat treatment process is consistent.
Conclusion
High-oleic soybeans represent a promising tool for dairy producers looking to improve milk components and lower ration costs. While they do not necessarily replace all other additives, they offer a sustainable, homegrown alternative that fits well into balanced, high-producing dairy diets. Success hinges on careful diet formulation with a nutritionist and strict adherence to proper roasting and storage protocols.
