Description
Soya as a Valuable Feed Ingredient – Properties and Benefits in Animal Nutrition
Soybean is one of the most valuable feed ingredients, which plays a key role in the nutrition of farm animals, including poultry, pigs and ruminants. Its unique properties make it widely used in the production of feed, providing animals with the right dose of essential nutrients.
Soybeans are characterized by:
- High protein content (35%-40%), which is full-value and contains all the essential amino acids supporting animal development and health.
- Fat at 18%-20%, including beneficial omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health and circulatory system.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins E and B and minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium), which affect the condition and immunity of animals.
- Antioxidants – isoflavones and phenolic compounds that protect against oxidative stress and support the immune system.
Despite its many benefits, soy also contains natural antinutritional substances, such as trypsin inhibitors, lectins and phytates, which can make digestion difficult. Therefore, soy feeds are often heat treated to neutralize these substances and increase the absorption of nutrients. Thanks to its high fat and protein content, soy is also very palatable to animals, which translates into better feed acceptance and higher performance.
