Research Found Roasted Soybeans Improved Cattle Feed Efficiency
Beef producers can optimize heifer weight gains and feed conversion by adjusting the protein composition of rations.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Agriculture
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Is now a good time for livestock producers to experiment with alternative protein sources like soybeans?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers found that roasting soybeans significantly boosted rumen undegradable protein levels in cattle diets compared to raw soybeans. The study, which lasted 84 days, identified key protein inclusion rates that enhanced feed efficiency and weight gain for growing heifers.
Why it matters
Optimizing protein sources like soybeans and distillers grains helps producers improve weight gain while managing feed costs through more efficient conversion. This research offers operators data to refine ration formulation using locally available protein components.
In an 84-day trial, protein sources were tested at inclusion rates of 7%, 14%, and 21% of diet dry matter. Roasted soybeans outperformed raw soybeans in feed efficiency, while modified distillers grains drove the highest overall feed intake and weight gain.
The players
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A public research university that serves as a leading hub for agricultural and beef cattle science in the state.
The details
Researchers focused on the rumen undegradable protein (RUP) content of feed, which is critical for meeting the metabolizable protein needs of growing heifers. While corn silage provides only 16% of its crude protein as RUP, roasting soybeans boosts their RUP content from 20% to at least 50%. Increasing these inclusion rates to 21% generally improved both weight gain and feed conversion in the monitored cattle.
Timeline
2011: Research established that distillers grains improve calf performance.
2022: Reporting provided foundational data on corn silage protein levels.
84 days: Total duration of the cattle feeding trial conducted at the university.
Market Landscape
This research follows a pattern established by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln beef cattle research program in refining animal nutrition metrics. It builds on prior findings from 2011 and 2022 that sought to better utilize byproduct feeds in state cattle production.
Producers should evaluate current ration protein inclusion rates, specifically targeting the 21% threshold identified for improved efficiency. Consider testing roasted soybeans as a practical tool to increase rumen undegradable protein when formulating for growing heifers.
The takeaway
Roasted soybeans offer a viable mechanism to improve feed efficiency by significantly increasing rumen undegradable protein content. Operators should compare these performance outcomes against their current ration costs to determine if higher inclusion rates are economically justified.
Further reading
For more on evolving feed strategies and regional standards, visit our Agriculture section.
Live Poll
Is now a good time for livestock producers to experiment with alternative protein sources like soybeans?
