Soy Bran Hull

What is Soy Bran Hull?

Soybean hulls are one of the by-products of processing soybeans for oil.

Soy Hulls, as they are often referred to, consist of the seed coats or skins of the soybeans that are removed in the processing of soy oil.  These hulls are usually toasted to destroy urease [an enzyme] activity and then ground to the desirable particle size. Because of the generally small size of the Soy Hulls, they are pelleted [7 mm] to increase ease of handling and bulk density.

The energy value of Soy Hulls is slightly lower than that of maize, and more similar to that of ear grain meals.

Features and benefits:

• Provide a highly palatable source of energy, protein, fibre and minerals.
• Can be included in dairy diets up to 10% of the total DM ration.
• The low lignin content of the Hulls makes them highly digestible to cows.
• They are low in non-constructural carbohydrates.
• Improves the intake and digestibility of forages fed in the diet.
• May be fed to calves in weaning diets for good weight gain.
• Low in phosphorus & sulphur.

Feeding recommendations:

At high levels of intake, greater than 3kg, Soy Hulls are conducive to bloat.  In such cases a bloat preventative containing an ionophore (Bovatec/Rumensin) should be used.  Always provide readily available long-stem roughage in the form of straw, hay or grazing when feeding Soy Hulls straight.

Consult your nutritionist or farm consultant to work out the optimal level for your particular situation.

Storage:

Like all feedstuffs, Soybean Hulls should be stored dry, in bulk bins or placed on cement slabs (away from vermin and covered and protected from the weather accordingly).