Soybean meal is used in food and animal feeds, principally as a protein supplement, but also as a source of metabolizable energy. The soybean meal is produced from the residue left after oil extraction. This product is often fed as a protein supplement for domestic ruminants. A highly palatable feedstuff, soybean meal is characterized by a high protein content (from 43 to 53%) and a low crude fibred content (less than 3% for the dehulled soybean meals). It has a very good amino acid balance and contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine, which are often lacking in cereal grains. Amino acid digestibility is also very high.
