Feed

Growing Demand in Feed

Soybeans have built a strong preference in feed rations with nutritionists making their decisions based on science. Checkoff investments fund the research and outreach that keep soybean meal the protein of choice in animal diets.
Farmer and child walking hand in hand through a poultry barn, with rows of chickens and feeding equipment on either side

The Checkoff's Priorities in the Feed Market

Checkoff investments in the animal feed market are deliberate and targeted. See where that focus is making a difference right now.
Person holding soybean meal used in livestock feed, with pigs in the background.

Utilization & Production Efficiency

Maximizing efficiency in every pound of meal

Checkoff-funded research shows soybean meal improves feed conversion and production efficiency across poultry, pork, dairy, beef, and aquaculture. That work also produces the tools and guidelines that help producers apply these insights on their operation.

Animal Health Benefits

Linking soybean meal to improved animal health

Checkoff-funded research demonstrates soybean meal’s antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. By delivering clear data, the checkoff helps nutritionists confidently select soy over alternative protein sources and synthetic products.

End-Product Quality

Connecting feed to end-product quality

Meat, milk, and egg quality begin with what animals are fed. Checkoff-funded research documents measurable improvements in end-product quality, strengthening the case for including soy in the ration.

Building the Case for Soy in Feed

The checkoff invests in research that keeps soybean meal's nutritional and performance advantages documented, credible, and in front of the nutritionists, veterinarians, and producers who depend on it.

Protecting the Market Farmers Depend On

Animal agriculture is U.S. Soy’s℠ largest market. The checkoff works to make sure it stays that way, responding to competitive pressure and changing perceptions with research, facts, and firsthand testimonials.
Explore the Issue Brief

Competing Ingredients

As synthetic amino acids become more available and price competitive, feed formulators may reduce soybean meal inclusion, putting soy at risk of losing share in the ration.

Commodity Perception

When protein sources are treated as interchangeable, purchasing decisions can come down to price, not nutritional value.

Environmental Pressure

Sustainability expectations in animal agriculture are rising, putting greater scrutiny on feed ingredients. That can affect how soybean meal is evaluated and its role in feed formulations.

Foreign Competition

Foreign soybean meal continues to gain ground in global markets through a combination of price, availability, and expanding production capacity, putting pressure on U.S.-grown soybeans.
Close-up of a person holding a handful of fine grain soybean meal or feed ingredient.

Commitment to the Feed Market

The feed market represents substantial demand for soybean meal. Checkoff investment works to protect and grow soy's position within it.

3:1 Return

Checkoff investments in high oleic soybeans, used in diary feed rations to improve milk fat yield, deliver $3 back for every $1 invested

The Industries That Depend on Soybean Meal

Checkoff investment funds the species-specific research that gives nutritionists and producers the evidence to keep choosing soy.
Center for Animal Feed & Nutrition
Commercial broiler chickens fed soybean meal-based rations in a poultry house.

Poultry

Soybean meal is the primary protein source in broiler, layer, and turkey diets, valued for its amino acid profile and digestibility.
Pigs fed a soybean meal diet as part of a pork operation.

Swine

From nursery to finishing, soybean meal supports growth, feed efficiency, and animal health across all phases of pork production.
Beef cattle being fed a ration containing soybean meal for efficient weight gain.

Beef

A key ingredient in feedlot and stocker cattle diets, soy supports efficient weight gain, feed conversion, and overall herd performance.
Dairy cows at a modern dairy operation where high oleic soybeans are fed to improve milk quality.

Dairy

High oleic soybeans are an emerging feed ingredient that improves milk fat content, cow health, and on-farm profitability.
Fish in an aquaculture facility fed a soy-based alternative to fishmeal.

Aquaculture

A growing alternative to fishmeal in aquafeed formulations, soy is expanding into a domestic market with significant long-term demand potential.
A dog runs across an artificial soy-based lawn in front of a “Dog Moines” mural.

Companion Animals

Soy protein is an increasingly common ingredient in pet food formulations, expanding demand beyond traditional livestock markets.
A white horse stands in front of a fence in a green pasture.

Equine

Horses require high-quality protein. Soy delivers an amino acid profile that supports muscle development, recovery, and long-term health.
Herd of sheep in a snow covered field

Sheep & Goats

Small ruminant producers rely on consistent, high-quality protein to support growth and reproduction. Soy helps meet that need.

Investment News: Feed

From new applications to market partnerships, here's the latest news on how checkoff investments are keeping soy competitive in animal feed.

Feature Story

Soy’s secret health boost: How soybean meal supports livestock through disease and heat stress

Press Release

35 years of farmers investing together

Press Release

United Soybean Board launches U.S. Soy CAN website to support livestock nutrition and health

Press Release

United Soybean Board Farmer-Leaders Greenlight Forward-Thinking FY25 Budget

How the Checkoff Pays Off

Checkoff investment is built to return value to U.S. soybean farmers. See what it has produced.

Explore Checkoff Results