Dairy producers and nutritionists nationwide are embracing high oleic soybeans for their unique fatty acid profile, allowing for extra dietary energy without negatively impacting milkfat synthesis.
In addition to being high in desirable oleic acid, these “magic” beans are low in linoleic acid. Conventional soybeans are relatively high in linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that can disrupt rumen microbial function and depress milkfat production.
With less PUFAs in the ration, higher feeding rates of high oleic soybeans are possible -- typically around 6 pounds per cow per day – versus conventional soybeans. Producers feeding high oleic soybean report that they are able to reduce or eliminate fat supplements like palm fat, make rations simpler and less costly.
Whether conventional or high oleic, roasting soybeans makes them more palatable to cows, boosts bypass protein levels, and prevents rancidity. Roasting also denatures trypsin inhibitors and urease, making it possible to add urea to supply non-protein nitrogen.
But on-farm roasting requires extra labor, specialized equipment, and possibly separate storage facilities. Roasting also creates about 10% shrink and costs an estimated $35-50 per ton.
So, is it absolutely essential to roast high oleic soybeans? The short answer is no, according to Bill Mahanna, Global Nutritional Sciences Manager for Pioneer Seeds, developers and suppliers of Plenish® high oleic soybeans. Mahanna said studies have shown that ground, raw Plenish soybeans economically increased dietary energy and milkfat yield without negatively affecting dry matter intake.
The key is in the grinding. He advised that raw Plenish soybeans be fractured into at least quarters via grinding or rolling, as the same benefits were not conferred when they were fed whole.
But Mahanna advised that roasting Plenish beans is still preferable. He recommended exploring options to contract with local mills to do the roasting if it is not practical on-farm. In some regions, “mobile” roasters who visit farms on a regular route are also an evolving option.
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