US-Grown Soybeans, Optimized: High‑Shear Dry Extruded Full‑Fat Soy for Swine Diets
Soybeans remain the world’s leading oilseed and one of the most widely used protein sources in animal nutrition. In swine diets, they are highly valued for their balanced amino acid profile and consistent availability. However, raw soybeans cannot be fed directly due to the presence of antinutritional factors (ANFs), particularly trypsin inhibitors, which interfere with protein digestion and can negatively affect animal performance. Fortunately, these compounds are heat-sensitive and can be effectively deactivated through proper processing.
Several thermal processing methods are used to treat soybeans and reduce ANFs to safe levels. However, their results can vary. Differences in processing temperatures, moisture, and mechanical force can significantly affect the ingredient’s nutritional value.
High-shear dry extrusion is a unique process that uses friction as the sole source of heat. This method not only ensures the effective deactivation of trypsin inhibitors but also physically disrupts plant cell walls, enhancing nutrient accessibility and digestibility. The result is high-shear dry extruded full-fat soy (HSDE FFS), a high-quality ingredient that combines both protein and energy in a single ingredient for swine feeding.
Recent research highlights the consistency of HSDE FFS produced from soybeans grown across different regions of the United States. A study conducted at the University of Illinois evaluated nutrient composition and digestibility in HSDE FFS derived from five U.S. growing areas. Results showed consistent dry matter, crude protein, and amino acid profiles across all sources.
Importantly, trypsin inhibitor levels were effectively reduced to below 10 units/mg, meeting internal standards.
Amino acid digestibility was also consistently high. Lysine digestibility averaged around 90%, indicating adequate processing without overheating, which could otherwise damage amino acids. This was further supported by a lysine-to-protein ratio above 60 g/kg, confirming strong protein quality.
Another study reported an average metabolizable energy value of 4,667 kcal/kg (as-is), with minimal variation among regions. The average crude protein content of HSDEFFS soy was 35.8%, and 18.24% oil content, making it an excellent ingredient for increasing dietary energy density. This combination of highly digestible amino acids and intrinsic energy provides flexibility in swine diet formulation.
These findings confirm that U.S.-grown soybeans, when processed using high-shear dry extrusion, provide a reliable and consistent nutritional profile.
Final Takeaway
High-shear dry extruded full-fat soy is a nutrient-dense, consistent, and highly digestible ingredient for swine feeding. By combining both protein and energy in one ingredient, it simplifies diet formulation while supporting optimal animal performance. With proper processing, HSDEFFS unlocks the full potential of U.S.-sourced soybeans, making it a valuable tool for modern swine nutrition.
