Nebraska Researchers Evaluated Soybeans for Cattle

A study compared the efficacy of roasted soybeans versus distillers grains in growing cattle diets.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Agriculture

A close-up view of roasted soybeans and grain filling a weathered wooden livestock feed bunk, set against a blurred prairie background. — University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers found that roasted soybeans can serve as an efficient protein supplement for growing cattle, rivaling traditional distillers grains in feed efficacy tests. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is now a good time for livestock producers to experiment with alternative protein sources like soybeans?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers conducted an 84-day trial to assess how different protein sources impact cattle growth. The study found that roasting soybeans significantly increased their rumen undegradable protein levels, matching the efficiency of traditional feed alternatives.

Why it matters

Optimizing dietary protein intake in cattle is essential for maximizing growth and improving overall feed efficiency in beef production. This research provides specific data on how various supplements influence animal performance, helping producers better manage herd nutrition.

Distillers grains contain approximately 63% rumen undegradable protein, while raw whole soybeans contain 20%. Roasting soybeans boosts this value to at least 50%, with trial diets using inclusion rates of 7%, 14%, or 21%.

The players

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

This public research university serves as a leader in agricultural studies and beef cattle production research.

The details

The trial fed protein sources at three different inclusion rates to determine which supplement best met the metabolizable protein needs of growing heifers. Results showed that while modified distillers grains drove the highest feed intake, roasted soybeans yielded superior feed efficiency.

2011: Previous research identified that distillers grains improve calf performance.
2022: Data was reported regarding the protein content of corn silage.
84 days: The total duration of the recent cattle feeding trial.

Agriculture
Sept. 21
Nebraska Corn Yields Suffered From Adverse Weather
Agriculture
Sept. 28
Blackshirt Feeders Built Massive Nebraska Feedlot
Utilities
Sept. 22
Governor Pillen Addressed Nebraska Policy Issues

Market Landscape

This study follows a pattern set by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln agricultural research extension in providing evidence-based feeding protocols for the cattle industry. These findings allow regional producers to compare local crop utilization against traditional distillers grain supplements.

Producers may see changes in how they balance rations for growing heifers by incorporating roasted soybeans to improve feed conversion. These findings offer actionable data to help optimize diet costs and growth outcomes for cattle herds in Nebraska.

The takeaway

Roasted soybeans represent a viable high-protein alternative to distillers grains when properly processed to increase rumen undegradable protein. Producers should consider the inclusion rate of 21% as a potential target for improved weight gain and feed conversion efficiency.