Optimum Processing for Soybean Meal Used in Broiler Diets

Studies in this report examined the possibility of utilizing soybean meal processed to a higher urease value for broiler chickens. Such meals might be produced with lower energy costs and possible savings to the feed manufacturer. Untoasted, solvent-extracted dehulled soybean flakes were subjected to differing cooking times in an autoclave and in a steam-jacketed mixer with steam sparging to produce flakes with a range of urease values. Results of these studies indicate that soybean flakes with urease in excess of .2 pH rise were acceptable for use in diets for broiler chickens. A pH rise of up to .5 units, similar to that used by the European Economic Community, would appear justified for soybean meals processed for broiler chickens.