Raw and Heated Full Fat Soybeans in Laying Diets

Graded levels of raw soybeans replaced soybean meal as a protein source for laying hens. Only the hens fed 20% raw soybeans in the diet laid significantly fewer eggs than hens fed no raw soybeans. As the percentage of raw soybeans in the diet increased, there was a trend toward lower egg weight and body weight. Pancreas weights increased at an increasing rate as higher levels of raw soybeans were fed. In a second experiment soybean protein was provided by roasted or extruded soybeans, soybean meal, or soybean meal and raw soybeans. All treatments gave similar egg production. Egg weight and body weight were highest when hens were fed soybean meal with added oil. Performance was generally equal from all soybean sources. A computer formulated least cost laying diet showed that full fat soybeans would have been used at some times over the past three years if available.