Soybean Meal (44% / 48%)
Standard supplemental protein source — added to grain-based rations to meet crude protein targets of 14–18% required for show lamb muscle development
Always read and follow product labels for feeding and sheep safety.
Overview
Soybean meal (SBM) is the standard supplemental protein ingredient in show lamb rations and commercial show feeds alike. After oil extraction from soybeans, the remaining meal is ~44% crude protein (44% SBM, the most common form) or 48% CP (solvent-extracted, dehulled). SBM provides the essential amino acids — particularly lysine and methionine — needed for muscle fiber synthesis and frame development. In practice, SBM is added to grain-based rations (corn, barley, oats) in a 3:1 to 4:1 grain-to-SBM ratio to bring total ration crude protein up to target. Canola meal (36% CP) is a research-validated alternative for programs where SBM is expensive.
Nutritional Profile
| Nutrient | Value — 44% SBM (dry matter basis) |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 44–48% |
| Crude Fat | 1–3% |
| Crude Fiber | 3–5% |
| TDN | 80–84% |
| Lysine | ~3.0% of DM |
| Methionine | ~0.65% of DM |
| Calcium | ~0.30% |
| Phosphorus | ~0.65% |
| Ca:P Ratio | ~1:2 (phosphorus-dominant — moderate; balance with calcium in wether rations) |
Sheep Safety
Copper: No concern — soybean meal contains no added copper and is safe for sheep.
Urinary calculi (wethers): Moderate phosphorus. In a complete ration where SBM is used at typical rates (3–5% of total DM), the phosphorus contribution is manageable. Include standard Ca:P management alongside grain base. Do not skip limestone or calcium-containing ingredients.
Antinutritional factors: Properly processed SBM has had trypsin inhibitors and urease denatured by heat. Commercial 44% and 48% SBM is heat-processed — no antinutritional concerns at normal feeding rates for sheep.
Show Circuit Use
Primary Role in Program
SBM is the protein workhorse of commodity-based show rations — it does one job precisely: bring crude protein up to target. Show lambs need 16–18% CP during the growing phase and 14–16% during finishing. A grain base of corn, barley, or oats typically delivers only 9–12% CP. The gap is filled with SBM at a calculated inclusion rate. Once the protein gap is closed, additional SBM adds expense without benefit.
Typical Feeding Rates by Phase
| Phase | Target Ration CP | Typical SBM Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Creep / Early Growing | 18–20% | 0.05–0.15 lb/day |
| Growing (50–100 lbs) | 16–18% | 0.1–0.3 lb/day |
| Finishing (100 lbs – show) | 14–16% | 0.1–0.2 lb/day |
Rule of thumb: In a grain-heavy ration, add SBM at roughly 1 lb per 3–4 lbs of primary grain to meet 16% CP target. Verify with a ration balancer for your specific ingredient mix.
How to Feed
Dry, premixed into grain blend. The meal form mixes evenly into textured rations. Palatable — lambs accept readily. Pelletized SBM (if available) is easier to measure and handle. Can also be mixed into a wet beet pulp mash for palatability.
Phase Protocols
All Phases | Protein Gap Filler
- Rate: Calculated to hit CP target — see table above
- Method: Premix with grain ingredients before feeding; do not top-dress separately
- Purpose: Supply essential amino acids for muscle development and maintain ration protein target throughout the program
Transitioning Between Phases
As lambs move from growing to finishing, reduce SBM inclusion proportionally as CP target drops from 18% to 14–16%. This is also when alfalfa pellets can absorb some of the protein role while contributing calcium for Ca:P management.
Stacking & Combinations
SBM + rolled corn + beet pulp: Core commodity ration for midwestern programs. Corn provides energy; SBM provides protein; beet pulp provides fill and Ca:P correction. Add limestone.
SBM + alfalfa pellets: Shared protein supplementation. When alfalfa pellets are included at 0.5–1.0 lb/day (contributing ~18% CP protein), SBM inclusion can be reduced proportionally — the two together cover protein target with alfalfa also supplying calcium.
SBM vs. canola meal: Canola meal delivers 36% CP at typically lower price per pound than SBM. Research confirms equivalent growth performance and carcass quality in lambs. The inclusion rate to hit equivalent CP is ~20% higher (more pounds needed), but total cost per unit of protein is often lower. A viable SBM substitute in programs near canola-producing regions.
Sourcing & Cost
Available from virtually all grain elevators, co-ops, and feed dealers. The most universally available protein supplement in North American livestock feeding. Price tracks soybean futures — purchase in bulk when soybean prices are low. 44% SBM (with hulls) is the standard form; 48% SBM (dehulled) is slightly more expensive but requires slightly lower inclusion to hit the same CP target.
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