Soybean Meal: Definition, Production Insights, and Technical Specifications for Feed Mills
What is Soybean Meal?
Soybean meal is a high-protein feed ingredient derived from soybeans after oil extraction, either through solvent or mechanical pressing. As a co-product of soybean oil production, it is heat-treated to neutralize anti-nutritional factors like trypsin inhibitors, making it highly digestible and rich in essential amino acids. Globally, it is the leading plant-based protein source for poultry, swine, cattle, and aquaculture diets, supporting growth, productivity, and feed efficiency.
At Ametheus, we source premium soybean meal from top producers—India, Ukraine, and Brazil—offering both regular and high-protein (HiPro) variants. Below, we explore India’s production capacity, provide detailed technical specifications for our products, and compare them to help feed mills choose the best option from Ametheus.
Is India Producing a High Quantity of Soybean Meal?
India ranks fifth globally in soybean production, behind Brazil, the U.S., Argentina, and China. Its soybean meal output is significant, especially for domestic use and select exports, bolstered by non-GMO crops—a key advantage in the feed industry.
- Production Data (Fact-Checked): For 2024-25, India’s soybean production is forecast at 12.8 million metric tons (MMT) (USDA FAS, October 2024), with crushing projected at 12.7 MMT, yielding approximately 10.2-10.8 MMT of soybean meal (80% meal yield, World Grain, October 8, 2024). The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) pegs production at 12.6 MMT (Times of India, October 14, 2024), aligning closely with USDA estimates.
- Global Comparison: Brazil crushed over 50 MMT of soybeans in 2023-24, producing ~40 MMT of meal (USDA FAS), while Ukraine’s output is smaller, around 2-3 MMT (USDA FAS, 2024). India’s 10-11 MMT represents 4-5% of the global 250-260 MMT soybean meal supply (International Grain Council, 2023).
- Verdict: India’s production is substantial but not “high” compared to Brazil or the U.S. However, its 10-11 MMT ensures a reliable supply, with 2.1 MMT exported in 2023-24 (SOPA), making it a key player for quality-focused feed mills.
Technical Specifications of Soybean Meal from Ametheus
Indian Super Soybean Meal (SBM) – Feed Grade
Sourced from India’s non-GMO soybeans, this regular meal is an economical choice for poultry and livestock diets.
- Protein: Min. 46%
- Fat: Max. 1.5%
- Fiber: Max. 7%
- Sand/Silica: Max. 2.5%
- Moisture: Max. 12%
- Urease Activity: Max. 0.3 mg N/g/min at 30°C (EEC method)
- Key Features: Affordable, high digestibility, ideal for general rations.
Indian HiPro Soybean Meal (HSBM) – Feed Grade
Dehulled for higher protein and lower fiber, this premium Indian meal suits high-performance poultry and aquaculture.
- Protein: Min. 49%
- Fat: Max. 1.5%
- Fiber: Max. 4%
- Sand/Silica: Max. 1%
- Moisture: Max. 12%
- Urease Activity: Max. 0.3 mg N/g/min at 30°C (EEC method)
- Key Features: High protein, low impurities, perfect for broilers and layers.
Ukrainian Soybean Meal (HSBM) – Feed Grade
From Ukraine’s fertile Black Sea region, this HiPro meal offers consistent quality for balanced poultry nutrition.
- Protein: Min. 46% (as is)
- Fat: Max. 2.5%
- Fiber: Max. 5% (as is)
- Moisture and Volatile Matter: Max. 12%
- Urease Activity: Max. 0.2 pH
- Key Features: Reliable protein, suitable for precision diets.
Brazilian Soybean Meal (PROFAT) – Feed Grade
Brazil’s PROFAT meal, with a combined protein and fat basis of 48%, is a premium option from a global leader.
- Protein + Fat (PROFAT): Basis 48% (max. 2% fat), max. 3% deficiency beyond specification
- Moisture: Basis 12.5%, max. 13% (AOCS Ba 2a-38)
- Fiber: Basis 7%, max. 8% (AOCS Ba 6-84)
- Sand/Silica: Basis 1%, max. 2% (AOCS Ba 5b-68)
- Ash: Max. 7% (AOCS Ba 5a-49)
- Urease Activity: Max. 0.5 (AOCS Ba 9-58)
- Additional Standards: Free from castor seed/husks (GAFTA 119 tolerance), Brazil ANEC 71 compliant
- Key Features: High consistency, low fiber, ideal for premium feeds.
Comparison: Indian SBM, Indian HSBM, Ukrainian HSBM, and Brazilian PROFAT
| Parameter | Indian SBM | Indian HSBM | Ukrainian HSBM | Brazilian PROFAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein (Min.) | 46% | 49% | 46% (as is) | 48% (PROFAT basis)* |
| Fat (Max.) | 1.5% | 1.5% | 2.5% | 2% |
| Fiber (Max.) | 7% | 4% | 5% (as is) | 8% (basis 7%) |
| Moisture (Max.) | 12% | 12% | 12% | 13% (basis 12.5%) |
| Sand/Silica (Max.) | 2.5% | 1% | Not specified | 2% (basis 1%) |
| Urease Activity (Max.) | 0.3 mg N/g/min | 0.3 mg N/g/min | 0.2 pH | 0.5 (AOCS method) |
| Ash (Max.) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | 7% |
| Production (2023-24) | ~10-11 MMT | Included in total | ~2-3 MMT | ~40 MMT |
| Best For | General poultry | High-performance | Balanced poultry | Premium feeds |
*Note: Brazilian PROFAT combines protein and fat at 48% basis, with a maximum 3% deficiency allowance.
Key Insights
- Protein Leader: Indian HSBM (49%) offers the highest protein, followed by Brazilian PROFAT (48%) and Indian SBM/Ukrainian HSBM (46%).
- Fiber Advantage: Indian HSBM (max. 4%) and Ukrainian HSBM (max. 5%) are lower in fiber than Indian SBM (max. 7%) and Brazilian PROFAT (max. 8%), enhancing digestibility.
- Supply Scale: Brazil dominates with ~40 MMT, India follows with 10-11 MMT, and Ukraine contributes 2-3 MMT, making India a strong mid-tier supplier.
- Non-GMO Edge: Indian SBM and HSBM are non-GMO, unlike much of Brazil’s output, appealing to sustainability-focused markets.
- Cost vs. Quality: Indian SBM is cost-effective, while Indian HSBM and Brazilian PROFAT target premium performance.
Why Choose Ametheus for Soybean Meal?
- Diverse Origins: Access India’s non-GMO bounty (10-11 MMT annually), Ukraine’s reliable HiPro, and Brazil’s high-volume PROFAT.
- Quality Assurance: Strict adherence to feed-grade standards, with low urease activity for optimal nutrition.
- Tailored Solutions: From economical Indian SBM to high-protein HSBM and PROFAT, we meet all feed mill needs.
- Global Reach: Competitive pricing and consistent supply from three major producers.
Contact Ametheus Today
Power your feed mill with Ametheus’ premium soybean meal. Whether you seek India’s non-GMO Super SBM, HiPro HSBM, Ukrainian HSBM, or Brazilian PROFAT, we deliver quality and value. Email us at info@ametheus.com to request a quote or discuss your requirements. Let’s optimize your poultry and livestock feeds together!
