Three experiments have been designed to determine the feeding value of soybeans and roasted soybeans in growing and finishing cattle diets. In year 1, a finishing experiment will be performed to compare the inclusion of soybeans, roasted soybeans, and soybean meal with DDGS, either for the entire length or for the second half of the feeding period. In year 2, a growing trial will be performed to quantify the RUP content and value of roasted soybeans in growing calf diets. In both experiments cattle performance (weight gain and feed efficiency) will be used to compare the protein value of whole soybeans, roasted whole soybeans, soybean meal and distillers grains plus solubles. In year 3, a finishing experiment will be performed to compare the different digestibility values of the protein factions of soybeans, roasted soybeans, and soybean meal with DDGS in isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets.

1- Determine the feeding value of soybeans in comparison to SBM or DDGS in cattle growing and finishing diets.
2- To document value and whether heating (roasting) can improve the feeding value of soybeans.
3- Determine the value of soybeans, roasted soybean and soybean meal as a replacement for DDGS.

Research results will be distributed within the Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, a yearly publication targeting cattle producers, nutritionists, and extension specialists. Approximately 1,800 copies are distributed annually in addition to being available on the www.beef.unl.edu website for free download. Research results will also be presented at professional animal science meetings by the graduate student working on the project. Target audience would include nutritionists, industry representatives, and animal scientists.

- Increasing the use of either raw or roasted soybeans in feedlot diets would generate an increased market share for soybeans.
- Replacing distillers grains with soybeans may be an economically viable alternative, especially for small or medium sized feedlots that struggle to source distillers grains but have local access to soybeans.
- Increasing the use of soybeans close to primary crop growing areas, could increase soybean demand and crop area in the long term.
- Crop producers understand the agronomic benefits of incorporating soybeans into the crop rotation and many small to medium sized feedlot operators also control crop acres.
- Increasing soybean inclusion in these feedlot diets may benefit both the cattle and crop operations for these producers.