In this project, a total of six studies to further demonstrate the advantage of the inclusion of soyhull in the diets of broiler chickens and to establish the optimum dilution of soybean meal with soyhull. Soyhull was included at the rates of 2.5, 5.6, and 8.3% to produce soybean meals with decreasing protein content ranging from 46% (for standard soybean meal) to 45, 44, and 42% for low-protein soybean meals. All the diets were formulated to have the same protein and amino acid levels. The results showed that although the birds that received the soybean meal with the lowest protein had the least weight gain in early life, they compensated completely by day 42 and had the same body weight as those that received the standard protein diet in birds not challenged with coccidiosis. Birds that received the low-protein soybean had improved gut health, as shown by decreased gut leakiness assay. In addition, using the low-protein soybean meal in the diet did not influence the immune response or amino acid digestibility. Overall, the low-protein soybean meals used in the project did not negatively influence broiler chicken’s growth and gut health. However, it is vital to understand the nutrient profile of soy hull to help accurately predict the nutritional value of low-protein soybean meals.

This study demonstrates the promise of using soybean meal with lower protein content. As the key protein feedstuff in animal diets, the focus on the use of soybean meal has long been on its protein content. However, other components of the bean can be used beneficially to enhance animal growth and productivity while reducing nutrient excretion. Therefore, soyhull has its specific advantage when used strategically in the diet of broiler chickens.