This episode “How will soybean production and biodiesel impact protein nutrition of dairy cattle?” was presented at the 2025 Western Dairy Management Conference.
Episode 158: How will soybean production and biodiesel impact protein nutrition of dairy cattle?
Timestamps:
Dr. Kononoff begins with some renewable fuels history. Since the renewable fuels standard in 2007, corn production for ethanol has increased to around 50% of the crop going to ethanol production. With the subsequent increase in fuel has come an increase in distillers grains and the industry has learned how to use them to feed cattle better. Later, the government created additional policy for next-stage renewable fuels, which has spurred biodiesel production. Currently, how soybean production feeds into biodiesel is significant, with just under 50% of the soybean crop going to fuel production. Soybean meal availability has increased and costs have decreased over the past few years. Most of the soybean oil is solvent-extracted. (5:57)
Dr. Lock talks about increased acres of high-oleic soybeans in dairy-soybean crossover states. He summarizes some of the work his group has done on feeding high-oleic roasted whole soybeans as a replacement for soybean meal in the diet, citing the benefits of the oil in the diet as well as increased bypass protein. This underscores the impact on protein nutrition of dairy cattle. (15:41)
The panel discusses whether canola meal, which is fairly high in oleic acid, would show similar benefits to feeding whole roasted soybeans. They also talk about how tariffs may or may not impact canola meal and canola oil prices. The protein nutrition of dairy cattle is considered in these comparisons. (24:26)
Over time, the dairy industry has moved away from alfalfa as a protein source and toward soybean meal. The panel discusses the pros and cons of this change, considering how soybean production impacts protein nutrition. (26:46)
Dr. Kononoff gives his perspective on just how much soybean meal can be fed in dairy cow diets. Nitrogen excretion is an important consideration. He reminds the audience that renewable fuels policy is the reason behind many of the feed ingredient changes we’ve observed in the past 15-20 years, and that policy can change very rapidly. He emphasizes the industry needs to remain nimble and prepared to adapt. The panel also touches on pricing of feed ingredients in different parts of the country and how distillers grains are currently used in dairy diets. The discussion underlines how biodiesel production from soybeans impacts protein nutrition. (31:08)
Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (40:49)
Conclusion
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