Using high oleic soybeans to maximize milk fat and production

By PJ Neff, Vita Plus dairy nutritionist

Utilizing high oleic soybeans to help increase fat and protein yield in milk is a hot topic of conversation among dairy producers. Protein and fat sources are expensive nutrients in dairy rations. High oleic soybeans can allow producers to decrease ration costs and increase fat in the diet. Feeding additional fat to cows helps contribute to positive milk fat yields and improves bottom-line profitability in a demanding and ever-changing market.

Maximizing profitability

In the past, nutritionists were limited to formulating only a few pounds of conventional soybeans to limit risk of milk fat depression. This is because of the linoleic acid concentration in conventional soybeans; linoleic acid is a driver of milk fat depression. The fatty acid profile of high oleic soybeans does not carry this same risk for milk fat depression and, therefore, they can be fed at higher rates.

Several research trials on high oleic soybeans have been conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Penn State University and Michigan State University. All studies have shown an increase in milk fat and energy-corrected milk (ECM). The best results were observed when high oleic soybeans were roasted before being fed.

The industry is seeing increases in milk fat from 0.15 to 0.30 percentage points. Increases in ECM production are consistently observed at 2 to 6 pounds. Anecdotally, producers have told me they observed increased health and positive reproduction responses due to the large amount of energy high oleic soybeans bring to the diet. Because of their energy concentration, monitor the body condition of later-lactation cows when incorporating high oleic soybeans into a ration.

Roasting and feeding high oleic soybeans

There are multiple options for sourcing high oleic soybeans, including growing, purchasing from a local farm or sourcing from a mill. Producers will need to determine a good option for roasting. Proper roasting and grinding are required to achieve milk fat goals. Roasting improves palatability, increases rumen undegradable protein, and reduces the likelihood of fat becoming rancid after grinding the soybeans.

I work with a few producers with on-farm roasters, but others have a mill or a traveling service roast the soybeans for them. Credible processors should be able to share laboratory results for their roasted high oleic soybeans, including the protein dispersibility index (PDI), urease activity, and Ross 16-hour rumen undegradable protein (RUP).  The processor will also report the micron size they are achieving.  Some producers will grind the soybeans immediately after they roast them.  If you intend to store more than a three months’ supply, I recommend roasting and then grinding them as needed.

The herds I work with have successfully fed between 6 and 8 pounds of high oleic soybeans per head per day. However, I do have some producers that feed greater than 12 pounds of high oleic soybeans per head per day. Those specific herds have their own acres to devote to high oleic soybean production.

Growing considerations

High oleic soybeans have similar yields when compared to conventional soybeans. The main challenge for growers is potential weed pressure as the current seed available is only glyphosate-tolerant. While E3^® soybean herbicide options should be available soon, proper seedbed preparation combined with the use of a cover crop can reduce weed pressure.

High oleic soybeans are proving to be a valuable feed ingredient in lactating cow rations. Reach out to your Vita Plus consultant to discuss how high oleic soybeans may fit in your nutrition program to improve ECM and herd profitability.