Revolutionary Advancements in Turkey Nutrition: Confluence Genetics’ UHP-LO Soybean Meal
Confluence Genetics, LLC, a trailblazer in seed innovation, has unveiled promising findings from a recent 20-week turkey feeding trial conducted in partnership with a major poultry integrator. This study effectuates a significant breakthrough as it validates the efficacy of soybean meal derived from the company’s ProVIA™ Ultra-High Protein, Low Oligosaccharide (UHP-LO) soybeans, representing a complete substitute for traditional soybean meal in turkey diets.
Trial Overview and Results
The extensive trial took place in Iowa and involved 3,072 male turkeys. Results showed that diets incorporating UHP-LO soybean meal led to remarkable enhancements in nutritional efficiency and economic viability for turkey producers. Key performance metrics indicated a:
- 2.5% increase in final body weights
- 3.9% improvement in feed conversion ratio
- 5.9% rise in white meat yield
These outcomes affirm Confluence Genetics’ exceptional nutritional profile embedded in their proprietary soybean genetics.
Expert Insights
“This comprehensive turkey trial signifies a vital achievement in substantiating the commercial merits of our UHP-LO soybean meal across several poultry species,” remarked Matt Begemann, Senior Director of R&D at Confluence Genetics. “The consistent performance enhancements—as evidenced from broilers to turkeys—illustrate the transformative potential of our unique soybean genetics. With a protein content surge of 14% and elevated energy density, UHP-LO soybean meal empowers poultry producers to fine-tune their feed formulations, enhance bird performance, and mitigate costs.”
Study Design and Methodology
The experimental design encompassed a seven-phase feeding regimen characterized by isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. This approach allowed researchers to directly correlate performance differences to the superior nutritional traits of UHP-LO soybean meal. The product boasts elevated protein content, a drastic >90% reduction in anti-nutritional oligosaccharides, and enriched metabolizable energy levels, facilitating optimal nutrient utilization throughout the production cycle.
Broader Impacts and Benefits
The positive outcomes from the turkey trial build on prior successes within broiler studies. Collaborations with various poultry integrators have revealed up to 5.4% improvements in broiler weights and 3.2% enhancements in feed conversion ratios. This wealth of data supports the wide-ranging applicability of UHP-LO soybean meal in poultry production.
In addition to performance advantages, turkey producers gain greater formulation flexibility with UHP-LO SBM. The high protein and energy density of this novel ingredient permits nutritionists to lower the inclusion rates of both soybean meal and supplemental fats while achieving nutritional objectives—resulting in marked cost savings for large-scale operations.
Expert Opinions on Industry Trends
According to Dr. Roy Brister, Ph.D., an independent animal nutritionist and strategic advisor, “The turkey industry’s pursuit of ingredients to enhance bird performance and profitability is ever-present. These trial results unveil a substantial opportunity for turkey producers to refine their operations. The blend of improved performance metrics and potential cost reduction illustrates a compelling value proposition for the sector.”
Future Directions
Confluence Genetics’ UHP-LO soybean meal is exclusively produced from the company’s proprietary ProVIA™ soybean varieties, developed through advanced plant breeding and AI-driven genetic selection. The favorable turkey trial results support the company’s aspirations for continued growth in the animal feed industry, with plans to expand the ProVIA™ portfolio to over 30 varieties in the forthcoming two years. Anticipated herbicide-tolerant ProVIA™ varieties are scheduled for release in 2027 and 2028. Confluence Genetics remains committed to collaborating with value chain partners to bolster the availability and adoption of UHP-LO soybean meal while pursuing research in poultry, swine, dairy, and other livestock sectors.
For more information on Confluence Genetics’ soybean varieties and partnership programs, visit confluence.ag.
