A recent study from the University of Queensland has unveiled a promising local alternative to imported soybean meal, a vital ingredient in chicken feed.
Currently, Australia imports 1.2 million tonnes of soybean meal annually, relying heavily on just five countries—Brazil, the United States, Argentina, China, and India—for over 90% of soybean production. This dependence raises concerns about the industry’s vulnerability to external factors like tariffs and pandemics, while also contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
“Relying on imported soybean meal puts the Australian poultry industry at risk,” stated Dr Elham Assadi Soumeh, a senior lecturer in Animal Science and Production at the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability. “It’s inefficient to import this ingredient when we have local sources that can be utilized.”
With Australians consuming over 50 kg of chicken per person each year, and many households including chicken in their meals at least twice a week, Dr. Soumeh emphasizes the need for local production to meet this demand effectively.
The Menu’s New Mix
Dr. Soumeh’s research identified several substitutes for soybean meal, combining crystalline amino acids with a mixture of canola meal, lupin kernel meal, meat and bone meal, sunflower meal, and the innovative black soldier fly larvae.
These larvae, particularly when grown on food waste, present a viable option that could replace up to 30% of soybean meal in balanced broiler chicken diets. “Innovation in fermentation technology has enabled the production of crystalline amino acids, which can be added to alternative ingredients to ensure nutritional adequacy,” added Dr. Soumeh.
“Australia produces more than enough canola to replace soybean meal; we just require better processing capabilities to stop exporting it unrefined.”
During trials, chickens were fed the alternate feed mixtures, and results showed no adverse effects on meat and egg production, quality, or overall health. “This approach not only proves to be financially feasible but also offers an eco-friendly solution, garnering interest from industry stakeholders,” she noted.
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