Novel Soybean Binders for Animal Feeds: Conversion of a Biodiesel Byproduct (Soybean Hulls) into Value Added Feed Ingredients

The United States (US) produces > 4 million tons/year of soybean hulls (SBH, an oil extraction byproduct), which generate negligible value as ruminant forage or ends at the landfill. This proposal aims at developing a value-added ingredient by converting SBH into novel soybean binders (SBB) for animal feeds. Current geopolitical conflicts have intensified the search for alternative fuel options. In ramping up soy oil production for biofuels, a concomitant increase in SBH is anticipated. This novel bio-based product will add significant profitability to biodiesel production.Preliminary research indicates that pretreatment of the SBH biomass with an acid solution at mild temperature partially dissolves the biomass. Further mechanical treatment and pH neutralization yields a moist slurry with ample binding properties. When tested for water stability as well as a feeding trial with shrimp, SBB-feeds performed better than those made with conventional binders. To further demonstrate SBB technical feasibility we will evaluate potential antinutritional activities from SBB components in feeding trials with shrimp (omnivore, tropical), trout (carnivore, temperate), dogs, and dairy cattle.Stringent pellet quality assessments will be conducted via shaking flask stability, DORIS test (pellet durability), bulk density, fine generation from pneumatic and/or mechanical conveyance, angle of repose and crushing load. Functionalities such as pellet expansion (buoyancy control), lipid and moisture retention and flowability, will be assessed in the proposed work. Every animal feed, for terrestrial or aquatic animals that consume crumbles, pellets or kibbles is a potential target user for this technology. Therefore, its market potential is significant.