THE POTENTIAL OF SOYBEAN FOR SILAGE PRODUCTION AS A NUTRITIONAL STRATEGY IN RUMINANT DIETS

Abstract

Soybean silage is an interesting alternative for feeding beef cattle due to its high crude protein content. It can be used alone or in combination with other forages, such as corn silage, to compose balanced diets. Among the advantages of using soybean silage are the increase in the protein content of the diet, the possibility of diversifying forage sources, and its adaptability in regions where corn cultivation may be limited. Additionally, it can help reduce costs in confinement systems, depending on its local availability. However, the use of soybean silage presents challenges. Its chemical composition can vary significantly depending on the plant's maturity stage at the time of ensiling, which affects its nutritional quality. Moreover, the fermentation of soybean silage tends to be less efficient compared to corn silage due to the lower soluble carbohydrate content of soybeans, which can result in greater losses during the conservation process. Another point is that diets with high levels of soybean silage may show lower intake and apparent total digestibility of some nutrients, such as non-fiber carbohydrates. Therefore, to maximize the benefits and minimize the challenges, it is essential to plan the useof soybean silage properly, considering its proportion in the diet and combining it with other ingredients to ensure nutritional balance. The inclusion of soybean silage can be viable in cattle diets, but high levels may compromise energy intake, requiring adjustments in formulation.