Soybean Extraction/Meal is the result of the soybean seeds crushing process. Soybean meal, in the
form of ground soybean cake, ground soybean flakes or ground soybean chips, is
the final product after most of the oil is extracted from whole soybeans by
pressure or solvents. Soybean meal is produced by cracking, heating and flaking
soybeans and reducing the oil content with the use of hexane or homologous
hydrocarbon solvents. The hulls of the soybean are removed during the process
and are a resulting byproduct, as well as the oil that is produced. Soybean
meal is principally a protein supplement, but also a source of metabolizable
energy. Lower fiber and ash content translates to not only higher protein but
also higher energy, lysine, methionine, and other amino acids. Soybean meal is
the number 1 protein source used in the poultry and livestock industry
throughout the world and is increasingly being used in the aquaculture and pet
food industries.
