Soybeans have long been a dependable part of dairy cattle rations, offering protein, energy and flexibility for nutritionists balancing diets for high-producing cows. Now, high oleic soybeans are creating new opportunities for dairy producers by offering a fatty acid profile that may better support rumen function, milk components and milk production.

That can be a real advantage for dairy producers. Fat is an energy-dense part of the ration, and adding energy can help support milk production, especially when cows are already consuming high-forage diets. Corwin Holtz, owner of Comsen Dairy Consultation and a longtime dairy nutritionist, said if a diet is low in fat and energy is limiting production, adding roasted high oleic soybeans may increase total dietary energy and support a milk response.

In other cases, high oleic soybeans may replace other fat sources already in the ration. While milk production may not always increase in those situations, Holtz said farms may still see value through milk components.

Holtz prefers roasted soybeans because proper roasting can help deliver bypass protein and amino acids, especially lysine, to the lower digestive tract. He said roasting quality, grind size and routine sampling are important management details, but those considerations do not take away from the opportunity soybeans bring to the ration.

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