In recent years, dairy producers and nutritionists have shown a renewed interest in utilizing roasted soybeans in dairy diets. This is due to the availability and practical application of using high-oleic soybeans rather than conventional soybeans. In addition to their desirable fatty acid profile, roasted high-oleic soybeans also are a great source of rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) and can significantly increase the energy density of a lactating ration due to their high fat content.

This makes the feed particularly interesting for those using automated milking systems. Because the feed table allows automated milking system farms to target feed based on stage of lactation, these soybeans can be utilized in both the partial mixed ration (PMR) and as a feed in the robot. Specifically, feeding high-oleic soybeans at varying levels in the robot from fresh cows through peak production can aid in improving energy balance, body condition and persistency through peak lactation.

When feeding high-oleic roasted soybeans, some grinding is necessary to yield the full scope of an energy-corrected milk (ECM) response. Field experience indicates that a particle size of 1,000 to 1,500 microns with good particle uniformity feeds well through the automated milking system. Another way to look at this is to make sure that the soybeans are at least quartered.

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