Soybean Meal — Spécifications, fournisseurs et RFQ
Soybean Meal : spécifications techniques, origines mondiales, certifications GMP+/FAMI-QS et devis vérifiés. The global reference vegetable protein for monog…
Tourteau protéique
Acheter du tourteau de soja
Le tourteau de soja (44–48 % de protéines brutes) reste la référence protéique des formules volailles, porcs et aquaculture. Son prix suit le CBOT, les primes d'origine (Brésil, Argentine, États-Unis, Paraguay), le fret et le change. En UE, le statut OGM et la documentation EUDR déterminent en plus la classe de prix.
Spécification d'achat
- Protéine brute
- 44–48 % (standard 46 %)
- Énergie métabolisable (volailles)
- ≈ 2 230 kcal/kg
- Cellulose brute
- max. 3,5 %
- Humidité
- max. 12,5 %
- Taux d'incorporation usuel
- 15–35 % poulet/porc, 10–25 % pondeuses
- Origines
- Brésil, Argentine, États-Unis, Paraguay, Inde
Points à vérifier avant commande
- •Fixer la base protéine et humidité au contrat (bonification/réfaction par 0,1 %).
- •Exiger l'activité uréasique et la solubilité KOH comme preuve de cuisson.
- •Clarifier le statut OGM, RTRS/ProTerra et les preuves EUDR avant signature.
- •Demander un COA par lot : salmonelles et mycotoxines.
- •Comparer les offres uniquement en coût rendu port de déchargement (CIF/DAP).
Demander des offres vérifiées
FeedMatch Group consulte plusieurs origines certifiées, compare les offres en coût rendu (CIF/DAP) et vérifie GMP+ / FAMI-QS avant toute recommandation. Gratuit pour les acheteurs.
Soybean Meal
Also known as: SBM · Soya meal · Soymeal
The global reference vegetable protein for monogastric diets. 44–48% CP, excellent amino-acid balance, benchmark of least-cost formulation worldwide.
Applications by species
Top global export origins
FeedMatch Group's RFQ Builder benchmarks landed costs across origins for your discharge port and shipment window.
Certifications & quality standards
Buyer considerations
Advantages
- Best-in-class lysine and total amino-acid profile among plant proteins
- Deep, liquid global market — daily CBOT and Rosario price discovery
- Well-characterized by every feed formulation package
Constraints & risks
- Anti-nutritional factors (trypsin inhibitors) require adequate toasting
- Price and availability tied to South American harvests and USD/BRL/ARS
- Deforestation and land-use scrutiny in some EU/UK supply chains
Buyer-grade specification: soybean meal grades and contract parameters
The parameters a soybean meal contract is actually judged on at discharge. Quote every offer against the same guaranteed analysis — a grade difference of two protein points changes the cost per unit of protein far more than the headline price per tonne.
| Parameter | Standard 46% CP (hulls in) | Hi-pro 48% CP (dehulled) | Why it matters to the buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crude protein (as-is) | 45–46% min | 47.5–48.5% min | The basis of price. Contract it as a minimum with a pro-rata price adjustment clause, not as 'typical'. |
| Moisture | 12.0–12.5% max | 12.0–12.5% max | Every extra point of water is a point of protein you paid for and did not receive; it also drives caking and mould in tropical storage. |
| Crude fibre | 7.0% max | 3.5% max | Fibre displaces energy in broiler and shrimp diets; the low-fibre grade is what justifies the hi-pro premium. |
| Crude fat (residual oil) | 1.5–2.5% | 1.0–2.0% | Expeller and mechanically pressed meal runs far higher; do not benchmark expeller against solvent-extracted meal on price alone. |
| Urease activity | 0.05–0.30 ΔpH | 0.05–0.30 ΔpH | The practical proxy for toasting. Above 0.30 means under-toasting and residual trypsin inhibitors; below 0.02 means over-toasting and lysine damage. |
| KOH protein solubility | 73–85% | 73–85% | Confirms the urease reading and catches heat-damaged lots that still assay full protein. |
| Sand / silica, ash | 1.0% / 7.0% max | 1.0% / 6.5% max | Adulteration and sweeping indicator on origin-blended parcels. |
| Documentation | GMP+ or FAMI-QS, phytosanitary, ISO 17025 CoA, GMO/non-GMO status, RTRS or EUDR where required | Same | Missing sustainability or GMO documentation is the most common reason a compliant cargo is rejected at an EU or MENA port. |
Ask every supplier to quote the same incoterm, discharge port, parcel size and shipment window. An FOB Paranaguá number and a CIF Lagos number are not comparable until freight, insurance, demurrage risk and duty are added.
What actually moves the soybean meal price you are quoted
Soybean meal is a traded commodity: the quoted number is a global futures price plus a basis your supplier controls. Knowing which part moved tells you whether to negotiate or wait.
CBOT / Rosario futures
The board sets the underlying value for every origin. Most export offers are priced as futures plus a differential rather than as a flat number.
Buyer action: Ask for the offer split into futures + basis so you can see which half changed between quotes.
Origin basis and crush margin
Brazilian, Argentine and US basis diverge with harvest pressure, crush economics and export taxes; Argentine meal typically prices under Brazilian in a good crush year.
Buyer action: Always tender at least two origins in the same RFQ, even if you intend to buy one.
Freight and parcel size
Container, break-bulk and Panamax freight per tonne can differ by USD 20–60/t on the same route, and small parcels carry the worst rate.
Buyer action: Consolidate requirements into a larger shipment window, or tender a combined parcel with a neighbouring mill.
Currency
USD/BRL and USD/ARS moves change what the origin seller will accept in dollars, independently of the board.
Buyer action: Fix the currency and the payment terms in the same negotiation as the price.
Certification and GMO status
Non-GMO segregated, RTRS or ProTerra meal carries a premium that has ranged from USD 15 to over USD 80/t depending on availability.
Buyer action: Only specify the certification your customer or regulator actually requires — and price the conventional lot alongside it.
Seasonality
South American harvest pressure (Feb–Jun) and the US harvest (Oct–Dec) are the structurally cheaper windows for forward cover.
Buyer action: Plan forward cover into those windows rather than buying spot every month.
Supplier qualification checklist: soybean meal
Run every new soybean meal supplier through these eight checks before the first vessel or truck is booked. Each check has one piece of evidence that settles it, so the qualification can be closed in days rather than months.
| Check | Evidence to request | Accept | Reject |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crude protein and moisture basis | Contract wording plus three consecutive lot CoAs on the same basis | CP and moisture stated as-is with a named reference method (Dumas/Kjeldahl) and a moisture maximum | Protein quoted 'dry basis' with no moisture cap, or CP guaranteed as 'typical' |
| Heat treatment / over- and under-processing | KOH protein solubility, urease activity and PDI on recent lots | Urease rise 0.05–0.20, KOH solubility 73–85%, PDI 15–30% and stable lot to lot | Urease above 0.30 (under-toasted, trypsin inhibitors) or KOH below 70% (over-toasted, lysine damage) |
| Anti-nutritional factors | Trypsin inhibitor activity report from an ISO 17025 laboratory | TIA at or below 4 mg/g, with the method named | No TIA data, or a house method with no reference standard |
| Mycotoxins and contaminants | Per-lot CoA covering aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone plus heavy metals | Numeric maxima written into the contract and tested per shipment by an accredited laboratory | Annual or origin-level certificates presented as lot evidence |
| Origin, traceability and deforestation compliance | Origin declaration, RTRS/ISCC or EUDR due-diligence statement, GM status | Traceable to the crushing plant, with an EUDR statement where the destination is the EU | 'South American origin' with no plant name or chain-of-custody document |
| Sampling and arbitration | Contract clause naming sampler, method and arbitration body | Independent surveyor at load and discharge, GAFTA/FOSFA arbitration, retained samples for 90 days | Seller's own analysis binding, or no retained sample clause |
| Physical quality and shipment condition | Hold-cleanliness certificate, fumigation record, discharge survey report | Moisture at discharge within contract, no caking, no heat damage, free of foreign matter | History of wet or heat-damaged discharge with claims unsettled |
| Commercial and counterparty standing | Two trade references at similar tonnage, bank details verified out-of-band, GMP+/FAMI-QS certificate | Valid feed-safety certification, verifiable references, workable payment terms (LC or CAD) | Advance telegraphic transfer to a new counterparty with no certification or references |
Worked example: is 48% hi-pro cheaper than 46% standard?
A 5,000 t/month mill compares two CIF offers for the same discharge port and shipment window. The correct comparison is cost per unit of delivered protein, not price per tonne.
| Line | Offer A — 46% CP standard | Offer B — 48% CP hi-pro |
|---|---|---|
| CIF price quoted | USD 402/t | USD 421/t |
| Guaranteed protein (min) | 46.0% | 48.0% |
| Cost per protein point per tonne | USD 8.74 | USD 8.77 |
| Crude fibre | 7.0% max | 3.5% max |
| Formulation effect | Extra fibre displaces energy; the diet needs ~4 kg/t more added fat to hold ME | No energy correction needed |
| Added fat cost at USD 1,150/t | ≈ USD 4.60/t of finished feed | — |
| Effective cost gap | USD 402 + energy correction | USD 421, no correction |
Takeaway: On protein alone the two offers are within USD 0.03 per protein point — effectively identical. The decision is made by the fibre and the energy correction: once the added fat needed to offset the extra fibre is priced in, the hi-pro offer is the cheaper feed in any energy-limited broiler or shrimp diet, while the 46% grade stays cheaper for layer and ruminant diets that tolerate the fibre. Run both grades through your own least-cost matrix before signing, and put a pro-rata protein price adjustment into the contract either way.
Key specifications to contract
Crude protein is nitrogen content multiplied by a conversion factor (usually 6.25); it estimates total protein but says nothing about amino-acid quality or digestibility.
The amino-acid profile — and above all digestible lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan — is what protein ingredients are actually bought for in modern formulation.
Digestibility expresses the proportion of a nutrient the animal can actually absorb; it converts an analytical composition into a nutritional value.
Ash is the inorganic residue after complete combustion; it indicates total mineral content and, in protein meals, is a practical marker for bone, shell, sand or mineral adulteration.
Moisture is water content expressed as a percentage; it dilutes every other nutrient, drives mould and mycotoxin risk in storage, and is the single most disputed parameter in bulk feed trade.
Microbiological specifications control Salmonella, Enterobacteriaceae, moulds and yeasts, protecting animal health, plant hygiene and — for several species — the human food chain.
Each parameter is explained in the specification library — what it measures, how it is tested and what to verify.
Laboratory testing programme
| Test | Why buyers run it |
|---|---|
| Crude protein (Kjeldahl or Dumas) | Contractual value; confirm nitrogen factor and moisture basis |
| Amino-acid profile, digestible basis | The real formulation value; detects heat damage crude protein hides |
| Urease / KOH solubility / protein dispersibility index | Processing intensity proxy for soy and heat-treated proteins |
| Total and acid-insoluble ash | Bone, shell, soil and mineral dilution indicator |
| Salmonella and Enterobacteriaceae | Protein meals are the classic entry point for pathogens into a mill |
| Moisture and water activity | Storage stability and short-weight economics |
Storage, packaging, transport & handling
Typically 3–6 months from production when held below 12% moisture, under 30 °C and protected from condensation. Marine and rendered proteins require antioxidant treatment; remaining shelf life on arrival should be contractual.
- — Keep moisture below the contractual maximum and monitor water activity in humid climates
- — Store on ventilated, dry floors with clear separation from finished feed and medicated materials
- — Apply first-expiry-first-out rotation and record production dates at intake
- — Monitor bulk temperature — self-heating signals microbial or oxidative activity
- — Bulk vessel parcels for large-volume commodity meals
- — 1,000–1,250 kg bulk bags with certified lifting loops for intermediate volumes
- — 25–50 kg polypropylene bags with liner where humidity or long storage is expected
- — Verify hold or container cleanliness and prior-cargo history before loading
- — Use kraft lining and desiccant for ocean containers into humid discharge ports
- — Record transit time and temperature exposure — both consume usable shelf life
- — Avoid repeated pneumatic handling, which generates fines and heat
- — Segregate materials subject to species-specific regulatory restrictions
- — Draw and retain sealed samples at every transfer of custody
Procurement considerations
- —Contract urease activity, KOH solubility or protein dispersibility index alongside crude protein
- —Define GMO status and any deforestation-related documentation required at destination
- —Specify dehulled or standard grade — fibre and protein follow directly from it
- —Agree moisture basis, tolerance and umpire laboratory before shipment
- — GMP+ FSA / FAMI-QS feed safety scheme certification of the producing site
- — ISO/IEC 17025 accredited analysis for contractual and safety parameters
- — HACCP plan covering the specific material and process route
- — Codex Alimentarius Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding
Typical risks & common mistakes
- — Over-processing reducing digestible lysine while crude protein appears compliant
- — Non-protein nitrogen adulteration in tight markets
- — Salmonella recontamination after processing, during storage or transport
- — Origin switches changing the contaminant and composition profile
- — Buying on headline protein and price per tonne rather than cost per unit of digestible lysine
- — Accepting typical-value sheets instead of lot certificates
- — Skipping retained samples, which removes any basis for a later claim
Species & industry intelligence
Formulation stages, KPIs and the ingredient basket for poultry — broilers operations.
Formulation stages, KPIs and the ingredient basket for poultry — layers operations.
Formulation stages, KPIs and the ingredient basket for aquaculture operations.
Formulation stages, KPIs and the ingredient basket for dairy cattle operations.
Formulation stages, KPIs and the ingredient basket for swine operations.
Related knowledge
Certificates of analysis, sampling, inspection, origin, traceability and import documentation.
Step-by-step buying guides and printable verification checklists.
Least-cost, inclusion and landed-cost tools for procurement planning.
Technical articles, market context and regulatory background.
Educational reference maintained by FeedMatch Group. We do not rank, recommend or endorse manufacturers; values are indicative industry references and never replace testing of the delivered lot.
Related buyer resources
Next steps for a soybean meal purchase — the paperwork side of the shipment and the guides that cover tendering and verification:
- Soybean meal import documentation & HS codes HS 2304 classification, the full shipment document checklist, CoA test panel and import-permit reality by destination group.
- Soybean meal incoming QC & test methods Sampling plan at discharge, urease activity and KOH solubility bands, aflatoxin limits and when to reject rather than claim.
- Soybean meal procurement guide Origin comparison, contract wording and how to structure a tender across Brazil, Argentina and the US.
- Feed additives procurement guide Landed-cost normalisation and specification wording that apply to any imported feed line.
Your next step, by buying intent
Pick the lane that matches where you are in the purchase — each link goes to the exact tool or page for that step.
What exactly am I buying?
How much, and at what landed cost?
Is this supplier and lot acceptable?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 46% and 48% protein soybean meal?
48% CP (dehulled/hi-pro) SBM has hulls removed after extraction, raising protein and lowering fibre. 46% CP is standard and preferred where fibre is not a constraint. Price differential is typically €10–25/t.
Can I substitute soybean meal in broiler diets?
Partial substitution with canola meal (up to 15%), sunflower meal (up to 10%), or emerging alternatives like insect and single-cell protein is common. Full substitution rarely pencils out on total amino-acid cost.
What is the HS code for soybean meal?
Solvent-extracted soybean meal is classified under HS heading 2304 (oil-cake and other solid residues from soybean oil extraction), commonly declared as 2304.00. Full-fat soya that has not been de-oiled does not belong in 2304 — it is classified with the beans or preparations depending on processing. Full breakdown, document checklist and permit notes: /guides/soybean-meal-import-documentation.
What documents are required to import soybean meal?
A typical shipment travels with an ISO 17025 certificate of analysis, phytosanitary certificate, GMO/non-GMO declaration, certificate of origin, bill of lading, packing list, fumigation certificate and — for many destinations — a pre-shipment inspection report and an import permit obtained before arrival. See the import documentation guide for the destination-by-destination detail.
How do I procure soybean meal internationally?
Use FeedMatch Group's RFQ Builder to request quotes from vetted origin exporters (Brazil, Argentina, US) with certifications, incoterms and shipment window. Typical parcel sizes: 25 t containers, 3,000 t break-bulk, up to Panamax 60,000 t.
For commercial farm feed buyers
Buying soybean meal for a commercial farm
- Best for
- Commercial farms, integrators, distributors and feed buyers sourcing soybean meal and related feed, additives or nutrition supply on a recurring commercial scale — not pet food, hobby farms or backyard quantities.
- Animal species covered
- Broilers and layers, dairy and beef cattle, pigs, tilapia, salmon and shrimp, plus sheep and goats on request.
- Typical feed buyer needs
- A written specification, verified suppliers who can hold that specification, comparable pricing on the same delivery terms, documented quality (CoA, certifications) and a supply schedule that matches production.
- Bulk feed and recurring supply
- Most requests are bulk or big-bag volumes on monthly or quarterly contracts. Volume per delivery, storage capacity on farm and contract length change price more than the headline per-tonne quote.
- Feed additives and premix
- Premix, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, organic acids, toxin binders and other additives can be quoted alongside compound feed or ingredients so one supplier comparison covers the whole ration.
- What affects feed cost
- Raw-material origin and specification, inclusion rates, freight and Incoterms, packaging, order volume, payment terms, currency and certification requirements. Landed cost, not ex-works price, decides the winner.
- RFQ checklist
- Species and production stage, tonnes per month, target specification, delivery port or farm location, packaging, required certifications, first delivery date and contract duration.
- Supplier matching process
- You define the requirement, FeedMatch structures the RFQ, sends it to relevant qualified suppliers, and returns comparable offers side by side so you can negotiate on equal terms.
- Buyer is not charged
- Farm buyers are not charged to submit a requirement, receive matched suppliers or compare quotes.
FeedMatch helps farm buyers compare feed suppliers, nutrition providers, additives suppliers and related solutions. FeedMatch is an intermediary and does not manufacture feed or provide financing directly.