Soybean is the most important protein source for feeding farm animals (that in turn yield animal protein for human consumption).
The soybean (Glycine max) is a species of legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family, widely grown for its edible bean, which has numerous uses. Soybean is also known as soja bean. Its chromosome number is 2n=2X=40. Soybeans are a major source of protein.
It reduces the cholesterol level in the human body. High levels of cholesterol increase the risk of a heart attack. It is also used to make rubber, fiber, plastic, and is used as a lubricant. Byproduct of soybeans is also used for animal feed.
Major source of protein for domestic animals like chicken, fish, cattle, and pigs. Soybean meal contributes about 30% to poultry feed. Soybean is the most important protein source for feeding farm animals (that in turn yield animal protein for human consumption).
Soybeans are used in a wide variety of foods for humans and animals, as well as for industrial and consumer products such as building materials, lubricants, and other household items.
Soy oil
Soybean seed contains 18–19% oil. The soybeans are cracked, adjusted for moisture content, and rolled into flakes to produce oil. People can use this oil for cooking purposes. After the oil is obtained from soybeans, the remaining material is used to make feed for animals and pets.
Flour
Soy flour is obtained by roasting the soybean seeds, removing the hull, and then grinding the seeds into flour. Soy flour is manufactured with different fat levels. It is the starting material for soy concentrate and protein isolate production.
Soybean Meal
Soybean meal is used in food and animal feed as a protein supplement but also as a source of metabolizable energy. Typically, 1 bushel (i.e., 60 lbs. or 27.2 kg) of soybeans yields 48 lbs. (21.8 kg) of soybean meal. Some, but not all, of the soybean meal is produced as a by-product of soybean oil extraction.
Livestock Feed
One of the major uses of soybeans globally is as livestock feed, in the form of soybean meal. Soybean meal provides around 60% of the protein fed to livestock. In the United States, however, 70 percent of soybean production is used for animal feed, with poultry being the number one livestock sector for soybean consumption.
Food for human consumption
Soybean products are also used in our daily lives. Common soybean products include soy sauce, soy milk, tofu, soy meal, soy flour, textured vegetable protein (TVP), and soybean oil. In China, Japan, and Korea, soybeans and soybean products are a standard part of the diet. Tofu is thought to have originated in China, along with soy sauce and several varieties of soybean paste used as seasonings.
Soy nut butter
Soybean is also used to make butter, known as soy nut butter, which is similar to peanut butter.
Sweetened soybean
Sweet-boiled beans are popular in Japan and Korea, and the sweet-boiled soybeans are called Daizu no Nimame.
Coffee substitute
Roasted and ground soybeans can be a caffeine-free substitute for coffee. After the soybeans are roasted and ground, they look similar to regular coffee beans. Which can be used as a powder that is similar to instant coffee and smells like roasted soybeans.
This article is jointly authored by Fatima Anwar and Dr. Humera Razzaq.