Enhancing Poultry Nutrition with Hydrobarothermal-Treated Non-GMO Soybean Meal: A Sustainable Approach

Abstract

The European Union faces significant challenges in ensuring protein security, particularly in the livestock sector. To address this issue, Agrolok sp. z o.o. has developed an innovative high-protein feed component derived from Polish non-GMO soybeans. This study focuses on optimizing the processing conditions of soybeans through hydrobarothermal treatment (HBT) to enhance protein content, digestibility, and amino acid availability. The treated soybean meal was evaluated for its nutritional benefits in poultry diets, with a focus on growth performance, feed efficiency, and nutrient utilization. Preliminary results demonstrate that HBT significantly improves the protein quality of soybean meal by reducing anti-nutritional factors and increasing the bioavailability of essential amino acids. Poultry fed with HBT-treated soybean meal exhibited superior weight gain, feed conversion ratios, and overall nutrient absorption compared to those fed with conventionally processed soybean meal. These findings highlight the potential of HBT-treated non-GMO soybean meal as a sustainable and efficient protein source for poultry nutrition. By enhancing the nutritional profile of SBM, this approach not only supports animal health and performance but also aligns with consumer preferences for non-GMO and sustainable feed ingredients. The improved feed efficiency and reduced environmental impact further emphasize the economic and ecological benefits of this technology. Future research will focus on scaling up the production process and conducting long-term trials to validate these findings. This project represents a significant step toward meeting the protein needs of the livestock industry while promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the EU.