
Benson Hill, a seed innovation company, today announced positive results from a controlled broiler feeding trial conducted with Tyson Foods. Study findings, consistent with those released in May 2024, demonstrate how Benson Hill’s Ultra-High Protein, Low Oligosaccharide (UHP-LO) soybean meal offers a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to conventional soybean meal in poultry nutrition.
The latest Tyson results validate that UHP-LO soybean meal (SBM) can fully replace conventional SBM in broiler diets and increase revenue potential for producers, without compromising animal performance. For instance, when formulated for cost advantages, UHP-LO SBM significantly lowered feed costs by increasing protein and higher metabolizable energy. Consequently, UHP-LO SBM gives poultry producers the opportunity to decrease the amount of SBM and fat added to the diet while keeping the necessary protein and energy levels.
In addition to the economic returns, animal outcomes in Tyson’s 42-day UHP-LO trial were substantially equivalent and showed consistent performance. Broilers fed with UHP-LO SBM exhibited equivalent final body weights, feed conversion ratios, and carcass traits compared to those fed conventional SBM. Benson Hill plans to validate select carcass traits in future trials.
The benefits for poultry begin with Benson Hill’s innovative seed development process, which dramatically lowers anti-nutrient levels (90 percent fewer oligosaccharides) in the soybean itself for a more digestible SBM. The UHP-LO SBM used in the trial also delivers 14 percent higher crude protein levels compared to conventional SBM. Together these soy quality traits and performance metrics can translate into higher nutritional efficiency and better margins for poultry producers and integrators.
“This commercial trial shows how Benson Hill’s UHP-LO soybean meal is helping redefine poultry feed,” said Matt Begemann, Senior Director of R&D at Benson Hill. “The positive results confirm how Benson Hill’s UHP-LO soybean meal can generate higher nutritional and economic returns. Collaborating with a leader like Tyson Foods is consistent with our commitment to advancing soy quality traits that benefit the entire supply chain. For me, it’s exciting to see our science play out in practice.”
The feeding trial for Tyson involved more than 800 broilers in a controlled research environment. All diets were formulated to match standard nutrient requirements, with UHP-LO SBM demonstrating flexibility in inclusion levels. Poultry producers have enhanced flexibility with UHP-LO to formulate feeding rations for cost advantage (up to $0.20 per bird in this study) and bird performance gains (up to 5.4 percent in prior studies).
“The Tyson project illustrates the advantages of Benson Hill soybean meal for poultry producers seeking feed solutions with immediate benefits,” said Dr. Roy Brister, Ph.D., an independent animal nutritionist and strategic advisor with four decades of industry experience. “Achieving performance parity with conventional soybean meal presents poultry nutritionists with a meaningful opportunity to optimize their performance feed by simply selecting a premium UHP-LO option.”
Benson Hill’s UHP-LO soybean meal is made exclusively from its proprietary soybean varieties and also exemplifies the Company’s commitment to sustainability. The improved nutrient profile can reduce reliance on supplemental feed ingredients, contributing to lower carbon emissions and supporting Scope 3 reduction targets for end users.
With results from recent trials reinforcing the value of UHP-LO SBM, Benson Hill continues to expand its reach in the animal feed sector. The Company is working with value chain partners to ensure availability and adoption of its UHP-LO SBM while further researching animal feed applications in poultry, dairy, and swine.