Feed Management , October 1996. Furthermore, in poultry, the actual metabolizable energy content of soybean meal is lower than expected based on projections by proximate analysis. Soybean processors have not focused on correcting the negative impact of NSPs.
Soybean meal is the main protein source in poultry and livestock feeds in most parts of the world.
Beta-mannan is found in the endosperm and hulls of the soybean. Its ability to hold water may help prevent dehydration of the soybean plant during growth. Therefore, the physiological effects of both would be similar. Moreover, intestinal water absorption is diminished by the presence of sufficient Beta-mannans in the diet, leading to a higher moisture content of the excreta. This NSP may also be responsible for binding to minerals in vitro .