Soybean Meal Tyson Foods Trial Confirms Benson Hill’s Ultra-High Protein Advantage
Benson Hill, Inc. (Nasdaq: BHIL), a seed innovation company, has announced positive findings from a controlled broiler feeding trial conducted in collaboration with Tyson Foods. The study reaffirms previous results released in May 2024, demonstrating how Benson Hill’s Ultra-High Protein, Low Oligosaccharide (UHP-LO) soybean meal serves as a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to conventional soybean meal in poultry nutrition.
Validation of UHP-LO Soybean Meal in Broiler DietsThe latest findings confirm that UHP-LO soybean meal (SBM) can fully replace conventional SBM in broiler diets without compromising animal performance while increasing revenue potential for producers.
One of the significant benefits of UHP-LO SBM is its ability to lower feed costs by enhancing protein levels and metabolizable energy. This advantage allows poultry producers to reduce the quantity of SBM and fat in diets while maintaining the required protein and energy levels.
Beyond cost efficiency, the 42-day trial at Tyson Foods demonstrated that broilers fed with UHP-LO SBM achieved performance metrics equivalent to those of birds consuming conventional SBM. The final body weights, feed conversion ratios, and carcass traits remained consistent across both diet groups.
Benson Hill has expressed plans to validate specific carcass traits further in upcoming studies to solidify the value proposition of its proprietary soybean meal.
Innovation Behind Benson Hill’s UHP-LO Soybean MealBenson Hill’s proprietary seed development approach is central to the success of its UHP-LO SBM. By significantly reducing anti-nutrient levels—such as oligosaccharides—by 90 percent, the company has enhanced the digestibility of its soybean meal.
Additionally, the UHP-LO SBM used in the trial contains 14 percent higher crude protein levels compared to conventional SBM. These improvements translate into greater nutritional efficiency and higher profit 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 aligns with our mission to advance soy quality traits that benefit the entire supply chain. It is exciting to see our science play out in practice.”
Trial Overview and Economic ImpactThe feeding trial conducted for Tyson Foods involved over 800 broilers in a controlled research setting. All diets were formulated to match standard nutrient requirements, with UHP-LO SBM demonstrating flexibility in inclusion levels.
Poultry producers utilizing UHP-LO SBM gain the ability to optimize feed rations for cost savings and performance gains.
Results from the study indicate that feed cost savings with UHP-LO SBM can reach up to $0.20 per bird. Additionally, prior studies have shown performance improvements of up to 5.4 percent when UHP-LO SBM is used in poultry diets. These economic and performance benefits provide a compelling case for the adoption of Benson Hill’s soybean meal across the poultry industry.
Industry Expert Endorsement and Sustainability BenefitsDr. Roy Brister, Ph.D., an independent animal nutritionist with four decades of industry experience, highlighted the significance of the findings: “The Tyson project illustrates the advantages of Benson Hill soybean meal for poultry producers seeking feed solutions with immediate benefits. 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.”
Beyond its economic and performance benefits, Benson Hill’s UHP-LO soybean meal supports sustainability efforts within the poultry industry.
The improved nutrient profile reduces reliance on supplemental feed ingredients, which can lower carbon emissions and contribute to meeting Scope 3 reduction targets for end users. By enabling poultry producers to use fewer additional feed components, Benson Hill’s innovative approach aligns with broader environmental sustainability goals.
Expanding the Reach of UHP-LO Soybean MealWith multiple successful trials reinforcing the value of UHP-LO SBM, Benson Hill is expanding its presence in the animal feed sector. The company is working closely with value chain partners to ensure widespread availability and adoption of its UHP-LO SBM.
Furthermore, Benson Hill is conducting additional research on its application in poultry, dairy, and swine nutrition.
As Benson Hill moves forward, it remains committed to delivering innovative, high-performance, and sustainable feed solutions. Poultry producers and integrators looking to enhance their feed formulations and optimize costs can explore Benson Hill’s non-GMO, UHP-LO soybean varieties and 2025 partner programs for growers.
