Oilseed Meals: Postwar Trends in Production and Use

Soybean meal consumed in the United States more than doubled since 1948/49, rising from 4.2 million tons that year to over 10 million in 1965/66. The rapid growth in beef cattle and broiler production, along with increased feeding per animal, were factors boosting soybean meal demand. Quantities consumed by dairy cattle, hogs, and other animals also increased significantly. Currently, about half of the total soybean meal fed is consumed by livestock and the other half by poultry.