UK-grown lupins can replace soy in broiler diets but at a cost

Lupins can be a suitable alternative protein to soybean meal in broiler diets but, at current raw material prices, they are not cost competitive, argues a UK feed expert who carried out trials in this respect. “If we include lupins in broiler diets the feed price does increase. Dehulling the lupins would improve the protein level by removing the significantly higher levels of fiber. This would add value to the lupins but would also increase the cost. This really demonstrates the challenges novel, or more precisely, alternative proteins face and there needs to be a wider commitment from the whole supply chain to establish and ensure consistent supply,” ​said Brian Kenyon, ABN senior nutrition manager. He was presenting on whether lupins are a viable protein source for birds at last month’s poultry research seminar run by the UK’s National Farmer Union (NFU). The hunt is on for domestically grown protein crops, he stressed. “The UK imports in excess of 3m tons of soy every year – ...