Hogs and chickens can be raised successfully on low-protein rations if amino acids are added to their feed at particular stages of their growth, according to research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. As a result, China, the world’s largest importer of soybeans which is in a trade war with the United States, could reduce its use of the oilseed by 5-7 percent, said the Xinhua news agency.
The research could have immediate benefits. China is expected to reduce soybean imports by 8 percent in the year ahead because of the 25 percent tariff it placed on soybeans from the United States, its second-largest supplier. The reduction in imports would amount to 8 million tonnes, according to USDA estimates. The Chinese research on low-protein feed would reduce soy demand by 5 million tonnes.
Xinhua quoted an official of the Guangdong Evergreen Feed Co. as saying it was “sustainable” to use low-protein feed because China has sufficient capacity for production of amino acids. Livestock feeders also would turn to rapeseed, cottonseed, sunseed and palm kernels, all of which contain protein. They usually cost more than soybeans but would be more attractive as soy prices rise. The chairman of Shanghai JC Intelligence Co. said China could reduce its imports of soybeans by as much as 6 million tonnes if it used the alternative oilseeds.
The USDA forecasts China will import 95 million tonnes of soybeans during 2018/19, a reduction of 2 million tonnes from this trade year and accompanied by larger imports of vegetable oils.