Soybean Protein Levels

• Why is the protein level in soybeans decreasing only in the United States?

• How are livestock impacted if they receive less protein in their soybeans?

Students could:

• Compile and analyze data about the ratios of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in foods. 
• Research and compare human nutritional needs to the needs of different livestock.
• Compare the chemical structures of different amino acids, carbohydrates and fats. Model how these compounds interact in the human or animal body.
• Model the energy and matter flows that occur in cellular respiration.
• Research the temperature-protein connection and discuss what it means that we can't fully explain it yet.

• National Oilseed Processors Association | Soybean Composition: Basics of soybean composition and processing from an industry-run site.
• Soybean Meal Info Center | Composition: Information on composition and manufacturing from an industry-run site.
• University of Kentucky Department of Animal Sciences | Are Your Dairy Cows Getting the Protein They Need?: This article outlines the process by which dairy cows obtain protein and how much protein is needed.
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | Protein Sources for the Animal Feed Industry (Executive Summary): Technical background on livestock protein sources.
• University of Minnesota Extension | Early Frost and Soybeans: This article describes the impact weather can have on soybean yield and protein levels.

Submitted by Dan Voss and Madison Beeler as part of their Iowa STEM Teacher Externship experience at Iowa PBS.

Media produced for Market to Market by Iowa PBS.