A homegrown soy alternative for Australia’s chickens?

Australia’s poultry industry, which feeds a nation where chicken is the most consumed meat, is heavily reliant on imported soybean meal—a key protein source in chicken feed.

David Corredor

Australia’s poultry industry, which feeds a nation where chicken is the most consumed meat, is heavily reliant on imported soybean meal—a key protein source in chicken feed. Each year, the country imports around 1.2 million tonnes of soybean meal, primarily from Brazil, the United States, Argentina, China, and India. This dependence exposes the industry to global market fluctuations, trade disruptions, and environmental concerns, including deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Recognizing the risks and inefficiencies of this reliance, researchers at the University of Queensland have explored locally sourced alternatives.
• Led by Dr. Elham Assadi Soumeh, the team developed feed formulas using Australian-grown ingredients such as canola meal, lupin kernel meal, sunflower meal, meat and bone meal, and black soldier fly larvae.
• These ingredients, when supplemented with crystalline amino acids produced via fermentation, can match the nutritional profile of soybean meal.

Black soldier fly larvae, in particular, offer a promising solution. Grown on food waste, they are a sustainable protein source capable of replacing up to 30% of soybean meal in broiler chicken diets. Trials showed that chickens fed these alternative diets maintained normal growth, egg production, and meat quality, with no adverse effects on fatty acid content or overall health.

• The environmental benefits are significant.
• By reducing reliance on imported soy, Australia can lower its agricultural carbon footprint and mitigate the ecological damage linked to global soybean farming.
• Economically, using homegrown ingredients could stabilize feed costs and support local agriculture, making the poultry sector more resilient and self-sufficient.

Moreover, Australia already produces enough canola to meet its poultry feed needs. Redirecting this resource from export markets to domestic feed production could further strengthen the industry. The shift also aligns with consumer expectations for sustainable and locally sourced food, especially as chicken consumption continues to rise, with Australians eating over 50 kg of chicken per person annually.

In conclusion, replacing imported soybean meal with homegrown alternatives is not only feasible but also beneficial for Australia’s poultry industry. It offers a path toward environmental sustainability, economic stability, and food security—ensuring that Aussie chickens, and the people who enjoy them, are well-fed for years to come.