Feed database · By-product feed

Soybean Hulls for Alpacas

Typical nutrient values for soybean hulls and what they mean for alpacas at every life stage.

Type
By-product feed
Crude protein
13%
NSC (sugar + starch)
6%
Ca : P
3.5 : 1

Digestible fiber source used in many pellets.

Typical nutrient profile

Measure (dry-matter basis)Typical valueRating for alpacas
Dry matter90%As-fed moisture: dry, stores well
Crude protein13%Good
ADF (acid detergent fiber)46%Poor — stemmy
NDF (neutral detergent fiber)64%Fibrous — limits intake
TDN (energy)70%High energy
Calcium0.6%
Phosphorus0.17%
Ca : P ratio3.5 : 1Calcium-heavy
NSC (sugar + starch)6%Low sugar/starch
Fat2.5%

Typical averages from published feed-composition tables. Hay varies enormously with species, maturity, soil and curing — a forage test (about $25–$40) is the only way to know what your hay provides.

Does it meet each life stage's protein needs?

Life stageProtein targetSoybean Hulls (13% CP)
Adult maintenance (non-breeding, fiber animals)8–10%Used as a supplement, not the whole diet
Pregnant female (months 1-8)10–12%Used as a supplement, not the whole diet
Pregnant female (last 3 months)12–14%Used as a supplement, not the whole diet
Lactating female12–14%Used as a supplement, not the whole diet
Weanling / yearling (growing)14–16%Used as a supplement, not the whole diet
Working herdsire10–12%Used as a supplement, not the whole diet
Senior (12+ years)10–12%Used as a supplement, not the whole diet

How much to feed

Typically 0.25–0.5 lb (110–225 g) dry weight per day as part of the ration; soak pellets for older animals.

Protein compared with other feeds

Corn (grain)9%Beet Pulp (unmolassed)9.5%Barley (grain)12.5%Soybean Hulls13%Oats (grain)13%Rice Bran (stabilized)15%Camelid Pellet16%Black Oil Sunflower Seeds17%Wheat Bran17%Flaxseed24%Distillers Dried Grains30%Soybean Meal54%

Frequently asked questions

Is soybean hulls good for alpacas?
Digestible fiber source used in many pellets. With about 13% crude protein it is good for alpacas.
How much soybean hulls does an alpaca eat per day?
Typically 0.25–0.5 lb (110–225 g) dry weight per day as part of the ration; soak pellets for older animals.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a veterinarian who has examined your animals. Camelid medicine uses many drugs “extra-label”, so dosing must come from your vet. In an emergency, call your vet first. Read our disclaimer · How we write and review content.