Soy hulls would be an excellent feed to add to the forage ration and not result in many rumen problems and can stretch the hay supply, especially if the producer is short on hay. From an energy standpoint, a pound of hulls could replace 1.45 pounds of hay. This assumes that the hay and soy hulls are similar in moisture content.
Soy hulls could be included in the ration at .25 percent to 1.00 percent of body weight. Therefore, for a 1,200 pound cow that could be between three and 12 pounds per head, per day. Adapt the cows to hulls over a week to 10-day period and make sure that there is enough bunk space so that all cows have the opportunity to eat their share. Make sure that there be no less than .5 percent of body weight forage in the ration. That would calculate to six pounds per head per day.
In these rations, it is important to make sure they are balanced for both protein and energy. As you add feeds like soy hulls that are higher in energy to the ration, it is possible that the rumen microbes may get deficient in protein. It is important that this not happen.
