soybean field

Recent Shipments of U.S. Soybeans Shipped to Constanta Port Supply Quality Protein for Romanian and Bulgarian Feed Industries

On February 4, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that 67,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans were shipped to Romania, showing the interest of local crushers in sourcing quality protein to answer the demand and growth in efficiency and sophistication of Romania and Bulgaria’s local feed industries. The past year’s feed production numbers from these countries demonstrate an improvement in feed conversion rates for both broilers and pigs and, as a result of better practices, in animal nutrition and farms management.
A January 2016 editorial in the Romanian Feed Association’s magazine stated, “It is very tempting to substitute ingredients in the feed formulation process, especially under the current market situation, when there is a down trend in feedstuffs prices worldwide. However, we have to stay focused on getting the best efficiency rates in feed and animal production because of fierce competition and a highly regulated EU market.”

Constanta Port is a sub regional hub for soy importers distributing meals and beans to Romania and Bulgaria
Constanta Port is a sub regional hub for soy importers distributing meals and beans to Romania and Bulgaria

“This is possible only by using quality ingredients and soy is the key when we discuss amino acids and energy. In order to be able to differentiate between ingredients, nutritionists need knowledge and practice,” said Daniela Valdescu, quality control manager at one of Romania’s largest broiler integrators. “Thanks to USSEC, the Romanian nutritionists had access to the latest information and high caliber experts helped us to understand the value of the U.S. Soy.”
Processing U.S. soybeans provides several advantages for oilseeds processors since crushing soybeans produces more meal and less oil compared to processing sunflower and rapeseed, which is higher in oil yield.
The demand for quality protein feedstuffs from the Romanian and Bulgarian crushing and feed industries is expected to increase this year. Both countries will continue to rely on sizable amounts of soy imports to fill domestic use needs.