Precision Processing Drives Local Soya Performance

In the animal feed industry, reputation is traditionally built over decades. Recent independent growth trials conducted at Stellenbosch University’s broiler research facility have shown that rigorous quality control and advanced processing technology can deliver exceptional results in far less time.

The Pretoria Protein Company, which commenced operations in October 2024, recently had its soybean meal subjected to the feed industry’s most rigorous performance indicator: blind growth trials. Chickens were divided into groups, each fed an identical diet containing soybean meal from different suppliers. The results, published in Oilseeds Focus (Vol. 11, No. 4, December 2025), were remarkable for a facility barely over a year into commercial operation.

In the reported trials, birds fed diets containing soybean meal supplied by Pretoria Protein Company achieved feed conversion and growth performance outcomes that were at the upper end of the range observed across all the samples evaluated. In practical terms, this translates to stronger growth per kilogram of feed, reflecting enhanced nutrient density and digestibility.

The significance of these results extends beyond the performance metrics themselves.

Achieving highly competitive performance outcomes within a year of becoming operational represents an accelerated timeline in a sector where process refinement typically requires years of adjustment.

The company was founded on the principle that South African soya could compete with the best in the world, and these trial results appear to validate that ambition.

Pretoria Protein Company’s production philosophy is simple: to preserve nutritional value rather than maximise output at any cost. From the outset, the company built and invested in systems designed to maintain consistency and protect protein integrity throughout the crushing process.

Quality assurance at Pretoria Protein Company is designed to begin inside the plant, where laboratory testing is integrated into the daily workflow. Samples are taken hourly during production and analysed for protein, fibre, fat, moisture, and urease activity. Physical attributes such as cracked-bean size and flake thickness are also monitored, as these characteristics influence both oil-extraction efficiency and meal quality.

Heat application receives particular attention. While sufficient heat is required to deactivate urease, excessive temperatures can denature proteins and reduce digestibility. Pretoria Protein Company’s process carefully manages this balance, ensuring the soybean meal retains its nutritional value and remains suitable for high-performance feed applications.

An important aspect of this system is the laboratory team itself. Technicians are trained not only to conduct analyses but to interpret results and understand their operational implications. This enables timely adjustments and prevents deviations from affecting product quality.

Before dispatch, each batch undergoes further testing. A Certificate of Conformance is issued only once all specifications are met, providing customers with traceability and confidence in the consistency of every delivery.

To support the reliability of internal testing, selected samples are routinely sent to accredited external laboratories for independent verification. These checks are used to support ongoing alignment of internal testing methods with recognised industry standards.

From inception, the company was structured to operate at a high standard, with systems, technology, and controls designed to support excellence. The growth test results provide external confirmation that this approach has translated into on-the-ground performance.

While Pretoria Protein Company focuses on manufacturing excellence, Pretoria Protein Trading operates as the commercial interface, bringing the product to market across South Africa.

The trading operation recognises that delivering high-quality soybean meal represents only the foundation of success. What ultimately defines Pretoria Protein Trading is its commitment to building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with clients. And when clients know they will receive what was promised, business becomes more efficient and partnerships more resilient.

While South Africa is steadily increasing its domestic processing capacity to reduce imports, feed quality must be maintained and, where feasible, improved. This effort aligns directly with the introduction of Pretoria Protein Company in the market.

The findings in this article reinforce the importance of controlled processing for optimising the nutritional value of soybean meal, and Pretoria Protein Trading is well-positioned to deliver on this, given its close ties with Pretoria Protein Company. As quality manufacturing underpins quality trading, together we strengthen Pretoria Protein’s reputation.