Des Moines, Iowa
August 1, 2007
Request nutrient profile when
evaluating potential value of product
The rapid expansion of the ethanol industry has greatly
increased the volume of distiller’s grains available for
livestock feed. Nutritionists with
Pioneer Hi-Bred suggest
feeding distiller’s grains for high protein and fat values, but
keeping a close eye on sulfur and phosphorous content in grain.
“The industry is reporting that 75 percent to 80 percent of the
distiller co-products are fed to dairy and beef cattle,” says
Steve Soderlund, Pioneer beef nutrition manager. “When
evaluating the potential value of these products, make sure you
request a nutrient profile from the plant. Consider how these
products complement your existing feeding program.”
Soderlund adds that one of the biggest factors in determining
the nutrient content of the distiller co-products is the grain
source used by the ethanol plant.
“In comparison to corn, if the plant is using sorghum as a
primary grain source, expect to see higher protein levels, but a
lower fat level,” says Soderlund.
Feeding distiller’s grains
University beef cattle feeding trials have found the energy
values of distiller’s grain can be as much as 9 percent better
than corn. Soderlund says this is due primarily to the fat
content in the product which is 2.25 to 2.5 times the caloric
density of starch. Most distiller’s grains contain between 10
percent to 12 percent fat and 24 percent to 30 percent protein.
“Including distiller’s grains at 15 percent to 20 percent of the
dry matter in a beef finishing ration generally will meet the
protein requirements and contribute to the energy needs of the
cattle,” says Soderlund. “In forage-based diets for beef cows,
distiller’s grains can be used as a source of supplemental
protein and energy. The amount fed depends on the desired
performance and nutrient content of the forage.”
Be aware of two potential mineral concerns, sulfur and
phosphorus, when feeding distiller’s grains to feedlot cattle.
Keep sulfur content to less than 0.4 percent of the dry matter
intake from all sources, including water. Polioencephlemalacia -
a disease affecting the central nervous system of cattle - can
result from elevated sulfur levels. In addition, phosphorous
levels should be monitored. The phosphorous content typically
will be three times higher in distiller grains than in corn
grain.
“Unless very high levels of calcium are supplemented, an
unfavorable calcium-to-phosphorous ratio may develop,” says
Soderlund. “Urinary calculi - water belly - can develop in
feedlot steers under these conditions. Keep the
calcium-to-phosphorous ratio between 1-1 to 1.5-1.”
Distiller’s grains will be used primarily as a protein and fat
source in dairy rations, which generally limits its inclusion
rate to less than 10 percent of the diet. However, university
tests have shown that distiller grains can be fed at up to 20
percent of the ration when feeding higher forage levels.
“Dairy producers need to pay close attention to the amount of
effective fiber in the diet,” notes Soderlund. “Even though
distiller grains contain a relatively high level of neutral
detergent fiber, the fiber is very fine and will not maintain
good rumination.”
Traditional ethanol co-products
There are several different distiller feed products produced by
the ethanol industry. The highest-volume product is distiller’s
grains, which primarily contains unfermented grain residues -
protein, fiber and fat. The remaining fraction is called thin
stillage which contains yeast cells, soluble nutrients and very
small corn particles.
“Most large distilleries have the capability to dry their
distiller’s grains - DDG,” says Soderlund. “The thin stillage is
concentrated to a molasses-like consistency to form condensed
distiller’s solubles (CDS). The CDS product can be sold directly
to liquid feed manufacturers or dried and placed back on the DDG
to produce distiller’s grains plus soluble (DDGS).”
While the majority of distiller’s grain produced in the upper
Midwest is sold as DDGS, a high percentage produced in the High
Plains is fed as wet distiller’s grain (WDG) locally - reducing
energy costs associated with drying. WDG needs to be fed within
four to five days before warm weather causes significant
spoilage.
Future co-products
Pioneer is developing genetics that not only yield higher
ethanol but also produce co-products with higher nutritional
value. Strategies to improve the amino acid profile, lower fiber
content, lower phosphorus content and improve fatty acid
profiles are all being explored.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world’s leading
source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers
and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des
Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics
in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science-based products and
services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work
by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer,
healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70
countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and
services for markets including agriculture and food; building
and construction; communications; and transportation. |
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