Introduction
User HandbookA G U I D E T O D I S T I L L E R ’ S D R I E D G R A I N S W I T H S O L U B L E S(D D G S) 01 - Introduction An Introduction to U.S. DDGS Distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is a valuable feed ingredient which is a co-product of drymill ethanol production from grains. In ethanol production, the starch is fermented to obtain ethyl alcohol, but the remaining components of the grain kernel (endosperm, germ), preserve much of the original nutritional value of the grain, including energy, protein and phosphorous. Drymill plants recover and recombine these components into a variety of animal feed ingredients. DDGS is a popular dried form of these combined components, available to domestic and international customers as an ingredient for livestock and poultry rations. As the U.S. ethanol industry continues to grow, a greater quantity of DDGS will be available for feeds in the domestic and export market and a wider diversity of distiller’s co-products with different nutritional characteristics will become available for specific animal feeding applications. Corn is the primary feedstock for drymill ethanol production in the United States. In certain locations sorghum and other grains may also be used. Every bushel of grain (25.4 kg of corn and sorghum, slightly different weight for other grains) in the process produces 11.8 liters (2.7 gallons) of ethanol and 7.7 kg (18 pounds) of DDGS. The ethanol industry in the United States is expanding rapidly, resulting in a fast-growing supply of DDGS in the marketplace. In January 2007, the Renewable Fuels Association reported that 112 operating drymill ethanol plants have a combined capacity of 5.53 billion gallons of ethanol annually, and that 83 more plants are either under construction or expanding, which could add another 6.0 billion gallons of production capacity within the next two years. DDGS production from these ethanol plants reached 8.5 million metric tons in calendar year 2006, and is expected to climb to 36 million tons by 2010. DDGS offers an opportunity for cost savings in animal feed rations, and will be available in abundant quantities in coming years. This DDGS User Handbook is intended as a guide to feed manufacturers and animal producers, enabling them to understand how DDGS may fit into feed rations for livestock, poultry and fish, and how to purchase and handle DDGS. The handbook includes information on current research regarding DDGS use in cattle, swine, poultry, fish and companion animals. Other chapters describe the variability and measurement of nutritional characteristics of DDGS, and provide information on buying DDGS from the United States. The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) provides these feeding recommendations to assist potential buyers in understanding generally-accepted feeding levels. However, all rations for specific herds should be formulated by a qualified nutritionist. The USGC has no control over the nutritional content of any specific product which may be selected for feeding. Potential buyers should consult an appropriate nutritionist for specific recommendations. USGC makes no warranties that these recommendations are suitable for any particular herd or for any particular animal. The USGC disclaims any liability for itself or its members for any problems encountered in the use of these recommendations. By reviewing this material, buyers agree to these limitations and waive any claims against USGC for liability arising out of this material. For more information, please contact the U.S. Grains Council at 202-789-0789 or email grains@grains.org. You may also visit our website at www.grains.org. . L E R ’ S D R I E D G R A I N S W I T H S O L U B L E S(D D G S) 01 - Introduction An Introduction to U.S. DDGS Distiller’s dried grains with solubles. tons in calendar year 2006, and is expected to climb to 36 million tons by 2010 . DDGS offers an opportunity for cost savings in animal feed rations, and