Distillers' dried grain with solubles (DDGS), a co-product from making ethanol from grain, are typically used as a high-protein feed ingredient for animals, mainly cattle, dairy cows, swine and some poultry.
Distillers’ grains are usually dried to reduce weight and facilitate shipping.
DDGS contains approximately three times thea concentration of fat, protein, fiber, phosphorus, and sulfur compared to the original grain.
The nutrient composition of DDGS varies depending on the type of grain, the methods used to process grains to produce ethanol, as well as the manner of drying.
Corn distillers’ grain contains between 32.4% and 34.5% of protein, according to data used by the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), part of Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), while the protein content of the wheat contapart varies between 30.6% and 44.7%. Crude fat, or oil, is typically higher in corn distillers’ grain, 5.6-8.3%, compared to 3.7-4.4% for wheat distillers’ grain. The fibre content is also higher for the corn product, varying between 34.1% and 48.1%, while for wheat distillers’ grain, it is between 22.7% and 36.5%.
When included in the diet at levels below 15% on a dry basis, distillers’ grains are considered an excellent substitute for soybean or canola meal as a protein supplement. At levels up to 50% of the diet, they serve as a source of energy.