Producers are usually looking for an economical way to put weight on their animals, usually in the source of high protein supplements.
To this end, distillers’ grains (DDGs) seem to be an ideal fit. This byproduct of grain based ethanol production is high in crude protein, a moderate source of both fiber and oil, and a really high source of total digestible nutrients. Although the nutritional composition can be quite variable.
What feeding systems do DDGs fit best into and what should producers be watching out for? These are just two of the questions that Kristin Thompson, knowledge mobilization specialist with the Beef Cattle Research Council and host, Amber Bell dig into in this episode of Ruminating with RealAg.
When it comes to the place for DDGs in a feeding system, Thompson says, “distillers are an excellent substitute for both canola meal or soybean meal when they’re included at about 15 per cent of the diet on a dry matter basis.” While the BCRC was involved in some previous research trialing with inclusion rates of up to 40 per cent of the diet, she warns that, “you need to do feed testing to make sure. Because the nutritional composition is so variable, you can’t just buy the distillers and feed it at 40 per cent because you could have issues.”
Thompson and Bell also discuss DDGs as a feasible option in cow calf operations, the economics behind using them as a long-term feeding strategy and what balancing a ration might look like. So grab your favourite drink, a comfy chair, and settle in for a great conversation. Subscribe to this podcast on your favourite audio platform!
For more information about DDGs, feed testing and mycotoxins discussed in this episode, see the links below:
Mycotoxins – https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/mycotoxins/
Distillers Grains – https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/distillers-grains/
The Challenge with Mycotoxins in Beef Cattle Feed – https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/hidden-hazards-of-mycotoxins-in-beef-cattle-feed/
List of Canadian Feed Testing Laboratories – https://www.beefresearch.ca/content/uploads/2023/07/Canadian-feed-testing-labs.pdf
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