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Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is a popular by-product of the ethanol production industry. This is gotten from the process of brewing alcohol from grains such as corn, barley, wheat, and rye. It serves as a nutritious supplement to animal feed with its high protein and fiber content. In addition to that, it reduces wastage in grain production. DDGS types vary based on the grain used in the distillation process.
This is the most common type of DDGS. It is produced when corn is used to make ethanol. The solids remaining after the starches are extracted from the grains are dried and ground to make fine corn DDGS usable as feed.
When soybeans are processed to extract oil, what is left behind is the protein-rich residue. This is ground and used as food for livestock. It supports their growth with the amino acids required for development.
Barley is used in ethanol production to produce this type of DDGS. Although less common than corn DDGS, it is still available for barley manufacturers who engage in distilling processes.
Wheat distillation produces DDGS similar to corn in nutritional value. Wheat DDGS can be used as chicken feed due to its fibrous nature. This support helps the chickens maintain a healthy gut, boosting their overall digestion.
Like barley, DDGS from rye are less common. However, they are available when rye is used in the distillation process. Their nutritional content is slightly different.
Functional elements of DDGS play a key role in its use as livestock feed. Some of these features include:
Nutritional content
DDGS is known to contain protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids that promote growth and digestion. The protein content of DDGS ranges from 25 to 30%. This helps animals grow and develop muscles. The fiber aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system while the fatty acids promote a shiny, healthy coat. DDGS is also relatively high in minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. These are crucial for bone development and overall animal health breakdown.
Versatility
DDGS is often mixed with other feed components to complete livestock nutritional requirements. It can be used for different kinds of animals. These include cattle, pigs, poultry, and fish. Also, it can be combined with other feed supplements to promote synergistic effects. This way, even the less common types can benefit from its multiple uses.
Sustainability
Using DDGS in livestock feed reduces the dependence on conventional grain sources. This helps to conserve resources and lower the carbon footprint of animal agriculture. This is because it is a by-product that repurposes nutrients that would otherwise be wasted.
Drying process
The production process of DDGS involves evaporating most of the water from the wet distiller's grains. This is done using heated air where the evaporated water carries some soluble nutrients. The solids are then dried using heated air again. This reduces the moisture content to about 10–12% and prevents microbial growth and spoilage.
DDGS is mainly used as livestock feed. It makes an excellent supplement due to its high protein, fiber, and mineral content compared to other feed types. Some of the livestock that can utilize DDGS include:
Cattle are one of the livestock that can utilize DDGS. In fact, they benefit from it the most due to their rumen's ability to digest fibrous feed. Their feed can contain 10 to 30% DDGS depending on how it fits their nutritional needs for growth and milk production. The fiber in DDGS helps improve digestion in cattle, allowing them to extract more nutrients from their feed.
DDGS is used by swine farmers to support their pigs' growth. The high protein content helps build muscle while the fiber improves gut health. Because of their specific amino acid needs, pigs require a lower amount of DDGS, typically around 5-10%. They are also able to convert the nutrients in DDGS to energy and gain.
Chicken feed often contains DDGS. It supports their nutritional needs and helps them manage their digestive system. The fiber in DDGS promotes better digestion of the feed. However, it is important to note that DDGS can reduce the availability of certain nutrients in poultry. These nutrients include calcium. DDGS can, however, still be included in their feed at 5-7% to improve its ability to digest the feed.
The rich protein and mineral content of DDGS makes it ideal for fish feed. Fish farmers use it to reduce costs and improve feed efficiency. It can be incorporated into fish feed at levels of 10-15% without compromising growth or health. DDGS's mineral content also supports bone development in fish.
DDGS can be used outside animal feed to help those with skin infections. The nutrient-rich byproduct can heal areas with less vegetation and suffer from soil erosion. Even when used outside animal feed, its uses help reduce the carbon footprint by conserving resources.
Several factors should be considered when purchasing DDGS to ensure one gets a product that meets their needs. After all, different types of DDGS are available, and each has unique characteristics. Buyers should consider the source of the DDGS and whether it is derived from corn, wheat, or other grains. They should also consider whether they should get it with or without solubles added. While DDGS with solubles is more nutritious, those without are more affordable.
Buyers should also get DDGS that is labeled either wet or dry depending on its moisture content. Wet DDGS has a higher moisture content. It is often more perishable and requires faster utilization. Those that can store them longer may prefer dry DDGS as it has a longer shelf life. Buyers should also consider the quality of the DDGS. This can impact the nutritional content and overall value. Practical criteria to check for quality include odor, color, and the presence of mold or foreign objects. They should also check if the DDGS has been analyzed for nutritional content. Consistency in composition is important to ensure livestock feed requirements are met. DDGS from different sources may vary in protein and fiber content.
As one of the largest wholesale marketplaces, Alibaba.com connects buyers with suppliers. Business owners can order DDGS in bulk to feed the livestock they produce or resell in other markets. By ordering the product, they gain firsthand experience with its quality and can ensure the consistency needed to produce the feed they need.
Proper storage and handling of DDGS can help preserve its quality and nutritional value. DDGS can sometimes spoil or become less effective due to improper storage, so pay attention to detail. Consider the following tips to maintain the quality and freshness of wholesale DDGS.
They should store DDGS in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. DDGS is typically stored in bulk silos, bins, or warehouses. When stored outdoors, it should be covered with tarps or plastic to protect it from the elements. Wet DDGS has a higher risk of spoilage due to mold and bacterial growth. It should be stored in airtight containers or bags to reduce oxygen exposure. Monitor the storage conditions regularly to ensure that the environment remains dry and cool. The high-temperature content and development of a foul smell are often indicators of spoilage. DDGS can lose some nutrients over time, especially if exposed to air and moisture. This is why it is necessary to keep the environment dry and cool constantly. A nutrient analysis can be done periodically to assess its value and determine whether extra supplements are needed for livestock feeding.
Wholesale DDGS feed can be purchased from many business owners over different batches. It is important for batch quality consistency that buyers purchase the feed from suppliers with the same product quality. When choosing where to purchase bulk DDGS from, business owners should prioritize quality over price. Research the reputation of the supplier and the quality of the products they sell. Read reviews and testimonials from other customers. They should only purchase grain DDGS that was produced recently so they can still have the nutrients intact.
A1. When choosing where to purchase bulk DDGS from, business owners should prioritize quality over price. Research the reputation of the supplier and the quality of the products they sell. Read reviews and testimonials from other customers. They should only purchase DDGS that was produced recently so they can still have the nutrients intact.
A2. While DDGS is not typically used for human consumption, it may have some uses in health foods. These are mostly for forms like wheat and barley DDGS, which are high in fiber. It is also used as a raw material for bio-based products but this is still under research.
A3. To keep the quality of DDGS intact, it should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in airtight containers. These include silos or storage bags. Properly sealing the DDGS will help prevent exposure to oxygen and moisture. Both of which can contribute to spoilage. When stored in a dry environment, it will have a lower chance of developing mold.
A4. When exposed to the right conditions of environment, oxygen, and moisture, Dry DDGS can last up to a year or longer. On the other hand, wet DDGS has a shorter shelf life of 3-6 months. It requires airtight storage to prolong its usability.
A5. Signs to check for are the growth of mold, a foul or sour smell, and unusual colors like green or black. Spoiled DDGS will also be wetter than normal and have a slimy texture. If it is dry, measurably different, or lacking a strong odor, it is most probably in good condition.
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