Distillers grains (DG) originating from the corn-based fuel ethanol industry are an excellent source of energy and non-rumen degradable protein, and are an effective ingredient for dairy cattle diets.
However, in spite of competitive price when compared to other protein sources and their high availability in the market, DG are not always sought as a dietary ingredient by some nutritionists and dairy producers. In a recent survey conducted in South Dakota by South Dakota State University Dairy Extension, where 28% of all Grade A dairy producers replied (Unpublished, 2011), many confirmed they did not use DG in their dairy cattle diets.
Why do nutritionists not include distiller grains in dairy cow’s diets?
In another survey on the use of DG, sent to 10 nutritionists specializing in dairy cattle (0wens, F. 2009), their high fat content was the main reason why DG inclusion was restricted in dairy diets. Half of those surveyed (5 out of 10), agreed that the high concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids (FA) in DG reduced fat content in milk.
Nine out of ten of the dairy consultants indicated that the level of DG inclusion in diets could be increased if a portion of the fat in DG was removed. In addition, these nutritionists agreed that the cost of DG as a feed ingredient should be reduced proportionally to the energy content reduction as a result of fat extraction. Estimations as to what degree the cost of DG should be reduced varied from 2% to 50%, with an average of 24%.
Continue reading this article published in iGrow.
