The use of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in poultry nutrition

Abstract

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is a by-product of the ethanol industry produced by dry mill ethanol plants. During the fermentation process starch from the grain is converted to ethanol and CO2, concentrating the remaining nutrients in DDGS by 2–3 times. In the European Union the favoured use of renewable energy sources has encouraged increased production of biofuels. The increase of bio-ethanol production has resulted in large quantities of DDGS entering the feed raw material market. Because of its high nutrient quality, related to the typically gentle drying and processing it receives, DDGS obtained from the modern ethanol industry may be used as a feed for monogastric animals with good results. The main problem in the use of DDGS for poultry is its high variability of nutrient content and availability.Results from different laboratories on the use of DDGS as feed component for poultry are discussed in the article. Based on the results presented, DDGS obtained from the modern ethanol plants is an acceptable ingredient of poultry diets and can be safely fed at 5–8% in starter diets for broilers and turkey, and 12–15% in grower-finisher diets for broiler and turkey and diets for laying hens.