O DDG (Dried Distillers Grains) is a residue from the production of ethanol from corn. Currently, it is in great demand as it is a strong substitute for soybean meal.
The byproduct was already used in the United States, Argentina, Paraguay and other countries, but it only began to be produced in Brazil around 2010, in Mato Grosso.
From 2013 onwards, it began to be implemented in the cattle diet and presented several benefits, such as:
1- Cost benefit
Despite not having the same protein value as soybean meal, DDG has a high protein and energy content and makes up for it with its low price, being more economical and profitable in areas where corn is more affordable.
2- Easy digestion
DDG can be used in the diet of monogastric and ruminant animals, which facilitates their digestion, considering the small storage capacity of these animals.
3- Accessible in grain producing regions
The closer the producer is to the corn ethanol plant, the better. This is because the economic viability index increases, as shipping will not be expensive, considering the density of the product.
4- Adaptable to the needs of different herds
Although it is mostly intended for the diet of beef cattle, DDG can also be used to raise pigs, poultry and fish.
- Pigs: can be used for both fattening pigs and gilts (newly weaned sows) up to 20% of the total diet;
- Ox: for fattening, it is recommended to offer up to 35% of the feed offered;
- Dairy cows: for lactating animals, it is recommended to use up to 25% of food;
- Chickens: the product can be used in up to 8% of the diet;
- Turkeys: it is possible to use DDG in up to 15% of the power supply;
- Chickens for egg production: the recommendation is to use up to 25% from the diet;
- Fish: for animals in captivity, DDG demonstrated results in fattening using up to 15% of feed.
It is notable that DDG is increasingly inserted into the market and gaining strength in animal nutrition for different species, as an economically viable alternative. According to a Rabobank report, demand for DDGS in MT is expected to reach 1.1 million tons in 2023.
