Liability Disclaimer

The National Corn Growers Association provides these feeding recommendations to assist visitors to this site in understanding generally-accepted feeding levels. However, all rations for specific herds should be formulated by a qualified nutritionist. Moreover, the NCGA has no control over the nutritional content of any specific product which may be selected for feeding. Visitors to this site should not rely on these guidelines in making specific feeding decisions but should consult an appropriate nutritionist for specific recommendations. NCGA makes no warranties that these recommendations are suitable for any particular herd or for any particular animal. The NCGA disclaims any liability for itself or its members for any problems encountered in the use of these recommendations. By reviewing this material, visitors to the site agree to these limitations and waive any claims against NCGA for liability arising out of this material.

Steers, like these in a feed yard near Aurora, Nebraska, benefit from being fed DDGS their ration due to:

• Increased Palatability
• Rumen By-Pass Protein
• Effective Fiber for Rumen Health

BEEF FEEDERS

Beef feeders can use distillers grains at a feeding level of about 20% of their total dry matter intake. Calves in receiving/starting programs perform well when distillers grains compose 15 to 20% of their diet. DDGS can be fed to meet the protein requirement, while WDGS and CDS can be fed to supply protein and energy requirements. Wet distillers grains has its greatest value in beef rations when fed at 15 to 25% of diet DM.

Maximum Inclusion Levels (%DM)

• DDGS 20%
• Wet DGS (30% DM) 25%
• CDS (30% DM) 6.5%

Dairy

It's important to remember that distillers grains are also a valuable part of dairy rations too. The high producing dairy cow can use DDGS at levels up to 20% of their total DMI. When balancing for dairy with distillers grains use the NRC model to limit distillers according to lysine, and feed in combination with other CP sources. Wet distillers grains can limit gut fill and therefore total DM intake when incorporated with other wet feeds (e.g. silages, etc.) at a lower percent of DM from distillers grains. The limit is somewhere between 20 and 30% DMI, however 20% is the maximum recommended inclusion level.

Maximum Inclusion Levels (%DM)

• DDGS 20%
• Wet DGS (30% DM) 20%
• CDS (30% DM) 6.5%

Poultry

While more research is warranted on the benefits of feeding DDGS to poultry, distillers grains provide many important nutrients to both chickens and turkey. Poultry will benefit from the essential amino acid methionine, which is essential for feathering. DDGS are an excellent source of methionine. The Phosphorus availability of DDGS is higher than in corn, which is an economic assistance, as Phosphorus is the third most expensive ingredient in dairy rations. Higher availability of Phosphorus also contributes positively to the environment.

Maximum Inclusion Levels

• Broilers 10%
• Layers 15%
• Turkeys (grow/finish) 10%

SWINE

Research continues to prove that swine can benefit from having high quality, "new generation" distillers grains in their diet due to the high energy (97% the energy value of corn), digestible amino acids, and available phosphorus. Recent research has shown additional benefits of feeding DDGS on reducing manure P levels, improvements in litter size weaned (when sows are fed DDGS at the maximum inclusion rates for 2 reproductive cycles) and improved gut health of grow-finish pigs when challenged with ileitis.

Maximum Inclusion Levels

• Nursery pigs (<15lbs.) 0%
• Nursery pig (>15lbs.) 25%
• Grow-Finish 20%
• Gestating sows 50%
• Lactating sows 20%

Of Special Interest

New Guidelines for Distillers Grains Analysis - PDF (2-07)