NCGA Releases Compilation of Distillers Grains Feeding Recommendations (11-10-05)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today released a publication for livestock producers, poultry farmers, nutritionists and others who are interested in learning more about the use of distillers grains in beef, dairy, swine and poultry rations.

The book contains a sampling of recent distillers grains feeding recommendations for each species based on research and feeding trials conducted at several leading universities. NCGA leaders said the intent of the publication is to assist producers in understanding generally accepted feeding levels, as well as to provide basic information about the nutritional value of distillers grains.

Bill Chase, chairman of the NCGA Production and Stewardship Action Team, said distillers grains have proven to be an economical source of protein and energy for livestock and poultry, but producers in many areas still don’t know much about the benefits of using the ethanol coproduct.

“We want to ensure the feed industry and livestock and poultry producers have access to up-to-date, reliable information on the integration of distillers grains into their rations,” Chase said. “That’s the purpose behind this publication.”

Geoff Cooper, NCGA director of commercialization and business development, said dry-grind ethanol plants produced approximately 7.3 million tons of distillers grains in 2004. Industry experts say more than 8 million tons will be produced this year.

“Ethanol production in the United States has grown dramatically in the past several years, and, as a result, more distillers grains are entering the feed market,” Cooper said. “As more distillers grains become available, it will be critically important that nutritionists, extension agents and the producers themselves have a thorough understanding of how to best utilize the product.”

The publication is available online, or hard copies may be requested by contacting Melanie Gibson at gibson@ncga.com or (636) 733-9004, ext. 118.