Unlocking the Potential of Corn DDGS

Pig producers looking for lower feed costs in diets containing distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) can save around $5/tonne, without risking animal performance, according to the latest research from Danisco Animal Nutrition.

21 Oct 2009 --- As feed costs continue to fluctuate, by-products from the food and fuel ethanol industries can provide alternative, more cost- effective ingredient options for the nutritionist. The use of DDGS in animal feed has increased with the growth of the bioethanol industry. Whilst DDGS is potentially a cost effective and valuable feed ingredient, there are certain anti-nutritional factors which can limit its use in pig feed.

In a trial conducted at the University of Illinois, USA, combining a new-generation phytase (Phyzyme XP) with a highly effective xylanase enzyme (Porzyme 9302) in corn-based pigs diets containing 20% corn DDGS significantly improved digestible energy by 5.6% (175 kcal/kg, 0.73 MJ/kg), ileal amino acid digestibility by 4-8% and increased phosphorus digestibility from 22% to 51%.

In a trial conducted at the University of Illinois, USA, combining a new-generation phytase (Phyzyme XP) with a highly effective xylanase enzyme (Porzyme 9302) in corn-based pigs diets containing 20% corn DDGS significantly improved digestible energy by 5.6% (175 kcal/kg, 0.73 MJ/kg), ileal amino acid digestibility by 4-8% and increased phosphorus digestibility from 22% to 51%.

“Pig producers are continually looking for opportunities which allow more flexibility in both the levels and types of ingredients which can be added to the feed. This is particularly important during these turbulent times” comments Dr Gary Partridge, Global Technical Services Director, Danisco Animal Nutrition. “Optimised enzyme solutions offer great opportunities to keep feed costs to a minimum and help boost profits.”