Ethanol Blog

The U.S. Grains Council recently released an expanded edition of its DDGS handbook: "A Guide to Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles."

Alvaro Cordero, USGC Manager of International Operations for DDGS, told DTN that the update of the handbook was prompted by new finds on the nutritional advantages of DDGS for all species.

"There was new research out, in addition to changes on DDGS, mostly due to oil extraction that leads to changes on the nutritional advantages," Cordero said. "So we needed to update information for our buyers and it was important to wait until new research was finished to provide the latest information."

Dr. Gerald Shurson, professor of swine nutrition and management in the Department of Animal science at the University of Minnesota, was in charge of updating the handbook, although the new information came from research by many universities working on the use of DDGS.

The new handbook contains explanations of various production methods at ethanol plants, including low-oil distillers grains and feeding it to beef, cattle, dairy cattle, poultry and swine. Also included is new information on nutrient composition and digestibility of DDGS, physical and chemical characteristics of DDGS, recommended laboratory analytical procedures, quality indicators and feed safety issues.

The handbook also includes a section with information on U.S. DDGS suppliers intended for international buyers. Cordero said the handbook has been translated into at least seven languages so the council can deliver the handbook or provide the links for international buyers.

The handbook is provided free by the Council and can be downloaded as a PDF file on the Council's website (http://bit.ly/…).

Cheryl Anderson can be reached at Cheryl.anderson@telventdtn.com.

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