| Brewers Grains |
| Introduction |
| By-Product of brewing obtained
from residues of malted and unmalted cereals and other
starchy products. A moist by-product from the brewing
industry made up of spent grains, widely fed to ruminant
animals. It can be dried for storage and transportation
purposes. Barley, or a variety of other cereals (starchy
raw materials can be used), is 'wet mashed'; the liquor
is drained for fermentation, and the remaining fibrous
and protein material mixed to produce brewers grains.
They are commonly used in the dairy industry as a butter
feed or as a forage or concentrate replacer. New beer
types, production techniques and alcohol consumption
levels have reduced the quantity available. Available
throughout the year with the largest supply usually in
the summer months and in the run up to Christmas. |
| Origin |
| Mainly in the UK, Ireland and
Germany. |
| Nutritional Information |
| High in digestible fibre and good
quality protein which is quite undegradable due to the
heat process in manufacture, but low in starch. Ideal for
mixing with other forage rations to stimulate dry matter
intake and an excellent feed for cattle and sheep.
Historically they have been seen as a 'safe feed'
providing digestible fibre which can help to buffer more
acid feeds. However, today this is less relevant, as
modern brewing techniques use small particle grists and
the rumen pH in is usually low (4.0-4.2). They are also a
good source of phosphorus. Studies have shown its ability
to reduce butterfat content by 0.2-0.3% when compared to
grass silage as a sole forage, which may be due to the
higher unsaturated oil content of brewers grains. The
nutritional value may vary from source to source with dry
matters ranging from 18-26%. |
| Colour/Texture |
| Pale brown and friable texture. |
| Palatability |
| Very palatable to all ruminants
and will aid forage intake. |
| Limits on Usage |
| Brewers grains possess few
limiting factors and can be fed to cows at 7-10 kg/head/day
beef cattle ad. lib., and ewes at 3-4 kg/head/day. |
| Recommended Maximum Inclusion
Rates % |
| Calf |
5 |
Creep |
0 |
Chick |
0 |
| Dairy |
30 |
Weaner |
0 |
Broiler |
0 |
| Beef |
40 |
Grower |
0 |
Breeder |
0 |
| Lamb |
0 |
Finisher |
0 |
Layer |
0 |
| Ewe |
5 |
Sow |
0 |
|
|
|
| Handling/Storage |
| Either fed shortly after delivery(2-3
weeks) or stored in a sealed clamp/pit. |
