Distillers Dark Grains (Maize)

Introduction

A byproduct of either grain whisky production (often for gin or vodka manufacture) or of ethanol production. Maize is soaked to release the starch reserves for fermentation. Often, some barley malt is added to start the process providing enzymes to convert starch to sugar. The grain which remains alter the liquor a removed is often called wet draff. This can be pressed and dried with the left over yeast syrups to produce dark grains. Wet distillers spent grain, or draff, is not as palatable as brewer's grains but contains more protein and less fibre.

Origin

USA, Brazil, UK

Nutritional Information

High in fibre, but well digested by ruminants A high-energy, mid-protein feed which is reasonably undegradable in the rumen. It is low in starch because of it's extraction and has the highest energy value of all distillers grains, being higher in oil content than barley distillers dark grains.

Colour/Texture

UK produced - golden brown to dark brown. Imported - yellow/brown meal.

Palatability

Good

Limits on Usage

The total level of distillers product in the diet should be considered for ruminants as they are low in starch and already pre-fermented. In common with all distillers by-products the residual cereal oil is unsaturated. This needs to be accounted for in ruminant formulations if other ingredients containing unsaturated oils are present. The addition of calcium carbonate to the diet increases the digestibility.

Recommended Maximum Inclusion Rates %

Calf 0 Creep 0 Chick 0 Dairy 20 Weaner 2.5 Broiler 2.5 Beef 25 Grower 2.5 Breeder 5 Lamb 2.5 Finisher 5.0 Layer 5 Ewe 10.0 Sow 5

Handling/Storage

Usually produced as a pellet although distillers is often a meal, either because it was not pelleted or has broken down during transit.