INTRODUCTION
Composition

Table 1 contains data on production plant averages for various corn milling co-products. Variation exists from plant to plant and even within a given plant.These table values should not replace sampling and analysis of feed from individual plants.The DDGS,WDGS, and condensed corn distillers solubles (CCDS) are all from one plant in Nebraska and represent average values for 2003.

Examples of plants with an excellent database on variability are the Cargill facilities in Blair (NE), Eddyville (IA), and Dalhart (TX). The standard deviations are low on DM change from load to load.This relates to two things: process development to minimize variation and the quality control culture of personnel operating the plants to minimize variation in feed products.The energy values used in Table 1 are based on performance data summarized in this paper and other reviews.

The DDGS composition data in Table 2 are based on the relative ratios of dried distillers grains to solubles ratio in DDGS (Corrigan et al., 2007a).The ethanol plant s normal DDGS averaged 19% solubles. However, in this study distillers grain products were produced with 0 to 22% solubles added back to the grain portion. Increasing the amount of solubles decreased the DM, CP, and NDF content of the DDGS. However, the fat level increased in the DDGS as more solubles were added. As more solubles were added back from 0 to 22%, the resulting DDGS went from a golden yellow color to a brown color.

However, the change in color was not related to total digestive tract protein digestibility as the protein was 97 to 98% digestible in all samples. For another recent review of composition and variation within plants and across plants, the reader is referred to Holt and Pritchard (2004). Moisture and DM variation are probably of greatest importance with wet co-products.

However, both fat and sulfur levels can vary in DGS, which could lead to changes in feeding value and potential for toxicity (especially polioencephalomalacia), respectively. Based on preliminary results from a sampling experiment, wet distillers grains average approximately 0.7 to 0.8% sulfur.Therefore, it is critical to have accurate analyses on feed ingredients, a sulfur analysis of water that cattle are drinking, and then formulation of diets not exceeding approximately 0.4% (NRC, 1996).Thiamine is commonly added at 150 to 200 mg/steer daily as well to offset challenges related to sulfur-induced polio. This is an important issue to be aware of and to treat cattle as quickly as possible if any symptoms from polio are observed.

For more information or to request additional copies of this manual, contact the Nebraska Corn Board at 1-800-632-6761 or e-mail k.brunkhorst@necorn.state.ne.us.

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For more information on the feeding of corn milling co-products to beef cattle
and information contained in this manual, contact:
Dr. Galen Erickson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Animal Science Room C220, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, 402-472-6402

Date published: August, 2007