Solubles Mixed with Forage

Distillers solubles (condensed corn distillers solubles or corn syrup) is a liquid feed product that is readily available and usually inexpensive relative to nutrient composition. Solubles are normally 25-35% DM and contain more fat, but somewhat less protein than WDGS. The challenge with distillers solubles is that you must have storage and unloading facilities to handle liquid feeds. In most cases, storage equipment is sized to handle 1 or 2 semi-loads. Therefore, purchasing large quantities (much more than 2 semi-loads) may not be feasible if the solubles are handled as a liquid. Handling distillers solubles brings challenges inherit in all liquid feeds such as equipment and pumps, circulation of the liquid to ensure that "settling" does not occur or separation and the potential for freezing in cold temperatures. Therefore, one option that may be possible is to store distillers solubles mixed with forages in either bags or bunkers. This may allow producers to purchase large quantities and store them for later use, regardless of temperature.

Solubles have been stored in both bags and in bunker storage facilities. The concept is similar to storage of WDGS, except more forage is generally needed. We have stored mixtures of 41% solubles with 59% corn stalks (ground through a 7-in. screen) in a bunker. The DM content of the stalks is important, as is the grind size. It appears that approximately 50% stalks or wheat straw would be the minimum required to successfully store solubles in a bunker. Assuming solubles are 30% DM and forage is 90% DM, then a 50:50 blend of solubles and forage on a DM basis equates to 75% solubles and 25% forage on an as-is basis. It is important to measure the moisture (i.e., DM) content of both the solubles and the forage.

Bagging solubles mixed with forage is likely less risky in terms of spoilage than bunker storage. Storing solubles in bags has been accomplished by mixing 50% corn stalks with 50% solubles (DM basis), and 50% solubles with 50% wheat straw. More recently, we have bagged 25% solubles with 75% wheat straw but increased the moisture (or decreased the DM) to 50%. Similar storage worked well with 45% solubles and 55% straw (DM basis). The solubles at either 25% or 45% mixed with straw was increased to 50% moisture (or decreased to 50% DM) by adding water and stored in a bag with no spoilage or compacting problems observed. Spoilage may be a larger concern with solubles than with WDGS, but does not appear to be a challenge to bag.

For more information or to request additional copies of this manual, contact the Nebraska Corn Board at 1-800-632-6761 or e-mail kelly.brunkhorst@nebraska.gov

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Date published: May, 2008