Distillers Grains

• Distillers grains are a co-product obtained after the starch portion of the corn kernel is fermented into ethanol. 

• One bushel of corn produces approximately 2.8 gallons of ethanol and 17 pounds of distillers grains.

• Distillers grains have three times the nutrient value of corn. It is an excellent source of protein, energy and fiber. 

• The energy value of distillers grains equals or exceeds corn. 

• Distillers grains are typically sold in wet, modified and dry form.

• Distillers grains values are typically between 105 and 110 percent the price of corn.

• Extensive research has been conducted on feeding distillers grains to beef cattle, swine, poultry, and dairy cattle.

• Distillers grains can lower feed costs by reducing the need for some commercial feed additives, such as phosphorus.

• Incorporating distillers grains into rations improves feed efficiency while maintaining carcass quality and grade.

• Know your distillers grains. Ethanol plants provide a nutrient analysis of their co-products so diets can be formulated to optimize the value of distillers grains. Nutrient profiles for Iowa’s ethanol plants are on the IRFA web site at www.IowaRFA.org/ethanol_coproducts.php.

• Preliminary research indicates that distillers grains may reduce gut health problems in pigs, such as Ileitis.

• As new ethanol process technologies are commercialized, a new range of co-products will emerge. In the future, livestock producers will have a menu of co-products to choose from to meet the dietary needs of specific species.

• Contracts for distillers grains are available and many feeders prefer to lock in their needs for six months or more.

• Distillers grains are readily available from Iowa’s ethanol refineries. For more information or to find a supplier near you, visit the IRFA web site at www.IowaRFA.org.

Click here to find out how to make distillers grains work for you.