Iowa Renewable Fuels Association - Iowa Distiller Grains (2024)

FAQs

Where does Distiller's grain come from? ›

Distillers grains are a co-product obtained after the starch portion of the corn kernel is fermented into ethanol. In fact, two-thirds of a bushel of corn is used to process ethanol and the remaining one-third goes into distillers grains, a high-protein livestock feed.

Corn gluten feed is significantly lower in energy, protein and fat, than DDGS and therefore is valued lower than DDGS in many diets. Corn gluten meal is a co-product of wet milling manufacturing.

2 Acre (corn) to Gallon (ethanol) conversion is based on average corn crop yields of 120 bushels per acre and 2.55 gallons of ethanol per bushel for average conversion, and 2.60 and 2.65 for best-existing and state-of-the-art productions, respectively.

DDGs from corn contain, on average, 30 percent protein, 10 percent fat, and 7 percent fiber. Approximately 17 pounds of DDGs (10 percent moisture content) are produced from one bushel of corn.

Distiller's grains are typically included in the diets as a source of protein; however, it has an energy value equal to or greater than corn. With the removal of starch from the grain, the energy comes from corn oil and digestible fiber, as well as some from crude protein.

Brewers grain is a co-product of brewing beer. Distillers grains are a co-product of ethanol production. The commercial feed industry routinely uses dried forms of these co- products in manufacturing grain mixes.

Liquors that are distilled from gluten-containing grains, such as rye or barley, are generally considered to be safe as well. The distillation process removes proteins, including gluten, from the liquor.

Phosphorus, Fat and Sulfur are some of the limitations. Distillers grains are generally low in calcium, high in potassium, phosphorus and sulfur. Feeders should reduce or eliminate supplemental phosphorus, potassium and sulfur when high levels of these byproducts are fed.

Wet distillers grains should not be offered to livestock free choice. Producers should offer mature beef cattle a maximum of 8 to 10 pounds of wet distillers grains per head per day. Feeding levels for growing calves should be closer to 3 to 4 pounds of ethanol co-products daily.

Every time you make 1 gallon of ethanol, there is a net energy loss of 54,000 BTU." Ethanol from corn costs about $1.74 per gallon to produce, compared with about 95 cents to produce a gallon of gasoline. "That helps explain why fossil fuels -- not ethanol -- are used to produce ethanol," Pimentel says.

Why is corn ethanol bad for the environment? ›

Over reliance on corn ethanol could pressure the land and water base, contributing to a dramatic loss of prairie ecosystems in the U.S. and reducing the influence of compliance programs designed to reduce soil erosion and protect ecosystems.

Each year, one acre of corn produces 551 gallons of ethanol, which is the equivalent of 386 gallons of gas. Using the average miles per gallon of a US automobile, this equates to 9,691 miles driven per acre of corn per year.

Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) is WDG that has been dried with the concentrated thin stillage to 10–12% moisture. DDGS have an almost indefinite shelf life and may be shipped to any market regardless of its proximity to an ethanol plant.

Corn grain in the U.S. is marketed on the basis of a 56-lb "bushel" regardless of test weight.

Definition: A bushel of shelled corn is known to be equal to 56 pounds according to the standards for agricultural commodities. The cost per bushel is simply the cost per 56 pounds of corn. On average a bushel of corn runs around $4.50 per bushel.

Distiller's' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is the major by-product of bioethanol and distillery plants, sharing the market as animal feed due to its high protein, water-soluble vitamins, and minerals content.

The Grains You Need:

Barley (malted or plain) Wheat (several varieties) Custom blends of whole or cracked grains, flours or meals. Special grains including Oats, Quinoa and more.

Nutrient Composition

Distillers grains have very low concentrations of starch because most of the starch in the starting grains were converted to ethanol. Concentrations of protein, fiber, fat, and minerals are increased depending on the concentration of starch in the grain.

Distillers grains are energy and protein sources for stock cows, and growing and finishing cattle. Producers that use distillers grains must be aware of the following: Changes in nutrient content. Possible high element content such as phosphorus and sulfur.