Chemical composition of distillers grains, a review

Efficient conversion of distillers grains as feed ingredient by synergy of probiotics and enzymes

The direct feeding value of distillers grains is low due to the presence of higher cellulose, lignin and anti-nutritional factors such as mannan and xylan. In this study, complex enzymes and probiotic flora based on "probiotic enzyme synergy" technology were used to produce fermented distillers grains. The optimal substrate ratio, moisture content, fermentation time and temperature were determined. Subsequently, scale-up experiments were conducted to determine the performance of fermented feed. The results showed that multi-probiotic (Lactobacillus casei, Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus oryzae) cooperated with complex enzymes (glucanase, mannanase, xylanase) showed excellent fermentation effect, crude protein, trichloroacetic acid soluble protein and fat increased by 31.25, 36.68, and 49.11% respectively, while crude fiber, acidic fiber and neutral fiber decreased by 34.24, 26.91, and 33.20%, respectively. The anti-nutritional factors mannan and arabinoxylan were reduced by 26.96 and 40.87%, respectively. Lactic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid in the fermented organic acids increased by 240.93, 76.77, and 89.47%, respectively. Butyric acid increased significantly from scratch, and the mycotoxin degradation effect was not significant. This study provides a potential approach for high-value utilization of distillers grains.

Economic Research on Ethanol Feed-Use Coproducts: A Review, Synthesis, and Path Forward

During the mid-2000s to the early 2010s, the domestic ethanol industry witnessed substantial growth, with ethanol coproducts emerging as vital elements for plant profitability and livestock feeding. Initially serving as supplementary revenue streams, coproducts from ethanol production have evolved into diverse value-added offerings, bolstering revenue streams, and sustaining profit margins. This study reviews existing economic research on ethanol coproducts, detailing methodologies, product focus, and research locations. Initially gathering 972 articles from 9 databases, 110 articles were synthesized. We find that most studies primarily examined the growth and future of the ethanol industry with a limited focus on specific coproducts. Feed-use distillers' grains, especially dried distillers' grains, were the most widely published while newer coproducts like pelletized, de-oiled, and high-protein distillers' grains were relatively understudied. Non-feed-use products were notably overlooked, highlighting the need for exploration beyond conventional applications. The evolving market landscape for ethanol co-products has surpassed published academic understanding of the economic tradeoffs necessitating further research into product dynamics, pricing, marketing, market structures, and regulatory frameworks. This highlights and underscores the importance of investigating value-added grains across diverse commodities and geographic contexts to inform strategic decision-making and policy formulation.

A water-soluble arabinoxylan from Chinese liquor distillers' grains: Structural characterization and anti-colitic properties

Chinese liquor distillers' grain (CLDG) is a valuable and abundant by-product from traditional Chinese baijiu production, containing a diverse array of bioactive components that have attracted significant interest. Herein, a water-soluble polysaccharide, DGPS-2B, with a weight-average molecular weight of 37.3 kDa, was isolated from the alkali-extract fraction of CLDG. Methylation and NMR analysis identified that the primary constituents of DGPS-2B are arabinoxylans, with an arabinose-to-xylose ratio of 0.66. In an animal model of colitis, DGPS-2B treatment significantly altered the gut microbiota composition by increasing the SCFA-producing bacteria (e.g., Butyricicoccus) and reducing the mucin-degrading bacteria such as Muribaculaceae. This microbial shift resulted in elevated production of butyrate, acetate, and propionate, which subsequently suppressed NF-κB signaling, decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα, and potentially inactivated Notch signaling. These multifaceted effects stimulated mucin 2 production, reduced inflammation and apoptosis in the gut epithelium, and ultimately alleviated colitis symptoms. Collectively, this study not only elucidates the purification and characterization of DGPS-2B from CLDG but also illuminates its anti-colitic properties and the underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings underscore the potential of DGPS-2B as a therapeutic intervention for managing inflammatory bowel disease and emphasize CLDG as a promising source for developing value-added products.

Extrusion puffing as a pretreatment method to change the surface structure, physicochemical properties and in vitro protein digestibility of distillers dried grains with solubles

BACKGROUND

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are rich in nutrition, and they are potential protein feed raw material. However, the existence of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin hinders animals' digestion and absorption of DDGS. Making full use of unconventional feed resources such as DDGS can alleviate the shortage of feed resources to a certain extent. This research investigated the effects of twin-screw extrusion on the macromolecular composition, physical and chemical properties, surface structure and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of DDGS.

RESULTS

The findings showed that extrusion puffing significantly increased the protein solubility, bulk density, water holding capacity, and swelling capacity, while significantly decreased hemicellulose and crude protein content, particle size and zeta potential of DDGS. The structure damage of DDGS induced by the extrusion was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FITR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Interestingly, no random coil was observed in the analysis of the secondary structure, and extrusion promoted the transformation of α-helix and β-turn to β-sheet, which led to significant increases in protein solubility and IVPD of DDGS (P < 0.05). Additionally, correlation analysis revealed that IVPD and PS had a positive relationship.

CONCLUSION

Extrusion puffing was an ideal pretreatment method for DDGS modification to improve in vitro protein digestibility. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of feeding fermented distiller's grains diets on immune status and metabolomics of spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes in finishing cattle

To explore the effect of feeding fermented distiller's grains (FDG) diets on spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) immune status and metabolomics in finishing cattle, eighteen Guanling crossbred cattle (18 months old, 250.0 ± 25 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups: a basal diet (Control) group, an FDG-15% group, and an FDG-30% group (containing 0%, 15% and 30% FDG to partially replace the concentrates, respectively). After 75 days, the spleens and MLN were collected for detection of relative spleen weight, immune parameters, and metabolomic analysis. Compared with the Control group, FDG-30% group significantly increased (P<0.05) the relative spleen weight. In addition, the level of IL-17A in the spleen of the FDG-30% group was significantly higher than that of the FDG-15% group. Metabolomic analysis showed that differential metabolites (VIP＞1, P＜0.05) of spleen and MLN in FDG-15% and FDG-30% groups are mostly lipids and lipid molecules. KEGG analysis illustrated that choline metabolism in cancer, glycerophospholipid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and insulin resistance were metabolic pathways in spleen shared by FDG-15% group vs.Control group and FDG-30% group vs.Control group, and choline metabolism in cancer was a metabolic pathway in MLN shared by FDG-15% group vs.Control group and FDG-30% group vs.Control group. These results suggest that feeding FDG may promote spleen development by regulating choline metabolism in cancer, glycerophospholipid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and insulin resistance. Additionally, it may affect MLN development by regulating choline metabolism in cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: Fermented distiller's grains (FDG) is a high quality alternative to feed because it is rich in beneficial microorganisms and nutrients. The spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) are important peripheral immune organs in animals, whose status reflects the health of the animal. However, there are few reports on the effect of feeding FDG diets on spleen and MLN immune status and metabolomics in domestic animals. In this study, we found that feeding FDG may promote spleen development by regulating choline metabolism in cancer, glycerophospholipid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and insulin resistance metabolic pathways, and may affect MLN development by regulating choline metabolism in cancer. This study extends our understanding of the metabolomics of the spleen and MLN in FDG and helps to further understand of the immunomodulatory effects of the FDG diet.

Effects of Dietary Crude Protein Level of Concentrate Mix on Growth Performance, Rumen Characteristics, Blood Metabolites, and Methane Emissions in Fattening Hanwoo Steers

This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying levels of dietary crude protein (CP) on growth performance, rumen characteristics, blood metabolites, and methane emissions in fattening Hanwoo steers. Twenty-four steers, weighing 504 ± 33.0 kg (16 months old), were assigned to four dietary treatments with different CP concentrations (15, 18, 19, and 21% of CP on a dry matter (DM) basis). A linear increasing trend in the average daily gain (ADG) was observed (p = 0.066). With increased dietary CP levels, the rumen ammonia concentration significantly increased (p < 0.001), while the propionate proportion linearly decreased (p = 0.004) and the proportions of butyrate and valerate linearly increased (p ≤ 0.003). The blood urea exhibited a linear increase (p < 0.001), whereas the blood non-esterified fatty acids and cholesterol showed a linear decrease (p ≤ 0.003) with increasing dietary CP. The methane concentration from eructation per intake (ppm/kg), forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, total NDF intake, and ADG exhibited linear decreases (p ≤ 0.014) across the treatments. In conclusion, increasing the dietary CP up to 21% in concentrates demonstrated a tendency to linearly increase the ADG and significantly decrease the propionate while increasing the butyrate. The methane concentration from eructation exhibited a tendency to linearly decrease with increasing dietary CP.

Aflatoxin Decontamination in Maize Steep Liquor Obtained from Bioethanol Production Using Laccases from Species within the Basidiomycota Phylum

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop in Argentina. Aspergillus section Flavi can infect this crop at the pre-harvest stage, and the harvested grains can be contaminated with aflatoxins (AFs). During the production of bioethanol from maize, AF levels can increase up to three times in the final co-products, known as, dry and wet distiller's grain with solubles (DDGS and WDGS), intended for animal feed. Fungal enzymes like laccases can be a useful tool for reducing AF contamination in the co-products obtained from this process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of laccase enzymes included in enzymatic extracts (EE) produced by different species in the Basidiomycota phylum to reduce AF (AFB1 and AFB2) accumulation under the conditions of in vitro assays. Four laccase activities (5, 10, 15, and 20 U/mL) exerted by nine isolates were evaluated in the absence and presence of vanillic acid (VA), serving as a laccase redox mediator for the degradation of total AFs. The enzymatic stability in maize steep liquor (MSL) was confirmed after a 60 h incubation period. The most effective EE in terms of reducing AF content in the buffer was selected for an additional assay carried out under the same conditions using maize steep liquor obtained after the saccharification stage during the bioethanol production process. The highest degradation percentages were observed at 20 U/mL of laccase enzymatic activity and 1 mM of VA, corresponding to 26% for AFB1 and 26.6% for AFB2. The present study provides valuable data for the development of an efficient tool based on fungal laccases for preventing AF accumulation in the co-products of bioethanol produced from maize used for animal feed.

Probiotic-Fermented Distillers Grain Alters the Rumen Microbiome, Metabolome, and Enzyme Activity, Enhancing the Immune Status of Finishing Cattle

A total of 30 Simmental crossbred cattle (6.50 months old, 265.0 ± 22.48 kg) were randomly divided into three groups, with 10 heads per group, and fed for 45 days. The diet treatments consisted of the Control group without PFDG supplementation, the PFDG-15% group with 15% PFDG substituting for 15% concentrate, and PFDG-30% group with 30% PFDG substituting for 30% concentrate. The results showed that compared with the Control group, the average daily gain (ADG) of the cattle in the PFDG-30% group decreased significantly (0.890 vs. 0.768 kg/d, p = 0.005). The serum malondialdehyde content of cattle in the PFDG-15% and PFDG-30% groups decreased significantly (p = 0.047) compared to that of the Control group. However, the serum superoxide dismutase activity of cattle in the PFDG-30% group was significantly higher than that of the Control group (p = 0.047). Meanwhile, both the PFDG-15% and PFDG-30% groups (1758.47 vs. 2061.30 μg/mL) showed higher serum levels of immunoglobulin G, while the interleukin-10 concentration was lower in the PFDG-30% group (p = 0.027). In addition, the PFDG-15% and PFDG-30% groups shifted the rumen microbiota by improving the abundances of F082 (related to propionic acid production) and fiber-degrading bacteria (Lachnospiraceae_UGG-009 and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001) and reducing the abundance of the disease-associated bacteria Selenomonas. A Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis illustrated that three key metabolic pathways, including phenylalanine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism, were enriched in the PFDG-15% group, but eight key metabolic pathways, including arachidonic acid metabolism, were enriched in the PFDG-30% group. Importantly, both the PFDG-15% and PFDG-30% groups increased (p < 0.01) the activities of cellulase, lipase, and protease in the rumen. Finally, the different bacterial abundance in the rumen was associated with changes in the ADG, serum antioxidant capacity, immune status, rumen enzyme activity, and metabolites. These results suggest that PFDG alters rumen microbiome abundance, metabolome, and enzyme activity for enhancing serum antioxidant capacity and the immune status, but when the supplemental level reaches 30%, it has a negative effect on ADG and the anti-inflammatory factors in finishing cattle.

Recent Progress in Distiller's Grains: Chemical Compositions and Biological Activities

Distiller's grains (DGs) are solid mixtures that remain after the production of alcoholic beverages. A large amount of DGs is produced each year during the brewing process. Currently, they are mostly used as a feedstock or substrate in the feed industry. However, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the chemical composition of DGs is a major constraint on their further development and application for high-value-added usages. Some studies were published on the bioactive constituents of DGs in several different types of journals. Data were therefore collated to provide a comprehensive overview of these natural products. DGs are rich in phenols, phytosterols, and fatty acids, in addition to general lipid and protein constituents. These compounds and their related extracts possess diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperglycaemic effects. We hope that this review will provide research incentives for the further development and utilisation of DGs to develop high-value-added products.

Coproduction of Phase-Separated Carotenoids and β-Farnesene as a Yeast Biomass Valorization Strategy

Valorization, the process whereby waste materials are converted into more valuable products, is rarely practiced in industrial fermentation. We developed a model valorization system whereby Saccharomyces cerevisiae that had previously been engineered to produce high concentrations (>100 g/L) of extracellular β-farnesene was further engineered to simultaneously produce intracellular carotenoids, both products being isoprenoids. Thus, a single fermentation generates two valuable products, namely, β-farnesene in the liquid phase and carotenoids in the solid biomass phase. Initial attempts to produce high levels of canthaxanthin (a ketocarotenoid used extensively in animal feed) in a β-farnesene production strain negatively impacted both biomass growth and β-farnesene production. A refined approach used a promoter titration strategy to reduce β-carotene production to a level that had minimal impact on growth and β-farnesene production in fed-batch fermentations and then engineered the resulting strain to produce canthaxanthin. Further optimization of canthaxanthin coproduction used a bioprospecting approach to identify ketolase enzymes that maximized conversion of β-carotene to canthaxanthin. Finally, we demonstrated that β-carotene is not present in the extracellular β-farnesene at a significant concentration and that which is present can be removed by a simple distillation, indicating that β-farnesene (the primary fermentation product) purity is unaffected by coproduction of carotenoids.

Plasma Metabolomic Profiling after Feeding Dried Distiller's Grains with Solubles in Different Cattle Breeds

Dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) are rich in nutrients and can enhance animals' growth and immunity. However, there are few reports on the effects of a diet of DDGS on plasma metabolism and the related action pathways in domestic animals. In this study, groups of Guanling yellow cattle (GY) and Guanling crossbred cattle (GC) having a basal diet served as the control groups (GY-CG and GC-CG), and DDGS replacing 25% of the diet of GY and GC served as the replacement groups (GY-RG and GC-RG), with three cattle in each group. Plasma samples were prepared for metabolomic analysis. Based on multivariate statistical and univariate analyses, differential metabolites and metabolic pathways were explored. Twenty-nine significantly different metabolites (p < 0.05) were screened in GY-RG compared with those in GY-CG and were found to be enriched in the metabolic pathways, including choline metabolism in cancer, linolenic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Nine metabolites showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between GC-RG and GC-CG and were mainly distributed in the metabolic pathways of choline metabolism in cancer, glycerophospholipid metabolism, prostate cancer metabolism, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. These results suggest that a DDGS diet may promote healthy growth and development of experimental cattle by modulating these metabolic pathways. Our findings not only shed light on the nutritional effects of the DDGS diet and its underlying mechanisms related to metabolism but also provide scientific reference for the feed utilization of DDGS.

Mycotoxins’ Prevalence in Food Industry By-Products: A Systematic Review

The recovery of biomolecules from food industry by-products is of major relevance for a circular economy strategy. However, by-products’ contamination with mycotoxins represents a drawback for their reliable valorization for food and feed, hampering their application range, especially as food ingredients. Mycotoxin contamination occurs even in dried matrices. There is a need for the implantation of monitoring programs, even for by-products used as animal feed, since very high levels can be reached. This systematic review aims to identify the food by-products that have been studied from 2000 until 2022 (22 years) concerning mycotoxins’ contamination, distribution, and prevalence in those by-products. PRISMA (“Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses”) protocol was performed via two databases (PubMed and SCOPUS) to summarize the research findings. After the screening and selection process, the full texts of eligible articles (32 studies) were evaluated, and data from 16 studies were considered. A total of 6 by-products were assessed concerning mycotoxin content; these include distiller dried grain with solubles, brewer’s spent grain, brewer’s spent yeast, cocoa shell, grape pomace, and sugar beet pulp. Frequent mycotoxins in these by-products are AFB1, OTA, FBs, DON, and ZEA. The high prevalence of contaminated samples, which surpasses the limits established for human consumption, thus limiting their valorization as ingredients in the food industry. Co-contamination is frequent, which can cause synergistic interactions and amplify their toxicity.

High-protein dried distillers grains in dog diets: diet digestibility and palatability, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-protein dried distillers grains (HPDDG) on palatability and metabolizable energy (ME) of the diet, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and energy, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota in dogs. Four diets containing 0, 70, 140, and 210 g/kg of HPDDG were manufactured. To evaluate the ME and the ATTD of macronutrients of HPDDG itself, an additional test diet was manufactured containing 70% of the control diet formula (0 g/kg) and 300 g/kg of HPDDG. Fifteen adult Beagle dogs were distributed in a randomized block design, with two periods of 15 d each (n = 6). The HPDDG digestibility was obtained using the Matterson substitution method. For the palatability test, 16 adult dogs were used, comparing the diets: 0 vs. 70 g/kg of HPDDG and 0 vs. 210 g/kg of HPDDG. The ATTD of HPDDG were: dry matter = 85.5%, crude protein = 91.2%, and acid-hydrolyzed ether extract = 84.6% and the ME content was 5,041.8 kcal/kg. The ATTD of macronutrients and ME of the diets and the fecal dry matter, score, pH, and ammonia of the dogs did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). There was a linear increase in the fecal concentrations of valeric acid with the inclusion of HPDDG in the diet (P < 0.05). Streptococcus and Megamonas genera reduced linearly (P < 0.05), and Blautia, Lachnospira, Clostridiales, and Prevotella genera showed a quadratic response to the inclusion of HPDDG in the diet (P < 0.05). Alpha-diversity results showed an increase (P < 0.05) in the number of operational taxonomic units and Shannon index and a trend (P = 0.065) for a linear increase in the Chao-1 index with the dietary inclusion of HPDDG. Dogs preferred the 210 g/kg diet over the 0 g/kg HPDDG diet (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the HPDDG evaluated does not affect the utilization of nutrients in the diet, but it may modulate the fecal microbiome of dogs. In addition, HPDDG may contribute to diet palatability for dogs.

Performance response of increasing the standardized ileal digestible tryptophan:lysine ratio in diets containing 40% dried distiller grains with solubles

A total of 1,170 pigs (PIC 800 × PIC, initially 38.6 kg) were used in a 98-d grow-finish study to determine the performance response of pigs fed increasing levels standardized ileal digestible (SID) Trp:Lys ratio in diets containing 40% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Five dietary treatments were fed and consisted of a corn-soybean meal (SBM) diet or diets containing 40% DDGS with SID Trp:Lys ratios of 15%, 18%, 21%, or 24%. Each treatment was replicated 9 times and pens contained 26 pigs with the equal number of gilts and barrows. Data was analyzed as a randomized complete block design with previous nursery treatment as a random blocking factor. Pair-wise comparisons were used to evaluate the impact of diets on performance and carcass traits; specifically to compare the corn-SBM dietary treatment against other dietary treatments. Single degree of freedom orthogonal polynomials were used to evaluate the dose-response of increasing the SID Trp:Lys ratio in 40% DDGS diets. Increasing the SID Trp:Lys ratio in diets containing 40% DDGS increased (linear, P ≤ 0.02) average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), final body weight (BW), hot carcass weight (HCW), carcass gain, and daily carcass gain. Increasing the SID Trp:Lys ratio in 40% DDGS diets did not impact (P ≥ 0.65) gain to feed (G:F) for the cumulative period. Pigs fed the corn-SBM diet had greater (P ≤ 0.01) ADG and a heavier (P ≤ 0.01) final BW compared to pigs fed 40% DDGS diets, regardless of the SID Trp:Lys ratio. Diets that contained 40% DDGS with a SID Trp:Lys ratio of 24% had no difference (P|t| = 0.25) in ADFI compared to the corn-SBM dietary treatment. The cumulative G:F of pigs did not differ (P = 0.32) between pigs fed corn-SBM diets and diets containing 40% DDGS regardless of the SID Trp:Lys ratio. However, pigs receiving the corn-SBM diets had heavier HCW, greater carcass yields, total carcass gain, and daily carcass gain (P < 0.01) compared to pigs fed the 40% DDGS diets regardless of SID Trp:Lys ratio. In conclusion, increasing the SID Trp:Lys ratio in 40% DDGS diets improved ADG and ADFI for the overall grow-finish period. However, when compared to a corn-SBM diet, increasing the SID Trp:Lys ratio in 40% DDGS diets did not correct the growth performance or carcass characteristics of pigs.

Possible Utilization of Distillery Waste in the Carbonization Process

This paper characterizes the carbonization process in terms of the utilization of distillery waste in a laboratory-scale reactor. Due to the increase in market prices of wood and environmental protection laws, biomass waste, including distillery waste, is a potential source for biochar production. An experimental investigation of the carbonization process was carried out for different mixtures of distillery waste and oak sawdust. The obtained results showed that due to the European Standard, biochar from distillery waste could be used for the production of charcoal briquettes for barbecue applications. In addition, biochar from carbonization samples with 66, 50, and 33% distillery waste meet the standards defined by the International Biochar Initiative for HMs content. The analysis of the dynamics of the heating rate showed that adding wood to distillery waste significantly shortens the carbonization process, but this reduces the number of bio-oils produced and its calorific value.

Evaluation of DDGS as a Low-Cost Feed Ingredient for Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio Linneus) Cultivated in a Semi-Intensive System

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a coproduct from the ethanol production industry, is successfully used as an ingredient in feeding cattle and pigs due to its relatively high protein and nutrient content and low price compared to cereals. The aim of this study was to establish the optimal DDGS concentration that can be included in the diet of common carp. A seven-week experiment was performed on common carp with an initial weight of 86 g feed with three experimental diets D0 (DDGS 0%), D1 (DDGS 25%) and D2 (DDGS 35%). The chemical composition of DDGS analyzed by Fourier Transform Near-Infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy showed a protein content of 27.56% and oil at 6.75%. Diets with DDGS did not produce significant changes in growth parameters, flesh quality, and blood biochemical profile. Regarding the oxidative status in the muscle tissue, D1 and D2 significantly reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, the specific activity of SOD and GSH, while CAT and GPX were left unaffected. In the liver tissue, CAT, GSH, MDA and carbonylated proteins were reduced in the DDGS diets. The microbiological analysis of the intestinal contents revealed a variation in microbial density depending on the diet used. The total number of aerobic germs was between 224.2 × 104 and 69.84 × 106 (D2 > D1 > D0) and the total number of anaerobic germs was between 15.2 × 102 and 28.2 × 102 (D2 > D0 > D1).

Dietary high-protein distiller's dried grains with solubles can fully replace soybean meal in diets for meat quails without affecting growth performance

1. The purpose of this study was to determine the metabolisable energy of high-protein distiller's dried grains with solubles (HP-DDGS) for meat quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix; Experiment I) and evaluate the effects of dietary levels of HP-DDGS on animal performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and organ weights (Experiment II).2. In Experiment 1, 96 meat quail were distributed in a completely randomised design with two treatments (reference or test diet) and six replicates of eight birds. The experimental period consisted of 5 d adaptation, followed by 5 d total excreta collection. The experimental diets consisted of a reference (control) and a test diet formulated with 800 g/kg reference diet and 200 g/kg HP-DDGS.3. In Experiment 2, 612 meat quail were distributed in a completely randomised design fed one of six dietary levels of HP-DDGS (0, 85, 170, 255, 340, or 425 g/kg) as a replacement for soybean meal. At 42 d of age, birds were slaughtered and evaluated for carcass yield, organ weights, and meat quality.4. Apparent metabolisable energy values corrected for nitrogen retention of HP-DDGS were 12.5 and 12.3 MJ/kg for males and females, respectively.5. In the starter phase (1-21 d of age), increasing dietary HP-DDGS levels had a quadratic effect on body weight (BW) (P=0.020) and body weight gain (BWG) (P=0.019). The maximum BW and BWG values were estimated to be achieved with 296.0 and 296.2 g/kg dietary HP-DDGS, respectively. Overall (1-42 d of age), increasing dietary HP-DDGS levels in replacement of soybean meal did not affect animal performance, carcass yield, meat quality or organ weight in meat quail.6. It was concluded that dietary HP-DDGS can fully replace soybean meal in meat quail diets without affecting growth performance, carcass yield, meat quality or organ weight.

Evaluation of the Chemical Composition, Bioactive Substance, Gas Production, and Rumen Fermentation Parameters of Four Types of Distiller's Grains

Distiller’s grain is rich in natural active ingredients and can be used as an excellent antioxidant feed for goats. The current study aimed to assess the feeding value of four different types of distiller’s grains with an in vitro gas production trial. The chemical composition, total phenols, total anthocyanins, dry matter degradability, methane, hydrogen, and rumen fermentation parameters were evaluated. The results indicated that red distiller’s grain and glutinous rice distiller’s grain had higher (p < 0.05) levels of crude protein than the other two types. There were significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentrations of dry matter, ether extract, hemicellulose, and total carbohydrate in corn distiller’s grain than in the other three types of distiller’s grain. In addition, red distiller’s grain showed a higher (p < 0.05) gas production rate constant (c) and ruminal outflow rate, as well as higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of total phenol, total anthocyanins and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, than the other three types of distiller’s grains. In contrast, red distiller’s grain displayed the lowest (p < 0.05) immediately soluble fraction (a) and half the time of maximum gas production relative to the other samples. In particular, the levels of methane (%) in white distiller’s grain and glutinous rice distiller’s grain were greater (p < 0.05) than that in red distiller’s grain. Moreover, the ammonia nitrogen content in red distiller’s grain was greater (p < 0.05) than that in white distiller’s grain and corn distiller’s grain. In contrast, red distiller’s grain exhibited a lower (p < 0.05) level of ruminal fluid acetic acid relative to that found in white distiller’s grain and corn distiller’s grain. Taken together, the results showed that red distiller’s grain and glutinous rice distiller’s grain could be used as protein feed, red distiller’s grain had higher levels of total phenols and total anthocyanins and a high DPPH scavenging activity; corn distiller’s grain might be considered as an alternative energy source feed, and white distiller’s grain exhibited higher total gas production.

Model definition for genetic evaluation of purebred and crossbred lambs including heterosis

Crossbreeding is a common practice among commercial sheep producers to improve animal performance. However, genetic evaluation of U.S. sheep is performed within breed type (terminal sire, semi-prolific, and western range). While incorporating crossbred records may improve assessment of purebreds, it requires accounting for heterotic and breed effects in the evaluation. The objectives of this study were to: 1) describe the development of a paternal composite (PC) line, 2) determine the effect of direct and maternal heterosis on growth traits of crossbred lambs, 3) estimate (co)variance components for direct and maternal additive, and uncorrelated maternal environmental, effects, and 4) provide an interpretation of the estimates of random effects of genetic groups, and to use those solutions to compare the genetic merit of founding breed subpopulations. Data included purebred and crossbred records on birth weight (BN; n = 14,536), pre-weaning weight measured at 39 or 84 d (WN; n = 9,362) depending on year, weaning weight measured at 123 d (WW; n = 9,297), and post-weaning weight measured at 252 d (PW; n = 1,614). Mean (SD) body weights were 5.3 (1.1), 16.8 (3.9) and 28.0 (7.6), 39.1 (7.2), and 54.2 (8.7) kg for BN, WN (at the two ages), WW, and PW, respectively. In designed experiments, the Siremax, Suffolk, Texel, Polypay, Columbia, Rambouillet, and Targhee breeds were compared within the same environment. Estimates of heterotic effects and covariance components were obtained using a multiple trait animal model. Genetic effects based on founders' breeds were significant and included in the model. Percent estimates of direct heterosis were 2.89 ± 0.61, 2.60 ± 0.65, 4.24 ± 0.56, and 6.09 ± 0.86, and estimates of maternal heterosis were 1.92 ± 0.87, 4.64 ± 0.80, 3.95 ± 0.66, and 4.04 ± 0.91, for BN, WN, WW, and PW, respectively. Correspondingly, direct heritability estimates were 0.17 ± 0.02, 0.13 ± 0.02, 0.17 ± 0.02, and 0.46 ± 0.04 for BN, WN, WW, and PW. Additive maternal effects accounted for trivial variation in PW. For BN, WN, and WW, respectively, maternal heritability estimates were 0.16 ± 0.02, 0.10 ± 0.02, and 0.07 ± 0.01. Uncorrelated maternal environmental effects accounted for little variation in any trait. Direct and maternal heterosis had considerable impact on growth traits, emphasizing the value of crossbreeding and the need to account for heterosis, in addition to breed effects, if crossbred lamb information is included in genetic evaluation.

Replacing cottonseed meal and sorghum with dried distillers` grains with solubles enhances the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of feedlot lambs

We evaluated the impacts of substituting cottonseed meal (CSM) and sorghum grain (SG) with dried distillers` grains with solubles (DDGS) in lamb feedlot diets on the dry matter intake (DMI), the growth performance, blood serum analysis, feces phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), wool production and quality, carcass traits, adipose tissue fatty acid (FA) profiles, and sensory panel tests. For 72 d, Rambouillet wether lambs (n = 44, initial body weight, BW = 28.8 ± 3.3 kg) were individually fed ad libitum pelleted diets containing DDGS that replaced 0% (0DDGS), 25% (25DDGS), 50% (50DDGS), or 75% (75DDGS) of the CSM and SG in a completely randomized design trial. Linear and quadratic effects of DDGS levels on the response variables were analyzed. Treatment × day interactions (P < 0.001) were observed for BW and DMI. As the DDGS level was increased, DMI (from days 21 to 70), lamb BW (from days 56 to 70), average daily gain, blood urea nitrogen and P, and fecal P linearly increased (P ≤ 0.05). Fecal N quadratically increased (P = 0.01), but no effects were found for gain:feed, blood insulin-like growth factor-1, or calcium. No differences in wool production or most of the wool quality parameters were detected. Adipose tissue stearic acid linearly increased (P = 0.02), linoleic acid quadratically increased (P = 0.01), and oleic acid tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.08) as the DDGS increased in the diets. Increasing the DDGS level in the diets quadratically increased the hot carcass weight (P = 0.02), backfat thickness (P = 0.04), and body wall thickness (P < 0.001) while having no impact on the longissimus muscle area. As the DDGS increased in the diet, juiciness, tenderness, and overall acceptability linearly increased (P ≤ 0.05), while having no effect on the cook-loss, flavor intensity, or off-flavor detectability. Replacing 50% of CSM and SG with DDGS improved growth performance and enhanced the carcass and meat quality.

Comparison of methods to estimate ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility of protein in hydrolyzed feather meal with or without blood

Hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) is a feedstuff high in rumen undegraded protein (RUP) that can be used as an effective source of metabolizable protein for dairy cattle. Because the production process may vary, the rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility of HFM may also vary. Additionally, some processes may incorporate additional blood into the final product to result in feather meal with poultry blood. To determine the rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility of these products, several laboratory assays can be used; the common assays are the mobile bag (MOB), modified three-step (MTS), and Ross (ROS) assays. Although all 3 assays determine RUP digestibility, they vary in whether they are performed in situ, in vitro, or both. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of HFM originating from processes that differ in their inclusion of blood, and to compare the MOB, MTS, and ROS assays. Ten samples of HFM, which were identified by the suppliers as HFM with little blood (n = 5) and with more blood (n = 5), were spot-sampled, collected from 10 production plants across the United States, and subjected to all 3 assays. Assay type had an effect on RUP, total-tract crude protein (CP) digestibility, and the amount of RUP digested. A significant effect was observed on RDP and RUP concentrations for blood inclusion; no effect was detected for total-tract CP digestibility. We found no difference in RUP digestibility for assay or blood inclusion. There was also no interaction of the effect of assay or blood inclusion. Results suggest that even though there are differences in chemical composition in HFM associated with the inclusion of blood, such as ash and crude fat, few if any differences are observed in intestinal digestion of protein. Although the assays varied in their estimates of rumen undegraded protein, MOB and MTS yielded the most similar values. However, all 3 assays resulted in similar estimates of RUP digestibility.

A New Method to Overcome Carboxyamide Formation During AFEX Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass

Lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) in the plant cell wall are responsible for providing resistance against biomass-degrading enzymes produced by microorganisms. Four major types of lignin-carbohydrate bonds are reported in the literature, namely, benzyl ethers, benzyl esters, phenyl glycosides, and acetyl ester linkages. Ester’s linkages in the plant cell wall are labile to alkaline pretreatments, such as ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX), which uses liquid or gaseous ammonia to cleave those linkages in the plant cell wall and reduce biomass recalcitrance. Two competing reactions, notably hydrolysis and ammonolysis, take place during AFEX pretreatment process, producing different aliphatic and aromatic acids, as well as their amide counterparts. AFEX pretreated grasses and agricultural residues are known to increase conversion of biomass to sugars by four- to five-fold when subjected to commercial enzyme hydrolysis, yielding a sustainable feedstock for producing biofuels, biomaterials, and animal feed. Animal feed trials on dairy cows have demonstrated a 27% increase in milk production when compared to a control feedstock. However, the presence of carboxamides in feedstocks could promote neurotoxicity in animals if consumed beyond a certain concentration. Thus, there is the need to overcome regulatory hurdles associated with commercializing AFEX pretreated biomass as animal feed in the United States. This manuscript demonstrates a modified pretreatment for increasing the digestibility of industrial byproducts such as Brewer’s spent grains (BSG) and high-fiber meal (HFM) produced from BSG and dry distillers grains with soluble (DDGS), while avoiding the production of carboxamides. The three industrial byproducts were first treated with calculated amounts of alkali such as NaOH, Ca(OH)2, or KOH followed by AFEX pretreatment. We found that 4% alkali was able to de-esterify BSG and DDGS more efficiently than using 2% alkali at both 10 and 20% solids loading. AFEX pretreatment of de-esterified BSG, HFM, and DDGS produced twofold higher glucan conversion than respective untreated biomass. This new discovery can help overcome potential regulatory issues associated with the presence of carboxamides in ammonia-pretreated animal feeds and is expected to benefit several farmers around the world.

Salt and nitrogen amendment and optimization for cellulase and xylanase production using dilute acid hydrolysate of distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as the feedstock

Distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is a by-product of dry-mill corn ethanol production comprising a high nutritional value due to residual fiber, protein, and lipid contents. The fiber content of DDGS is high enough to be considered a valuable source for the production of hydrolytic enzymes, such as cellulase and xylanases, which can be used for hydrolysis of lignocellulosic feedstock during ethanol production. The DDGS-based medium prepared after acid hydrolysis provides adequate sugars for enzyme production, while additional macronutrients, such as salts and nitrogen sources, can enhance the enzyme production. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of salts (KH₂PO₄, CaCl₂·2H₂O, MgSO₄·7H₂O, FeSO₄·7H₂O, CoCl₂·6H₂O, and MnSO₄·H₂O), peptone, and yeast extract on enzyme secretion by four different Aspergillus niger strains and to optimize the nitrogen source for maximum enzyme production. Yeast extract improved the cellulase production (0.38 IU/ml) for A. niger (NRRL 1956) as compared to peptone (0.29 IU/ml). However, maximum cellulase productions of 0.42 IU/ml and 0.45 IU/ml were obtained by A. niger (NRRL 330) and A. niger (NRRL 567), respectively, in presence of ammonium sulfate. The optimized nitrogen amounts resulted in a significant increase in the cellulase production from 0.174 to 0.63 IU/ml on day 9 of the fermentation with A. niger (NRRL 330). The composite model improved both cellulase and xylanase production. In conclusion, the optimization of all three nitrogen sources improved both cellulase and xylanase production in the DDGS-based media.

Occurrence and concentration of mycotoxins in maize dried distillers’ grains produced in Brazil

The presence of mycotoxins in dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS), a by-product of bioethanol production from maize, has been a matter of concern due to the increasing global utilisation of this ingredient in animal feed. In this study, 186 samples of maize DDGS produced in Brazil were analysed for the presence of major mycotoxins: aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2), fumonisins (B1 and B2), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA). Samples were provided by the local industry between January 2017 and October 2020, and mycotoxins were quantified by LC-MS/MS. More than 98% of the analysed samples were contaminated with mycotoxins, from which 59.9% had a single mycotoxin, 29.9% two mycotoxins, and 9.1% more than two mycotoxins. The most prevalent metabolites were fumonisin B1 and B2, being detected in 98.8% (mean 3,207 μg/kg) and 97.6% (mean 1,243 μg/kg) of the samples, respectively; aflatoxin B1 had the third highest positivity, with 32.3% (mean 1.47 μg/kg), followed by ZEN, with 18.01% (mean 18.2 μg/kg), DON, with 12.9% (mean 59.6 μg/kg), and OTA was not detected. Co-occurrence of total aflatoxins (AFT = aflatoxin B1+B2+G1+G2) and total fumonisins (FBT = fumonisin B1+B2) was observed in 32.07% of the samples analysed for these mycotoxins. Co-occurrence of AFT and ZEN was found in 7.84% of the samples analysed for such mycotoxins, while FBT and DON co-occurred at 13.01%. AFT, FBT, DON and ZEN co-occurred in only one sample (0.84%). Except for FBT, a considerable number of samples presented the evaluated mycotoxins below their respective limit of quantification (LOQ) with percentages of 67.61% for AFT, 81.99% for ZEN, 87.07% for DON and 100% for OTA. Since the production of bioethanol and its by-products is growing worldwide, including in Brazil, mycotoxicological monitoring of maize DDGS is crucial to identify the effects of mycotoxins occurrence in animal feed formulated with this ingredient.

Oil Recovery from Fractionated Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) Using Enzymes

Oil recovered from dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) can be a high-value product over animal feed to provide an additional profit to ethanol plants currently operating at slim profit margins. Fractionations of DDGS and enzymatic hydrolysis were considered in this study to improve the oil recovery from DDGS. A combination of sieving and then air aspiration was used to separate the original DDGS into three different fractions: light, medium, and heavy. The heavier fraction had up to 24% increased oil content compared to the original DDGS. Commercial enzymes, protease, cellulase, and hemicellulase were tested separately and in combinations at 55 °C for 3 h at 130 rpm to determine their effect on oil recovery from the original and fractionated DDGS. Oil recovery was significantly improved (around 20%) following enzyme hydrolysis of the sieved aspirated heavy fractions of DDGS compared to the original DDGS. More than 90% of oil recovery was achieved by using a combination of cellulase and protease enzymes. Increasing the temperature above 55 °C without any enzyme did not impact oil recovery using the heavy-fraction DDGS. Overall, fractionation and enzymatic hydrolysis showed promise to increase oil recovery from DDGS without any current ethanol plant design changes.

Effects of feeding corn distillers dried grains with solubles diets without or with supplemental enzymes on growth performance of pigs: a meta-analysis

A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of the dietary energy system (net energy or metabolizable energy), oil content of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (cDDGS), diet inclusion levels, and pig age on growth performance of pigs fed cDDGS-based diets. Mean differences of average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain:feed (G:F) were calculated and expressed as a percentage change relative to feeding corn-soybean meal (SBM)- and cDDGS-based diets to nursery [body weight (BW) < 25 kg] and growing-finishing (BW > 25 kg) pigs, and to compare the effects of supplementing various types of exogenous enzymes without or with phytase on growth performance. A total of 27 studies with 106 growth performance observations were included in the cDDGS dataset, and 34 studies with 84 observations for enzyme responses in cDDGS diets were used in the enzyme dataset. Approximately, 64.7% of the observations showed no change, and 26.7% of observations showed a reduction in ADG, ADFI, and G:F when feeding cDDGS-based diets to the nursery and growing-finishing pigs compared with feeding corn-SBM-based diets. Furthermore, feeding cDDGS diets resulted in decreased (P < 0.01) mean difference of ADG (-4.27%) and G:F (-1.99%) for nursery pigs, and decreased (P < 0.01) mean difference of ADG (-1.68%) and G:F (-1.06%) for growing-finishing pigs. Every percentage unit increase in the inclusion level of cDDGS in growing-finishing pig diet was associated with a decrease (P < 0.01) in ADG (-0.10%) and ADFI (-0.09%). Feeding high oil (≥10% ether extract) cDDGS-based diets to pigs resulted in a 2.96% reduction in ADFI whereas feeding reduced-oil (<10% ether extract) cDDGS-based diets reduced G:F by 1.56% compared with pigs fed corn-SBM-based diets. Supplementation of exogenous enzymes improved (P < 0.05) the mean difference of ADG and G:F by 1.94% and 2.65%, respectively, in corn-SBM-based diets, and by 2.67% and 1.87%, respectively, in cDDGS diets. Supplementation of exogenous protease, enzyme cocktail, or xylanase improved (P < 0.05) ADG by 7.29%, 2.64%, and 2.48% in pigs fed corn-SBM-based diets, respectively. There were no differences between the dietary addition of single enzymes and enzyme combinations for any growth performance parameters in corn-SBM- or cDDGS-based diets. In conclusion, feeding cDDGS-based diets slightly reduces the growth performance of nursery and growing-finishing pigs, but supplementation of xylanase or enzyme cocktail can improve G:F of pigs fed cDDGS-based diets.

Maize distillers dried grains with solubles alter dietary digestibility and improve intestine health of pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus juveniles

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of soyabean meal replacement by maize distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets for pacu juveniles. Five diets were formulated with 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 g of DDGS/kg diet replacing up to total dietary soyabean meal. In trial 1, the experimental diets were fed to five groups of fish to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC). In trial 2, four groups of fish were fed each experimental diet for 100 d to evaluate the effects of these diets on digestive enzyme activity, intestine oxidative stress and intestine morphology. The ADC of DM and energy was reduced with dietary DDGS inclusion, while the ADC of lipids was increased, and no differences were observed for the ADC of protein. Independent of dietary treatment, pH increased from anterior to the distal intestine with dietary DDGS inclusion. Digestive enzyme activities were higher on anterior than the distal intestine. Dietary DDGS decreased lipase, amylase, chymotrypsin and trypsin activities, while no differences were observed for total protease activity. Intestine glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was reduced in fish fed the DDGS diets, while catalase activity increased. Lipid peroxidation was lower in fish fed DDGS diets than the control. Intestine histomorphology improved with dietary DDGS inclusion. Overall, the negative effects of soyabean meal could be decreased by dietary replacement with maize DDGS which may have a prebiotic effect, improving intestine health.

A review on the use of dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) in aquaculture feeds

Distiller’s dried grains with soluble (DDGS) to replace fishmeal (FM) or other plant protein sources and its effects on an aquatic animal’s growth performance and health system is rarely discussed. In recent times FM use in aquafeed has been a problem for the aquaculture industry because of the depletion of fish resources in the ocean and the high cost of FM. For that reason, researchers are focusing on reducing the cost of aquafeed production by lowering the inclusion of FM in aquafeed. One of the low-cost alternative protein sources to replace FM is DDGS. The present review discusses the compilation of available literature review and other works on the use of DDGS to replace FM in aquafeed and how it improves the growth performance, immune health system, and disease resistance in an aquatic animal. It focuses on the production of DDGS, the nutritional composition of DDGS, the chemical and physical characteristics of DDGS, and the effects of the DDGS inclusion in aquafeed on the aquatic animal. Apart from improving the growth performance of the aquatic animal when included in aquafeed, it also helps improve the immune health system of the animal. It also helps boost the immune system of the aquatic animal to fight diseases and increase disease resistance when included in aquafeed. Furthermore, DDGS also contains some constituents like carotenoids that help improve the meat quality of the animal when included in aquafeed. The current review also discusses the management and use of technology to improve the aquaculture industry, educate farmers on reducing diseases during the culturing periods, and increase productivity and profit in a friendly environment.

Comparison of digestible and metabolizable energy and digestible phosphorus and amino acid content of corn ethanol coproducts from Brazil and the United States produced using fiber separation technology for swine

Three experiments (exp.) were conducted to determine and compare the digestibility of nutrients and energy of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from the United States (USDDGS), a dried mixture of corn bran with solubles (CBS) from Brazil (BRCBS), and high protein corn distillers dried grains (HP-DDG) from the United States (USHPDG) and Brazil (BRHPDG) in growing pigs. The feed ingredients were evaluated for apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract, neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF, respectively), and digestible and metabolizable energy (DE and ME, respectively) using the total collection and index methods in exp. 1; ATTD and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of phosphorus (P) in exp. 2; and apparent (AID) and standardized (SID) ileal digestibilities of CP and amino acids (AA) in exp. 3. Fifty crossbred barrows (32.4 ± 6.9, 38.3 ± 5.2, and 46.2 ± 5.3 kg body weight [BW], in exp. 1, 2, and 3, respectively) were fed a corn basal diet in exp. 1, a P-free diet in exp. 2, and an N-free diet in exp. 3 or diets with 40% inclusion of test ingredients to provide 10 replications per treatment. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism cages (exp. 1) or in pens (exp. 2 and 3) and fed at 2.8 times the maintenance DE requirement (110 kcal/kg BW0.75) based on their BW at the beginning of each experiment. Except for ATTD of NDF, which tended (P = 0.058) to be greater by the index method compared with the total collection method, no difference between the total collection and index methods was observed for ATTD of remaining nutrients and DE. The ATTD of DM, GE, NDF, and DE content of BRHPDG were greater (P < 0.001) than USHPDG, BRCBS, and USDDGS. The AID of CP, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Thr, and Val and the SID of His, Leu, Lys, and Val of BRHPDG were 8% to 36% greater (P < 0.05) than those from USHPDG. Except for Trp, all AID and SID AA values were greater (P < 0.05) in BRHPDG than in USHPDG. The ATTD of DM, GE, NDF, and ADF; DE and ME content; AID of CP, Arg, Ile, Leu, Phe, Thr, and Trp; and SID of CP, Arg, Phe, and Thr of USDDGS were 9% to 45% greater (P < 0.05) than those in BRCBS. The ATTD and the STTD of P in USHPDG and USDDGS were 26% to 42% greater (P < 0.05) compared with BRHPDG and BRCBS. In conclusion, BRHPDG had a greater digestibility of energy and most of the AA than USHPDG, while the BRCBS evaluated had lower nutritional value than the USDDGS source.

Effect of feeding corn distillers dried grains with solubles naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol on growth performance, meat quality, intestinal permeability, and utilization of energy and nutrients in broiler chickens

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of feeding corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON) on growth performance, meat quality, intestinal permeability, and utilization of energy and nutrients in broiler chickens. Two trials (growth and metabolism trials) were conducted. In the growth trial, a total of four hundred 7-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 8 replicates in a completely randomized design. The diets were formulated to contain 5 inclusion levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20% DON-contaminated DDGS in diets and were fed to birds for 21 d. Results indicated that increasing inclusion levels of DON-contaminated DDGS decreased (linear, P < 0.01) BW gain and feed efficiency of broiler chickens. The relative organ weights of the liver and breast were decreased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) by increasing inclusion levels of DON-contaminated DDGS in diets. The transepithelial electrical resistance values as a measure of intestinal permeability were decreased (linear, P < 0.05) by increasing inclusion levels of DON-contaminated DDGS in diets. In the metabolism trial, a total of twenty four 22-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments consisting of 0, 10, or 20% inclusion of DON-contaminated DDGS in diets. Each treatment had 8 replicates. Increasing inclusion levels of DON-contaminated DDGS in diets decreased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) ME_n (AME_n and TME_n) and apparent total tract retention of nitrogen and acid-hydrolyzed ether extract in diets. In conclusion, feeding diets containing more than 10% DON-contaminated DDGS to broiler chickens has negative effects on growth performance, intestinal permeability, and utilization of energy and nutrients in diets. Therefore, it is suggested that if DDGS is contaminated with DON, inclusion level of DDGS should be limited, possibly at less than 5.0% in broiler diets.

Feeding rice fermented beer waste improves growth performance, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization in growing rabbits

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary rice brewer waste (RBW) on growth performance, nutrient utilization and nitrogen balance in growing rabbits. Thirty growing rabbits (758 ± 25.7 g initial body weight) were randomly assigned to control and four treatment groups (containing RBW) in a completely randomized design with six rabbits per group. The study lasted 6 weeks for measurements of feed intake and growth performance followed by a five-day metabolic trial to determine nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. The five diets contained RBW at 0% RBW (control group), unsterilized RBW at 10% and 20% and sterilized RBW at 10% and 20% in the concentrates. The average daily body weight gain (ADG) in the 20% unsterilized RBW group was higher (p < 0.01) than the control group. No statistically significant difference (p = 0.089) of ADG was observed for the control vs. the sterilized groups, but the overall ADG was better (p = 0.044) in the unsterilized RBW groups than the sterilized RBW groups. The daily dry matter intake in unsterilized and sterilized RBW groups was higher (p < 0.01) than the control group. However, no difference (p = 0.22) was found between the unsterilized and sterilized RBW. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower for the unsterilized RBW groups vs. the control group (p = 0.041), but there was no difference of FCR in the control vs. sterilized RBW groups (p = 0.37) and the unsterilized RBW groups vs. unsterilized RBW groups (p = 0.14). The digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and crude fibre was greater (p < 0.01) in the unsterilized and sterilized RBW groups than the control group. The nitrogen balance and efficiency of nitrogen utilization were also higher in the unsterilized and sterilized RBW groups than the control group (p < 0.01). The study showed that the dietary RBW could improve growth performance and nutrient utilization in growing rabbits with superior responses for the unsterilized RBW.

Determination of in vitro dry matter, protein, and fiber digestibility and fermentability of novel corn coproducts for swine and ruminants

New processes are being used in some dry-grind ethanol plants in the United States and Brazil to improve ethanol yield and efficiency of production while also providing nutritionally enhanced corn coproducts compared with conventional corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The objectives of this study were to determine the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of 5 conventional corn DDGS sources and 10 emerging novel corn coproducts for swine and ruminants, and compare coproducts produced using similar processes in the United States and Brazil. Chemical composition, on a dry matter (DM) basis, among the 15 coproducts ranged from 18.5% to 54.7% for crude protein (CP), 12.3% to 51.4% for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 1.6% to 8.6% for acid detergent fiber, 4.7% to 12.3% for ether extract, and 1.6% to 8.6% for ash. For swine, in vitro hydrolysis of DM and CP were greater (P < 0.01) for the three U.S. corn DDGS sources compared with the two Brazilian corn DDGS sources, but in vitro fermentability of DM was comparable (P > 0.05) among all sources except one U.S. DDGS source that had less fermentable DM. High-protein and yeast dried distillers grains (Ultramax, UM; StillPro, SP) coproducts also had comparable (P > 0.05) DM fermentability for swine, but UM coproducts had greater (P < 0.01) DM and CP hydrolysis compared with SP. High-protein distillers dried grains (HP-DDG) from Brazil had greater (P < 0.01) DM and CP hydrolysis, but less (P < 0.01) DM fermentability for swine than HP-DDG produced in the United States, using the same process. For ruminants, total DM digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) in conventional DDGS sources from the United States compared with the two DDGS sources from Brazil. Total protein digestibility for ruminants was comparable and above 81% for all coproducts except for a DDGS source from Brazil, a HP-DDG source from the United States, and a UM sample. Interestingly, the corn fiber + solubles coproduct had not only relatively high digestibility of NDF (67.9%), DM (91.6%), and total CP (81.9%) for ruminants, but it also had relatively high total tract digestibility of DM (86.2%) and CP (69.9%) for swine. These results suggest that nutrient digestibility of conventional DDGS sources produced in the United States appear to be greater than corn Brazilian DDGS sources, but new process technologies being implemented in ethanol and coproduct production in both countries can enhance the nutritional value of corn coproducts for both swine and ruminants.

Evaluation of high-protein distillers dried grains on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs

A total of 1,890 growing-finishing pigs (PIC; 359 × 1,050; initially 27.1 kg) were used in a 124-d growth trial to compare the effects of high-protein distillers dried grains (HPDDG; 39% crude protein [CP]) or conventional distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS; 29% CP) on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial with main effects of distillers dried grains source (conventional DDGS or HPDDG) and level (15% or 30%). A corn-soybean meal-based diet served as the control and allowed linear and quadratic level effects to be determined within each distillers dried grains (DDG) source. All diets were formulated on an equal standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys-basis with diets containing HPDDG having less soybean meal than diets with conventional DDGS. Pens were assigned to treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial weight as the blocking factor. There were 27 pigs per pen and 14 pens per treatment. Overall, increasing conventional DDGS decreased (linear, P < 0.04) final body weight (BW), whereas increasing HPDDG tended to decrease (linear, P = 0.065) final BW. The decreased final BW was a result of decreased (linear, P < 0.01) ADG in the grower phase of the study as either DDG source increased. However, there were no differences observed in the finisher phase or overall ADG between pigs fed either DDG source or either inclusion level. Pigs fed HPDDG had decreased (P < 0.001) ADFI and increased (P < 0.001) G:F compared with those fed conventional DDGS. For carcass traits, increasing either conventional DDGS or HPDDG decreased carcass yield and HCW (linear, P < 0.02); however, there were no differences between pigs fed HPDDG or conventional DDGS. Iodine value (IV) increased (linear, P < 0.02) with increasing DDG and was greater (P < 0.001) in pigs fed HPDDG than conventional DDGS. In summary, pigs fed HPDDG had no evidence of difference in overall ADG compared to pigs fed conventional DDGS, but had greater overall G:F. Carcass fat IV was also greater in pigs fed HPDDG compared with pigs fed conventional DDGS. These differences were probably due to the difference in oil content.

Quantitative Analysis of Ethyl Carbamate in Distillers Grains Co-products and Bovine Plasma by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Ethyl carbamate (EC) is a fermentation byproduct in foods and beverages and classified as a Group 2A probable human carcinogen. Each year, greater than 40 million metric tons of fermentation co-products from the U.S. ethanol industry are fed to food animals. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry assay was developed to quantify EC extracted from various distillers grains co-products with a limit of detection at 0.7 ng/g (on an as-fed basis). EC was detected in all the distillers grains co-products surveyed in this study. Corn condensed distillers solubles contained the highest concentration of EC, ranging from 1618 to 2956 ng/g. Concentrations of EC in other types of distillers grains co-products varied from 17 to 917 ng/g. Cattle fed distillers grains co-products that constituted 19-38% of the total feed (as-fed) were found to contain 2-3 ng/mL of EC in blood plasma. No EC was detected in blood plasma from grass-fed control cattle.

Effects of a high-protein corn product compared with soy and canola protein sources on nutrient digestibility and production responses in mid-lactation dairy cows

An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of a novel and proprietary high-protein corn product [56% crude protein (CP)] relative to other common sources of protein on the lactation performance of dairy cows. Twenty-four Holstein cows (620 ± 47.7 kg of body weight, 111 ± 34 d in milk, 2.28 ± 0.46 lactations; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly assigned to treatment sequence in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design balanced for carryover effects. Cows were individually fed 1 of 4 diets with a different protein concentrate source during each 28-d period, including soybean meal (SBM), high-protein corn product (HPCP), soybean meal with rumen-bypass soy protein (SBMBP), and canola meal with rumen-bypass soy protein (CANBP). Diets were formulated for equal concentrations of CP and balanced to meet predicted lysine and methionine requirements. The SBM diet was formulated to provide 5.7% rumen-undegradable protein (RUP), whereas SBMBP and CANBP diets were formulated for 6.8% RUP to match HPCP. Data were analyzed using mixed models with the fixed effects of treatment, period, square, the interactions of treatment and period and of treatment and square, and the random effect of cow. The CANBP diet increased dry matter intake (DMI) compared with SBM and HPCP. Treatment affected milk yield, as SBMBP and CANBP increased yield compared with SBM, but HPCP decreased milk yield compared with all treatments. The HPCP diet reduced CP intake as a percent of total DMI and increased the CP content of orts, indicative of selection against HPCP. The HPCP diet also decreased apparent total-tract and CP digestibility, leading to less urine nitrogen excretion and greater fecal nitrogen output. The SBMBP and CANBP diets performed similarly in nearly every variable measured, except that SBMBP increased milk urea nitrogen. In conclusion, the HPCP diet reduced yield of milk and milk components, likely because of reduced apparent total-tract dry matter and CP digestibility.