Brewers Grains (Wet) — Livestock Feed Analysis
Wet brewers grains are a byproduct of the beer brewing process, providing 26% crude protein and 66% TDN on a dry matter basis at very low cost. The low dry matter content (24%) means that large volumes must be fed to provide significant nutrition, and the product must be used within 3-5 days of delivery to prevent spoilage. Wet brewers grains are an excellent protein and fiber source for dairy cows, beef cattle, and sheep. The protein in brewers grains has a high proportion of ruminally undegradable protein (50-55%), providing excellent bypass protein for high-producing dairy cows. Feeding rates of 10-20 lbs of wet brewers grains per cow per day are common in dairy operations located near breweries. The fiber in brewers grains is highly digestible and does not depress milk fat like some other byproduct feeds. Storage challenges (rapid spoilage and handling of wet material) are the primary limitation on wider use.
Which Animals Can Brewers Grains (Wet) Feed?
The table below shows how Brewers Grains (Wet) performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 26% crude protein and 66% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 26% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 66% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where brewers grains (wet) fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 100.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $90.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 204.2 lbs | Yes | No | $183.75 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 91.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $82.50 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 21.9 lbs | Yes | Yes | $19.69 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 25.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $22.50 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 21.9 lbs | Yes | Yes | $19.69 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 50.0 lbs | Yes | No | $45.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 31.3 lbs | Yes | No | $28.13 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.8 lbs | Yes | No | $0.75 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 1.3 lbs | Yes | No | $1.13 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 3.6 lbs | Yes | No | $3.28 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 1.3 lbs | Yes | No | $1.18 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 1.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $1.05 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 26.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $23.63 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 11.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $10.13 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 31.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $28.13 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 150.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $135.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 83.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $75.00 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 20.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $18.75 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 25.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $22.50 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Brewers Grains (Wet) with other feeds in the byproduct category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Distillers Grains (Dried) | 90% | 27% | 86% | $200 | $222 |
| Beet Pulp | 91% | 9% | 74% | $280 | $308 |
| Wheat Bran | 89% | 16% | 67% | $180 | $202 |
| Rice Bran | 91% | 13% | 65% | $200 | $220 |
| Molasses | 75% | 5% | 72% | $150 | $200 |
| Corn Gluten Feed | 88% | 21% | 80% | $200 | $227 |
| Brewers Grains (Wet) | 24% | 26% | 66% | $60 | $250 |
Feeding Guidelines for Brewers Grains (Wet)
When incorporating brewers grains (wet) into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 24%, each pound of as-fed brewers grains (wet) provides 0.24 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 26% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 4.2 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 66% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of brewers grains (wet) at $60 per ton translates to $0.030 per pound as-fed or $0.125 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.