Distillers Grains (Dried) — Livestock Feed Analysis
Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) are a co-product of ethanol production, providing 27% crude protein and 86% TDN on a dry matter basis at a cost significantly below traditional protein supplements. The expansion of the ethanol industry has made DDGS one of the most economical protein and energy sources available for livestock feeding. DDGS contain approximately three times the protein, fat, and fiber of corn because the starch has been removed during fermentation. They are widely used in beef cattle, dairy, and swine diets. DDGS are high in phosphorus relative to calcium, requiring careful mineral balancing. For beef cattle, DDGS can replace both corn and soybean meal, simplifying rations. The fat content (10-12%) limits inclusion rates in dairy cow diets to 20% of dry matter to avoid milk fat depression. Sulfur content in DDGS can be elevated, increasing the risk of polioencephalomalacia at high inclusion rates.
Which Animals Can Distillers Grains (Dried) Feed?
The table below shows how Distillers Grains (Dried) performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 27% crude protein and 86% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 27% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 86% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where distillers grains (dried) fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 26.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $80.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 54.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $163.33 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 24.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $73.33 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $17.50 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $20.00 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $17.50 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $40.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $25.00 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.67 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $1.00 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $2.92 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $1.05 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.93 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $21.00 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $9.00 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $25.00 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $120.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $66.67 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.6 lbs | Yes | Yes | $16.67 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $20.00 |
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 Distillers Grains (Dried) 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 Distillers Grains (Dried)
When incorporating distillers grains (dried) into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 90%, each pound of as-fed distillers grains (dried) provides 0.90 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 27% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 4.3 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 86% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of distillers grains (dried) at $200 per ton translates to $0.100 per pound as-fed or $0.111 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.