USE OF CORN DDGS FOR PIGS: A SHORT REVIEW

Abstract

The co-products of ethanol production from corn are referred to in the literature as dried grains with soluble distillates (dried distillers grains with solubles - DDGS). There is considerable variation in the nutritional composition of DDGS mainly due to genetic variation of corn, the ratio of added soluble prior to drying and processing heat. The production of corn ethanol in Brazil began recently but presents with enormous potential, generating huge expectations of availability of DDGS. For each megagram of corn is produced on average 401 liters of ethanol, 323 kg of CO2 and 323 kg of DDGS. The energy, protein and digestible phosphorus values of DDGS characterize it as an alternative ingredient with great potential for partial replacement of corn and soybean meal to feed pigs. The highest concentration of dietary fiber in DDGS can be one of the main reasons for the decrease in energy digestibility of DDGS compared to corn. Low DDGS inclusions can be used without prejudice to the performance of the animals, however high inclusions eventually express inferior results compared to conventional ingredients.