Analyze Protein, Energy when Supplementing DDGs

Adding dried distillers grains (DDGs) into your cattle operation’s total mixed ration can be a way to help shave down feed costs. When breaking feed ingredients down to per-nutrient costs on a dry matter basis, DDGs don’t contribute much starch, but they do supply additional energy through protein and fat. Those considering supplementation with DDGs should be aware of nutrient content changes, however, to ensure optimal dry matter intake (DMI) levels.

With DDGs, keeping an eye on sulfur content is important. Growing cattle should receive 0.15% but no more than 0.4% of sulfur in dry matter. Too much could result in lower performance and even health issues such as polio. Analyzing DDGs beyond a protein perspective is critical for optimal nutrition.

Read more on cattle feed nutrition here.