May | June 2011

Feature title: The potential of distillers dried grains and solubles

(DDGS) for inclusion in aquafeeds
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The International magazine for the aquaculture feed industry

 F: DDGS F: DDGS
opportunities for low level
inclusion in animal feeds.

The potential of distillers dried grains and The typical crude

protein content averages
about 30 percent and fibre

solubles (DDGS) for inclusion in aquafeeds

content ranges from ca.
7-11 percent (see Table 1).
On the other hand, DDGS
contains a good level of
by Samad S Omar, Aquaculture Nutrition and Health Research Group, School of Biomedical and Biological Sciences,
energy and is a rich source
The University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
of vitamins and minerals.
The physical appearance,

O
chemical composition and
n a global scale, aquac- other plant proteins Table 1: Mean chemical composition of the DDGS from previous nutrient digestibility can
ulture output has been have all shown vary- investigations vary considerably depend-
increasing at a rate of ing degrees of suc- Cromwell et Spieh et Stein et Pedersen et ing on sources, process-
around eight percent per cess when included al. (1993) al. (2002) al. (2006) al. (2007) ing and different drying
annum and now supplies about 65 in aquafeed (Gatlin et procedures.
million tons whereas fisheries landings al. 2007). Single cell DM (%) 90.5 89 88.9 87.6 For example, Cromwell
have remained constant at about 90 protein sources, ani- CP (%) 26.9 30.2 27.4 29.2
et al. (1993) investigated the
million tons of fish for the last decade mal by-products and characteristics and compo-
Fat (%) 9.7 10.7 ND 10.5
(FAO 2010). by-products of the sition of 9 DDGS sources
brewing and bioetha- Fibre (%) ND 8.6 6.8 7.8 (seven from brewery pro-
Indeed, more than half of the fish prod- nol industries have Ash (%) 4.8 6.1 ND 3.86 duction and two from ethanol plants) and dietary cow can be provided by DDGS for but higher levels of DDGS can be used
ucts produced for human consumption also been explored. ADF (%) 14.4 16.1 10.9 10.15 found that crude protein ranged from 23.4 soybean meal and corn concentrates. successfully with appropriate diet formu-
come from commercial aquaculture. Distillers dried to 28.7 percent, fat ranged from 2.9 to 12.8 They indicated that the cows fed higher lation adjustments for energy and amino
NDF (%) 35.1 41.45 40.13 24.2
However, the sustained growth of the grains with solubles percent, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen quality DDGS sources produced marginally acids (Waldroup et al.1981; Noll et al.
DE MJ kg -1 ND 15.7 20.13 19.6
industry has resulted in an increased need (DDGS), one of the (ADIN) ranged from 8.8 to 36.9 percent, more milk yield than cows fed soybean meal 2004). Recommended maximum dietary
for specialised compound feedstuffs, at main co-products * ND = not determined neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ranged from supplement. More recently, Kleinschmit et levels of DDGS in swine diets are 20-50
approximately 30 million tonnes per year in obtaining from the 28.8 to 40.3 percent, acid detergent fibre al. (2006) conducted a study to determine percent depend on the goal of rearing
2009 and is expected to more than double fermentation of cere- (ADF) ranged from 10.3 to 18.1 percent the effect of feeding diets with 20 per- and proving that diets are formulated
Table 2: Amino acid composition of DDGS from previous
by 2020 (Tacon 2010). al grains for the production and ash ranged from 3.4 to 7.3 percent. cent DDGS inclusion from three different on a digestible amino acid and available
investigations
In the preparation of dry fish diets for of ethanol, is an interesting The amino acid profiles also varied sources compared with DDGS-free control phosphorus basis.
intensive aquaculture, the principle aim is to potential ingredient for inclu- Cromwell Fastinger Stein Pedersen greatly with source, particularly lysine diets (CON); dairy cows fed diets contain-
et al. & Mahan et al. et al.
provide a balanced diet that meets the full sion in animal feeds. (1993) (2006) (2006) (2007) concentrations, which ranged from 0.43 ing DDGS produced higher amount of milk, The use of DDGS in
nutritional requirements. to 0.89 percent. Similar findings have approximately 3.4kg d-1 more than cows fish nutrition
Essential AA
Traditionally, fishmeal has been used as Distillers dried been reported more recently (Spiehs et fed diets containing no DDGS (CON). Also The using of DDGS for aquaculture
a main source of protein in aquafeeds due grains al. 2002; Pedersen et al. 2007; see Table 2). they found that the feed efficiency higher in feeds is now of major significance as an
to its high protein content, excellent amino Distiller’s dried grains Arg 1.06 1.00 1.10 1.28 The colour of the DDGS sources ranged cows fed DDGS compared with CON. alternative protein due to its relatively low
acid profile, as well as high nutrient digest- with solubles (DDGS) is His 0.72 0.65 0.77 0.76 from being light to dark and odour varied Klopfenstein et al. (2008) concluded that price and availability and nutrient profile. An
ibility (Gatlin et al., 2007). a valuable feed ingredient from normal to burnt/smokey (Cromwell the various levels of WDGS and DDGS fed increasing body of literature is becoming
Ile 1.00 0.98 1.02 1.09
However, being too dependent on any which is a by-product of the et al. 1993). Hunterlab scoring (based to feedlot cattle produced higher ADG and available on the efficacy of utilising DGGS
one ingredient presents considerable risk dry-grind or wet mill ethanol Leu 3.33 3.07 3.11 3.54 on lightness/darkness and yellowness) weight gain:feed intake ratios than cattle fed in aquafeeds (see Table 4).
associated with supply, price and quality production resulting from Lys 0.70 0.64 0.79 0.81 provided a good correlation with lysine corn-based diets without DGS. Also they Coyle et al. (1996) demonstrated that
fluctuations (Naylor et al., 2000; Glencross the yeast fermentation of Met 0.51 048 0.62 0.69 content and subsequent nutritional qual- observed that the feeding value of DGS the DDGS can be consumed directly by
et al., 2007); indeed, aquafeeds can account cereal grains. Corn (maize) ity with regards to weight gain of chicks is greater than dry rolled-corn and high- juvenile prawn (>2g), and that the DDGS
Phe 1.45 1.34 1.3 1.40
for over 50 percent of production costs is often the cereal of choice fed dietary DGGS. moisture corn; however, the feeding value of can have a simultaneous benefit as a food
in some aquaculture practices. In order to for ethanol plants because of Thr 1.03 0.95 0.99 0.95 DGS tends to be lower when fed in finishing supply and a pond fertilizer. Webster et al.
reduce dietary costs and increase the prof- its highly fermentable starch Trp 0.19 0.25 0.17 0.19 The use of DDGS in diets based on steam-flaked corn than (1993) showed that diets containing 0, 10,
itability, using less expensive protein sources content. Each bushel of Val 1.35 1.3 1.41 1.44 animal nutrition based on dry-rolled corn or high-moisture. 20 or 30 percent DDGS, partially replacing
to replace fishmeal, the most expensive corn (~25.4kg) is converted Conventionally, DDGS have been widely The use of DDGS in poultry diets corn or soybean meal, fed to cage reared
Non-essential AA
dietary component, is a high priority. into approximately 7.7kg used for ruminants (beef and dairy cattle) has historically been at a 5-10 percent juvenile catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) did not
Ala NT 1.88 1.76 2.14
The traditional dependence of aquafeeds of DDGS, 8.2kg of ethanol and increasingly for non-ruminant terres- inclusion level. In past decades, DDGS alter individual fish weights, survival, feed
on fishmeal and fish oil also raises questions and 8.2kg of CO2 (Jacques Asp NT 1.66 1.94 2.02 trial animals (mainly and swine and poultry) has been used in poultry diets primarily conversion, carcass composition, carcass
as to the sustainability of the aquaculture et al., 2003). The continual Cys 0.53 0.48 0.70 0.39 because of the moderate protein content as a source of alternate protein, which waste (head, skin, viscera) or organoleptic
industry. expansion of the fuel ethanol Glu NT 3.98 3.52 5.38 and high fibre content. can promote growth, egg production and properties of the fillets. They also suggested
Alternative proteins derived from plant industry will provide a steady A number of studies have focused on potentially improve palatability (Couch that more than 30 percent DDGS can be
Gly NT 0.94 0.98 1.16
sources often provide reasonably good and growing DDGS output growth and carcass parameters but also the et al. 1957; Day et al. 1972; Alenier added to the diets with no negative impact
growth; soybean meals/protein concentrates, and continually improving Pro NT 2 1.95 2.34 effect on milk yield of dairy cattle has inves- and Combs 1981). Currently suggested on growth performance, carcass composi-
canola meals/protein concentrates, lupin processing technologies pro- Ser NT 1.05 1.08 1.34 tigated. For example, Powers et al. (1995) maximum dietary inclusion rates for tion or flavour qualities of the fillets.
meals/protein concentrates and a range of vides interesting, economical, Tyr NT 0.97 0.97 1.18 stated that a satisfactory replacement in DDGS are 10-15 percent for chicken Furthermore, Wu et al. (1996) showed

16 | InternatIonal AquAFeed | May-June 2011 May-June 2011 | InternatIonal AquAFeed | 17

 F: DDGS
that the levels of
DDGS at 30 percent
of the diet fed to
tilapia provided good
growth performance
and feed utilization.
In agreement,
Coyle et al. (2004)
indicated that diets
Table 3: Mineral analysis of DDGS from previous investigations ods used to process
Minerals Concentration References DDGS into suitable
protein concentrates Find full online
has been indicated to
Ca (%) 0.25 - 0.40 Spieh et al. (2002); Robinson et al. (2008)
potentially affect feed back issues of
P (%) 0.79 - 0.90 Spieh et al. (2002); Stein et al. (2006); Robinson et al. (2008) quality, in terms of
K (%) 0.97 - 1.12 Spieh et al. (2002); Robinson et al. (2008) nutrient composition, international Rising feed
amino acid profile,
Mg (%) 0.32 - 0.37 Spieh et al. (2002); Robinson et al. (2008)
S (%) 0.48 - 0.64 Spieh et al. (2002); Robinson et al. (2008)
digestibility and gen- Aquafeed cost

containing 30 percent eral protein quality

DDGS in combination Na (%) 0.18 -0.26 Spieh et al. (2002); Robinson et al. (2008) (Urzŭa 2010; Chiesa & magazine in our Tired of hearing
with meatbone meal Zn (ppm) 91.4 -254 Spieh et al. (2002); Robinson et al. (2008) Gnansounou 2011).
archive Escalating
and soybean meal
provided good growth
Mn (ppm)
Cu (ppm)
17 - 32.4
4.9 – 9.7
Spieh et al. (2002); Robinson et al. (2008)
Spieh et al. (2002); Robinson et al. (2008)
Another process-
ing factor that needs
fish meal price
only bad news?
in hybrid tilapia to be considered is
(Oreochromis niloticuse Fe (ppm) 85.0 – 169.3 Spieh et al. (2002); Robinson et al. (2008) the form in which
x O. aureus). Mo (ppm) 0.7 Robinson et al. (2008) DDGS based feeds Opportunistic
However, a diet are presented and as diseases Feed is the main cost
Se (ppm) 0.28 Robinson et al. (2008)
without animal pro-
Co (ppm) < 0.1 Robinson et al. (2008)
well as feed ingredi- in most aquaculture
tein did not support ent and extrusion
acceptable growth in conditions such as
operations …
the same species. The same result was of Nile tilapia compared to the reference ingredient moisture content and screw Environmental
found by Robinson and Menghe (2008) in diet (0% DDGS) (Schaeffer et al. 2010). speed; these parameters have been shown
impact and the most difficult one
channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). However, fish fed the 20 percent DDG diet to be important factors which determine
to reduce when ingredient
Thiessen et al. (2003) showed that thin did not show reduced feed conversion ratio and impact upon extrudate characteristics
distillers solubles at 3.3 percent or 3.9 per- and protein efficiency ratio whereas higher (e.g. moisture content, durability, brightness prices are rising …
cent (dry matter basis) in diets containing inclusion levels did. and redness) when using feed formulations Low Shrimp
& fish prices
15 percent canola containing DDGS
meal or 30.5 per- Table 4: Summary of DDGS studies in aquatic animals (Chevanan et al.
cent of air-classi- 2009).
Species DDGS inclusion level References
fied pea protein Further work
could increase is required to AQUAGEST® maximizes digestibility
short term dietary Channel catfish 0, 10, 20, 30 & 40% Webster et al. (1993) optimize process-
palatability for Prawn <0.2% Coyle et al. (1996) ing conditions and and feed utilization efficiency
rainbow trout technologies in
Nile tilapia 30% Wu et al. (1996)
(Oncrohynchus order to produce AQUABITE® enhances palatability
mykiss). Rainbow trout 1.9, 3.3, 3.9 & 6.6% Thiessen et al. (2003) more consistent
However, the rainbow trout 15, 50 & 75% Cheng et al. (2004) feed products. and appetite
feed intake did Nile tilapia 30% Coyle et al. (2004)
not increase when Conclusions SANACORE® GM
Common carp 0, 15 & 30% Kukačka & Mareš (2008)
using 1.9 percent Initial feeding
Sunshine bass 30% Thompson et al. (2008) improves growth and productivity
or 6.6 percent thin studies have been
distillers solubles. Channel catfish 27, 29, 30 & 100% Robinson & Menghe (2008) conducted on tila- by promoting a healthy gut
Cheng et al. Nile tilapia 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25 & 27.5% Schaeffer et al. (2010) pia, rainbow trout
(2004) observed and on catfish
microflora
Channel catfish 10, 20 & 30% Li et al. (2010)
that 50 percent have shown that
up to 50 percent fish can be grown
of dietary fishmeal could be replaced by a In channel catfish, diets containing 10 on diets containing DDGS as a contributing
mixture of soybean meal and DDGS with- percent distillers solubles (DS) or 30 percent protein source. In fact, there are indications
out affecting weight gain or feed conversion. DDGS has been shown to improve feed from some studies that DDGS may improve
Inclusion levels beyond this led to reduced consumption and weight gain compared to palatability. Studies incorporating higher DS
performance which could not be rectified the control diet (Li et al. 2010). However, feed inclusion levels are needed to determine
with supplementation of dietary methionine conversion ratio was lower. DDGS in diets for the efficacy of using DS alone and other
applying nature for a healthy and sustainable future
hydroxy analogue (2.75g kg-1). sunshine bass (Morone chrysops X M. saxatalis) studies are required to investigate and iden-
Kukačka & Mareš (2008) showed that at 30 percent inclusion, have displayed lower tify any specific appetite enhancing factors.
DDGS dietary inclusion of up to 30 percent protein efficiency ratio compared to other FM As a moderately rich source of protein
can be used in carp diets without affecting protein sources, poultry by-products and SBM and a good source of micronutrients DDGS
growth performance and feed utilisation (Thompson et al. 2008). can be considered to be feasible ingredient
parameters. Contrary to these findings 17.5 for inclusion in fish diets within limited
info.aqua@nutriad.net
- 27.5 percent DDGS dietary inclusion sig- Factors affecting feed quality levels.
nificantly reduced the growth performance It must be noted that refining meth- References available on request
www.nutriad.net
www.aquafeed.co.uk/archive.php

18 | InternatIonal AquAFeed | May-June 2011 May-June 2011 | InternatIonal AquAFeed | 19

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