What are Distillers Grains?

With the increasing ethanol industry and elevated grain prices, distillers grains have become a vital topic for discussion. The high nutritional content of these grains makes them suitable for many applications, like feed for livestock and more.

To let you discover more about distillers' grains, we share what these grains are, their nutrient composition, and the various types. Let's read about it!

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Introduction

Distillers grains are a byproduct of fuel ethanol and whiskey production. They are used for feeding livestock. In 1907, the first study for feeding distillers grains to cattle was published in the United States. 

The impressive growth in fuel ethanol production has drastically increased the supply of distillers' grains, leading to increased potential in feeding them. 

The annual production of these grains was around 1 million tons in 1998 and about 10 million tons in 2006, and it is estimated to increase by 16 million tons by 2010.

Types of Distillers Grains

These grains are produced in two forms:

· Wet distillers grains

· Dry distillers grain

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Grains like corn are processed and mixed with yeast to convert the starch into carbon dioxide and ethanol. The ethanol is distilled, and the leftover liquid is centrifuged to remove water. This residue is known as wet distillers grains, which have 30-35% dry matter. The wet distiller's grains contain a high volume of protein, minerals, and fat in the original grain used for making ethanol.

With the process of centrifugation, the liquid is removed, and the residue becomes completely dry. The partially dried product becomes condensed distillers solubles. The condensed solubles are an excellent source of energy, vitamins, and proteins but contain the consistency of molasses. 

When the wet products are heat dried, they convert into dried distillers grains with solubles. These products have a high nutritional value, making them suitable for feed for livestock. 

Nutrient Composition of Distillers Grains

The nutrient composition of distillers' grains is influenced by the specific methods used for processing ethanol and its byproducts. These grains have an extremely low level of starch because the starch in starting grains is converted to ethanol. 

The concentrations of fat, fiber, minerals, and protein in these grains depend on starch concentration. With few exceptions, the composition of DDGS and WDGS are quite similar.

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The nutrient composition of feed differs, but using highly variable feeds can reduce the profitability of livestock operations because of reduced production or high feed costs. The production is reduced when the diet does not include adequate levels of a particular nutrient because a feed has less than expected nutrient levels. 

The Worth of Distillers Grains

Animals require specific nutrients. If the value of nutrients is determined, the value of the feed can be estimated by summing up the value of the nutrients. The nutrient value is determined using market prices of different meals, and such values regularly change.

Produce High-Quality Distillers Grains with Steqtech's Electrostatic Separator Equipment

If you intend to produce high-quality distillers grains, you require robust engineered equipment using commercial-grade components like Steqtech's Electrostatic separator equipment. Our machines deliver efficient outcomes and involve less maintenance, low cost, easy operation, and reduced energy consumption. Contact us at 781-972-2300 to discover more about our separator equipment.