DDGS in-feed processing concerns resolved

CAMPI feed mill had reduced the use of DDGS in swine and beef cattle rations
after finding the pellets lost shape and did not have a good pellet durability
index rating, resulting in customers complaints.

Julio Hernandez, USGC
acting director in Mexico and Kim Koch, a feed manufacturing expert from North
Dakota State University, met with the CAMPI director general, nutritionists and
plant, production and quality control managers on Aug. 15-17 to find ways to
increase pellet durability.

Longer conditioning
After examining
feed ingredients and the manufacturing process they determined the loss in
durability was due to a combination of low starch and high fibre in the ration
and inadequate conditioning in the steam chamber.

They returned pellet
durability to normal by reducing the dietary fibre, increasing time in the
conditioning chamber and adjusting the steam and temperature. “They were very
satisfied with results and will go back to including DDGS in the diets,” said
Hernandez.

The group also recommended the CAMPI staff continue to
evaluate steam quality and change the rollers and die to improve pellet
compression.

Mexico has become a significant market for US DDGS,
importing more than 334,354 metric tonnes during the first six months of 2007
according to USDA statistics.

Trial in Jordan
USCG also plans
to conduct a DDGS feeding trial in Jordan in 2008. “Both of the dairy companies
we visited have expressed a strong interest in trying DDGS,” noted Tucker
Partel, USGC regional director for the Middle East and
Subcontinent.

Jordan has the potential to import up to 50,000 metric tons
of DDGS a year within five years as its livestock industry becomes more familiar
with the product. The feeding trial is an integral part of the Council’s efforts
to promote the grain co-product in the region.

Related website:
US Grains
council