DDGS book offered free online

The book, “Using Distillers Grains in the U.S. and
International Livestock and Poultry Industries,” was edited by Bruce Babcock,
Dermot Hayes and John Lawrence, all professors of economics at Iowa State
University. The editors invited internationally renowned experts in animal
science, economics, trade, and transportation and logistics from Iowa State and
six other universities to share their knowledge and the latest research about
distillers grains.

Chapters cover nutrition and live animal performance
of beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine and poultry when fed various distillers
grain products. Storage, shelf life and transportation issues are included, as
are new technologies on the horizon and challenges remaining in the use of
distillers grains. Two chapters discuss the trade value of U.S. distiller grains
in small and large international markets.

A chapter on ingredient value
and cost includes an online calculator program. Livestock and poultry producers
can use the calculator to determine their best-cost diet in the context of
current market supply and demand and balanced nutrient content for a specific
animal species. Feed distributors can use the calculator to determine
appropriate pricing of a feed ingredient.

“This book is a comprehensive,
solid resource on all aspects of distillers grains feeding, handling and
marketing,” said Lucy Norton, managing director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels
Association. “Distillers grains are a valuable source of protein and energy that
can be an economical addition to feed rations. Providing Iowa’s livestock
producers with these guidelines and tools will enhance the feeding of ethanol
co-products.”

MATRIC is an affiliate of the Center for Agricultural and
Rural Development at Iowa State University. MATRIC funds interdisciplinary
research projects in agribusiness and trade.