Distillers grains warning: must be monitored for potential high sulphur content

A report recently warned that sulphur levels should be carefully monitored in distillers grains, a byproduct from ethanol production which is used as livestock feed. High sulfur levels can affect animal performance and health; distillers grains can have a high sulphur content, and the presence of sulphur is highly variable.

Earlier this week, Aflatoxin appeared in tests on Iowa and South Dakota corn harvests. The FDA permits aflatoxin levels of up to 300 parts per billion for livestock feed.

Distillers grains are gaining traction as a low-cost substitute for grain corn and protein supplement for cows.A bushel of corn produces 18 pounds (2.7 gallons) of ethanol fuel and 17 pounds of distillers grains. They are a are protein rich, high quality livestock and poultry feed. Extensive research has been conducted, primarily in the Midwest, on the favorable economics of using distillers grains in the feed mix.

Free Subscription to the Daily Biofuels Digest e-newsletter

Related Stories

Researchers warn that a distillers grain diet causes elevated levels of E.coli in cattle; risk to humans cited

Researchers at Kansas State University said that cattle on a diet of distillers grains have elevated levels of E. coli 0157 bacteria, and that this raises a potential health hazard to humans eating un...

Mexican distillers’ grains imports up sharply this year; could rise 300 percent in future, say officials

In Mexico, the U.S. Grains Council director for Mexico and Central America said that Mexico is currently the leading importer of dried distillers grains,  importing 708,000 metric tons last year, and...

Distillers grains gain traction as feed substitute for livestock

In North Dakota, distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production, are under scrutiny as a possible low-cost substitute for grain corn and protein supplement for cows. A bushel of corn produces...

Canada approves dried distiller’s grains as a food ingredient; new US export market to emerge

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has re-categorized U.S. dried distillers grains made from ethanol as an approved feed ingredient, and eligible for importation into Canada. The move opens up additi...

International Distillers Grains Conference set for June 15-18 in conjunction with FEW and advanced biofuels workshop

The 2009 International Distillers Grains Conference & Trade Show will he held June 15-18 in conjunction with the Fuel Erthanol Workshop and the Advanced Biofuels Workshop in Denver. Panelists will...

US dried distillers grains to begin livestock feed trials in Australia

In Australia, CopRice, a local feed supplier, said that the first shipments of US-based dried distillers grains has cleared agricultural inspections, and CopRice-supervised livestock feeding trials wo...