Preservation of Distiller Grains

With the recent increase in corn-based ethanol production in the United States, the availability of dried distiller grains has also increased. In cattle rations, dried distiller grains with solubles (DDGS) are a good source of protein, are high in ruminally undegradable protein and are a good source of energy. When carefully formulated, swine producers can significantly reduce ration costs and maintain performance with the inclusion of DDGS.

As with any by-product, the quality of these ingredients is highly variable. Because distiller grains are the by-product of ethanol fermentation, wet distiller grains (WDG) and DDGS contain very low levels of mold and wild yeast when fermentation concludes. However, because the starch and protein are exposed to contamination, mold and wild yeast found in conveyors, augers and inside storage facilities can quickly proliferate and spoil these valuable feed ingredients.

To address the challenges associated with preventing DDGS and WDG spoilage, Kemin scientists developed ZeniPRO® Liquid. ZeniPRO is a combination of four powerful organic acids, surfactants and an antioxidant. This combination was formulated after extensive research into the cause of spoilage. Spoilage of DDGS and WDG occurs when wild yeast and mold begin to multiply. This occurs very quickly after fermentation is complete, so early application is key to successfully controlling heating.

To demonstrate the efficacy of ZeniPRO Liquid, wet distiller grains were collected from an ethanol plant and transported to the Kemin laboratory. ² In the lab, the research team applied ZeniPRO at a rate of 0, 6, 12 or 18 pounds per ton of WDG. After application, the samples were placed in 20 coolers (5 coolers for each of the four treatments) and stored at room temperature. Over 28 days, the coolers were monitored for visible mold growth. Table 1 is a summary of the days-to-mold evaluation.

Table 1. Days to mold in WDG treated with ZeniPRO

^aMean response from five replicate coolers
^wxyzMeans with different subscripts differ at P < 0.05

Under the conditions in this experiment, it was shown that ZeniPRO Liquid can stabilize modified WDG for at least 28 days, using 18 pounds per ton of WDG. There were other parameters evaluated during this experiment showing even more ways ZeniPRO can help preserve WDG and DDGS.

Want to learn more? Contact us by submitting the form below for more information on ZeniPRO and the additional data generated during this evaluation.

References

¹U.S. Grains Council. “A Guide to Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS). Third Edition.
²Kemin Internal Research. “Effectiveness of ZeniPRO Preservative to Stabilize Wet Distillers Grain.”BB-03-00817.

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