|
|
|
Biofuels co-product feeding is Roundup topicBy Larry Dreiling
Recent research relating to the utilization of biofuels co-products in cattle feeding was the keynote presentation of Jim Drouillard, professor of animal sciences and industry at Kansas State University, during the recent 2008 Roundup on beef research at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center-Hays. "The surge in the use of these co-products is creating an impact to our industry," Drouillard said. "Whether it's good or bad is immaterial. It's just a large change and how that will resolve itself remains to be seen." The use of distillers grains has outstripped predictions of where the nation's corn crop is going, Drouillard said. Higher grain prices created by this use of distillers grains from corn have, in turn, created greater grain price volatility, with stronger grain price basis and variability. Also, costs of freight have increased because of intense competition for trucks. "We don't see the (corn) export trade going away, so we see intense competition between the grain and fuel sectors," Drouillard said. "Also, cattle may be fed for shorter periods of time, because there is less incentive to do it. We're seeing more placements in Nebraska and South Dakota, while there's fewer cattle placements in Kansas and Texas because of the regional shift of cattle to be near bio-refineries." Droulliard then gave a laundry list of distillers grains from alternative fuels and their relative value as livestock feed. The most used distillers grains come from ethanol production, Droulliard said. They have been extensively used in the Corn Belt as a substitute for dry-rolled or high-moisture corn. "We've a pretty steep learning curve with distillers grains here (compared with use of corn)," Droulliard said, "because it takes time to figure out how to use it. We've been flaking grain for a long time and this is a different product." Droulliard's research indicated that distillers grains from ethanol, depending on quality, can offer no change in dry matter intake (DMI) to as much as a 12 percent decrease in DMI. Average daily gain shows little or no increase. Feed efficiency is improved 12 to 16 percent. Showing a table indicating the ratio of choice, yield grade 4 cattle has declined significantly in the last few years, Droulliard said he has surmised that distillers grains use had little to do with the decline. "With dried distillers grains, we make cattle fatter," he said. "Other things, like breed choice, are likely more of a reason for this decline." "When looking at the implications for carcass quality, we've been seeing highly variable responses in terms of marbling and quality grade, though more recent studies are more positive," Droulliard said. "The trend is for higher yield grades, or comparable fatness at lower carcass weights." When it came to feeding wet versus dried distillers grains from ethanol, Droulliard said his research found little difference in value. "Value is a function of the cost per unit of dry matter and freight costs," he said. "The value of distillers grains at times has shown to be less in flaked diets compared to rolled or high moisture diets. As we learn more, the value improves." What research has expanded on is knowledge on how feeding distillers grains affects the pH of rumen and ruminally available protein and nitrogen effects. "We may need more roughage (when we feed distillers grains)," Droulliard said. "We reduce rumen pH, so we have to measure starch digestion." Droulliard then offered research indicating how steers fed six percent alfalfa along with distillers grains saw a four percent reduction in diet digestibility. Steers fed zero percent alfalfa saw lower carcass weights and yield grades. "Eliminating roughage is probably not a viable option," Droulliard said. "It might be feasible to reduce roughage levels. The question is what level of roughage is optimal? Roughage is affordable; grain is expensive." Droulliard's research also examined combining flaked and dry-rolled corn with dried distillers grains (DDGs). It showed only slight differences in the total value of cattle compared with corn alone. "Flaked corn diets are to Kansas what DDGs are to Nebraska, hence the move north of feeding operations to Nebraska," Droulliard said, laying out a note of caution about distillers grains. "Feeding distillers grains increases manure output, increases nutrient effluent-nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. Escalating fertilizer costs may attenuate (ease) near-term concerns about the environment." Distillers grains and cattle health issues also were addressed, with Droulliard noting there are risks such as mycotoxins in the feed, along with high mineral content, especially sulfur. Monitoring is advised. "It adds to hydrogen sulfide in the rumen, leading to brain lesions in some states," Droulliard said. "Where sulfur becomes an issue is where there is high sulfate water." An important factor in feeding distillers grains from ethanol: How does the beef taste? Studies of sensory attributes of beef fed from distillers grains from ethanol show little or no effect. Studies were performed on beef tenderness, color, display life and juiciness. "We really don't have any negative impact," Droulliard said. "Maybe there might be a little more juiciness." Another co-product Droulliard examined at the Roundup were glycerol pellets from biodiesel. Feeding glycerol affects microbial fermentation, increasing feed conversion by microbes in the rumen. Glycerin is converted primarily to propionate, improving feed efficiency when fed at low levels in finishing diets. "We've got something to cheer about here," Droulliard said. "This stimulates the dickens out of the rumen. When used in modest amounts, it can do some incredible things." There are some stumbling blocks to the use of glycerin pellets. Handling of glycerin products overall is a problem because of a short shelf life. Another problem is price. "Glycerol is a high-value product. They would view us as bottom feeders," Droulliard said of pellet producers. "What can we afford to pay for it is the question." Co-products from biofuels will continue to grow in importance. "We'll get smarter about these products as time goes by," Droulliard said. "There isn't a nutritionist at KSU who isn't involved in this. Expansion of the biofuels industries has important implications for cattle feeding in the High Plains as we look at how co-products can be used effectively in typical High Plains feedlot diets." Larry Dreiling can be reached by phone at 785-628-1117 or by e-mail at ldreiling@aol.com. 6/2/08 Date: 5/28/08 Advertisement
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2009. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
Market Snapshot Inside Futures |
