Formulating Poultry Diets with Ddgs – How Far Can We Go?

Current feeding trials have examined the use of low and moderate levels of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) inclusion in broiler and turkey diets. In broilers, up to 15% DDGS in grow/finish diets is possible. In market tom turkeys, up to 20% DDGS in grow/finish diets is possible in diets with normal protein content and under conditions where feed intake is maximized. Variability of nutrient content is of concern as risk increases with higher inclusion rates but this variation can be reduced somewhat by using a limited number of sources to provide the material. Some of the nutrient variability in DDGS may be due to addition of different levels of solubles to the wet grains prior to drying. Varying the addition of the solubles to the grains affected particle size, color, and content of fat and minerals. Use of high levels of DDGS will change the amino acid and mineral nutrient profile as well as the amounts of ingredients being used.