Managing High Moisture Co-product Feeds for Improved Aerobic Stability

High moisture, co-product feeds such as brewer’s and distiller’s grains can be economical feeds for ruminants. However, two major factors limit the use of these types of feeds. First, their high moisture content (approximately 50-70%) limits the distance that they can be economically shipped from their sources of production (perhaps 75 to 100 miles). Second, the aerobic stability of these feeds can be extremely poor (two to seven days) in warm weather limiting delivery to small quantities that must be fed quickly. Spoiled grains are extremely unpalatable and cause reductions in nutrient intake when fed to livestock. This paper will describe the microbial ecology of wet grains and discuss various methods to improve their aerobic stability.