Use of Minnesota-south Dakota Regional Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles in Swine Diets

The ethanol industry has experienced tremendous growth during the past decade. Ethanol production occurs as a result of fermentation of the soluble carbohydrate fraction of grain (starch). As a result, significant quantities of distillers dried grains (with or without solubles) is produced as a by-product of the ethanol industry. It is expected that the quantity of distillers dried grains with solubles will double within the next few years within the Minnesota-South Dakota region, creating an even greater supply of the by-product. In order to effectively utilize this increased supply, new markets and applications must be developed. One of the potential markets for increased use of distillers dried grains with solubles is in swine diets. However, distillers dried grains have historically had several limitations for consistent, high quantity use in swine feeds.