Can you pellet DDG

So, to answer the question “Can you pellSet DDG?” my answer is yes. At least for the DDGS used in our trials (i.e., unmodified and defatted from a single fuel ethanol plant), we were able to produce high quality pellets without the use of binders. Also, we did not find detrimental effects on the resulting nutrient compositions. However, I must provide a few caveats. One will probably need to use somewhat different processing conditions for each source of DDGS, and one may not always be able to (easily) pellet all DDGS. However, these findings should provide a reference point for follow-up studies and a basis for further discussions.

There is definitely room for additional research in this area. For example, there is a need to quantify the effects of various die L/D ratios; to examine the pelletability of various sources of DDGS from a variety of ethanol plants; to quantify how differences between plants influence DDGS composition and physical properties and how these impact pelletability; and to examine whether hot vs. cold DDGS has an effect (e.g., pelleting at the ethanol plant vs. pelleting at a feed mill). Also, more work needs to be pursued to examine whether nutrient damage actually occurs during pelleting, and if so, at what processing conditions. For example, are temperatures reached that denature proteins? If so, how does this impact nutrient digestibility and quality? We did not observe any of these effects, but at extreme processing conditions, these effects may occur. Furthermore, feeding trials will need to be conducted to determine the efficacy of pelleted DDGS in various livestock diets. Indeed, much work remains.

Disclaimer: Mention of a trade name, propriety product or specific equipment does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the USDA, and does not imply approval of a product to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.

AUTHOR Dr. Kurt Rosentrater is a lead scientist, and an agricultural and bioprocess engineer, at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service’s North Central Agricultural Research Laboratory in Brookings, S.D. Reach him at kurt.rosentrater@ars.usda.gov or (605) 693-3241.