Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles for Swine

Purdue researchers conducted an interesting study to determine the impact of the higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids levels in distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on carcass quality.  Since the fat content of DDGS is about three-times that of corn, there is some concern that carcasses may contain softer fat that could be more subject to oxidation and consumer complaints.  The experiment involved feeding corn-soybean diet with three inclusion levels (10, 20 and 30%) DDGS to pigs from 100 lbs. to market weight (280lbs).  The pigs were processed and carcasses chilled for 24 hours prior to evaluating the quality of the belly.  Results indicated that including DDGS in the diet during the 150 days of life reduced belly quality.  The effect of increased DDGS level was greater for gilts than barrows.  The researchers concluded that including DDGS in the finishing ration for gilts in excess of 10% significantly reduced belly quality; whereas, an inclusion rate of 10-20% might be acceptable for barrows.   They indicate that DDGS show promise as an alternative ingredient for swine, but the level in ration and duration of feeding must be closely monitored to avoid soft fat and belly quality issues.

Latour, Mickey, Brian Richert and A. Schinckel.  2007.  High DDGS levels may affect belly quality.  Feedstuffs 79(15): 20.