Distillers Grains-Phosphorus Management

Fermenting the starch in corn to produce ethanol concentrates the phosphorus in distillers grains by about three-fold.  Phosphorus levels in corn range from 0.27-0.33% compared to levels of 0.8-1.0% in distillers grains.  A paper from Iowa State University reviewed a concern that feeding DGS may result in overfeeding phosphorus and the higher levels of phosphorus in the manure could cause environmental problems.  The author pointed out that the potential problem would vary with the species and diet being fed. He concluded that the potential environmental problem could be minimized with an effective manure management plan.

Trenkle, Allen.  2006.  With increasing availability of distillers grains will phosphorus be a problem for Iowa livestock producers?  Iowa State University Animal Industry Report A.S. Leaflet R2124.