Ethanol Co-Product Use in U.S. Cattle Feeding: Lessons Learned and Considerations

Mathews, Kenneth H., and Michael J. McConnell

No 410262, Miscellaneous Publications from United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service

Abstract: The byproducts of making ethanol, sweeteners, syrups, and oils used to be considered less valuable than the primary products. But the increased livestock-feed market for such byproducts in the past few years has switched that perception to one of the ethanol industry making grain-based “co-products” that have market value separate from the primary products. Co-products such as dried distiller’s grains, corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal, corn oil, solubles, and brewer’s grains have become economically viable components, along with traditional ingredients (such as corn, soybean meal, and urea), in feed rations. The co-products have limitations, such as variable moisture content, product availability, nutrient excesses or deficiencies, and nutrient variability. These limitations affect how they must be handled and stored and how much they cost feed buyers. Dried distiller’s grains are more amenable to pelleting and other bulk-handling methods than other co-products, which gives them an advantage in international markets.

Keywords: Crop Production/Industries; Dairy Farming; Demand and Price Analysis; Livestock Production/Industries; Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies; Resource/Energy Economics and Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 14
Date: 2009-04
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:uersmp:410262

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.410262

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