How Rice DDGS Helps Poultry Farmers Cut Feed Costs

11 Oct 2025    - Admin

With the ever-growing demand for rice DDGs in poultry feed, the industry is rising. With high demand, rice DDGS came as the perfect solution for farmers. Poultry farmers benefit from the industry growth due to cost-effectiveness. Rice DDGS actually helps poultry farmers cut feed costs, which is a plus point. This poultry feed is rich in protein and energy, despite the low costs. Expensive ingredients like soybean meal and corn negatively impact farmers. So, Rice DDGS seems like the perfect solution as an affordable source for poultry farmers.

Do you wanna know how rice DDGS helps poultry farmers cut feed costs? This blog is your ultimate answer, as all the factors are listed here.

What Is Rice DDGS And Why It’s Gaining Popularity In Poultry Feed

Rice DDGS is a high-protein byproduct, particularly coming from ethanol production. This byproduct is actually nutrient-dense, with rice being the main raw material. After the fermentation and distillation process, it is made. The leftover rice is dried, which then becomes Rice DDGS. 

In recent years, the popularity of Rice DDGS has increased among poultry farmers. Many factors make poultry farmers attracted to Rice DDGS. The high protein content, along with affordability, makes it stand out. Rice DDSG has a balanced amino acid profile, which is why it is preferred. Rice DDGS is seen as the perfect replacement for expensive poultry feeds. This is because traditional feed ingredients like soybean meal are expensive. Price fluctuations are a common concern for farmers in the case of traditional poultry feeds. 

Rice DDGS also has better feed conversion ratios compared to other poultry feeds. A better FCR is a big factor in helping the farmers with poultry growth. That said, the farmers don’t worry about costs as they remain under control with Rice DDGS. Across countries like India, Rice DDGS has its presence and availability. As the focus of the youth shifts towards sustainable feed resources, Rice DDGS does that. The adoption of Rice DDGS in the poultry sector keeps growing over time. 

How Rice DDGS Helps Poultry Farmers Cut Feed Costs

What Is The Nutritional Value Of Rice DDGS For Poultry Birds?

Protein: 

The total content could range from 40–48%, which is more than in the traditional ones. In Rice DDGS, the protein content is rich in amino acids. These amino acids help with the growth of the animal, as well as tissue repair.

Energy:

Rice DDGS has a metabolizable energy content that promotes productivity in animals. The total energy content in Rice DDGS could range from 2500–2800 kcal/kg. This energy is important for supporting the daily activities of an animal.

Fat:

Rice DDGS also offers 5–8% crude fat, which actually benefits the body. That said, the fat content in rice DDGS boosts energy and gut health.

Fiber:

It is also a source of fiber, having about 15–20% for healthy digestion. So, Rice DDGS actually helps maintain a beneficial gut microbiome as well.

Minerals:

Some of the important minerals and trace elements that Rice DDGS has:

  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Zinc
  • Manganese

Vitamins:

  • B vitamins
  • Vitamin E
  • Thiamine

How Rice DDGS Reduces Poultry Feed Costs Effectively

  • Lower feed expenses:

Nearly 60–70% of poultry farming costs are for animal feeds, which is a problem. Rice DDGS, in particular, works the best to bring this down with.

  • Affordable alternative:

For affordability, the best option remains Rice DDGS due to the lowest costs. This byproduct of the ethanol industry costs just a fraction of other poultry feeds. Soybean meal or maize is known to be expensive for poultry farmers, whereas Rice DDGS is cheap.

  • High nutritional value:

The nutritional value of Rice DDGS seems like a great deal for such a low price. It contains 35–45% protein and more energy than in traditional feeds. Essential amino acids in Rice DDGS also benefit animal health.

  • Feed substitution flexibility:

There are many benefits of Rice DDGS as a poultry feed in farming, including poultry growth. Rice DDGS has the power to replace 10–30% of the conventional ingredient. It can be done in a way that poultry growth won’t be affected, which is a plus point. Rice DDGS works out in replacing the feed without ruining egg production.

  • Improved feed efficiency:

Rice DDGS is known to be an efficient source of poultry feed, improving digestion. The feed conversion ratios grow with the use of Rice DDGS in poultry feed. The nutrients present in Rice DDGS improve feed efficiency.

  • Stable market availability:

Imported poultry feeds may have the quality needed, but availability becomes an issue. This issue resolves with the use of Rice DDGS, as it is locally available. Because of the year-round availability, Rice DDGS naturally seems like the best option. The consistent supply of Rice DDGS helps farmers make the most of poultry feed.

  • Sustainable option:

Rice DDGS is sustainable as the byproduct is reused from the ethanol industry.

  • Higher profitability:

Poultry farmers can also achieve better profits with the use of Rice DDGS. This may happen because of the reduced feed cost, which farmers benefit from. The cost in question may actually be reduced by 15–25%. Poultry farmers can achieve better:

  • Profit margins
  • Operational sustainability

Conclusion

There are many ways that farmers benefit from the use of Rice DDGS by cutting feed costs. The feed costs may actually be reduced 15–25% with the use of Rice DDGS. The nutritional value of Rice DDGS plays a role in why people demand it.

FAQs

Q – What uses does DDGS have in poultry feed?

A – DDGS has many uses in poultry feed, including:

  • Protein source
  • Energy source
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Better gut health
Q – What is Rice DDGS used for in poultry feed?

A – Rice DDGS is used as a feed ingredient for most in:

  • Livestock
  • Poultry industries
Q – How much protein is there in Rice DDGS?

A – The protein content in Rice DDGS is way more than in regular feeds, which is 40–48%.

Q – What is the actual shelf life of Rice DDGS?

A – The actual shelf life of Rice DDGS could range, but is mostly 6 months from the production date.