In the rapidly developing animal and poultry farming sector in India, feed cost accounts for a significant share of total costs, often even exceeding 50-60 percent. In light of increasing cost of conventional feed material like soybean meal and corn, it becomes increasingly necessary to look out for alternative, cheaper sources to bring it down. It is against this backdrop that the importance of learning about the role of by-products like DDGs in reducing feed costs and waste is emphasised.

DDGS & Feed Industry Facts (India & World)

As per Mordor Intelligence:

• DDGS costs 10-15% less compared to soybean meal making it a cost-effective option for feeds.
• Feed manufacturers in India are replacing their protein feed with DDGS by 10-15%, reducing their overall feed costs.
• The crude protein content in DDGS is 26-30% and hence is a very nutritive element for animal and cow feed.
• Approximately 60% of the costs involved in milk production in India go towards the fodder.

What Is DDGS & Why Is It Important?

DDGS (Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles) in simple words is a by-product of ethanol production. This is from grains like maize, wheat and rice. After fermentation, the leftover grains are mixed with nutrient-rich solubles. Then they are dried to form DDGS. It is very commonly used as animal feed for high-protein and energy-rich ingredients.

With India’s campaign to encourage more ethanol blends, the demand for DDGS has been on the rise in India. As a result, DDGS feed is affordable for Indian farmers.

How Does A By Product Like DDGS Help Reduce Feeding Expenses in India?

Economical Substitute for Traditional Feeds

The major reason why most farmers prefer DDGS as their livestock feed is its economical nature since when the costs of conventional animal feeds increase, finding cheaper alternatives becomes inevitable.

• More economical as compared to soybean meal and protein feed
• Available in large quantities since it comes as a result of ethanol production
• Helps cut costs related to importing animal feeds

This makes DDGS an economical option for animal feed cost reduction in India. This is especially the case for those farmers who are managing tight budgets.

High Level of Nutrients at Lower Prices

Though DDGS is considered waste material, it still contains essential nutrients that make animals healthy and productive.

• High levels of proteins (26-30%) that help boost growth and productivity
• Provision of essential amino acids
• Energy provider and high in digestible fibers

Thus, farmers get a high-quality livestock feed from DDGS. Farmers in fact make the most of DDGS feed benefits as this is where they get cost and quality both.

Increases Feed Efficiency

An additional benefit that comes with feeding your animals with DDGS is improved digestive efficiency.

• Increases the digestive process in animals
• Less feed wastage by animals while eating
• Boosts productivity in terms of milk production, meat, and eggs

In general, animals produce more milk and other products using lesser amount of feed. This leads to better cost savings in India’s livetsock sector.

Lowers the Requirement for Imported Goods

In India, they have always depended on imported feeds like soybean meal because of their nutritional benefits. This may cause instability in prices and the lack of products.

• Lowers requirement for imported protein feed sources
• Stabilizes the prices of feeds in the local market
• Fosters the growth of the Indian ethanol and agricultural sector

When farmers use DDGS, it is much easier for them to be self-reliant since they have enough raw materials at hand.

What Is The Role of DDGS in Reducing Agricultural Waste?

Helps in Implementing the Concept of Circular Agriculture

DDGS can act as an exemplary resource in recycling waste back into the cycle and benefiting the process.

• Uses byproducts of the ethanol manufacturing process
• Reduces industrial and agricultural wastes
• Promotes reuse of waste products as animal feed

This enables farmers to embrace good farming practices without creating unnecessary wastage.

Eliminates Waste in Animal Feeds

Optimum utilization of animal feed is just as vital as choosing the right type of animal feed.

• Enhances nutrient utilization by the animals
• Eliminates leftover or any other kind of animal feed wastage
• Increases animal feeding efficiency

Such procedures are extremely crucial when addressing the problem of animal feed wastage in India.

Promotes Sustainable Farming Techniques

Sustainability is gradually gaining popularity in the agriculture industry, and DDGS can be considered an ideal product for it.

• Helps reduce carbon emissions which are involved in feed production
• Relieves the natural feed source from undue pressure
• Promotes efficient use of agriculture products

DDGS is a very good choice for those farmers who want to use sustainable livestock feeds in India.

What Are The Applications of DDGS in Indian Livestock Sector?

Dairy Farming

DDGS has a lot of benefits given that feed accounts for a good amount of expenditure in dairy farming.

• Increases milk output along with quality
• Decreases the total feed expenditure
• Enhances digestive system functionality and also the overall health of animals

This makes it a good contributor to economical cattle feeds in India.

Poultry Industry

As the poultry industry is highly sensitive to cost considerations, any slight reduction in feed expense can have a profound effect.

• Included in broiler and layers feed composition
• Reduces protein feed cost
• Maintains growth and productivity of animals

Aquaculture

Aquaculture also uses DDGS due to its economical and nutritional benefits.

• Offers energy-rich aquatic feed to fishes
• Ensures high growth rate of fishes
• Reduces fish meal costs

What Is The Future Scope of DDGS in India?

India is actually focusing on raising the proportion of ethanol blended. This means there will be more production of DDGS in the coming days. This will open up new possibilities for farmers as well as feed manufacturers.

• Availability of low cost feed ingredients
• Reduced reliance on conventional feed sources
• Profitability for livestock farmers

DDGS will become increasingly important in the coming days for cutting down expenses and wastage in livestock farming.

Conclusion

This use of by-products like DDGs in helping reduce the cost of feeding and waste management is changing the landscape of livestock farming in India. With the ability to provide a sustainable and efficient source for meeting farmers’ needs, DDGS provides an excellent means for cutting back on costs without sacrificing performance.

In today’s day and age, when money and sustainability mean everything, the use of DDGS becomes essential rather than just an advisable practice. This is because organizations such as Prodigy Foods have a lot to gain from using innovative feed solutions in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q – What is DDGS and what is it really used for in India?

A – DDGS is an industrial by-product from producing ethanol. It is used as a feed material which is rich in proteins for cattle, poultry and fish in India.

Q – How does DDGS really reduce the feed expenses?

A – DDGS is cheaper than usual ingredients of feed and is capable of replacing some protein feeds, thereby reducing costs.

Q – Can DDGS be used on all kinds of livestock?

A – Yes, you can apply DDGS to milk cattle, poultry, pigs as well as aquaculture. This is because provided they are fed in adequate amounts.

Q – What advantages does DDGS have for animals?

A – DDGS gives higher protein content, improves feed utilization, reduces wastage, and helps decrease feed costs.

Q – What obstacles prevent from using DDGS in livestock industry?

A – There are several difficulties like variable quality, poor storage conditions, and proper feed formulation among others.

Q – What makes DDGS sustainable?

A – DDGS turns industrial by-products into effective food materials to be used for sustainable farming practices.