A dramatic rise in ethanol production is expected to drive up costs for traditional livestock feedgrains, but massive amounts of "distillers' grains" created by this production may provide a valuable alternative feed source.

To provide the cattle industry with a better idea of the distillers' grains opportunity, researchers at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Lethbridge Research Centre are conducting a feeding trial to evaluate the effect of this byproduct on cattle performance and carcass quality. The trial also looks into the environmental impact of feeding distillers' grains, by examining manure concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous. The project is supported by Canada's Agricultural Producers Addressing Environmental Issues (CAPAEI).

"This trial will help individual cattle producers evaluate the nutritional value of distillers' grains and the implications for their manure management plans," says Dr. Darryl Gibb, who co-leads the research with Dr. Tim McAllister. "It will also provide the beef industry with information on whether feeding distillers' grains is likely to have a positive or negative influence on carcass quality."

Increasing energy prices and government incentives are driving a major increase in North American ethanol production. In Canada, Husky Oil recently opened a 130 million litre per year plant in Lloydminister, Sask., and has announced plans to expand its Minnedosa, Man., plant to a similar size. The Alberta Government has also announced an incentive program for the expansion of the bioenergy in Alberta.

Source: Discover Moose Jaw