Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS)

Overview

Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) is a co-product of corn ethanol production — the grain fraction remaining after starch is fermented into alcohol, dried and reconcentrated with the liquid solubles fraction. The result is a nutrient-dense ingredient with ~28–30% crude protein, 10–12% fat, and high metabolizable energy. Research with sheep shows DDGS at 6–15% of total ration DM improves ADG and reduces cost per kg gain compared to corn-only controls. The primary limitation is palatability variability — DDGS acceptance in sheep is inconsistent, and some lambs outright refuse it. Sulfur content can be elevated in some lots; monitor total ration sulfur to prevent sulfur toxicity. Not commonly used as a primary show barn ingredient, but economically useful as a soybean meal replacement when SBM is expensive.

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Nutritional Profile

Nutrient	Value (dry matter basis)
Crude Protein	28–30%
Crude Fat	10–12%
Crude Fiber	8–10%
TDN	85–90%
Calcium	~0.25%
Phosphorus	~0.80–1.0%
Sulfur	~0.3–0.8% (variable by source)
Ca:P Ratio	~1:4 (phosphorus-dominant — calcium correction required)

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Sheep Safety

Copper: Not documented as a copper concern at normal inclusion rates for sheep.

Urinary calculi (wethers): Very high phosphorus (~0.8–1.0%). In a wether ration, DDGS adds significant phosphorus load. Always include limestone, alfalfa pellets, or beet pulp when using DDGS. Do not skip ammonium chloride.

Sulfur toxicity: This is the primary safety concern unique to DDGS. Sulfur content varies widely depending on the processing plant and fermentation conditions. High-sulfur DDGS in the ration can cause polioencephalomalacia (thiamine-deficiency neurological disease) in sheep if total ration sulfur exceeds ~0.4%. Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from your DDGS supplier and verify sulfur content before feeding. If sulfur is >0.3%, use at lower inclusion rates and monitor animals closely.

Palatability: Variable — some lots are readily accepted; others are refused, particularly in younger lambs. If introducing DDGS, do so gradually mixed into a known-palatable ration. If refusal persists after 2–3 weeks, discontinue.

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Show Circuit Use

Primary Role in Program

DDGS is primarily a cost-management tool rather than a performance-first ingredient. When soybean meal prices are high or local DDGS is cheap, it offers a way to maintain ration protein targets at lower cost. Research confirms equivalent growth performance between SBM and DDGS-supplemented rations in sheep when properly balanced. It is not commonly discussed in show circuit forums as a go-to ingredient, partly because of palatability variability and the sulfur concern, but extension services confirm it works.

Typical Feeding Rates by Phase

Phase	Rate	Notes
Growing (50–100 lbs)	0.1–0.15 lb/day as protein supplement	Monitor palatability closely
Finishing (100 lbs – show)	0.15–0.25 lb/day	Maximum practical rate
As SBM replacement	6–15% of total grain mix	Weight-for-weight at lower end vs. 44% SBM

How to Feed

Dry, mixed into grain ration. The fine meal form mixes well but can be dusty; add a small amount of molasses if palatability is poor. Pelletized DDGS is more palatable and easier to measure. Introduce slowly mixed into established palatable grain ration — abrupt introduction increases refusal risk.

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Phase Protocols

Growing Phase | Protein Supplement

• Rate: 0.1–0.15 lb/day mixed into grain ration
• Pair with: Calcium source (alfalfa or limestone) to offset phosphorus; confirm sulfur level from COA first
• Purpose: Supply protein to growing ration at lower cost than SBM

Finishing Phase | Protein + Energy

• Rate: 0.15–0.25 lb/day; do not exceed 15% of total grain mix
• Monitor: Palatability and stool consistency — high fat + high fiber can cause loose stools
• Purpose: Maintain protein and energy contribution as ration energy density increases

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Stacking & Combinations

DDGS + beet pulp + alfalfa pellets: Ca:P correction stack. Alfalfa and beet pulp together provide significant calcium to offset DDGS’s high phosphorus load.

DDGS + rolled oats: Palatability pairing — rolled oats improve overall ration acceptance when DDGS is initially introduced.

DDGS vs. soybean meal: At 6–15% inclusion, DDGS replaces SBM on a weight-for-weight basis at the lower end of DDGS (25% CP vs. SBM 44% CP — adjust quantity to hit target CP). Calculate required inclusion rate based on your ration CP target.

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Sourcing & Cost

Available from ethanol plants, grain co-ops, and feed dealers in corn-belt states (IA, IL, IN, OH, MN, SD, NE). Less available in western and southeastern states. Typically priced below soybean meal per unit of crude protein when local ethanol production is active. Request a COA including sulfur content before purchase — sulfur content varies significantly by plant and lot.

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Community Tips

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