January 23, 2007

Canadian swine producers move towards DDGS
 

Swine producers in Canada have lately been keen on getting more information on US distiller's dried grains (DDGS) with solubles.

DDGS, a by-product of corn-based ethanol production has grown in recent years as the ethanol market has exploded in response to demand for a cleaner-burning fuel addictives.

There has been a keen interest in trying DDGS, particularly among swine producers in western Canada, although price and availability is a concern for many, said Adel Yusupov, US Grains Council manager of international relations for Asia.

Many beef and dairy producers in the US who have been struggling with this year's soaring costs for traditional animal feeds have already turned to DDGS as a cheaper feed alternative, industry sources said.

Canada imported 110,408 tonnes of US DDGS between Jan-Nov 2006, a 14 percent increase compared to the same period in 2005. According to the Council estimates, the import could reach 174,000 tonnes annually by 2012.