US trials find DDGS suitable for fish feed production

Feed trials conducted by the US Grains Council (USGC) showed that DDGS is an effective ingredient for fish feed.

The USGC embarked on an initiative to test DDGS as a potential ingredient for fish feed in Vietnam due to anticipated economic and nutritional value.

Trials were conducted using Vietnamese tra catfish, common carp and red tilapia. Results of using DDGS at a 15 percent inclusion rate in all three species slightly improved growth rate and reduced mortality, and improved feed conversion in catfish from 3.01 in the control diet to 1.95 in the DDGS diet.

The trials also showed that feeding DDGS did not negatively impact meat quality or fillet colour, which was the preconceived concern of end-users.

Dr. Budi Tangendjaja, USGC consultant in Southeast Asia, said there is an indication that feeding DDGS at a 15 percent inclusion rate would boost feed utilisation, enhance growth performance and decrease the cost of a feed formula.

The US exported 4.5 million tonnes of DDGS last year, up 91 percent from 2007.