May 9, 2006

US company explores by-product from ethanol as animal feed
 

With ethanol production soaring in the US, companies are exploring ways to use a second by-product--glycerin.

Glycerin has long been used in industrial and food applications. It is also used in some soaps, lubricants and toothpaste. In food, it is used as a sweetener.

However, Central Bi-Products Co, based in Minnesota has other plans. The company is now developing glycerin as a feed product.

In fact, the company has already marketed a patented feather meal/glycerin product, Gro-Mor Hi-Torque. The company also uses glycerin as a pelleting aid, which Central Bi-Products has also patented.

A company spokesman said liquid glycerin could also be mixed directly with total mixed rations for cattle or into a ribbon mixer for poultry or hog feed.