October 31, 2007

High sulphur in ethanol byproduct can affect animal performance

As ethanol byproducts are proven to be good animal feed, its sulphur levels must be closely monitored says Grant Crawford, University of Minnesota Extension.

Crawford says the sulphur content of distillers' grains may be extremely high when combined with high sulphur in the drinking water it can hurt animal performance and health.

To manage the variability of sulphur levels in distillers' grains in formulating rations, feedlot managers should establish a safety margin when formulating rations, says Crawford. This allows for a margin of error if the sulphur level of a truckload of distillers' grain exceeds what the ethanol plant reported. In addition, proper mixing and good feed bunk management are needed to ensure the feed is uniformly mixed and delivered to cattle.

In hot summer months, distillers' grain levels may need to be reduced, especially in areas with high sulphur levels in the water. Unfortunately, high sulphur levels in distillers' grains are something we must deal with, and may at times limit its inclusion in cattle rations. Through feed and water sampling, careful ration formulation and good management practices, feedlot producers should be able to take advantage of this valuable feedstuff.