July 5, 2019

Adisseo launches new ME database for corn DDGS

Adisseo has launched a new metabolisable energy database for corn DDGS, where the company's Precise Nutrition Evaluation (PNE) can predict its apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and digestible amino acids, based on a database built on in-vivo measurements.

Corn DDGS can be used as partial replacement of high cost feed ingredients, as protein and energy sources. Due to the wide range of variation and different processing conditions, it is important for feed producers to obtain its real-time nutritional value in order to save feed costs and maintain expected animal performance.

Samples of 97 batches of corn DDGS were collected from around the world and tested. AME content was determined using 22-day-old broilers as a model (adapted from Bourdillon et al, 1990). AME values were calculated as the difference between the amount of ingested and excreted gross energy. Then they were corrected for zero nitrogen retention (AMEn). From these in-vivo measurements, NIRs calibrations were built for PNE.

A poor prediction of ME content may negatively impact the corn DDGS shadow price, nutritional feed value and cost, as well as animal performances. The PNE platform is an ideal decision-making tool for nutritionists, formulators, purchasers and quality control managers. It allows the monitoring of raw material quality over time and the comparison of  raw materials of different geographical origins, which brings users a step closer to precise nutrition formulation.