High Protein DDG Poses Challenges for NZ Dairy Cows, Warns Animal Nutritionis
Source: The DairyNews
High protein dried distillers grain (DDG) from corn ethanol refining is a quality protein source, but not ideally suited for New Zealand dairy cows' already high-protein diet, according to animal nutritionist Dr. Lucy Waldron.
Dr. Waldron, based in Feilding, highlights the potential issues of incorporating DDG into New Zealand dairy systems due to the excessive protein levels already present in pasture-based diets. DDG, a byproduct of corn ethanol production, offers a high protein content of up to 42% and can be mixed into various feed types.
"There is really no such thing as a ‘bad feed’ ingredient, rather an ingredient that may be poor quality or used inappropriately," Dr. Waldron explains. "The biggest problem we face is the excessive protein intake by cows, even during the worst pasture stages. With DDG, protein levels rarely fall below 20%, while cows can only effectively utilize about 15%."
Dr. Waldron notes that top operators on a System 5 mixed ration regime might be among the few capable of optimizing DDG in dairy cow diets. However, she also points out that imported supplements can raise concerns about a farm’s carbon and environmental footprint. She is currently involved in a project aiming to reduce nitrate losses through a comprehensive farm approach.
Fonterra’s general manager of global climate policy, Andrew Kempson, acknowledges the differences in the carbon footprints of imported supplementary feeds based on their origin. "We are actively collaborating with feed importers and our carbon footprint assurance providers to ensure that we can source verified and credible data on these imported feed carbon footprints," he says.
Feed importers in New Zealand have reported no quality issues with DDG imported from Brazil, but they have experienced delays in shipment loadings. The vast distances between Brazil’s ethanol refineries and ports, primarily reliant on trucking due to the lack of rail links, contribute to these delays.
"There is really no such thing as a ‘bad feed’ ingredient, rather an ingredient that may be poor quality or used inappropriately," Dr. Waldron explains. "The biggest problem we face is the excessive protein intake by cows, even during the worst pasture stages. With DDG, protein levels rarely fall below 20%, while cows can only effectively utilize about 15%."
Dr. Waldron notes that top operators on a System 5 mixed ration regime might be among the few capable of optimizing DDG in dairy cow diets. However, she also points out that imported supplements can raise concerns about a farm’s carbon and environmental footprint. She is currently involved in a project aiming to reduce nitrate losses through a comprehensive farm approach.
Fonterra’s general manager of global climate policy, Andrew Kempson, acknowledges the differences in the carbon footprints of imported supplementary feeds based on their origin. "We are actively collaborating with feed importers and our carbon footprint assurance providers to ensure that we can source verified and credible data on these imported feed carbon footprints," he says.
Feed importers in New Zealand have reported no quality issues with DDG imported from Brazil, but they have experienced delays in shipment loadings. The vast distances between Brazil’s ethanol refineries and ports, primarily reliant on trucking due to the lack of rail links, contribute to these delays.
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