Low-Oil DDGS in Broiler Diets: Nutritional Value and Phosphorus Bioavailability

This research evaluates the nutritional potential of low-oil distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a co-product of ethanol production increasingly available in the global market. The study, conducted by Arturo Cortes-Cuevas, José Arce-Menocal, Ernesto Ávila-González, and Carlos López-Coello, was published in Veterinaria México OA, DOI: 10.22201/fmvz.24486760e.2019.3.543. As the ethanol industry shifts toward extracting more oil for biodiesel, the resulting low-oil DDGS presents a different nutritional profile than conventional versions, necessitating precise data on its energy, amino acid digestibility, and mineral availability for poultry.

For the professional nutritionist, the study provides critical benchmarks for formulation. The researchers determined that the phosphorus bioavailability of two low-oil DDGS samples (with 6.54% and 5.39% oil) was 72% and 86% respectively, relative to monodicalcium phosphate. These values are comparable to conventional DDGS, suggesting that despite the reduction in oil content, the phosphorus remains highly accessible to the bird. This is a vital finding for reducing the reliance on inorganic phosphorus supplements, which are often expensive and environmentally sensitive.

From a practical production standpoint, the results are encouraging for producers looking to optimize feed costs. The experiments demonstrated that including low-oil DDGS at levels of up to 10% in sorghum-soybean meal-based diets did not negatively impact weight gain, feed consumption, or feed conversion in broiler chicks from 8 to 21 days of age. This confirms that the ingredient can be safely integrated into starter phases without compromising the early growth performance that is so crucial for final flock weights.

Regarding energy content, the study reported apparent metabolizable energy ($AME_{n}$) values of 2828 and 2854 kcal/kg on a dry matter basis for the two samples. While low-oil DDGS naturally contains less metabolizable energy than conventional high-oil variants due to the extraction of the fat fraction, these values remain high enough to maintain dietary energy density in practical broiler rations. This provides a clear target for energy adjustments when swapping conventional ingredients for these newer co-products.

The academic community and technical consultants will find the amino acid digestibility data particularly robust. The average ileal amino acid digestibility coefficient was found to be approximately 76.4% to 76.5%. Specifically, lysine digestibility was measured at roughly 65%, while methionine remained high at approximately 85%. These figures highlight that while protein content may slightly increase in low-oil DDGS, the digestibility—especially of lysine—can be variable and should be monitored to ensure optimal bird performance.

Furthermore, the research emphasizes the importance of the "slope ratio" methodology using tibia bone ash as a reliable response variable for mineral studies. The linear relationship established between phosphorus intake and bone mineralization in this study reinforces the validity of using low-oil DDGS as a functional source of phosphorus. For the researcher, this adds to the growing body of evidence that the process of oil extraction does not necessarily impair the availability of other key nutrients in the grain.

Ultimately, the study bridges the gap between laboratory analysis and field application, offering a comprehensive view of how modern ethanol co-products behave in a biological system. It provides the industry with the necessary data to transition from conventional to low-oil DDGS with confidence, ensuring that both economic goals and animal welfare requirements are met through precise nutrition. By understanding these specific digestibility and energy coefficients, the poultry industry can better manage the variability inherent in these sustainable feed alternatives.