Study Examines Cattle Feed From Flour, Biofuel Byproducts

NORTH DAKOTA - A North Dakota State University researcher is trying to determine the best way to make high-quality cattle feed out of byproducts from flour milling and renewable fuels production, according to Grand Forks Agweek.
calendar icon 4 December 2006
clock icon 2 minute read

Vern Anderson, an animal scientist at the research extension center in Carrington, this winter plans to study feed pellets made from wheat middlings, distiller's grains and canola meal.

The project is being funded by a state Commerce Department grant and Carrington-based Dakota Growers Pasta Co., Grand Forks Agweek reported.

Anderson said the goal is to devise feed products that can be shipped economically to California dairies, Canadian feedlots or Chinese ranchers.

"Obviously, if we can ship it that far, we can get it to western North Dakota to the cow-calf producer or to the farmer feedlot where he can self-feed," Anderson said. "It's safe, very palatable and should promote good growth of our cattle that have exceptional genetics."

The two primary ingredients in the feed pellets are wheat midds -- a byproduct of the flour milling process -- and distiller's grains from ethanol and corn fructose production. There also is potential for canola meal, a byproduct of biodiesel production.

Kim Koch, mill manager at Northern Crops Institute in Fargo, has created seven different feed recipes during the past two months, largely based on wheat midds.

"We were trying to establish a pellet that is durable -- could be stored and shipped and maintain its integrity," Koch told the publication. "By combining a couple of ingredients, we can improve the shelf life -- the quality and the nutrient density -so we could afford to ship this product more economically."

Two of the recipes will be chosen for tests with feedlot cattle. The tests will extend into next spring, Anderson said.

TheCattleSite News Desk

© 2000 - 2024 - Global Ag Media. All Rights Reserved | No part of this site may be reproduced without permission.