Author
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Rosentrater, Kurt |
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Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/17/2007 Publication Date: 5/17/2007 Citation: Rosentrater, K.A. 2007. Best Practices for Pelleting Distillers Grains. Distillers Grains Technology Council Symposium, Louisville KY, May 16-17, 2007. Available online: www.distillersgrains.org/symposium/. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The production of corn-based fuel ethanol in the U.S. is dramatically increasing, and consequently, so is the quantity of coproducts generated from this processing sector. Sales of these streams provide a substantial revenue source and significantly increase the profitability of the ethanol production process. As the industry continues to expand, it is imperative to augment market outlets for these coproducts. Numerous research studies have been conducted to optimize their use in livestock rations. Even so, much work remains in order to improve and maximize their utilization in the animal feed market. Toward that end, pelleting holds much promise. This densification process can convert DDGS into physical forms that will expand the potential sales base, including, for example, rangeland cattle. To date, even though there is much interest, very little work has actually been conducted on pelleting of DDGS. The goals of this presentation are to examine the pelleting process, discuss parameters which influence pelleting performance, and to share some insights gained by preliminary investigations into pelleting DDGS from a single ethanol plant, both on a laboratory scale, as well as commercial scale. Commercial DDGS pellets had excellent quality, as evidenced by high Pellet Durability Indices (88.9 – 93.9%), and exhibited minimal nutrient degradation. Further studies are necessary to examine the effect of other DDGS sources, various L/D ratios, and the efficacy of binders. |
