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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Food animal practice2002; 18(2); 233-252; doi: 10.1016/s0749-0720(02)00016-6

Brewing by-products: their use as animal feeds.

Abstract: Brewers grains, a by-product of beer production, are often used as a livestock feed. Because brewers grains provide protein, fiber, and energy, they can be useful in a variety of diets. Protein in brewers grains can meet a significant portion of supplemental protein requirements; in addition, they provide fiber and needed bulk in the diets of ruminants and horses. Brewers grains and other brewers by-products have also been fed to pigs, sheep, and poultry. Currently, the primary market for wet brewers grains is as a dairy cattle feed; however, some may be fed to beef cattle in feedlots. Brewers grains have historically been marketed wet or dry, but wet brewers grains currently make up the majority of the marketed product. Brewers grains provide protein, energy, and fiber in livestock diets, but product variability can influence their utilization and necessitate a testing program to determine nutrient content.
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Publication Date: 2002-09-19 PubMed ID: 12235659DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0720(02)00016-6Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates the benefits of using brewing by-products, mainly brewers grains, as livestock feed due to its protein, fiber, and energy content.

Overview

In this research, the authors explore the potential uses of brewers grains, a by-product from beer production, as a component in animal feeds. They highlight its nutritional content including protein, fiber and energy which can fulfill an animal’s dietary requirements. It is noted that the bulk these grains provide can be especially beneficial for ruminants and horses. The study also covers the use of brewers grains to feed pigs, sheep, and poultry.

Brewers Grains as a Livestock Feed

  • Brewers grains are commonly employed as livestock feed because they are rich in protein, fiber, and energy, fulfilling various dietary needs.
  • Ruminants like cows and horses particularly benefit from the intake of brewers grains as their diet needs a decent bulk, which these grains provide.
  • The research shows that breweries have started to exploit this by-product as feed for different animals including pigs, sheep, and poultry.

Current Market for Brewers Grains

  • The wet variety of brewers grains is primarily used as dairy cattle feed, with some also used in beef cattle feedlots.
  • Historically, brewers grains have been marketed in both wet and dry forms. However, the wet form takes up the larger share in the market at present.

Necessity of Nutrient Testing

  • The use of brewers grains as livestock feed, though nutrient-rich, is not without challenges. Product variability is a significant issue that may affect their utilization in animal diets.
  • As per the research, this variability necessitates a consistent testing program that can establish the exact nutrient content in these grains. This way, feeding schedules can be adjusted accordingly to maintain balanced dietary intake for the animals.

Cite This Article

APA
Westendorf ML, Wohlt JE. (2002). Brewing by-products: their use as animal feeds. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract, 18(2), 233-252. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0720(02)00016-6

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Food animal practice
ISSN: 0749-0720
NlmUniqueID: 8511905
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 18
Issue: 2
Pages: 233-252

Researcher Affiliations

Westendorf, Michael L
  • Department of Animal Sciences, Cook College, State University of New Jersey-Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. westendorf@aesop.rutgers.edu
Wohlt, James E

    MeSH Terms

    • Animal Feed / standards
    • Animals
    • Cattle
    • Dietary Fiber / administration & dosage
    • Dietary Fiber / metabolism
    • Dietary Proteins / administration & dosage
    • Dietary Proteins / metabolism
    • Edible Grain
    • Fermentation
    • Horses
    • Nitrogen / analysis
    • Nitrogen / metabolism
    • Poultry
    • Rumen / metabolism
    • Swine
    • Yeast, Dried / administration & dosage

    Citations

    This article has been cited 18 times.
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