Evaluation of Bagging to Extend Storage Life of Wet and Modified Distillers’ Grains—A Demonstration Project

Abstract

This method of storage for wet distillers' grain proved to be very effective with a total shrink of 9.0% from purchase to feeding. The 80/20 blend proved to work well in the storage bag and was eagerly and readily consumed with little to no waste by a large number of fall calving, mature, lactating Angus females.The storage aspects of the modified distillers' grain with solubles in the bag seem to be different than the wet distillers' grain and hay mixture. Tendencies for spoilage in the modified product seemed greater with molds occurring (Picture 4). Total shrink from purchase to feed out was 16.7%. However, this product, in spite of the shrink, was successfully stored and fed for over 200 days. Cost analysis indicated that utilizing bagging procedures may not be a competitive methodology, therefore, lower cost storage systems need further research.

Storability of modified wet distillers grains with solubles

“…stored 17.7% and 32.7% of MWDGS dry matter ration, in combination with haylages (hay + silage) for over 122 day period. Similar work byErickson et al (2008a) showed that WDGS store in bags successfully without any Split silo bag containing wet distillers grains due to compaction Strohbehn et al (2008b). suggested that bagging cost is not competitive hence the need for more cost effective storage methods.…”

“…A demonstration storage test showed that MWDGS alone did not store well as WDG/ dry hay blend. Dry matter loss due to deterioration and mold in MWDGS observed was 5.1% after 35 days (Strohbehn et al, 2008b) Furthermore, chemical additives are becoming a common practice in the ethanol industries. Preservatives added at the ethanol processing plant can extend storage life (Loy, 2008).…”

“…Conventionally, the wet feeds are mixed or ensiled with forage materials before bagging. Strohbehn et al (2008b) successfully stored 50.2% moisture MWDGS and WDG/dry hay (80%/20%) for 39 to 90 days respectively. Deterioration was however seen to occur at the edges in the silo bags (Figure 2.8).…”

“….8. Deteriorated surface of bagged modified wet distillers grains with solubles(Strohbehn et al, 2008b).…”