A new research project is investigating means of using by-products of the biofuel industry to reduce the livestock industry’s reliance on imported grains. The livestock sector has seen feed prices rise steeply, which, although the industry is generating more money in 2011, is currently preventing most farmers from profiting. image expired

The project, funded by Defra and carried out by 25 academic and industry stakeholders, is investigating the role distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) can play in reducing the livestock industry’s reliance on imported proteins including soya.

Called the ‘ENBBIO LINK project,’ the initiative began in 2010; it aims to assess both the environmental and nutritional benefits of by-products of the bioethanol and distilling industries. The initiative is being hailed as an alternative to imported grains used in livestock feed, which often carry environmental as well as financial costs.

Furthermore, if found suitable, the DDGS could provide an alternative to processed animal protein (PAP), which may be reintroduced next year by the European Commission, after its abolition at the height of the BSE scare . Although PAP is being promoted as a 'greener' alternative to soya, consumers across Europe remain opposed to its use.

The Food Standards Agency last week revealed that, following discussion of the benefits and risks involved in PAP reintroduction, an overwhelming majority of people remained opposed to the protein being used as feed, believing the risks remain too high given the limited knowledge of the way in which diseases like BSE are spread.

Speaking on the progress of the research into DDGS, Anna Davis, environment project manager for BPEX, one of the industry stakeholders, said, "DDGS provides an opportunity to supply the UK feed industry with large quantities of a consistent and high quality co-product which could have a positive impact on energy and nutrient utilisation and, at the same time, reduce levels of imported proteins. This would, in turn, help pig producers manage their feed costs more effectively in the long term."

The project aims to:

• quantify sources of variability in DDGS
• identify opportunities to enhance its value
• consider the nutritional implications of innovative processes to reduce fibre content
• quantify the contribution of the co-products to the overall GHG balance of UK crop, livestock and ethanol production.

The research is being carried out by ADAS, Nottingham and Manchester Universities and four divisions of the AHDB are involved with the project: BPEX, HGCA, DairyCo and EBLEX.