Utilization of Distiller's dried grains with solubles: A review

Abstract

Ethanol production from various cereal grains faces a growing demand in the global market. Alongside is the increasing production of its co-product, distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), reaching more than 22 million tons in 2019 in the United States. Due to its high nutritional value, the utilization of DDGS as an animal feed additive, fertilizer, and source of corn oil is beneficial to the agricultural industry, as well as improving environmental sustainability. As a relatively new raw material, the technological and economical aspects of its utilization must be explored to achieve more sustainable production and utilization. Other potential utilization of DDGS, including agricultural, medical, industrial, food, and pet food applications could make it more valuable as a renewable resource. This review discusses the nutrient composition, production, and current utilization of DDGS, as well as the challenges and future directions of this industry.

Keywords

• Distiller's dried grains with solubles
• Ethanol
• Animal feed
• Food grade distiller's dried grains
• Pet food
• Fermentation feedstock