The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) held its third annual Symposium on Pig Genetic Improvement and Ultrasonic Technology & Forum for Animal Nutrition in Taipei, Taiwan, last week to build on a solid foundation of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) exports to the country.
“Taiwan is the 10th largest market in the world for U.S. DDGS, with most major animal feed mills blending it into their products at a three-percent inclusion rate,” said Michael Lu, USGC director in Taiwan. “There is strong competition from other feed ingredients and some mills face logistical constraints such as limited storage facilities for DDGS, but raising awareness of DDGS’ significant health benefits for livestock can potentially create a 500-thousand-metric-ton market here for U.S. producers.”
The symposium, held jointly with the Chinese Culture University Department of Animal Science since 2022, has become a highlight on the calendar for Taiwan’s swine industry and attracts more than 100 attendees from the agricultural, educational and governmental sectors.
The Council sponsored presentations from Dr. Crystal Levesque, associate professor of animal science at the University of South Dakota, and Luiz Storino, director of animal nutrition design and development at Archer Daniels Midland. The speakers focused on feeding applications for corn fermented protein (CFP) and the nutritional benefits of incorporating DDGS and its co-products into swine diets at higher percentages.
Other topics during the conference included updates on corn feeding trial results that showed the superior performance of U.S. corn and the sustainability practices of growing U.S. corn and corn co-products.
“The Council’s programming in Taiwan remains focused on working directly with feed mill nutritionists, hog producers and dairy farmers to improve their product and increase sales for U.S. DDGS and other corn co-products,” Lu said. “Holding this event on a consistent basis builds trust and loyalty in U.S. agriculture that provides a stable platform for further expansion in this high-potential market.”
Learn more about the Council’s work in Taiwan here.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.