By: Tommy Hamamoto, U.S. Grains Council Director in Japan

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently hosted a series of roundtable discussions and seminars in Japan examining how to properly incorporate low-oil distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) into livestock rations.

While the Japanese feed industry sees U.S. DDGS as a valuable, price-advantageous energy source, dairy producers and field representatives are concerned about the nutritional value of low-oil DDGS. To address these concerns, the Council had Dr. Alvaro Garcia, South Dakota State University agriculture and natural resources program director, speak to multiple small groups across Japan.

Garcia explained that while low-oil DDGS will have reduced energy content due to lower fat levels, it is still a good source of energy for dairy cattle. He also was able to explain that when incorporating low-oil DDGS into lactating dairy cattle rations, the product can reduce unfavorable fatty acid composition in milk.

Many of the dairy producers and end-users were also concerned about the nutrient variability of DDGS. Garcia explained that during its 10 years of being available on the market, U.S. DDGS has become a more consistent product.

By answering these questions from buyers and end-users, the Council hopes to increase inclusion rates of DDGS in Japanese commercial feed and ultimately increase U.S. DDGS demand in 2015. To meet this end, the Council will continue to focus on promoting low-oil DDGS to the Japanese dairy sector by providing technical and industry trend information.