Effect of Treated Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles as Dietary Supplement on the Growth and Healthy Performance of Pigs: A Review

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to review the effects of treated corn Distillers Dried Grains with Soluble (DDGS) fed to pigs, specific on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and health status. As industrial ethanol production increases, there is a simultaneous increase in co- products, Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles. Utilization of DDGS as a dietary supplement in monogastric reduces feed costs. In terms of the nutritional value, DDGS is rich in fiber and protein, however, DDGS is indigestible in pigs if not treated. Therefore, a lot of research have been conducted about its treatment and nutritional effect on growth performance, nutrients digestibility of growing pigs, weaned pigs, sows, and finishers. Treated corn DDGS increases feed intake, gain weight, and it also improves nutrient digestibility and reduces the severity of lesions in the ileum and colon of pigs, considering the DDGS with absence of undesired levels of mycotoxins.A number of different types of treatment that exists, however, hydrolysis with the usage of microorganisms and their enzymes has shown positive impacts on DDGS polysaccharides (fiber). Other types of treatments are also reviewed but more attention has been given on microbial and enzymatic hydrolysis by the reason of being familiar in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) as a complex organ system where break down of complex polysaccharides into simple ones for pig efficiency utilization and absorption takes place. Furthermore, the characteristics, composition, and nutritional value of DDGS, in pig production are discussed into this paper. In conclusion, treated corn DDGS increases feed intake, gain weight, improves nutrient digestibility and the health status of pigs.