Corn distillers dried grains with solubles: Production, properties, and potential uses

Abstract

Background and objectives: The grain-based ethanol production has been increasing as the demand for biofuel additives increased, and the fossil fuel sources decreased. Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are a primary coproduct of bioethanol plants of the conventional corn dry-grind process. With increasing corn-based ethanol production, DDGS production is increased, and it has become a global commodity. Despite the high nutritional value of DDGS, however, its uses are still not fully explored. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the DDGS production process, chemical and physical properties, nutritional value, and the potential of using DDGS in cattle, fish, poultry feed, and human foods. The challenges of using DDGS in animal feed and human food are discussed. Findings: Distillers dried grains with solubles has been identified as a protein substitute that is both readily available and competitively priced (per unit protein) compared to other conventional alternative protein sources. Researchers have discovered measures to boost DDGS quality and safety. Several approaches have been proposed to improve the DDGS digestibility and nutritional value. Although the benefits and risks associated with the DDGS uses are identified, more research is required to regulate the quality and safety standards for DDGS. Conclusions: Versatile applications of DDGS will valorize this coproduct. The development of DDGS utilization enhances health and functional benefits to animals and humans; it also assists bioethanol plants economically. Significance and novelty: The information will not only provide knowledge of DDGS in terms of its production process, nutritional value, and applications but, more importantly, explore the opportunities of developing new uses of this under-utilized commodity.