The effect of dried distillers grains with solubles on swine ration choice and environmental quality

摘要

This study examines how the inclusion of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in rations for Ontario swine producers impacts the cost of feeding swine and the cost of meeting environmental regulations associated with an alteration in manure composition. This study focuses on the grower finisher phase of hog production. Using a least cost blending model, it was found that DDGS lowers feed costs by approximately 12% depending on the growth phase through the substitution of DDGS for energy, protein, and phosphorus. The inclusion of DDGS increase the nitrogen and phosphorus content of the manure. For small farms not subject to the Ontario Nutrient Management Act (NMA) or for a large farms with sufficient land base to spread their manure. The increase nutrient content of organic fertilizer lowers the need and thus the cost of inorganic fertilizer. The cost savings stemming from reduced inorganic fertilizer use is significantly less than the feed cost savings. There is the potential for abatement costs for large farmer facing a stocking density restriction however this is dependant on the location of the farm and its size.