Researchers warn that a distillers grain diet causes elevated levels of E.coli in cattle; risk to humans cited

Researchers at Kansas State University said that cattle on a diet of distillers grains have elevated levels of E. coli 0157 bacteria, and that this raises a potential health hazard to humans eating undercooked meat.

Each bushel of corn processed for ethanol produces 18 pounds of distillers grains, which have been considered an excellent livestock feed.

Meanwhile, the National Corn Growers Association said that “30 million metric tons of U.S.-produced distillers grains have been traded effectively in the last five years with minimal government participation.“More than 12 million metric tons of distillers grains were produced and sold in 2006/07, up from 8.4 million metric tons in 2005/06. Distillers grains production is expected to top 17 million metric tons in 2007/08.”

Free Subscription to the Daily Biofuels Digest e-newsletter

Related Stories

USDA study links higher e.coli level to dried distillers grains

A major USDA study has linked use of dried distillers grains to increased levels of the e.coli bacteria in cattle, raising health concerns. The study's authors said that they found 15 percent of cattl...

Canada approves dried distiller’s grains as a food ingredient; new US export market to emerge

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has re-categorized U.S. dried distillers grains made from ethanol as an approved feed ingredient, and eligible for importation into Canada. The move opens up additi...

Canada issues policies for use of dried distillers grains; opens up new market, may relieve grain price pressure

In Canada, the federal government issued its guidance for the use of dried distillers grains. The establishment of standards is the final step in opening up a new market for DDGs with the Canadian liv...

Today in Biofuels: Brazil blasts US, Europe biofuels protectionism; three new US biofuels plants; Global Forest Coalition chief tells Bali conference that “biofuels must be stopped”

Top Story:Brazil accused the United States and Europe of having a "biased and protectionist agenda" at the World Trade Organization. Brazil was criticizing a proposed compromise on commercial rules wh...

Cattle superfeed proposed; distillers grains part of the “supermix”

A cattle superfeed was proposed in the pages of Farm and Ranch Guide. Advocates are saying that superfeeds will allow farmers to compete better in international markets. One of the proposed feedstocks...

USDA projects decrease in crop planting of 8 million acres in 2009 despite elevated prices

In Illinois, experts briefing the press at the Chicago Board of trade said that soybean exports will reach record levels in 2009 based on 76 million planted acres of soybeans, compared to 85 million a...