Corn condensed distillers solubles (commonly referred to as “syrup”) can provide value to livestock producers through several different applications. However, syrup also contains some challenges which producers may need to consider prior to including in any feed or farm management system.
Handling and Availability Considerations
Syrup delivered from the biorefinery has a temperature of between 180 and 200° F. As a result, producers need to have storage tanks that can withstand these types of temperatures. After the product cools down, producers can then transfer to other types of storage. Syrup tends to have poor viscosity. Most producers require 3-to-6-inch diameter pipes for transfer.
As environmental temperatures decrease, syrup becomes even more viscous. Some producers use underground tanks to help maintain a warmer temperature. Producers in northern climates have more difficulties during the cooler seasons.
Some of the solids in syrup can settle in non-agitated tanks. Typically, adding fresh loads of syrup keeps the material dispersed in the tank. If the product remains in the tank for a longer period of time, producers may need to agitate to get a better mix. Producers can work with the biorefinery to get syrup delivered via a semi or in some cases, the producer can pick up smaller quantities with their own truck. Availability of syrup depends on the biorefinery. Syrup composition can also change between biorefineries. Producers should work with the biorefinery to get an accurate nutrient profile.
Nutrition Opportunities
With a few exceptions, syrup has a nutrient profile very similar to other corn co-products. Syrup tends to have poor viscosity. Most producers require 3-to-6-inch diameter pipes for transfer. With a moisture content similar to wet cake, Syrup has a similar protein and fat to other co-products. It also contains approximately 2x the minerals of other corn co-products.
Syrup Proximate Comparison (DM Basis)
Syrup Mineral Comparison (DM Basis)
Nutrition Opportunities (Cont’d)
The nutrient profile of syrup matches up extremely well with poor quality forages like mature grass hay, ditch hay, or CRP hay. The protein in syrup supplements the lesser protein in the forage. The syrup mixes well with the forage and can promote intake and works to to “bind” other components in the feed mix and create a more uniform blend.
Syrup works very well for high-forage diets like those fed to replacement dairy heifers. Inclusion in formulations will depend on type of animal, production goals, and other feedstuffs. However, typical formulations will include between 1/2 to 1 gallon of syrup per head per day. Syrup typically provides a very low-cost ingredient that can significantly reduce feed costs while still promoting good performance.
- Producers can provide syrup via a lick tank or some free-choice management.
- Producers need to closely monitor intake when feeding free-choice because cattle could over consume.
- In order to manage intake, producers can position feeder closer to or further from loafing areas or the main feeding area.
Because of the greater sulfur content in syrup, producers should watch for signs of PEM. POET recommends consulting with a nutritionist prior to incorporating syrup into a free-choice feeding management practice. Syrup does not contain the same amount of fiber as other corn co-products. Mixing syrup with poor quality forages offer an opportunity to utilize low-quality roughages.
Silage Cover
Some producers use syrup as a cover/barrier for their corn silage piles. This practice provides some protection from fermentation losses. It also provides some additional nutrients to the silage.
- Producers need to add 3 – 4 inches to the top of the pile. This creates a “crust”.
- Producers need to design a system that spreads the syrup evenly across the top of the crust.
- Producers will still need to use some sort of barrier or cover to prevent oxygen from entering the pile. Syrup alone will not provide an effective enough barrier.
How Much to Apply When Using as an Oxygen Barrier for Silage?
Producers have reported that applying 3 – 4 inches to the top of the silage pile works well in creating a crust. Based on typical syrup characteristics, this means that each square foot of bunker surface area will require 1.5 to 1.6 gallons of syrup. As an example, a 50 x 100 foot bunker would require approximately 7,500 gallons of syrup (about 35 ton of syrup).
ID: 250103 © 2025 POET, LLC. All rights reserved.
*These results are not a guarantee of nutritional value, as laboratory results are influenced by factors beyond the control of POET Bioproducts.
