A survey of 9400 livestock producers in 12 midwest states in February, 2007, provided insight on how dairy managers have used corn and other by-product feeds in their feeding programs.

• 38% of dairy producers are using ethanol co-products while 40% indicate they are not considering it.
• Of those dairy managers using co-products, 45% used distillers dried grain, 22% corn gluten feed, 10% brewers grain, 6% wet distillers grain, and 3% corn distillers solubles.
• The reported price for distillers dried grain was $130 a ton (breakeven price is over $200 a ton) while corn gluten was listed at $104 a ton (breakeven is over $130 a ton).  Breakeven prices reflect the value of the nutrients in the by-product feed (a price below breakeven reflects a “good buy” for dairy managers).
• 63% did not prefer indicate a choice for  light colored ethanol by-product (dark color may reflect heat damage or lower quality).
• Dairy managers rated price and quality of product as key characteristics when buying a by-product feed.
• 26% of dairy managers reported the primary reason not to use by-product feeds was availability with handling as the second reason.

In summary, by-product feeds should be considered by more dairy managers as a way to reduce feed costs and improve profitability on their farms.  Additional information and training are needed to increase their use of corn by-products and other sources.