By Jamie Martin
Spent brewers’ grain, a byproduct of the brewing industry, is gaining attention as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for poultry feed.
With chicken consumption steadily increasing and feed costs comprising 75% of production expenses, innovative solutions are vital for the industry’s growth.
Researchers at Cornell University, including Elad Tako, Melissa Huang, and Louisa Smieska, explored the potential of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) extract as a dietary ingredient for broiler chickens.
Unlike traditional BSG, which is rich in fibre and difficult for chickens to digest, the team focused on the water-soluble portion of BSG. This extract improved gut health, nutrient absorption, and reduced harmful bacteria like E. coli and Clostridium in the chickens.
“We were also able to detect iron and zinc via synchrotron x-ray imaging in the small intestinal tissue samples post-treatment,” Tako shared. These minerals are essential for chicken growth and health.
The study used BSG sourced from Harpoon Brewery in Boston, applying an innovative method called intra-amniotic administration. By injecting the extract directly into the amniotic sac of chicken embryos, researchers precisely evaluated its gut health benefits.
BSG is rich in immune-boosting and antioxidative compounds, making it a sustainable option for the poultry feed industry, projected to reach $238.9 billion by 2025. As Huang noted, “The poultry industry is always looking for ways to optimize the way they raise their flock.”
This research is a step towards creating a circular economy by utilizing brewing waste. The team is also exploring other upcycled products like grape pomace, aiming to further innovate animal feed solutions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex
Categories: National