The Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s (ICAR) maize research institute has requested funding to investigate strategies for managing aflatoxin levels in dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), a key byproduct used in animal feed. Amid rising concerns about aflatoxin contamination and growing demand from the feed industry, the Ludhiana-based Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) believes that it is possible to reduce aflatoxin levels to the permissible limit of 20 parts per million (PPM) using a combination of technologies and post-harvest practices.
IIMR, which has expertise in assisting the distillery industry, has suggested that aflatoxin levels in DDGS can be reduced through host plant resistance and better agronomic practices at the source. Moreover, effective management during transportation and storage can further mitigate toxin levels. The institute also recommended that industries adopt fractionation techniques to reduce aflatoxin content while increasing protein levels in the final product.
In response to concerns raised by the Department of Animal Husbandry regarding aflatoxin contamination in DDGS, which is used as animal feed, IIMR proposed the implementation of a guideline mandating a maximum blending of 10% DDGS in cattle feed. This would ensure that even if the DDGS contains aflatoxin levels above 20 PPM, it would not pose a risk to cattle health or to humans consuming milk from those animals.
Aflatoxin Management and Industry Recommendations
Godrej Agrovet’s Managing Director, Balram S. Yadav, mentioned in an investors’ call in May that high-quality DDGS is now being produced in India. However, maize with high moisture content is prone to developing aflatoxin, particularly if it is not adequately dried. This issue can affect the ethanol byproduct (DDGS) as well.
IIMR has called for increased awareness among stakeholders about the challenges of DDGS, advocating for a project focused on aflatoxin management and improving the nutritional quality of DDGS to address concerns within the animal feed industry.
In 2019, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the regulatory body for approving imports of DDGS, formed a panel to develop draft guidelines for importing animal feed, including DDGS. Following several requests for import permits, the Department of Animal Husbandry included DDGS in the consolidated list of animal feeds eligible for import in 2022. However, as much of the DDGS is made from genetically modified maize in countries like the U.S. and Brazil, import permits from GEAC are required.
Source: Business Line
