Photo credit: U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council.
The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council’s regional office for Europe, the Middle East and Africa hosted three half-day seminars in Türkiye to address customer concerns about the inclusion of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in poultry and ruminant diets.
The seminars followed technical promotion programs for DDGS end-users held earlier this year. USGBC Deputy Regional Director for Europe and the Middle East Ana Ballesteros, USGBC Regional Nutrition Consultant Alaa Badr and USGBC Consultant for Türkiye Ibrahim Sirtiouglu represented the Council during the sessions.
The seminars were held in Bolu, Bursa and Izmir, attracting representatives from poultry and cattle feed producers. Participants included nutrition, production and procurement staff from local companies who learned more about the qualities of U.S. DDGS.
The sessions addressed concerns about mycotoxins, antibiotic residues, and DDGS handling and storage, which can affect inclusion rates and demand for the feed ingredient.
The half-day seminars used a hybrid format combining in-person presentations with recorded presentations and live virtual question-and-answer sessions led by two U.S.-based experts. Scott Tilton of The Andersons addressed facts and myths surrounding mycotoxins and antibiotic residues, while Iowa State University Professor and Director of the International Grain & Feed Industry Academy Dirk Maier covered DDGS handling and storage practices.
The recorded presentations were shown at each seminar, and both experts participated virtually to answer questions from attendees. The sessions complemented in-person presentations delivered by Ballesteros and Badr.
The training focused on conditions common in Türkiye and practices intended to help preserve DDGS quality during handling and storage. The Council said improving customer understanding and confidence in U.S. DDGS and implementing improved handling practices are important to expanding exports to Türkiye.
Source: The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, "Turkish DDGS Customers Attend Council’s Technical Seminar"