ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 10, 2008

CATTLE FEEDERS SHOULD MONITOR SULFUR CONTENT IN WATER, FEED

BISMARCK – Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson is reminding cattle producers to pay close attention to the combined sulfur levels of the feed and water rations consumed by their cattle.

“High levels of sulfur are found in the groundwater in many areas of North Dakota,” Johnson said. “In addition, many feed ingredients, such as distillers grains, contain varying amounts of sulfur.”

Johnson urged feeders to consult with an animal nutritionist or veterinarian about any concerns with feed rations for livestock.

“The North Dakota State University study, ‘Feeding Coproducts of the Ethanol Industry to Beef Cattle,’ discusses the problems with sulfur and other elements in distillers grains,” Johnson said. “Other material on the subject is also available on the Internet from several different university sources.”

The NSDU study is available at www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ansci/beef/as1242w.htm.

“Distillers grains are an excellent feed stuff, providing high levels of protein, but should always be fed in a balanced ration to provide the necessary nutrients and to avoid excessive levels of sulfur and other elements,” he said. “Sound management practices, such as careful ration formulation and mixing, and regular sampling of feed and water, will enable cattle feeders to achieve that level and to take advantage of the availability of various feed sources.”

A recent North Dakota Department of Agriculture survey indicates that sulfur levels in distillers grains produced by North Dakota ethanol and corn gluten plants can be high, ranging from 0.437 percent to 0.816 percent for dry samples and from 0.341 to 0.995 percent for wet samples.

Johnson said the National Research Council reports the maximum tolerable level for sulfur is 0.4 percent in diets from all sources.

“Feed rations should be balanced for adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, potassium and other minerals,” he said. “In addition, water sulfur levels must be included when formulating rations to keep sulfur levels below that 0.4 percent level.

Distillers grains are a byproduct of ethanol production; corn gluten feed is a byproduct of corn sweetener production. Both are commonly used for cattle feed.

“With the growing popularity of distillers grains, this information is useful to feeders, especially those in areas where the sulfur levels in the water are high,” Johnson said. “Livestock producers should consider testing to confirm sulfur levels in their feeds and water and if necessary, should work with a registered nutritionist, a veterinarian or their NDSU extension agents and specialists to determine appropriate feed and water rations.”

Johnson said that with four ethanol plants now in production and three more under construction, distillers grains will likely be used more widely in North Dakota cattle feeding operations.

An essential nutrient found in a variety of feed sources, sulfur is important in the formation of connective tissue and collagen, and in endocrine function. In larger doses, however, it can be toxic, causing decreased appetite, impaired muscle coordination, blindness and possibly death.

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov or Patrice Lahlum at (701) 239-7210 or plahlum@nd.gov.