Aim of research

The overall objectives of this cooperation project were:

• detailed characterization of the feeding value of different cereal grains and its variation on the basis of innovative animal experiments, laboratory analyses and technical processes
• provision of new data on the feeding value and undesired compounds for current grain qualities via the feed database of DLG for practice (compound feed industry , agricultural advisory services and farmers)
• development of procedures for the industry to permit the assessment of the grain under the terms of the respective work routine
• increase the efficiency of the use of energy, protein and phosphorus from grain in farm animal nutrition
• reduce emissions of nitrogen-containing gases from animal husbandry and increase efficiency in the use of scarce phosphorus resources
• optimization of grain size reduction, to more sophisticated processing techniques (with energy input) to improve the hygienic status of the feed and thus animal health
• assess the long-term consequences of climate change on the feed value of grain

GrainUp provides innovative methods for direct application in practical business that enable a more efficient use of grain as feed, also considering the aspect of the changes that will result from climate change. Thereby, the ration compositions can be optimized species- and performance-specific. This is supported by new evidence for grain processing in terms of animal health and the hygienic safety of feed. In consequence, the results of this project will lead to increased utilization of the metabolisable energy as well as protein and phosphorus of grains in the production of food from livestock. This means that, in particular connected with a reduced excretion of phosphorus and nitrogen-containing compounds, positive effects on the environment and / or climate can be achieved.