University of Illinois Study Finds Swine Diets Can Include Up to 15% Glycerin and Achieve Performance Similar to Conventional Diet

Biofuels Journal
Date Posted: January 24, 2011

An increased interest in biofuel production and a growing need to find cost-effective livestock feedstuff alternatives has led University of Illinois researchers to further evaluate the use of glycerin in swine diets.

This study, led by U of I graduate research assistant Omarh Mendoza, was published in the Journal of Animal Science and reports that swine diets may include up to 15 percent glycerin and achieve similar performance to a conventional corn:soybean diet.

"Glycerin is not a new product, but little is known about its role as a feed ingredient for swine," said Michael Ellis, U of I professor in the Department of Animal Sciences.

"Previous studies have shown variable results."

Glycerin is a major co-product of biodiesel production.

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