Distillers grains (wheat)

90% dry matter, 13 MJ of metabolisable energy per kg of dry matter, 34% crude protein and 34% fibre (NDF) — the cited reference values behind our calculators.

Also called DDGS, wheat DDG.

Composition

Energy is MJ ME per kg of dry matter. Everything else is a percentage of dry matter.

Distillers grains (wheat) — composition
MeasureValue
Dry matter90%
Energy (ME)13 MJ/kg DM
Crude protein34%
Fibre (NDF)34%
Starch4.2%
Sugar2.9%
Fat5%

Macro-minerals, % of dry matter

Calcium
0.15%
Phosphorus
0.6%
Magnesium
0.3%
Sodium
0.1%
Potassium
0.9%
Sulphur
0.6%

Chloride is left out on purpose: standard lab digestion doesn't recover it, so published feed tables leave it blank and ours would be an estimate. A mineral left out here is one the source table didn't report — not a measured zero.

Where these numbers come from

Feedipedia, wheat distillers grains from the low-starch process (ref. 4265) — the form typically seen in New Zealand.

Wheat distillers grains run 34–40% protein depending on the process and any blending. Check the spec of what you’re actually buying.

What it costs

Per tonne as fed
$550
Per kg dry matter
$0.61
Per megajoule of energy
4.7c

Cents per megajoule is the figure that actually ranks feeds, because it is the only one that accounts for both water and energy density — a cheap wet feed and an expensive dry one can land in the same place. These prices are indicative starting points from mid-2026, not quotes: they move with region, volume and season, and every one of them is editable in the calculator.

How it compares

Other concentrates & by-products in the library, ordered by how close they sit to Distillers grains (wheat) on energy.

Distillers grains (wheat) compared with similar feeds on energy, protein and fibre
FeedDM %MEProteinFibrec/MJ
Distillers grains (wheat)this page901334%34%4.7c
Barley grain881311%20%3.9c
Soybean meal891350%14%7.3c
Field peas8713.423.9%14.2%4.7c
Citrus pulp (pressed)2012.57%22%7.2c

A dash under c/MJ means the feed isn't bought — grazed pasture and standing crops carry no purchase price, and showing them at zero would read as free.

Does it feed the animal?

A composition on its own can't tell you that. Open the calculator with Distillers grains (wheat) added to the diet, set your stock and how much of it they're getting, and it will tell you what the diet actually supports — and which of energy, protein or gut fill runs out first.

Feedwise gives indicative models for decision support. It is not a substitute for a nutritionist or veterinarian — for animal-health decisions, talk to your vet.