WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — Usage of U.S. distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in the Philippines has increased over the years; during 2012 the Philippines imported 164,526 tonnes, up 12.75% from 2011. But there remains potential for growth, and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) said on March 21 that it is continuing to promote U.S. DDGS usage in various regions throughout the country.

This month, USGC consultant Adrian Morales travelled throughout the North Luzon region of the Philippines, promoting the use of corn gluten meal as well as DDGS. In the Philippines, most layer farms that already use DDGS are situated in the South Luzon area, where inclusion levels reach up to 15% for some farms. The North Luzon region is a relatively undeveloped market.

Visiting one-on-one with eight end users, including feed millers and large on-farm mix farmers, Morales highlighted advantages of using U.S. DDGS in the northern region. While DDGS are currently priced out of the least cost ration formulation program, and are therefore replaced by cheaper feed stuffs such as corn and rice ban, there is still an opportunity to spread knowledge to attract future sales, when prices are favorable. Morales was able to answer questions from the feed millers, several of whom had no prior experience using DDGS. He also met with a number of broiler and swine farmers within the area.