Research shows that adding fermented grain byproduct from alcohol production to duck feed improves growth when used at 6% inclusion, with ducks gaining weight faster and reaching higher final body weights compared to control diets. According to Gram Research analysis, using 12% improved intestinal health markers, but 18% reduced feed efficiency and increased fat storage, indicating an optimal dose exists for this ingredient.
Researchers tested a fermented grain byproduct called Maotai distillers’ grains as a duck feed ingredient to see if it could improve growth and digestive health. According to Gram Research analysis, the study found that adding 6% of this ingredient to duck feed produced the best growth results, while 12% improved gut health markers, but 18% actually reduced feed efficiency and increased fat storage. The findings suggest there’s an optimal amount to use, and more isn’t always better when it comes to this agricultural byproduct.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 192 Pekin ducks found that including 6% fermented grain byproduct in feed increased average daily growth and final body weight compared to control ducks, with the benefit disappearing at higher inclusion levels.
Research on 192 ducks showed that 12% dietary inclusion of fermented grain byproduct increased intestinal barrier function markers and beneficial bacteria abundance without reducing growth performance.
In a 35-day duck feeding trial with 192 birds, the highest tested inclusion level of 18% fermented grain byproduct reduced feed conversion efficiency and increased abdominal fat yield compared to control diets.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding fermented grain leftovers from alcohol production to duck feed could improve how fast ducks grow and how healthy their digestive systems stay
- Who participated: 192 one-day-old male Pekin ducks divided into four groups, with each group eating feed containing different amounts of the grain byproduct (0%, 6%, 12%, or 18%) for 35 days
- Key finding: Ducks fed 6% of the fermented grain grew faster and heavier than control ducks, while 12% improved intestinal health markers, but 18% actually made ducks less efficient at converting feed to body weight
- What it means for you: For duck farmers, this research suggests using moderate amounts of this cheap feed ingredient can improve results, but using too much backfires. This could help reduce feed costs while maintaining or improving duck health and growth.
The Research Details
Scientists divided 192 baby ducks into four equal groups and fed each group a slightly different diet for 35 days. The only difference between diets was the amount of fermented grain byproduct included: none, 6%, 12%, or 18% by weight. The researchers measured how much the ducks grew, how efficiently they converted feed into body weight, and examined their intestines and blood to understand what was happening inside their bodies.
This type of study is called a dose-response experiment because it tests different amounts (doses) of the same ingredient to find the sweet spot. By testing four different levels, the researchers could see whether more of the ingredient was always better, or whether there was an optimal amount. They also looked at the bacteria living in the ducks’ intestines to understand the biological mechanisms behind the results.
The study lasted 35 days, which covers the main growth period for meat ducks. The researchers kept careful records of feed intake and body weight throughout the experiment, allowing them to calculate how efficiently each group converted feed into growth.
Testing different amounts of an ingredient is important because it reveals whether something is beneficial at all levels or only within a certain range. This approach helps farmers and feed manufacturers find the most cost-effective and health-promoting amount to use. Without testing multiple doses, researchers might miss the fact that too much of something can actually be harmful.
This study used a controlled experimental design with multiple groups and replicate pens within each group, which strengthens the reliability of the findings. The researchers measured multiple outcomes (growth, feed efficiency, intestinal health, blood chemistry, and gut bacteria) rather than just one, providing a comprehensive picture. The study was conducted in a single location with a single duck breed over a defined time period, which means results may vary in different settings or with different duck breeds.
What the Results Show
Ducks receiving 6% of the fermented grain byproduct showed the strongest growth results. These ducks gained weight faster and reached a higher final body weight compared to ducks eating the control diet with no added grain byproduct. The difference was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to have happened by chance.
When the amount increased to 12%, the growth benefits decreased somewhat, falling between the 6% group and the control group. However, this 12% level showed interesting benefits for intestinal health. The intestinal lining appeared stronger with increased markers of intestinal barrier function, and certain genes related to intestinal health were more active.
At the highest level tested (18%), the results turned negative. These ducks grew more slowly in the first two weeks of life, converted feed to body weight less efficiently overall, and accumulated more abdominal fat compared to control ducks. This suggests that too much of the fermented grain byproduct actually harms duck performance.
The researchers also found that the intestines of ducks in the 12% and 18% groups were relatively heavier, which could indicate increased intestinal activity or adaptation to the ingredient. Blood chemistry remained mostly normal across all groups, suggesting the ingredient doesn’t cause systemic toxicity.
The study revealed changes in the types of bacteria living in the ducks’ intestines when comparing the control diet to the 12% diet. Certain beneficial bacteria became more abundant, while potentially problematic bacteria decreased. These microbial shifts suggest the fermented grain byproduct influences the gut ecosystem in ways that might support digestive health. The overall diversity of bacteria didn’t change significantly, but the specific composition did, indicating a shift in which bacteria thrive rather than a loss of bacterial variety.
This study is among the first to systematically test fermented grain byproducts from baijiu alcohol production as a duck feed ingredient. Previous research has shown that various fermented byproducts can improve animal growth and digestive health, but the specific dose-response pattern found here (where 6% was optimal) adds important practical information. The finding that intestinal health markers improved at 12% even though growth was better at 6% suggests different biological systems respond optimally at different inclusion levels, a nuance that previous research hadn’t clearly demonstrated.
The study tested only one duck breed (Pekin ducks) and only male ducks, so results may differ for other breeds or female ducks. The experiment lasted only 35 days, covering the growth phase but not the entire lifespan of the ducks. The researchers didn’t test the long-term effects of consuming this ingredient or whether benefits persist after the ducks stop eating it. The study was conducted in a single location under controlled conditions, so results might vary in different climates or farm settings. Additionally, the researchers used computer predictions to infer what metabolic pathways might be affected in the gut bacteria, rather than directly measuring these pathways.
The Bottom Line
For duck farmers considering this fermented grain byproduct as a feed ingredient, the evidence supports using it at 6% inclusion for maximum growth performance. If intestinal health is the priority, 12% may be preferable despite slightly lower growth rates. Avoid using 18% or higher, as this level reduces feed efficiency and increases unwanted fat deposition. These recommendations are based on controlled research but should be tested on individual farms before full-scale implementation, as local conditions and duck genetics may influence results.
Duck farmers and feed manufacturers should pay attention to these findings, as they suggest a cost-effective way to improve duck production using an agricultural byproduct. Poultry nutritionists developing feed formulations would find this information valuable. Consumers interested in sustainable agriculture may appreciate that this research supports using waste products from alcohol production as animal feed. However, these findings apply specifically to ducks and may not transfer to chickens, turkeys, or other poultry species.
The benefits observed in this study appeared within the 35-day study period, with growth differences visible by the end of the experiment. Farmers implementing these findings should expect to see changes in feed conversion efficiency and growth rates within the first few weeks of feeding the modified diet. However, the full effects on intestinal health and microbial composition may take several weeks to fully develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maotai distillers’ grains and why would farmers use it in duck feed?
Maotai distillers’ grains is a byproduct left over after fermenting and distilling baijiu alcohol. Farmers use it because it’s inexpensive, reduces waste, and research shows it can improve duck growth and digestive health when added at the right amount.
How much of this ingredient should be added to duck feed for best results?
Research indicates 6% inclusion produces the best growth performance in Pekin ducks. However, 12% may be preferable if improving intestinal health is the priority, while 18% or higher should be avoided as it reduces feed efficiency.
Does adding fermented grain byproduct to duck feed affect meat quality or safety?
The study found that blood chemistry remained normal across all groups, suggesting the ingredient doesn’t cause systemic toxicity. However, the research didn’t directly measure meat quality or food safety parameters, so additional testing may be warranted.
How quickly will farmers see improvements in duck growth after switching to this feed?
Growth differences became apparent within the 35-day study period, suggesting farmers should observe improvements in feed conversion efficiency and weight gain within the first few weeks of dietary implementation.
Would this ingredient work the same way for other types of poultry like chickens?
This study tested only Pekin ducks, so results may differ for other poultry species. Farmers interested in using this ingredient with chickens or other birds would need separate research specific to those species.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly body weight gain and feed consumption for duck flocks to calculate feed conversion ratio, comparing results before and after introducing the fermented grain byproduct at the recommended 6% inclusion level.
- If managing a duck farm, gradually introduce the fermented grain byproduct over one week while monitoring duck appetite and behavior, then measure growth performance weekly to confirm the expected improvements match research findings.
- Maintain a simple spreadsheet tracking average duck weight, total feed consumed, and calculated feed conversion ratio every 7 days. Compare these metrics to baseline data from before implementing the dietary change to quantify real-world benefits.
This research describes results from a controlled study on Pekin ducks and may not apply to other duck breeds, other poultry species, or different farming conditions. Farmers considering implementing these findings should consult with a poultry nutritionist and conduct small-scale trials on their own farms before making large-scale dietary changes. The study measured growth and some intestinal health markers but did not comprehensively evaluate meat quality, food safety, or long-term health effects. Results are specific to the 35-day study period and may not reflect lifetime performance. Always follow local regulations regarding feed ingredients and consult with veterinary professionals before modifying animal diets.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.