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- Written by Patrick R. McElhiney
- Category: Articles
DURHAM, N.H.—Wet brewers’ grains, the abundant residues of the brewery industry, show promise as a potentially cost-effective, high-nutrient feed replacement for dairy heifers, according to new research from the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of New Hampshire.
The study is led by Peter Erickson, professor of agriculture, nutrition and food systems and extension dairy specialist, and Eric Hatungimana, a doctoral student in dairy science.
“The cost of energy and protein feeds, especially corn and soybean, has been rising and dairy farmers are looking for alternative feed sources,” said Hatungimana. “One strategy is to use less expensive feeds such as wet brewers’ grains, which appears to be feasible due to their nutritional value, availability and low cost. Our project evaluated the effect of replacing corn and soybean meal with wet brewers’ grains on the growth performance of dairy heifers.”
The brewery industry uses mostly malted barley to produce beer, leaving behind a protein-rich residue known as “beer waste” that is suitable for dairy cattle feeding. While farmers have been feeding wet brewers’ grains to cows for years, there is limited data on feeding it to heifers—young female cows that have not borne a calf. Erickson and Hatungimana found that including these wet brewers’ grains in the diet of dairy heifers at a rate of 20% can completely replace soybean or corn-based feed and provide similar growth performance compared to diets using those concentrates. Moreover, replacing corn and soybean meal with wet brewers’ grains considerably reduces the feeding cost for raising dairy heifers.
“These findings are so important for dairy producers who are currently facing low milk prices,” said Hatungimana. “Since the cost of feeds accounts for 70% to 80% of the total production in any dairy farm, using nutritious and cheaper by-products will help dairy farmers increase returns while improving animal performance. Using wet brewers’ grains is also an economically and environmentally sound way for food processors to reduce waste.”
Raising heifers is expensive as they do not provide farm income until they calve at 22 to 24 months and start producing milk. Incorporating wet brewers’ grains into their diet would reduce the cost of production while achieving the desired growth until the first calving. There are approximately 800 breweries around the Northeast; these produce an ample supply of wet brewers grains.
The researchers also evaluated the effect on the storage of wet brewers’ grains with a commercial preservative or salt on yeast and mold growth. They found that treating wet brewers’ grains with salt not only improved dry matter, fiber, and protein digestibility but also reduced spoilage by mold and yeast. Salt is less expensive than commercial preservatives and is easily accessible to farmers.
This research is based upon work supported by the NH Agricultural Experiment Station, through joint funding of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 1016574, and the state of New Hampshire. It is supported by Agri-King Company, Fulton, Ill., which provided the commercial preservative. Rock River Laboratory helped in the analysis of wet brewers’ grains nutrients, and Bad Lab Brewery, Stuart Farm and Scruton Farm provided fresh wet brewers’ grains for the study.
Founded in 1887, the NH Agricultural Experiment Station at the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture is UNH’s original research center and an elemental component of New Hampshire's land-grant university heritage and mission.
The University of New Hampshire is a flagship research university that inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and the world. More than 16,000 students from all 50 states and 71 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top-ranked programs in business, engineering, law, liberal arts, and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. UNH’s research portfolio includes partnerships with NASA, NOAA, NSF, and NIH, receiving more than $100 million in competitive external funding every year to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea, and space.
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- Written by Patrick R. McElhiney
- Category: Articles
CONCORD, N.H. – As of 9:00 PM, approximately 35,000 customers are without power across the state as crews work to clear roads and restore power after a complex winter storm with strong wind gusts moved through the region.
“Crews are assessing damage and addressing power outages as quickly as possible. It may take until Sunday for full restoration across areas of the state,” Director of state Homeland Security and Emergency Management Jennifer Harper said. “We remain in close contact with the Public Utilities Commission in monitoring the progress made by the utility providers and stand ready to assist the affected communities should they have any resource requests.”
Report power outages to your utility provider:
Eversource............................. 1-800-662-7764
Liberty Utilities..................... 1-855-349-9455
NH Electric Co-Op................ 1-800-343-6432
Unitil..................................... 1-888-301-7700
Customers without power should continue to call their service providers at least daily until power is restored.
The National Weather Service reports that wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph may continue into the night. Cold temperatures will set in overnight throughout the state causing any remaining moisture to freeze. Temperatures over the weekend will drop and some parts may see wind chills well below zero.
Harper asked that everyone check on friends and neighbors when safe to do so and made the following safety recommendations:
- Visit ReadyNH.gov to learn more about keeping safe during emergencies.
- Signup for NH Alerts, the State’s emergency notification system to receive location-specific safety information. Also, download the app.
- Monitor National Weather Service radio or broadcast weather reports to keep track of changing conditions.
- If you encounter a downed power line, stay away and call 9-1-1.
- Drivers are reminded to use extra caution, go slow and be alert for crews clearing debris and treating the roads.
- Use flashlights, rather than candles, for emergency lighting.
- Do not use a gas range or oven as an alternative source of heat.
- Only use a generator that has been wired to the house electrical service by a professional electrician.
- Never run a generator inside a building or in an enclosed space.
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- Written by Patrick R. McElhiney
- Category: Articles
CONCORD, N.H. – As of Saturday morning, approximately 15,000 power outages remain across the state. At its peak, over 35,000 outages were reported in more than 115 cities and towns statewide. Hundreds of utility crews are working around the clock to assess the damage and restore power.
Power utility providers expect the majority of outages to be restored by this evening, but for anyone without power, take time now to prepare for an outage possibly lasting into Sunday.
“Before temperatures drop to dangerous lows tonight, everyone is encouraged to take time to prepare,” said state Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper. “Have a plan so you know what to do and where to go should temperatures in your home get too cold.”
NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management is working closely with the Public Utilities Commission to monitor outages and provide resources to affected communities as needed. During outages, the Public Utilities Commission continuously monitors utility issues and works closely with all agencies involved in the coordinated restoration effort.
“Power utility crews have been working around the clock to restore power to all affected areas,” Public Utilities Commission Chairwoman Dianne Martin said. “Given the forecasted winds and cold temperatures today, we expect the number of outages to fluctuate, but be assured that Commission safety staff and power crews remain working to restore all outages.”
Customers are reminded to report outages to their utility provider at least once daily until power is restored:
Eversource............................. 1-800-662-7764
Liberty Utilities..................... 1-855-349-9455
NH Electric Co-Op................ 1-800-343-6432
Unitil..................................... 1-888-301-7700
Harper and Martin ask that everyone check on friends and neighbors when it is safe to do so, especially the elderly or those who may need additional assistance. Follow these tips to help stay safe until power is restored:
- Visit ReadyNH.gov to learn more about keeping safe during emergencies.
- Signup for NH Alerts, the State’s emergency notification system to receive location-specific safety information. Also, download the app for iPhone and Android devices.
- Monitor National Weather Service radio or broadcast weather reports to keep track of changing conditions.
- If you encounter a downed power line, stay away and call 9-1-1.
- Do not use a gas range or oven as an alternative source of heat.
- If you use a generator, do NOT run it inside a home or garage, and ensure it is at least 20 feet away from any doors, windows or vents.
- Electric power outages can affect gas furnaces and other appliances. Call a professional for service if you experience any issues. If you smell gas, have everyone leave the building and call 9-1-1 immediately. Stay outside until help arrives.
The US Department of Agriculture notes that your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power. A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours or 24 hours if it is half-full as long as the door remains closed. Never taste food to determine its safety. When in doubt, throw it out!
For emergencies, call 9-1-1. If you can’t call, you can text 9-1-1 for emergencies in New Hampshire.
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- Written by Patrick R. McElhiney
- Category: Articles
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced the establishment of a Primary Day hotline that will be monitored throughout Primary Day on February 11, 2020, from 7 am to 8 pm. The hotline number is 603-230-2503. Inquiries and complaints may also be submitted through the United States Attorney’s Office web site at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nh by clicking on the “e-mail us” link.
Assistant United States Attorney Seth R. Aframe of the New Hampshire United States Attorney’s Office will oversee complaints of election fraud and abuse of voting rights in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In order to respond to these complaints and address any abuse of voting rights, AUSA Aframe will be on duty while the polls are open.
United States Attorney Murray said, “Under our Constitution, the right to vote is fundamental. Protecting the individual right to vote and assuring the legitimacy of the election process are critical Department of Justice priorities. Information about discrimination, intimidation or election fraud should be reported immediately to my office, the FBI, or the DOJ Civil Rights Division."
Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination may also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C. at 1-800-253-3931.
A Federal Election Fraud Fact Sheet that explains federal criminal jurisdiction in connection with elections and voting rights is posted on the United States Attorney’s website: www.usdoj.gov/usao/nh.
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