Argentina: Glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production with potential for livestock feed

A collaborative study between INTA Colonia Benítez and the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the UNNE identified the feasibility of partially replacing corn in the diet of steers with glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production with an uncertain destination. “It has a great energy contribution and can replace up to 12% of the corn in the cattle feed, without causing disorders.” In the use of vegetable oils for the production of biofuels, a byproduct is generated, glycerol, a viscous, colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting, water-soluble alcohol. But a large proportion of glycerol ends up becoming a productive residue, which is discarded in the environment, as there are no alternatives for its use. In that sense, in order to achieve added value to this “productive residue,” years ago a company that, among various activities, produces biodiesel, proposed to professionals from INTA Colonia Benítez the possibility of seeking alternative uses for the glycerol generated in their ...