A lot of malt is used to make Hoppy, and this means a lot of by-products are also generated. However, even after the malt has been thoroughly squeezed, the remaining dregs still contain a variety of nutrients, and it would be a waste to just throw it away. Therefore, we send the malt dregs to a specialized company to be used as livestock feed. Malt dregs are ideal for recycling and make a great example of our efforts to make the most of our waste products.

Hoppy’s malt by-product is transported to Repro Corporation in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, where it is used as feed for dairy cows. Repro also collects food waste not consumed by humans, such as soy pulp, and vegetables not suitable for sale. These are mixed with hay and grains, as well as malt dregs. The mixture is rolled into large rolls, wrapped, fermented for a month, and then aged for two months to become fermented feed for the dairy cows.

Malt dregs are added to the hay and other ingredients at a ratio of about 12% or less. This is seemingly the perfect ratio. Besides being particularly high in protein and having a certain nutritional value, hoppy malt dregs are especially good for cows because they are roasted. Smoked food is appetizing to humans, but it also has a similar effect on cows, making their feed more palatable and encourages them to consume more.

The cows at the Inoue Dairy eating this feed are among the highest milkers in Japan. Normally, one dairy cow produces less than 30kg per day, but at this dairy the cow’s milk 40kg, an increase of more than 30%. The distinctive “barn smell” is also absent at this dairy. This is partly due to the well-maintained barns, but also due to the excellent feed.

episode 5
Malt By-product is Feed for Cows