Adding calcium oxide at a 1 percent blend rate to distillers dried grains (DDGs) makes it easier for cattle to digest the ethanol co-product, say Purdue researchers. DDGs are a commonly used and attractively priced alternative to corn in cattle rations. But DDGs are more acidic and more difficult for cattle to digest fully. The scientists compared feed consumption and weight gain in cattle fed various feed mixes. Overall, the cattle fed DDGs with a calcium oxide supplement out-performed cattle given other mixes and was on par with a diet of high-quality corn, said Purdue. Livestock producers turned to DDGs because of high corn prices since 2006. Back-to-back bumper crops are reducing corn prices.