Utilization of Vinasse: A Sustainable Approach in Animal Nutrition

Alcohol production results in the generation of substantial amounts of agro-industrial residues, with vinasse being the predominant residue, constituting an aqueous byproduct of the distillation process in the sugar-alcohol sector. Vinasse stands as the residual product following biomass distillation, mainly originating from the ethanol production process, which can originate from either sugar and starch crops or cellulosic materials. Typically, it consists of 93% water and 7% solids. Within the sugarcane realm, around 15 liters of vinasse can be produced for every liter of alcohol manufactured. This residual material is distinguished by its high levels of salt and organic content. The disposal of sugarcane vinasse into soil and aquatic environments has raised environmental apprehensions, primarily associated with issues of salinity, salt accumulation, and pH modifications. These practices have led to changes in the chemical and physicochemical properties of soils and water systems due to continuous discharges over extended time frames. Composition of Vinasse: Vinasse is characterized by its elevated moisture content at 82.27%, ash content at 10.60%, protein content at 6.20%, and notably low carbohydrate content at 0.93%. Additionally, the mineral composition of vinasse varies, with significant levels of calcium observed at 1734.67 mg/l (considered a macro mineral). Conversely, copper, iron, manganese, and aluminum (classified as micro minerals) are detected at concentrations of 86, 17, 14, and 0.01 mg/l, respectively, within vinasse.