Möglichkeiten zur Nutzbarmachung von Abfällen aus der Weizenmehlproduktion in der Viehwirtschaft

Abstract

Wheat flour production is one of the central processing steps in the agricultural value chain. In addition to the main product, flour, numerous by-products such as wheat bran, sprouted grains, feed meals and cleaning sieves are produced. To date, these fractions have only been partially used and are often recycled for energy or disposed of. In the context of increasing demands for resource efficiency and sustainability, the question arises as to how these material flows can be meaningfully integrated into agricultural cycles - especially in animal nutrition. This master's thesis examines the potential for utilizing such by-products in livestock farming. The aim is to present their suitability as materials, current utilization practices as well as obstacles and opportunities for expanded utilization. The focus is on five research questions: the nutrient composition of the by-products, farm-specific differences in quantity and quality, their suitability for different animal species, alternative uses in the absence of feed suitability and the requirements for their technical processing. The work combines a theoretical part with two empirical survey strands: qualitative expert interviews with seven mills in Upper Austria and Salzburg and a sieve analysis of screenings from five mills. The qualitative content analysis was carried out according to Mayring. The aim was to make usage patterns visible and to record operational differences. The sieve analysis was used to objectively evaluate the material composition and particle size distribution of the cleaning residues. The results show that wheat bran in particular is an established, nutrient-rich feedstuff for ruminants, pigs and poultry. Feed meals and sprouted grains also offer potential feed value. Other fractions - in particular the excrement and dust - are hygienically and legally problematic. The sieve analysis also shows a strong heterogeneity between the mills, which makes standardized use difficult. The work makes a contribution to the evaluation and better integration of agricultural byproducts in animal feed. It shows technological approaches and gaps in utilization and offers practical impulses for mills, feed manufacturers and research institutions in terms of a sustainable circular economy.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Michael Duspiwa (Supervisor)