Optimizing use of distillers grains in finishing diets containing steam-flaked corn.
Two hundred ninety-nine crossbred yearling steers (363 +/- 15 kg initial BW) were fed for an average of 114 d in a finishing study comparing 7 diets in which steam-flaked corn was used as the principal energy source. Forty-nine pens were used in this study with 7 BW blocks, 7 pens per treatment, and 5 to 7 steers per pen. A control diet with no distillers grains with solubles (DGS) was compared with 6 diets containing 15% DGS (DM basis). The diets contained wet sorghum DGS with 0 or 6% alfalfa hay, dried sorghum DGS with 0 or 6% alfalfa hay, wet corn DGS with 6% alfalfa hay, or dried corn DGS with 6% alfalfa hay. Apparent total tract digestibilities were calculated by total collection of fecal material from the concrete-surfaced pens over a 72-h period. Dry matter intake, ADG, G:F, and carcass characteristics were similar (P > or = 0.18) for steers fed finishing diets with or without 15% DGS. However, apparent total tract digestibilities of DM and OM were 2.8% less (P < or = 0.03) for finishing diets containing 15% DGS (DM basis). Dry matter intake, ADG, G:F, apparent total tract digestibility, and carcass characteristics were not different (P > or = 0.09) for steers fed finishing diets containing sorghum or corn DGS. Dry matter intake, ADG, G:F, apparent total tract digestibility, and carcass characteristics also were not different (P > or = 0.10) for steers fed finishing diets containing wet or dried DGS. Steers fed sorghum DGS with 6% hay consumed more DM (P < 0.01) and gained more BW (P < 0.01) than steers fed diets without hay, but G:F were not different (P > 0.78). Sorghum DGS diets containing alfalfa hay were 4% less (P = 0.01) digestible than sorghum DGS diets containing no hay. Carcasses of steers fed sorghum DGS diets without hay were lighter, leaner, and had decreased USDA yield grades (P = 0.01) compared with steers fed sorghum DGS diets containing hay. Feeding moderate levels (i.e., 15%, DM basis) of DGS resulted in growth performance and carcass characteristics similar to those of cattle fed no DGS. In addition, sorghum- and corn-based DGS had similar feeding values, and wet (approximately 31% DM) and dried (approximately 91% DM) DGS also had similar feeding values. Complete removal of alfalfa hay in diets containing DGS improved diet digestibility but reduced growth performance and carcass finish.
Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
B E
BE
Depenbusch
E R
ER
Loe
J J
JJ
Sindt
N A
NA
Cole
J J
JJ
Higgins
J S
JS
Drouillard
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition; D002417:Cattle / Q000254:growth & development*; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D005511:Food Handling; D008297:Male; D006109:Poaceae; D013227:Steam; D014867:Water; D003313:Zea mays / Q000737:chemistry*
D013227:Steam; D014867:Water