196 Interaction of Corn Processing Method and Sweet Bran Inclusion in Finishing Diets

Abstract

Abstract Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of corn processing method and wet corn gluten feed [Sweet Bran (SB); Cargill] concentration on feedlot performance and nutrient digestion. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial, consisting of two corn processing methods [steam-flaked corn (SFC) or a high-moisture corn (HMC) dry-rolled corn (DRC) blend] and 3 inclusions of SB (0, 20, or 40% of diet dry matter). In Exp. 1, yearling steers (n = 480; initial body weight = 363 ± 15.1 kg) were utilized in a randomized block design. A linear interaction was observed for average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F), and hot carcass weight (HCW; P < 0.01). At 0% SB, cattle fed SFC had greater ADG and HCW than cattle fed HMC/DRC. As SB increased, ADG and HCW increased at a greater rate for HMC/DRC cattle than SFC cattle resulting in similar ADG and HCW at 40% SB. At 0% SB, cattle fed SFC were 12.4% more efficient than cattle fed HMC/DRC, but as SB increased the improvement declined to 5.3%. In Exp. 2, 6 fistulated steers were utilized in a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Cattle fed SFC had greater starch digestibility (P < 0.01); HMC/DRC cattle tended to have greater neutral detergent fiber digestibility (P = 0.08). As SB increased, cattle fed SFC and HMC/DRC had greater dry matter intakes (DMI) in both studies (P > 0.01), and as a result, greater digestible energy (DE) intakes (P > 0.01). Increased DE intake improved ADG and G:F when feeding SB in Exp. 1 as explained by greater DMI and increased DE observed in Exp. 2. Feeding up to 40% SB in SFC diets doesn't affect feedlot performance and feeding SB in HMC/DRC based finishing diets linearly improves performance at inclusions up to 40%.