Comparative Value of Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles, Soybean Oil Meal, and Linseed Oil Meal for Milk Production

Abstract

Summary Two experiments were conducted to compare the value for milk production of corn distillers dried grains with solubles, solvent extracted soybean oil meal, and linseed oil meal when these feeds were the primary protein supplements in milking rations. Milk production was significantly higher on the feeds containing corn distillers dried grains or soybean oil meal than on mixtures containing linseed oil meal. The digestibility of the three high protein supplements was measured with lactating cows. The supplements were fed as the only concentrate, along with second cutting alfalfa hay and the digestion coefficients calculated by difference. The total digestible nutrient values on a dry matter basis were 84.8, 85.2, and 67.8% for the corn distillers dried grains with solubles, soybean oil meal, and linseed oil meal, respectively.