Dried distiller’s grains for feedlot Nellore cattle fed non-forage-based diets

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate intake, animal performance and carcass traits with the inclusion of corn dried distiller grains (DDGs) replacing cornmeal (Zea mays L.) in non-forage-based diets for finishing feedlot Nellore cattle. Sixty-four uncastrated Nellore cattle weighing 267.22 ± 20.4kg and 18 ± 3months old were distributed in 16 pens. Experimental diets were based on cornmeal, cottonseed cake, a mineral mixture and increased levels of DDG replacing cornmeal (0, 10, 20 and 30% on a dry matter basis). The study lasted 135days, and the intake of nutrients and body weight gain were monitored. At the end of the study, the animals were slaughtered to measure their carcass traits. During the first 34days of the study, the DDG levels linearly increased dry matter intake and intake of all nutrients. In other phases of the feedlot, the DDG levels did not have any effect on DMI or ADG but caused a quadratic effect on hot carcass weight. Thus, DDG can replace cornmeal in non-forage diets fed to feedlot Nellore cattle without any negative effect on intake or animal performance.