PSX-31 Effects of substitution of corn and soybean meal with dried distiller’s grains and solubles (DDGS) in legume based diets on lamb feed intake, body weight gain and blood metabolites

Abstract

Abstract In the United States, bioethanol is generated from corn and biodiesel from soybean oil to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. Ethanol production generates DDGS, high in bypass protein and soluble carbohydrates, which can be used as a cheaper alternative replacement for corn and soybean. This experiment was conducted to evaluate voluntary feed intake, body weight gain and blood metabolites of lambs fed legume-based diets supplemented with corn and soybean meal or dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS). Animals were individually housed in pens (1.52 mx 1.52 m) under a modified carport shed with woodchips as bedding. They were stratified into four groups (n = 9) with similar weights and standard deviation and randomly assigned to four treatments. The lambs were fed ground sericea hay (SL) or alfalfa meal (ALF) with either corn and soybean meal (control) or DDGS for 60 days. Treatments were SLC, SLDDGS, ALFC and AFLDDGS. The lambs were fed ad libitum based on their selected treatment and given water daily. At the end of the 60 days, weights and blood samples were collected. Plasma samples were analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Data were analyzed using Proc Mix Procedure of SAS. Results indicated that replacing corn with DDGS did not (P > 0.05) affect voluntary feed intake, final live weight and carcass weight. Blood NEFA and glucose were not affected by dietary treatments. BUN increased in lambs fed alfalfa with corn and soybean meal compared to animals fed either legume supplemented with DDGS. Similarly animals fed sericea have lower (P < 0.05) BUN (19 vs 23 mg/dL) when corn and soybean meal were replaced with DDGS. DDGS can be used in legume diets for growing lambs in replacement for corn and soybean meal.