The effects of feeding a low level of distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to yearling Holstein steers

Abstract

We examined the effects of feeding a low percentage of distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to yearling Holstein beef steers during the late stage of the fattening period on growth performance and carcass quality. Fifteen animals were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) feed plus a DDGS supplement equal to 10% of the total feed weight for 3 months (DDGS group). The other 15 animals were fed TMR with no DDGS (Control group). The vitamin E (VE) levels in the blood from the DDGS group showed a tendency to be higher in the DDGS group (P=0.056). Blood urea nitrogen levels in the DDGS group were also higher (P<0.05). The Beef Color Standard (BCS) number for the DDGS group was also higher than that for the Control group (P<0.05). Forty-eight hours after cutting, the yellowness (b*) value for Longissimus muscle in the DDGS group was significantly higher (P<0.05) and the redness (a*) value in the DDGS group tended to be higher than that in the Control group (P=0.05). The study results show a potential for adding value to yearling beef by improving the ability to maintain meat color with an increase in VE content.