Corn Gluten Feed Research Articles

Effects of time of supplementation on cattle grazing annual ryegrass. III. Dry matter intake and digesta kinetics

ABSTRACT Grazing behavior of ruminants can be affected by different management practices, such as time of supplementation. Nutrient utilization for forage-fed cattle can be optimized through the timing of supplementing nutrients within a day. Time of day of supplementation on DMI and ruminal kinetics parameters of beef cattle grazing annual ryegrass and supplemented with corn gluten feed (CGF) was evaluated using 8 (2 per treatment) ruminally cannulated crossbred heifers (initial BW = 351 ± 22 kg). Treatments were 1) control, nonsupplemented; 2) morning (0700 h) supplementation with 0.5% of BW of CGF; 3) noon (1200 h) supplementation with 0.5% of BW of CGF; or 4) afternoon (1600 h) supplementation with 0.5% of BW of CGF. When DMI was expressed as percentage of BW, it was greater (P = 0.03) in noon-supplemented heifers compared with those supplemented at 0700 h. Noon-supplemented heifers also had greater (P > 0.05) fluid passage rate and flow rate when compared with heifers supplemented in the morning hours. Particulate passage rate was lower (P = 0.03) for the morning-supplemented treatment when compared with the afternoon-supplemented group. Transient time decreased (P = 0.02) for the control treatment, when compared with noon-supplemented heifers. These data suggest that time of supplementation with CGF affected DMI and digesta kinetics variables associated with those changes in DMI. The effect of treatment on fermentation parameters and digestibility of forage, supplement, and nutritional entities should be investigated.

Use of Corn Germ Meal in Diets for Pond‐Raised Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

AbstractCorn germ meal (CGM) is a by‐product of corn milling. On the basis of its nutrient composition and digestibility values, it appears to be a suitable ingredient for use in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, diets. A study was conducted to examine the use of various levels of CGM in diets for pond‐raised channel catfish. Four 28% protein diets containing 0, 15, 25, and 35% CGM were evaluated. Fingerling channel catfish (mean initial weight: 71 g/fish) were stocked into 24, 0.04‐ha ponds at a rate of 14,826 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for a 167‐d growing season. No significant differences were observed in total amount of diet fed, diet consumption per fish, net yield, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, survival, fillet yield, and fillet protein, fat, and moisture concentrations among fish fed diets containing various levels of CGM. Carcass yield decreased linearly as dietary CGM levels increased. Depending on prices, CGM can be used interchangeably with corn gluten feed in channel catfish diets as replacements for corn, wheat middlings, and soybean meal to reduce feed cost.

In situ ruminal crude protein degradability of by-products from cereals, oilseeds and animal origin

The aim of this study was to establish a database on in situ ruminal crude protein (CP) degradability characteristics of by-products from cereal grains, oilseeds and animal origin commonly fed to ruminants in Pakistan and South Asian Countries. The oilseed by-products were soybean meal, sunflower meal, mustard seed meal, cottonseed meal, decorticated and un-decorticated cottonseed cake, maize oil cake and mustard seed cake. The cereal grain by-products were corn gluten meal, corn gluten feed, guar meal, toria meal, rice meal, rice polishings, rice bran and wheat bran. The animal by-products were fish meal, feather meal, blood meal, and meat and bone meal. Four samples per feed were collected from different dairy farms (n=1), local markets (n=1), and agro-food industries (n=2). Ruminal protein degradation characteristics of the feeds were determined using the in situ nylon bag technique where each feed was incubated in the rumen of 3 mature steers for 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48h. There were large differences in instantly soluble (W) fraction, potentially rumen degradable (D) fraction, rate of degradation (kd) and effective degradability of crude protein (EDCP) among the by-product feeds. Among the oilseed by-products, mustard seed cake had the highest (P<0.05) and un-decorticated cottonseed cake had the lowest EDCP values at the three outflow rates (0.02, 0.05 and 0.08/h). Similarly, among cereal grain by-products wheat bran had the highest (P<0.05) and rice bran had the lowest EDCP. The animal by-product based protein feeds had lower kd and EDCP values compared to oilseeds and cereal grain by-product based protein feeds, and can be used to increase the bypass protein. The CP degradation parameters reported in this study can be used to optimize diet formulation for ruminant livestock in terms of protein supply to the animals, and reduce N losses to the environment and increase economic profitability of the dairy farmers.

Operational flexibility: A key factor in the development of biofuel technologies

Research on biofuels has been focused on improving yield of the conversion process while reducing the capital cost. Currently, 88% of the US ethanol production capacity and 96% of the planned expansion of capacity utilizes a dry milling process, which has a higher ethanol yield and a lower capital cost per gallon capacity than a wet milling process. However, the fact that all the corn ethanol plants that were bankrupted or idled during the 2008 economy recession used dry milling processes while all the plants that used wet milling processes had survived suggests that the efficiency driven approach may be flawed. This paper compares the economic performances of a typical dry milling plant with those of a typical wet milling plant under scenarios when market conditions are favorable or unfavorable to the corn ethanol production. The results show that the wet milling plant exhibits better performance under both scenarios due to its operational flexibility (e.g. having starch, high fructose corn syrup, gluten meal, gluten feed, and corn oil in its product portfolio). It is argued that the development of biofuel technologies should take operational flexibility into consideration in order to absorb disruptions from unexpected feedstock supply and volatile market conditions.

Efficacy Test of a Hydrolysable Tannin Extract Against Necrotic Enteritis in Challenged Broiler Chickens

A hydrolysable tannin extracted from chestnut (SaviotaN®) was tested for efficacy in controlling the proliferation of Clostridium perfringens in the gut of broiler chickens challenged via oral gavage first with coccidia (Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima) at the age of 10 days, and then with Clostridium perfringens at the age of 15 days. We randomly allocated 150 broiler chickens within 5 poultry isolators (30 birds each). Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (C) composed of corn [575 g/kg on dry matter (DM)] and soybean meal (100 g/kg DM), barley bran (220 g/kg DM), corn gluten feed (30 g/kg DM), soybean oil (25 g/kg DM), vitamin mineral premix (49.5 g/kg DM), and four other diets obtained by adding chestnut tannin extract (1.5, 3, 5, and 12 g/kg during week 1, 10.0 g/kg during week 2, and 8.0 g/kg during the last two weeks, respectively) to C. At the age of 20 days, 15 birds/group were euthanised and individually examined for the level of gut infection by counting Clostridium perfringens and macroscopic gut lesions. Results demonstrated that chestnut tannin gave significant results even at low concentration levels in the feed (1.5 to 3.0 g/kg), but was actually efficient in controlling necrotic enteritis at levels ≥5.0 g/kg. The treatment (12.0 g/kg during the first week and 8.0 g/kg during the last two weeks of age) resulted very efficient in controlling the proliferation of Clostridium perfringens and in reducing the severity of gut damage compared to the untreated infected group.

Possibilities of utilization of co-products from corn grain ethanol and starch production

In recent decades, the expansion of alternative fuels production from crops traditionally used for food and animal feed has led to significant changes in the field of energy production, agriculture and food industry. Starch and sugar feedstocks for ethanol production (corn, wheat, sugar beet, sugar cane, etc.) require increasing arable land to meet market demands for the biofuel production. Although intensive studies are being carried out in order to identify improved and more cost-effective methods for the utilization of lignocellulosic and communal waste in the production of alcohol fuel, the possibility of using dry distillers? grains with solubles (DDGS), by-product of bioethanol production from corn and wheat as well as alcoholic beverages industry, is now in focus. Application of DDGS in livestock and poultry diets in concentrations greater than traditional could positively affect the economic viability of this biofuel production, but also stabilize the current imbalance in the food and animal feed market. However, DDGS feedstuff should not be treated as a perfect substitute for corn because the complexity of ration formulation determined at the farm or feedlot level is driven by energy and protein and other nutrient requirements, as well as their relative costs in the ration. Nevertheless, processing of corn by wet milling provides a multitude of co-products suitable for feedstuffs, food industry, pharmaceuticals, chemistry etc. Some of the most important wet milling co-products that have their use in feedstuffs are corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. The use of DDGS as a substitute for traditional feed could prevent indirect land-use changes associated with biofuel production, and therefore preserve the environmental destruction by saving the forests and permanent pastures. The use of distiller?s grains can be beneficial to biofuel growth as this is an additional, the second largest, source of income accounting of 10-20% total income. In this paper, the possibilities of by-products from corn grain bioethanol and alcoholic beverages production are represented. Emphasis is placed on the dry distillers' grains with solubles, which is the most abundant and for researchers currently the most attractive co-product of bioethanol industry. Co-products from wet milling starch and ethanol production have not yet been thoroughly investigated and therefore represent an interesting subject for further research.

Wet distillers grain and solubles vs. wet corn gluten feed for newly received and growing cattle (2013)

Introduction In many instances, due in part to price per unit of energy and proximity to production, Kansas beef producers have the opportunity to incorporate grain-processing byproducts such as wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) and wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) into diets for newly received and growing cattle. Although a number of previous studies have compared these two byproducts for use in finishing diets, little information is available for receiving and growing cattle diets. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the performance outcomes of newly arrived and growing calves fed either WDGS or WCGF relative to a standard corn-based diet.

Effects of corn processing and wet corn gluten feed on newly received and growing cattle (2013)

Newly arrived feedlot cattle present numerous challenges and are often considered to be the most difficult type of fed cattle to handle. Receiving cattle typically are highly stressed and have had feed withheld for a significant amount of time. Formulating rations that are cost-effective and nutrient-dense is essential to accommodating lowered intake. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate effects of corn processing (whole shelled or dry-rolled), wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) inclusion, and their interaction on cattle performance.

Use of corn gluten feed and dried distillers grains plus solubles as a replacement for soybean meal and corn for supplementation in a corn silage-based stocker system

Corn gluten feed and dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) were evaluated as replacements for soybean meal and ground ear corn when supplemented with corn silage during 2 yr of a beef cattle stockering program. Experiment 1: In YR 1, 104 steers (initial BW = 305 ± 30 kg), and in YR 2, 56 steers and 38 heifers (initial BW = 301 ± 32 kg) were stratified by weight and assigned to 1 of 9 groups. Each group was randomly assigned to 1 of 3 corn silage-based (75% of DM) diets supplemented with: i) corn gluten feed (CGF), ii) DDGS, or iii) soybean meal and ground ear corn (CSBM) at 25% of DM. On d 0, 28, 56, and 84, BW and BCS were recorded. Additionally, ribeye area, 12th rib fat thickness, intramuscular fat, and rump fat thickness were assessed via ultrasound on 9 (YR1) and 4 (YR 2) steers per pen that were randomly assigned as observational units. Average daily gain was greater (P < 0.05) for steers fed DDGS and CSBM compared with CGF (1.08, 1.08, and 0.94 kg/d, respectively). Average DMI (P < 0.05) was less for DDGS compared with CSBM with CGF intermediate (18.1, 18.8, 20.2 g/kg BW, respectively), and the resulting G:F was greatest for DDGS (P = 0.01). Cost per kilogram of BW gain was least for DDGS (P > 0.05). Ultrasound data indicated no differences (P ≥ 0.13) in predicted carcass traits among treatments. Experiment 2: Diets from Exp. 1 were subjected to in vitro digestion for incubation times of 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h to estimate DM degradation, gas production kinetics, and CP fractions. The potentially degradable DM fraction was greater (P = 0.01) for CSBM compared with CGF and DDG. Total gas production and rate of gas production was not different among treatments (P > 0.42). Rumen degradable protein was greatest for CSBM and least for DDG (P = 0.001). These data indicate that DDGS can be used to replace soybean meal and corn in silage-based stocker systems to decrease feed costs without compromising animal performance and CGF may decrease animal performance.

Effects of wet corn gluten feed and yellow grease on digestive function of cattle fed steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets

Twelve ruminally cannulated, English-crossbred steers (436±16kg) were used in a completely random experiment to evaluate the influence of dietary wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) and yellow grease (fat) in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets on diet intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation characteristics. Treatments consisted of steam-flaked corn-based diets containing the following WCGF/fat combinations: (1) 0g/kg WCGF/30g/kg added fat (STD3), (2) 250g/kg WCGF/0g/kg added fat (WCGF0), and (3) 250g/kg WCGF/30g/kg added fat (WCGF3). Steers fed WCGF3 consumed more (P=0.01) dry matter (DM) than did those fed STD3 or WCGF0 (23.5>18.4=18.8±0.9g/kg of body weight (BW) daily, respectively). Organic matter intake was also greater (P≤0.02) for WCGF3-fed steers than steers fed STD3 and WCGF0 (22.1>17.7=17.8±0.8g/kg BW, respectively). Total tract digestibilities of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (aNDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude protein (CP) were not different (P≥0.15) in the 3 groups. Digestion of aNDF was greater in cattle fed WCGF3 and WCGF0 than in those fed STD3 (1.6=1.3>0.8±0.1g/kg BW, respectively). Ruminal fluid dilution rate (0.075>0.057=0.052±0.4/h for WCGF3, WCGF0, and STD3, respectively) and particulate passage rate (0.059>0.042=0.036±0.4/h, for WCGF3, WCGF0, and STD3, respectively) increased (P<0.03) in steers fed WCGF3 compared with those fed WCGF0 and STD3. Ruminal pH was greater (P<0.05) in steers fed WCGF0 than in those fed WCGF3 and STD3 (5.9>5.4=5.3±0.1, respectively). Total ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) in WCGF0-fed steers tended to be less (P<0.09) than in steers fed WCGF3 or STD3 (97.8<119.4=122.6±6.8mM, respectively). Ruminal propionate concentration (mol/100mol) tended to be greater (P≤0.06) in steers fed WCGF3 (43.4±2.1) than in those consuming WCGF0 (35.0±2.1) or STD3 (34.0±2.1). The acetate:propionate ration tended to be greater (P<0.09) in steers fed STD3 and WCGF0 than in those fed WCGF3 (1.3=1.3>0.9±0.1, respectively). Supplementing 30g/kg fat to a finishing diet containing 250g/kg WCGF increased DM intake due to faster liquid and particle passage rates, and to increased total tract nutrient digested.

Multi-batch catfish production and economic analysis using alternative (low-cost) diets with corn gluten feed and traditional diets with meat and bone meal

We conducted concurrent feeding trials for one growing season with channel catfish in ponds in Mississippi and Arkansas to evaluate the production and economic effects of alternative (low-cost) feeds containing 28 or 32% protein and alternative (corn gluten feed) or traditional (porcine meat, bone and blood meal) protein sources. Supplemental lysine was added to all diets except the 32% protein traditional diet to meet the available lysine requirement for catfish. Higher concentrations of dicalcium phosphate were also included in the alternative diets to meet the available phosphorus requirement for catfish. Fish were stocked in a multi-batch system and the same diets and general management protocols were used at both sites. At harvest, there were no differences in the total amount of feed fed, yield of market-size fish, mean weight of market-size fish, feed conversion, survival, carcass yield, or fillet yield among dietary treatments at both sites. There were some differences in processing yield and fillet composition, but the main diet effect was the higher yield of fingerlings fed diets with 32% protein compared to 28% protein in the Arkansas trial. The 28% protein alternative (corn gluten feed) diet would result in the best Year 1 cash flow because the yield of marketable fish was the same, at a lower total feed cost. However, the lower yield of fingerlings fed 28% protein diets will weaken the farm's balance sheet and show reduced profitability. Second-year performance and economics of understocked fish fed 28% protein diets are unknown.

Effects of Diets with 28% or 32% Protein and Meat and Bone Meal or Corn Gluten Feed on Performance of Golden Shiners in Pools

AbstractAlternative diets made without marine proteins and with more plant ingredients are being used in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus with the goal of maintaining profitability. The potential to use similar diets for baitfish may be greater because they consume natural foods throughout production. We conducted a feeding trial in outdoor pools with golden shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas using four practical diets with 28% or 32% protein in formulas with porcine meat and bone meal (MBM) or corn gluten feed (CGF) and no animal protein. Groups of 200 fish with a total initial weight of 37.7 ± 0.9 g (mean ± SE) were stocked into each of four 4.1‐m3static pools per treatment and fed daily to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. Diet effects were assessed by measuring growth, survival, feed conversion, condition index, and body composition. Chlorophyll a and zooplankton were sampled to gauge natural productivity. Individual weight and total length of golden shiners were greater in fish fed diets with 32% protein than in those fed diets with 28% protein and in fish fed diets with CGF than in those fed diets with MBM. However, the differences were not commercially relevant as all fish would grade into the “small crappie minnow” category. Mean individual weight gain (based on group initial and final weights), feed intake, feed conversion, and survival were similar in golden shiners fed diets with 28% or 32% protein and MBM or CGF. However, golden shiners fed diets with MBM had more body fat, higher Fulton's K index, and higher relative weight than those fed diets with CGF. These traits may indicate greater robustness, which is more important in baitfish than rapid growth. The 28%‐protein diet with MBM was the least expensive option that increased body fat and condition of golden shiners. Natural productivity was positively correlated with fish growth, enhancing the potential to use less expensive diets in golden shiners in outdoor systems.

Effects of wet corn gluten feed on ruminal pH and productivity of lactating dairy cattle fed diets with sufficient physically effective fiber

Wet corn gluten feed (WCGF), a byproduct of the wet-milling industry, is commonly substituted in lactating dairy rations for both forages and concentrates. Previous research has shown that increasing WCGF in the diet decreased ruminal pH, likely due in part to decreasing particle size as forage inclusion rate decreased. The objective of this study was to maintain at least 10% of ration particles >19mm in length across diets while increasing WCGF inclusion in the diet. We hypothesized that as WCGF increased in this scenario, dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield would increase and ruminal pH would be maintained. Seven ruminally cannulated, lactating Holstein cows (4 multiparous and 3 primiparous) were used in an incomplete 4×4 Latin square design. Treatments included 0, 12.4, 24.5, or 35.1% WCGF and used alfalfa hay to maintain particle size. Across treatments, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber concentrations were held relatively constant. Four 21-d periods were used with 17d of adaptation and 4d of sample collection. Indwelling ruminal pH probes were used during sampling periods and recorded pH every 5min. Particle size of total mixed rations and orts were analyzed using a Penn State Particle Separator (The Pennsylvania State University, University Park). Results were analyzed with mixed models to test the fixed effect of treatment. All diets contained ≥10% of particles >19mm; however, as WCGF increased, the proportion of particles >19mm decreased. Interestingly, with increasing WCGF, cows sorted for the particles >19mm but against particles on the bottom screen and pan. With increasing WCGF, ruminal pH was not affected, but DMI and milk yield increased in a quadratic fashion, with the peak responses for the 24.5% WCGF diet. Milk protein, lactose, and fat concentrations were not affected by treatment; however, milk protein and lactose yields increased with the inclusion of WCGF because of the increased milk yield. Production efficiency was not affected by treatments. Thus, if adequate particle size is maintained when WCGF increases in the diet, DMI and milk yield increase while maintaining production efficiency and ruminal pH.

Effects of feeding crude glycerin on performance and ruminal kinetics of lactating Holstein cows fed corn silage- or cottonseed hull-based, low-fiber diets

The objective was to determine whether crude glycerin could partially replace concentrate ingredients in corn silage- or cottonseed hull-based diets formulated to support minimal milk fat production without reducing milk production. Multiparous, lactating Holstein cows (n=24; 116±13d in milk) were assigned to dietary treatments arranged in a 2×3 factorial design; namely, 2 dietary roughage sources (cottonseed hulls or corn silage) and 3 dietary concentrations of glycerin [0, 5, or 10% on a dry matter (DM) basis]. Four different cows received each dietary treatment in each of 3 periods such that each diet was evaluated using 12 cows. Crude glycerin, produced using soybean oil, contained 12% water, 5% oil, 6.8% sodium chloride, and 0.4% methanol. Glycerin partially replaced ground corn, corn gluten feed, and citrus pulp. Diets of minimum fiber concentrations were fed to lactating dairy cows and resulted in low concentrations of milk fat (averaging 3.12% for cows fed diets without glycerin). The effects of glycerin on cow performance and ruminal measurements were the same for both dietary roughage sources with the exception of feed efficiency. Replacing concentrate with crude glycerin at 5% of dietary DM increased DM intake without increasing milk yield. Concentration and yield of milk fat were reduced when glycerin was fed at 10% of dietary DM. This was accompanied by a 30% reduction in apparent total-tract digestion of dietary neutral detergent fiber. Crude glycerin affected the microbial population in the rumen as evidenced by increased molar proportions of propionic, butyric, and valeric acids and decreased molar proportions of acetic acid. Efficiency of N utilization was improved as evidenced by lower concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and ruminal ammonia-N. Cows fed cottonseed hull-based diets consumed 5.3kg/d more DM but produced only 1.7kg/d more milk, resulting in reduced efficiency. Increased production of ruminal microbial protein, molar proportion of propionic acid, and passage of ruminal fluid resulted from feeding the cottonseed hull- versus corn silage-based diets, although apparent digestibilities of DM and neutral detergent fiber were reduced. Replacing 5 and 10% of concentrate ingredients with crude glycerin improved efficiency of 4% fat-corrected milk production when corn silage-based diets were fed but decreased it when cottonseed hull-based diets were fed.

Effects of dietary addition of capsicum extract on intake, water consumption, and rumen fermentation of fattening heifers fed a high-concentrate diet1

Four beef Holstein heifers (BW = 438 ± 71 kg) fitted with a 1-cm i.d. plastic ruminal trocars were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to evaluate the effect of 3 doses of capsicum extract (CAP) on intake, water consumption, and ruminal fermentation in heifers fed a high-concentrate diet. Animals were fed (DM basis) 10% barley straw and 90% concentrate (32.2% barley grain, 27.9% ground corn, 7.5% wheat bran, 10.7% soybean meal, 10.7% soybean hulls, 7.2% corn gluten feed, 3.1% mineral-vitamin mix; 16.6% CP, 18.3% NDF). Treatments were no additive (CTR), 125 (CAP125), 250 (CAP250), and 500 (CAP500) mg/d of capsicum oleoresin standardized with 6% of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin (XTract 6933, Pancosma, Geneva, Switzerland). Each experimental period consisted of 25 d (15 d for adaptation, 5 d of continuous measurement of DMI, and 3 d for rumen sample collection). Animals had ad libitum access to water and feed offered once daily at 0800 h. Data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure of SAS. The model included the fixed effects of period and treatment, the random effect of heifer, and the residual error. The effects were tested for linear and quadratic effects. A linear response was observed (CTR, CAP125, CAP250, and CAP500, respectively) for DMI (8.56, 9.84, 8.68, and 9.40 kg/d; P < 0.04), ruminal pH (6.03, 5.84, 5.96, and 5.86; P < 0.08) and total VFA (134.3, 144.8, 140.1, and 142.8 mM; P < 0.08). There was a strong correlation between water consumption and DMI (R(2) = 0.98). Dry matter intake in the first 2 h after feeding was reduced (P < 0.05) in all CAP treatments compared with control. The molar proportion of acetate tended to decrease linearly (from 59.6 to 55.5 mol/100 mol; P < 0.06), and ammonia N concentration tended to increase linearly (from 14.4 to 16.0 mg N/dL; P < 0.08). In contrast, the molar proportion of propionate (23.8 mol/100 mol), butyrate (14.2 mol/100 mol), and lactate (0.28 mol/100 mol) were not affected by treatments. Results indicate that capsicum extract stimulated DMI and modified the pattern of DMI in beef cattle fed high concentrate diets.

Evaluation of traditional diet and corn gluten feed substituted alternative diet for pond-raised hybrid catfish on production and xanthophyll level

In the United States, catfish industry is a mature industry with a long history of success. However, the industry faces numerous challenges while it evolves and adapts to shifting inputs and market demands, such as the dramatic increase in the price of feed ingredients and requests for more consistent fillet color. There is considerable interest in reducing the cost of production diets either by reducing the protein content or by using alternative ingredients such as corn gluten feed. Towards this goal, a pond study was conducted to evaluate the utilization of alternative feed containing 20% corn gluten feed compared to traditional feed without corn gluten feed for the production of channel-blue hybrid catfish. Both alternative and traditional feeds were formulated with two protein contents (28% and 32%). In addition to traditional parameters, the xanthophyll contents on the fish fillets were determined. Upon initiation of the pond trial, 600 hybrid catfish fingerlings were stocked in each of 20 0.04-ha ponds, with a mean weight of 34.5g/fish. Fish were fed four experimental diets once daily to apparent satiation over a summer growing season. No significant differences were found in growth performance and feed utilization among the four treatments, including gross and net yield, total amount of feed fed, estimated feed conversion ratio and survival. No significant differences were found in mean individual fish weight and mean total body length at harvest, relative weight index and dressout (headed and gutted). However, intraperitoneal fat ratio was significantly lower in fish fed the alternative feeds indicating lower energy content of the diet. No significant differences were observed in hematology and immune response indices. Xanthophyll levels in diets and in fillet were linearly related, but without discernible yellow color. These data generally indicate that channel-blue hybrids can efficiently utilize all the four experimental diets with satisfying production result.

Effects of receiving diets based on wet corn gluten feed on performance and morbidity of newly received beef heifers and in vitro fermentation

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Two proprietary complete starter diets (RAMP and Test Starter) based on Sweet Bran wet corn gluten feed were compared with a 65%-concentrate receiving diet (control) in terms of performance and health of newly received heifers and in vitro fermentation of diet substrates. In Exp. 1, 2 truckloads of beef heifers (n = 238; average initial BW=184 kg) were fed the experimental diets during a 35-d receiving period. Initial BW did not differ (P > 0.35) among dietary treatments, but BW on d 35 was greater (P = 0.002) for control heifers than for the average of heifers fed the 2 complete starter diets. Average daily gain (P ≤ 0.001), intake of milled feed DM (P ≤ 0.001), and G:F (P ≤ 0.001) were greater for the control diet than for the average of the 2 complete starter diets at all the measurement periods. The proportion of heifers treated one or more times for bovine respiratory disease (P ≥ 0.433) did not differ among the 3 dietary treatments. In Exp. 2, the 3 receiving diets were used to evaluate in vitro total gas production, IVDMD, and VFA proportions. Total gas produced was greater (P = 0.013) for the control than for the average of RAMP and Test Starter substrates. In contrast to gas-production results, IVDMD was greater (P ≤ 0.013) for the 2 Sweet Bran–based substrates than for the control at most incubation times. Total VFA and the acetate:propionate ratio did not differ (P > 0.052) between control and average of the RAMP and Test Starter substrates, but proportion of butyrate was increased (P = 0.002) with the 2 complete starter substrates compared with the control. Results indicate that heifers fed the 2 complete starter diets used in this experiment did not perform as well as control heifers, but dietary treatments did not affect bovine respiratory disease morbidity during the receiving period. Contrasting results for IVDMD and gas production presumably reflect differences in major ingredients of the substrates and perhaps the proportion of soluble components in Sweet Bran.

Indirect Estimation of CH4 from Livestock Feeds through TOCs Evaluation.

Thirty-five available feeds were fermented in vitro in order to investigate their soluble total organic carbon (TOCs) and methane (CH4) production rate. A fermentation reactor was designed to capture the CH4 gas emitted and to collect liquor from the reactor during in vitro fermentation. The results showed that CH4 production rate greatly varied among feeds with different ingredients. The lowest CH4-producing feeds were corn gluten feed, brewer’s grain, and orchard grass among the energy, protein, and forage feed groups, respectively. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in digestibility, soluble total organic carbon (TOCs), and CH4 emissions among feeds, during 48 h of in vitro fermentation. Digestibility and TOCs was not found to be related due to different fermentation pattern of each but TOCs production was directly proportional to CH4 production (y = 0.0076x, r2 = 0.83). From this in vitro study, TOCs production could be used as an indirect index for estimation of CH4 emission from feed ingredients.

Evaluation of Corn Gluten Feed and Cottonseed Meal as Partial Replacements for Soybean Meal and Corn in Diets for Pond‐raised Hybrid Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus×I. furcatus

This study examined the use of corn gluten feed (CGF) and cottonseed meal (CSM) to partially replace soybean meal and corn in diets for pond‐raised hybrid catfish, Ictalurus punctatus×I. furcatus. Five 28% protein diets containing various combinations of CGF and CSM were evaluated. Fingerling hybrid catfish (mean initial weight: 45 g/fish) were stocked into 25, 0.04‐ha ponds at a rate of 14,826 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for a 179‐d growing season. CGF at 30% of the diet (10% CSM) and a combination of CGF and CSM up to 25% each did not affect physical quality (percentages floatability and feed dust) of the diet. No significant differences were observed in total amount of diet fed, net yield, diet consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival, and fillet proximate nutrient composition among fish fed various diets. Results show that hybrid catfish can utilize CGF at levels up to 30% of the diet (10% CSM), and a combination of CGF and CSM up to 25% each without significantly affecting growth, diet consumption, FCR, and fillet proximate nutrient composition. However, a combination of CGF and CSM at 20% each and above reduced carcass yield.

TECHNICAL NOTE: Cost of reducing protein and phosphorus content of dairy rations

Reducing overfeeding of CP and phosphorus (P) is an effective method to reduce excess nutrient excretion by dairy cows. However market conditions frequently cause ingredients that are counterproductive to this goal to be the most economically attractive source of protein and energy. Less expensive feeds such as dried distillers grains and corn gluten feed are high in P or high in both CP and P. A linear program (Formulate2, Central Valley Nutritional Associates, Visalia, CA) was used to determine the effect of formulating rations for