Dry Corn Gluten Feed Research Articles

Intake, performance, meat quality and fatty acid profile of Nellore bulls finished in feedlot with diets containing dry corn gluten feed

We evaluate the effects of dry corn gluten feed (DCGF) levels in the finishing diet of Nellore cattle on feed intake, performance, carcass traits, meat quality and fatty acid profile. A hundred twenty non-castrated Nellore bulls (Bos indicus), with an average initial body weight of 361.66 ± 14.85 kg were used. Animals received feedlot diets containing different levels of DCGF (0, 18, 36 and 54%, dietary DM basis). This corn by-product, which is rich in fiber and protein, improves intake, performance, and hot carcass weight of animals, without impairing meat color and shear force (SF). Although backfat thickness was similar between the control and the DCGF treatments, there was a tendency towards a reduction in the intramuscular fat (IMF) content of Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle, and a change of the IMF fatty acid profile of LT muscle at levels above 18% DCGF. Greater amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), saturated fatty acid (SFA), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were found in animals finished with diets containing 18 and 36% DCGF when compared to the control diet, which may reflect the changes in rumen pH and biohydrogenation in response to changes in dietary carbohydrate source. Moreover, these results could be due the greater amounts of total SFA and MUFA found in DCGF compared to ground corn and soybean meal.

Concentrate supplementation with dried corn gluten feed improves the fatty acid profile of longissimus thoracis muscle from steers offered grass silage.

Concentrate supplementation of a grass silage-based ration is a typical practice employed for indoor winter finishing of beef cattle in many temperate countries. Plant by-products, such as dried corn gluten feed (CGF), can be used to replace conventional feedstuffs in a concentrate supplement to enhance the sustainability of ruminant production systems and to improve meat quality. This study examined the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and sensory attributes of beef (longissimus thoracis muscle) from steers offered grass silage and concentrate supplements containing varying levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%) of CGF substituted for barley / soybean meal. Feeding 50%CGF decreased the protein content and increased intramuscular fat in comparison with 25%CGF. Total phenol content and iron-reducing antioxidant power followed the order: 0%CGF > 50%CGF and 25%CGF > 0%CGF=50%CGF, respectively. Compared to 0%CGF, 25%CGF and 75%CGF decreased C14:0 and increased C22:2n-6, C20:5n-3 and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids whereas 75%CGF increased conjugated linoleic acids and C18:3n-3. Diet did not affect the oxidative stability and sensory attributes of beef patties. The inclusion of up to 75%CGF in a supplementary concentrate for steers increased the proportion of health-promoting unsaturated fatty acids without negatively influencing the shelf-life and eating quality of longissimus thoracis muscle. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Replacing alfalfa hay with dry corn gluten feed alters eating behavior, nutrient digestibility, and performance of lactating dairy cows

The objective of this trial was to determine the amount of alfalfa hay (AH) in low forage diets that could be replaced with dried corn gluten feed (DCGF) without negatively altering eating behaviour, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and performance of lactating dairy cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment. Treatments included (dry matter [DM] basis): 18.81% AH without DCGF (0DCGF,); 12.53% AH and 6.26% DCGF (6DCGF); 6.26% AH and 12.53% DCGF (12DCGF); and 0% AH and 18.81% DCGF (18 DCGF). Diet particle size and physically effective neutral detergent fibre declined linearly (p < .001) as DCGF replaced AH resulting in a linear decrease (p < .001) in time (min/d) spent eating, ruminating, and chewing. As DCGF replaced AH, ruminal pH decreased linearly (p = .003) and total VFA concentrations increased linearly (p = .02) tending to be highest (p = .062) for 12DCGF. Ruminal acetate and butyrate, and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations declined linearly (p = .001) whereas ruminal propionate concentration increased linearly (p = .001) as DCGF increased. Dry matter intake (DMI; p = .001) and nutrient digestibility increased linearly (p < .05) and tended to be greatest (p < .10) for 12DCGF. Milk yield (MY; p = .016) and protein yield (p = .001) increased linearly, but milk fat yield declined as DCGF replaced 6 and 12% of AH and decreased more when DCGF replaced all AH resulting in a quadratic response (p = .041). Results of this trial suggest that replacing 12% of the AH with DCGF increases MY because of higher DMI and nutrient digestibility, but replacing all of the AH with DCGF reduces milk fat yield and dairy efficiency. Highlights DCGF can replace AH to improve nutrient digestibility and milk yield. Improvements in nutrient digestibility when DCGF replaces AH potentially reduce total waste production of dairy cows. Completely replacing AH with DCGF in low forage diets reduces milk fat yield due to change in ruminal fermentation.

PSI-12 Inclusion of dried corn gluten feed in a concentrate supplement for grass silage-fed steers improves the fatty acid profile of beef.

PSI-12 Inclusion of dried corn gluten feed in a concentrate supplement for grass silage-fed steers improves the fatty acid profile of beef.

56 Determining the energy value of dried corn gluten feed in forage-based beef rations.

56 Determining the energy value of dried corn gluten feed in forage-based beef rations.

Replacing alfalfa hay with dry corn gluten feed and Chinese wild rye grass: Effects on rumen fermentation, rumen microbial protein synthesis, and lactation performance in lactating dairy cows

This experiment was conducted to investigate nutrient digestibility, rumen microbial protein synthesis, and lactation performance when a portion of alfalfa was replaced with combinations of dry corn gluten feed (DCGF) and Chinese wild rye grass in the diet of lactating cows. Six multiparous and 3 primiparous Chinese Holsteins were arranged in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment for 21-d periods. The animals were fed 1 of 3 treatment diets during each period: (1) 0% DCGF (0DCGF); (2) 6.5% DCGF (7DCGF); and (3) 11% DCGF (11DCGF). Diets were isonitrogenous, and a portion of alfalfa hay was replaced with DCGF and Chinese wild rye grass, with similar concentrate mixtures and corn silage contents. The dry matter intake was greater for 11DCGF (21.9 kg/d) than for 0DCGF (20.7 kg/d) or 7DCGF (21.2 kg/d). The treatment diets did not result in difference in milk production, fat and lactose concentration, or yield. Compared with 0DCGF, the ration containing 11% DCGF improved the milk protein concentration. Dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility was greater for 7DCGF (62.7% and 45.6%) and 11DCGF (63.1% and 47.2%) than for 0DCGF (59.4% and 42.3%), and the nitrogen digestibility was similar for the 3 treatments. The concentration of rumen volatile fatty acids was higher in cows fed the 11DCGF diet than in those fed the 0DCGF diet, with no difference between the 7DCGF and 11DCGF diets. The estimated microbial crude protein yield was greater for the 11DCGF diet (1985.1 g/d) than for the 0DCGF diet (1745.0 g/d), with no difference between the 0DCGF and 7DCGF diets. Thus, it appears that feeding DCGF and Chinese wild rye grass in combination can effectively replace a portion of alfalfa hay in the rations of lactating dairy cows.

Long-term use of corn coproducts as a source of protein in beef finishing diets and the effects on carcass characteristics and round muscle quality.

A finishing trial was conducted during the late spring and summer of 2 consecutive years to evaluate long-term feeding of corn gluten feed and dried distillers' grains with solubles in finishing rations in the southeastern United States on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes. Each year, 36 steers (yr 1 BW = 396 ± 18 kg; yr 2 BW = 436 ± 23 kg) were assigned to 1 of 3 finishing diets that contained 1) 25% dried corn gluten feed (CGF), 2) 25% dried distillers' grains plus solubles (DDGS), or 3) 10% soybean meal and 15% ground corn (SBM) and evaluated over a 100-d feedlot period. All steers were previously fed their respective diets at 25% of DM in a corn silage-based stockering system for 84 d. During the 100-d feedlot trial, weights were recorded and carcass traits were estimated via ultrasound on d -0, 50, and 100. All steers were subsequently harvested under federal inspection and had carcass data collected for quality and yield traits. At 48 h postmortem, the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and semimembranosus (SM) were collected for proximate analysis and aged for 7, 14, and 21 d for Warner-Bratzler shear and sensory analysis. Diet did not affect ( ≥ 0.14) BW, DMI, or ultrasound composition traits; however, DDGS steers had greater ADG ( = 0.05) than SBM steers and had greater ( = 0.04) G:F than CGF or SBM steers. There were no differences in carcass characteristics due to diet except the CGF carcasses had greater LM area and marbling scores ( ≤ 0.05). Protein source did not affect proximate composition, but the RF had greater percent moisture and lower percent protein compared with the VL and SM and greater percent lipid than the SM ( ≤ 0.01). Shear force analysis revealed a diet × aging period interaction ( = 0.04) where DDGS steaks were similar across all aging periods; however, steaks from SBM and CGF carcasses became more tender after 14 and 21 d of aging, respectively. Sensory panel results indicate that DDGS steaks were more tender than CGF and SBM steaks ( = 0.02) and steak tenderness increased, as expected, with aging ( < 0.01). The RF was rated as being more tender ( < 0.01) than the VL and SM, which were similar ( > 0.05). These data show that long-term use of CGF or DDGS at 25% DM will have a minimal impact on animal performance, carcass characteristics, or sensory traits of selected round cuts.

Effect of long-term corn by-product feeding on beef quality, strip loin fatty acid profiles, and shelf life

The objective of this study was to evaluate the meat quality and shelf life of steaks from steers fed dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) or dried corn gluten feed (CGF) compared with soybean meal with corn (SBM) as a protein supplement from weaning to slaughter. Angus cross steers (n = 81; BW = 306 ± 26.1 kg) were randomly assigned to pens (n = 9) and fed a stocker diet of corn silage (75% of DM) with DDGS, CGF, or SBM and ground ear corn. After 84 d of stockering, 12 steers (BW = 397 ± 15.3 kg) were randomly selected from each treatment and finished using the same protein supplement at 25% of DM for 100 d. Carcass data were collected (24 h) and the longissimus lumborum was fabricated into steaks at 48 h postmortem. Steaks were assigned to proximate analysis, Warner-Bratzler shear force (7-, 14-, or 21-d aging), and retail display (1, 3, 6, or 9 d). Protein source did not affect carcass yield, quality, or longissimus lumborum composition (P > 0.05). After 7 d of aging, DDGS and CGF steaks were more tender (P < 0.01) than SBM, but were similar (P = 0.30) after 14 and 21 d of aging. Feeding corn by-products did not influence subjective overall color acceptance (P = 0.17) in this study, but acceptance declined over time (P < 0.01). Subjective redness was similar (P > 0.05) among diets except SBM steaks were more red (P < 0.01) than DDGS after 9 d. On d 3 and 6 of retail display, CGF steaks exhibited more discoloration (P < 0.04) than SBM or DDGS steaks. However, after 9 d DDGS steaks were more discolored (P < 0.01) than CGF or SBM. Objective L* was lighter for CGF (P < 0.04) over 9 d of display, and all treatments became darker (P < 0.01) as time increased. Redness (a*) declined (P < 0.01) over time with SBM steaks maintaining more color in the red spectrum than CGF and DDGS after 6 d of display. Protein source did not affect (P > 0.05) the rate of lipid oxidation. Total SFA concentrations were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments; however, total MUFA were less (P < 0.05) and total PUFA concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in DDGS steaks compared with SBM or CGF steaks. These data show that DDGS or CGF can be fed as a protein supplement at 25% DM from weaning until slaughter while maintaining meat quality when compared with steers fed soybean meal as a protein supplement.

Colour score as a guide for estimating the protein value of corn gluten feed

Dry corn gluten feed (CGF) is a raw material commonly included in compound feeds, particularly for ruminant animals. Its colour can vary from yellow-light brown to dark brown. A general assumption is that darker CGF has a low nutritive value for animals due to heat-damaged protein. This study aims to evaluate the use of colour as a practical guide for estimating CGF protein value. Results indicate great variability in the physical and nutritional properties among 28 sources of CGF. Principal component factor analysis was used to reduce a large number of variables into fewer numbers of factors. First factor aggregated 1/Z and acid detergent insoluble N content in opposition to X, Y, e(L) , and L(*2). Second factor aggregated a, a(*), neutral detergent fibre and soluble crude protein (CP) contents in opposition to ash and CP contents, and digestible N and in vitro organic matter digestibility. Multiple regression analysis also showed that physical appearance (colour) was related to nutritional properties, stronger relationships being found between a, a(*) and L(*2) scores and digestible N. Colour could potentially be used to quickly predict the nutritive value of CGF, particularly digestible N, a key parameter when formulating rations.

The effect of byproducts from the corn grain processing on the postprandial dynamics of rumen pH

The effects of two fiber-rich byproducts of the corn grain processing on the postprandial dynamics of rumen pH were studied on three rumen cannulated non-lactating cows, within a 3x3 Latin square experimental design. The two byproducts, dried corn gluten feed (dCGF) and dried corn distillers grains (dCDG) replaced corn grains (C) in high concentrate diets, which suddenly replaced a standard diet (designed to ensure appropriate rumen activity) and were feed once a day. Rumen content was sampled every two hours, two days after the diet changes, during first 14 postprandial hours and pH was measured immediately. Average, pHmin and pHmax as well as duration and intensity of pH decrease were calculated for each series of pH measurements. Diets containing dCGF and dCDG led to higher average pH comparing to the corn-based diet: 6.26 ? 0.03 and 6.12 ? 0.12 versus 6.02 ? 0.2, respectively (P&lt;0.05). Differences were more marked when duration and intensity of pH decrease were considered: corn diet led to a pH decrease below 6.0 of 8.02?2.58 hours, whereas for dCDG and dCGF diets the decreases were of 6.71?3.59 and 3.02?2.17 hours only. Relative differences were even higher when a lower pH threshold (5.8) was considered: observed values were 5.33?4.02, 3.14?3.64 and 0.83?1.24 for C, dCDG and dCGF diets, respectively. Of the two by-products, dCGF was more efficient against pH decrease after the sudden change from a low concentrate to a high concentrate diets. It is concluded that both by-products are feasible solutions to help limiting the pH decrease while allowing formulation of high energy and highly digestible diets for ruminants.

Effects of Co-Products and Breed of Sire on the Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Rates of Ultrasound Backfat and Marbling Deposition in Feedlot Cattle

ABSTRACT Recently, high prices have driven producers to replace corn partially or totally with more affordable ingredients. A total of 1,256 DNA-validated progeny from Angus (n = 241), Simmental (n = 599), Simmental × Angus (SA; n = 296), and 75% Simmental (75S; n = 120) sires were used to evaluate the effects of feedlot nutrition and sire breed on the performance, carcass characteristics, and rates of ultrasound backfat and marbling deposition in feedlot cattle. Diets included corn or a corn co-product: dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), fresh wet distillers grains, wet corn gluten feed, stored wet distillers grains, or dried corn gluten feed. Dry matter intake for steers fed the co-product diets increased by approximately 8% compared with that of steers fed the high-corn diet. Steers fed the corn co-product diets had greater (P 0.05) in the amount of marbling deposited per centimeter of backfat (184 marbling score units/cm of backfat). This study indicates that co-product diets had less effect on performance and carcass quality than did breed of sire.

Substituição do milho por farelo de trigo ou farelo de glúten de milho na ração de bovinos de corte em terminação

The objective of this work was to evaluate the substitution of finely ground (GC) corn by wheat middlings (WM) or dried corn gluten feed (CGF) in finishing feedlot diets. Thirty-six yearling bulls (382 kg average initial live weight; 14 months old) were fed during 87 days. The diets contained 24% grass silage and 76% concentrate, formulated with dried citrus pulp, soybean meal, urea, mineral-vitamin mix, sodium bicarbonate, sodium monensin, and one of the energy sources tested. The substitution of wheat middlings for corn increased NDF intake (p<0.05). However, no effect was observed on other measured parameters. Substitution of corn gluten feed for ground corn reduced dry matter intake (p<0.05) and average daily gain (p<0.10), increased NDF intake (p<0.05), but had no effect on feed efficiency. These diets showed no differences in the observed values of net energy of maintenance or gain. The ratio observed/expected net energy for the diet differs from the other treatments. For this type of diet, GC may be completely replaced by WM or CGF with no depression on feed efficiency or on diet net energy. NRC (2001) underestimates TDN values and net energy estimates for WM and CGF.

Utilization of dried distillers grains for developing beef heifers1,2,3

A 2-yr study was conducted at 2 locations to determine if supplementing beef heifers with dried distillers grains (DDG) as an energy source affected growth or reproduction. Spring-born crossbred heifers (n = 316) were blocked by age or sire and age and assigned randomly to DDG or control (dried corn gluten feed, whole corn germ, urea) supplement. Heifers received prairie hay in amounts sufficient for ad libitum intake and 0.59% of BW DDG or 0.78% of BW control supplement (DM basis). Supplements were formulated to be isocaloric, but protein degradability differed. Supplemental undegradable intake protein intake from DDG averaged 267 g/animal daily and reached 318 g/animal daily; control supplemental undegradable intake protein intake averaged 90 g/animal daily and peaked at 107 g/animal daily. Initial pubertal status was determined by 2 blood samples collected 10 d apart, and monthly BW were collected from November through January; then biweekly BW and blood samples were collected from February until May yearly. Heifers were synchronized with 2 injections of PGF2alpha 14 d apart; estrus was detected and heifers were artificially inseminated for 5 d and placed with bulls 10 d later. Conception and pregnancy rates were determined via transrectal ultrasonography. Initial age, BW, and BCS did not differ (P > 0.92) for control and DDG heifers. Final BW, ADG, and final BCS also were not affected (P > 0.31) by supplementation. Estimated age and BW at puberty did not differ (P > 0.23) between treatments, and the proportions of pubertal heifers did not differ at the initiation of the experiment (P > 0.82), at the beginning of the 14-d sampling intervals, or before synchronization. Estrus synchronization rate (75.9%), time of estrus, and overall pregnancy rate (89.5%) were not affected (P > 0.14) by treatment. However, a greater proportion (P = 0.008) of DDG than control heifers conceived to AI (75.0 vs. 52.9%), resulting in greater (P = 0.07) AI pregnancy rates for DDG heifers (57.0 vs. 40.1%). Body weight or BCS at pregnancy diagnosis did not differ (P > 0.52) between DDG and control heifers. Supplementing beef heifers with DDG during development did not affect age at puberty but improved AI conception and pregnancy rates compared with an isocaloric control supplement.

The effect of dry corn gluten feed on chewing activities and rumen parameters in lactating dairy cows

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of dry corn gluten feed (DCGF) on dry matter intake (DMI), chewing activity, and rumen fermentation when used to replace a portion of corn silage in diets for lactating Holstein cows. Eight lactating Holstein primiparous cows averaging 98±20 d in milk and weighing 515±20 kg were randomly assigned in a 4x4 Latin square design with 4 week periods. Dietary treatments were 1) a control diets (C) of 50% forage (corn silage and wheat straw, 35%, 15% DM basis, respectively), 2) a low DCGF diet (L-DCGF) in which 10% of the same corn silage was replaced by DCGF, 3) a medium DCGF diet (M-DCGF) in which 18% of the same corn silage was replaced by DCGF, and 4) a high DCGF diet (H-DCGF) in which 25% of the same corn silage was replaced by DCGF.The proportion of particles retained on the 19.0 mm screen and physical effectiveness factor of the H-DCGF was lower (P<0.05) than in the other groups. Increasing the level of DCGF did not change DMI. Cows fed the C diet spent significantly more time ruminating and chewing per day compared with the M-DCGF and H-DCGF diets (483.88, 435.63, 431.25 min/d, P<0.05; and 818.38, 753.00, 745.75 min/d respectively, P<0.05). Cows fed the C diet had ruminal pH values higher than the cows fed the M-DCGF and H-DCGF diets (6.02, 5.95, and 5.91, P<0.05). The total volatile fatty acid and propionate levels of H-DCGF fed cows were higher than the control (P<0.05). The changes in acetate (A) and propionate (P) concentrations resulted in a decrease in A/P ratio, when corn silage was replaced by DCGF, which led to a reduction in the particle size of the diets (P<0.05). It was concluded that when ratio 18 and 25% DCGF were substituted for corn silage, rumination time, chewing activities and ruminal pH are negatively affected. The optimum level for the addition of DCGF was found to be below 18% of the diet for a healthy rumen and a chewing behaviour in dairy cows.

Ensiling Properties of Wet Sugarbeet Pulp and the Addition of Dry Feedstuffs

An experiment was conducted to characterize ensiling properties of wet sugarbeet pulp (WBP). A 6 x 4 x 2 facto­ rial arrangement of treatments was used to determine the effects of 1) formulated silage dry matter concentrations (DM) of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50%, 2) inclusion of dry feedstuffs (dry pelleted beet pulp, dry rolled corn, wheat midds, and dry corn gluten feed), and 3) addition of wet sugarbeet tailings (WBT; to make up 25% DM of ensiled product) on ensiling characteristics of WBP. Pre-calculat­ ed amounts of each feedstuff were individually weighed in triplicate, thoroughly mixed, and transferred to sealed buckets to initiate an anaerobic, fermentation environment for 47 d. Nutritive value (crude protein, soluble crude pro­ tein, and in vitro DM disappearance) of ensiled WBP was influenced by the addition of dry feedstuffs. The most desirable fermentation (associated with increased acid pro­ duction) of WBP-based silage occurred with inclusion of dry feedstuffs to achieve 35% DM. The results of our experiment indicate addition of dry feedstuffs can increase the DM and nutrient quality of WBP, while maintaining a quality fermentation environment.

Feedlot cattle diets based on barley or corn supplemented with dry corn gluten feed evaluated using the NRC and CNCPS beef models

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing feedlot finishing corn diets with dry corn gluten feed (CGF). Animal performance and carcass traits were compared with those obtained by feeding a barley-based diet typical of diets fed commercially in western Canadian feedlots. The second objective of the experiment was to evaluate the diets using the 1996 National Research Council (NRC) Beef (level 1 and 2) and Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS, version 5.0) models to determine how well the models predict animal response. Crossbred beef steers (248) weighing 423 ± 20.5 kg were allocated to 24 pens and then six pens were assigned to each of four diets: (1) barley grain (13.8% crude protein, CP), (2) corn grain (9.2% CP), (3) corn grain supplemented with a low level (7%, DM basis) of CGF (CGF-low, 9.7% CP), and (4) corn grain supplemented with a high level (23%) of CGF (CGF-high, 11.7% CP). The barley grain was steam-rolled and the corn grain was dry-rolled. All diets contained 8% barley silage (DM basis). The cattle were adapted from a backgrounding diet to the experimental diets over a period of 28 d and then fed for a period of 136 d. During the adaptation phase cattle fed unsupplemented corn grew slower (P &lt; 0.05) than the cattle fed the other diets (1.23 vs. 1.52 kg d-1). However, after day 42 of the study, cattle fed unsupplemented corn grew very rapidly such that gain for the entire feeding period was similar for cattle fed unsupplemented corn and barley diets (1.62 vs. 1.58, P &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, growth rate was higher (P &lt; 0.05) for cattle fed barley or unsupplemented corn than for cattle fed low or high levels of CGF (1.48 and 1.45 kg d-1, respectively). The dry matter intake (DMI) averaged 11.4 kg d-1 during the feeding period and was not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by diet. Feed:gain ratio (kg DM:kg gain) was similar (P &gt; 0.05) for cattle fed barley (7.09) and unsupplemented corn (7.38), but was higher (P &lt; 0.05) for cattle fed CGF-high (7.92), and intermediate (P &gt; 0.05) for those fed CGF-low (7.52). There were no differences in carcass composition between barley and corn-fed cattle, but those fed low and high levels of CGF had carcasses that were fatter with lower lean meat yield. The three models underestimated DMI of all four diets. When DMI was set to observed intake in the models, CNCPS accurately predicted ADG and F:G ratio for cattle fed corn diets, but all models underestimated ADG of cattle fed barley. All models correctly predicted that gain during the feeding period was not limited by protein supply. The results from this study indicate that rolled-corn diets containing about 9.5% CP, with 50% of the CP as DIP are adequate for feedlot cattle weighing more that 500 kg. Substituting dry CGF for corn grain reduces feed efficiency and gain due to the lower digestible energy content of CGF. Key words: Grain, barley, corn, corn gluten feed, feedlot cattle, protein, models

The effects of corn milling coproducts on growth performance and diet digestibility by beef cattle.

Simmental x Angus weanling heifers (n = 96; 239 +/- 2.3 kg) were used in four replications to evaluate three dietary treatments in Trial 1. Treatments were cracked corn-hay diets supplemented with one of three corn milling industry coproducts: dry corn gluten feed (DCGF), dried distillers grains (DDG), and a new modified corn fiber (MCF). In Trial 2, ruminally cannulated mature crossbred beef steers (n = 4; 606 +/-60 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square with 11-d periods to determine digestibility and ruminal metabolism of limit-fed cracked corn-alfalfa haylage diets supplemented with cornstarch (CON), DCGF, DDG, or MCF. During Periods 3 and 4, an in situ study was conducted to compare the rate and extent of CP degradation of DCGF, DDG, and MCF. In Trial 1, there were no differences (P > .10) in initial weights or DM intake. Average daily gain and feed efficiency (G/F) were improved (P < .01) for heifers fed DCGF or DDG vs heifers fed MCF. In Trial 2, no differences (P > . 10) in digestibilities of any nutrients or in ruminal VFA concentrations were observed for steers fed coproducts. The CON supplementation decreased (P < .05) total dietary fiber (TDF) digestibility, improved (P < .10) digestibilities of DM and OM, increased (P < .05) total VFA concentrations and concentrations of propionate and valerate, and decreased (P < .05) concentrations of butyrate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate when compared with the coproducts. Dry corn gluten feed increased (P < .05) and DDG tended (P < .10) to increase percentages of the immediately soluble fraction of CP, and both had increased (P < .05) rates (Kd) and greater (P < .05) extent of ruminal CP degradation than MCF. These data suggest that DCGF and DDG may be utilized in limit-fed high-energy diets without sacrificing performance. Feeding of MCF resulted in poorer performance of heifers, suggesting a limited feeding value that results from high ADIN content and slow in situ protein digestion.

The effect of animal species (cattle or sheep) and level of intake by cattle on in vivo digestibility of concentrate ingredients

The effect of animal species (cattle or sheep) and level of feeding (maintenance and 2 × maintenance) on the digestibility of concentrate ingredients were examined. Twelve Friesian steers, bodyweight (BW) 351 kg (sd 18.9) were assigned to blocks of two on a descending BW basis. Each block was assigned to an incomplete (four periods), six (animals) by six (periods) Latin Square. Animals in one of the squares were offered feed at maintenance and animals in the second square were offered feed at 2 × maintenance. Twenty four wether sheep, BW 40.2 kg (sd 3.77) were used simultaneously and offered feed at maintenance with four sheep being randomly allocated to each treatment. The treatments were copra meal, sunflower meal, dry corn gluten feed (Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)), dry corn gluten feed (Cargill), soya hulls and palm kernel meal. The digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were measured in both species, and in addition, the digestibility of Oil B (OBD) was measured in cattle fed at maintenance and 2 × maintenance. Species had a significant effect on the digestibilities of CP ( P < 0.05) and NDF ( P < 0.001) only, in that sheep had a significantly greater ability to digest CP than cattle, and the opposite being true for NDF. Increasing the level of feeding decreased the digestibilities of DM, OM, DOM, CP, GE, NDF and ADF ( P < 0.001), but had no significant effect on the digestibility of OB. It is concluded that the digestibility values of concentrate ingredients derived in maintenance-fed sheep are applicable to maintenance-fed cattle for DM, OM, DOM, GE and ADF. In addition, the digestibility of concentrate ingredients was significantly depressed with an increase in level of feeding ( P < 0.001) for all digestibility components except OB, where no significant effect was observed. Therefore, it is concluded that feed is not utilised as efficiently when the level of feeding is increased from maintenance to 2 × maintenance.

Determining the net energy value of wet and dry corn gluten feed in beef growing and finishing diets.

One growing and two finishing trials evaluated the feeding value of corn gluten feed for cattle. In the growth trial, calves were fed (DM basis) one of two control diets (44% dry-rolled corn [DRC], 50% alfalfa hay, 5% molasses, 1% supplement or 33% DRC, 33% alfalfa hay, 33% corn silage, 1% supplement), diets containing 49 or 65% wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) with alfalfa hay and supplement, or a diet containing 61% WCGF with cornstalks and supplement. Calves fed diets containing 49 or 65% WCGF with alfalfa hay gained faster (P < .10) and more efficiently (P < .10) than calves fed the two control diets. In finishing trial 1, yearling steers were fed 92.5% concentrate diets containing (DM basis) 79% DRC, a combination of DRC and 35 or 70% WCGF, a combination of DRC and 70% dry corn gluten feed (DCGF) with or without added water, or a combination of high-moisture corn (HMC) and 70% WCGF. Steers fed 35 or 70% WCGF in combination with either DRC or HMC had gains and efficiencies similar (P > .10) to those of steers fed DRC. Inclusion of water in the 70% DCGF diet reduced DMI (P < .10) and daily gain (P < .10) but did not affect (P > .10) feed efficiency. In Trial 2, WCGF replaced either 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100% of the DRC and molasses (DM basis). Feed efficiency was not different (P > .10) among diets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Wet corn distillers byproducts compared with dried corn distillers grains with solubles as a source of protein and energy for ruminants

Five trials investigated the feeding value of wet and dried corn distillers byproducts as a source of protein and energy for growing and finishing cattle and investigated the effect of heat damage on the feeding value of dried distillers byproducts. In a calf growth trial, no differences in rate of gain or protein efficiency were observed among calves fed wet distillers byproducts (wet distillers grains + thin stillage; WDB) or one of three composites of dried distillers grain + solubles (DDGS) having a low, medium, or high concentration of ADIN. A finishing trial compared the energy value of dry-rolled corn (DRC) with WDB or the three DDGS composites, fed at 40% of the diet DM replacing DRC. Cattle consuming WDB or DDGS gained faster (P < .05) and more efficiently (P < .05) than cattle fed DRC. Although gains were similar, cattle fed WDB consumed less feed (P < .10) and were more efficient (P < .10) than cattle fed DDGS. Level of ADIN in DDGS did not affect efficiency of gain (P > .10). In a lamb finishing trial, the addition of 5 or 10% ethanol did not affect (P > .10) daily gain, DMI, or feed efficiency. In two metabolism trials with steers, grain byproducts (wet distillers grains, dry distillers grains plus solubles, wet corn gluten feed, dry corn gluten feed, hominy feed) and DRC had similar effects on ruminal pH and total VFA. Feeding thin stillage or condensed solubles reduced (P < .10) ruminal pH and tended to reduce acetate:propionate. Wet corn distillers byproducts, fed at 40% of the diet DM, contain more NEg than did DRC and drying WDB reduces its NEg content. Acid detergent insoluble N is a poor indicator of protein and energy value in distillers grains.