One size does not fit all: Are there any sustainable alternatives to soybean in chicken systems?

Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) is a promising bioenergy feedstock owing to its abundant availability and rich organic composition. This study investigates the pyrolysis behaviour of DDGS using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at heating rates of 10, 20, and 30 °C min−1 to determine its kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. Model-free methods such as Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (OFW), Starink (STM), and Vyazovkin (VZM), along with model-fitting approaches such as Coats-Redfern (CR) and Distributed Activation Energy Model (DAEM), were employed to estimate the kinetic parameters. The apparent activation energy (Ea) varied significantly with conversion (α), ranging from 82 to 525 kJ mol−1 across different models, confirming the multi-step nature of pyrolysis. Further, CR fitting yielded lower activation energy values of 36.34 and 39.32 kJ mol−1 biomass at reaction orders between 1.0 and 2.7. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that enthalpy (ΔH) increased from 84 to 520 kJ mol−1 as conversion progressed from 0.1 to 0.8, while Gibbs free energy (ΔG) remained positive (87–233 kJ mol−1), indicating a non-spontaneous process requiring external energy. Further, the entropy (ΔS) shifted from negative values at low conversions (−111 J mol−1 K−1) to highly positive values at higher conversions (up to 573 J mol−1 K−1), reflecting increasing molecular disorder. This trend suggests that the later stages of pyrolysis are dominated by lignin degradation and associated structural changes. The obtained results confirm that DDGS pyrolysis follows a complex, multi-step pathway influenced by biochemical composition and inherent minerals. Further, the present study aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 7, 13, 14 and 15.

Context Supplementation of forage-fed cattle during backgrounding helps meet their requirements to growth. As by-products become available, investigating their impact on forage utilization, on animal performance, and on environment is needed. Aim We evaluated performance, forage intake, methane emission, and behavior of yearling steers on pasture, supplemented with cracked corn (CORN) or corn dried distillers’ grain with solubles (DDGS) and their subsequent effect on carcass and meat characteristics. Methods During 77 days of growing phase, 45 steers (354.5 ± 25.7 kg of bodyweight, BW) were blocked by BW and randomly allocated to one of the following three treatments: no supplemented (NSP) and supplemented at 0.8% BW with CORN or DDGS. Over the 217-day finishing phase, none of the steers was supplemented. Steers always grazed together an lucerne–orchard grass mix pasture. Data were evaluated as a complete block randomized design with three treatments. Key results Average intake of corn and DDGS was 2.6 and 2.5 kg DM/day respectively. At the end of growing phase, supplemented steers had a greater BW and a lower DM forage intake and feed conversion efficiency (P = 0.001) than did NSP steers, with significant differences in the average daily gain (CORN > DDGS > NSP). There was no difference between the NSP and DDGS groups in any methane emission variable. Graze, ruminate, and walk behaviors were more frequent for steers from NSP, CORN, and DDGS groups respectively. At finishing, final BW was higher for CORN than for NSP steers. The CORN group showed heavier cold carcass weight than did the NSP steers. Conclusions Supplementation of beef steers during growing phase in grazing systems enhanced performance and carcass weights, with corn over DDGS. Implications The results of the current study suggest that before replacing the corn supplementation by DDGS, producers need to consider the cost of supplementation against the potential improvement in animal performance.

This study examined the effects of microencapsulated organic acids and essentialoils (EOA) combined with a protease (PRO) supplement on the growth performanceand gut health of broilers subjected to nutritional challenges through a diethigh in wheat and corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Thetreatments were: 1) corn and soybean meal-based diet with high levels of wheatand corn DDGS (WD); 2) WD+microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils at300 mg/kg (EOA); 3) WD+PRO at 125 mg/kg (PRO); and 4) WD+EOA at 300 mg/kg+PRO at125 mg/kg (EOA+PRO). Body weight gain, feed intake and mortality rate did notdiffer among treatments (p > 0.05). However, feed conversionratio from day 1-35 was lower in the EOA+PRO group than in the WD group(p < 0.05). The EOA+PRO group had a lower jejunal cryptdepth (CD) and a higher villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) ratio than the othergroups (p < 0.01). The putrescine level was higher in the WDgroup than in the other groups (p < 0.05). On day 35, theEOA and EOA+PRO groups had higher claudin-1 mRNA expression than the WD and PROgroups (p < 0.01). Occludin mRNA expression was higher inthe EOA and PRO groups than in the WD group (p < 0.01). Insummary, the combination of EOA and PRO improved feed efficiency and gut healthin broilers fed a high wheat and corn DDGS diet. This was demonstrated bydecreased jejunal CD, increased VH/CD ratio, increased mRNA expression ofclaudin-1 at the tight junction and decreased putrescine content in the hindgut,suggesting an indirect effect on pathogenic bacteria.

This study determined the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and crude protein (CP) in seven corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) fed to mid-gestating, late-gestating, and lactating sows. Seven representative corn DDGS samples were collected from ethanol plants in seven different provinces across China. Sixteen sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; parity 4) with a T-cannula in the distal ileum were assigned to a repeated 8 × 3 incomplete Latin square design (three periods and eight diets) during mid-gestation, late-gestation, and lactation stages. The diets included seven experimental diets (DDGS 1–7) and a nitrogen-free diet. Results showed that when fed to sows (mid- and late-gestating and lactating), the ileal digestibility of CP from seven DDGS samples differed significantly (P < 0.05). When fed to mid-gestating sows, the SID of AA (excepting His, Lys, Gly, and Pro) showed significant differences (P < 0.05). Across all essential AA in DDGS, mean SID value for Leu was the highest (93.57%), mean SID value for Trp was the lowest (78.61%). When fed to late-gestating sows, the SID of AA (excepting Met and Phe) showed significant differences (P < 0.05). When fed to lactating sows, only the SID of Trp and Cys for seven DDGS samples showed significant differences (P < 0.05). In addition, the SID of CP and most AA in DDGS was significantly higher in mid-gestating sows compared to late-gestating sows, and higher in late-gestating sows compared to lactating sows (P < 0.01). Overall, the SID values for CP and most AA (except Gly) in corn DDGS were influenced by sow physiological stage. Our findings provide a reference for the use of corn DDGS in sow diet.

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is a major coproduct in corn-based bioethanol plants. As a staple feed ingredient for livestock and poultry, the nutrient profile of DDGS has been extensively documented. However, its fermentation metabolites and their association with pre- and postfermentation processing have not been well-defined. In the current study, paired whole stillage (WS) and DDGS samples from 10 biofuel plants in the eight Midwestern states of the United States were analyzed for their nutritional composition, and their fermentation metabolites were quantitatively determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and then modeled by multivariate analysis. The protein, lipid, fiber, and ash concentrations of these industrial WS and DDGS samples were within the expected ranges of values. Glycerol and 2,3-butanediol were the most abundant alcohols besides ethanol, while lactic and acetic acids were the most abundant organic acids. Many alcohols, organic acids, aldehydes, ketones, and polyamines were present as minor components in highly variable concentrations. Interestingly, both WS and DDGS samples were clustered in their respective multivariate models based on two prefermentation processing platforms using different amounts of enzymes and heat, and this processing-related separation was mainly driven by the differences in multiple essential amino acids. In addition, the differences between WS and DDGS through correlation analysis showed the influences of postfermentation procedures on many organic coproducts. Overall, these results on the metabolic impacts of industrial fermentation and its pre- and postfermentation processing could be used as reference values for future development of processing and fermentation technology for bioethanol, DDGS, and valuable coproducts.

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a byproduct of ethanol production process, have been utilized as a potential feed component in the diets of livestock and poultry, as a source of both energy and protein. This study evaluated the effects of feeding DDGS, replacing maize and soybean, with or without exogenous multi-enzyme supplementation on the growth performance and economics of indigenous chickens. A total of 180, 21-day-old indigenous chicks were randomly assigned to six groups (T1–T6) of 30 birds each. Groups T1, T3, and T5 received basal diets containing 0, 10, and 20% DDGS, respectively, while T2, T4, and T6 were fed the same diets supplemented with a multi-enzyme preparation. All birds were reared for 182 days. Results showed that the highest final body weight was observed in the T2 group (1643.93 ± 25.22 g) and the lowest in the T5 group (1580.00 ± 14.50 g), with no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) among groups in regards to total body weight gain, daily gain or feed conversion ratio. Feed cost per kilogram live weight gain was reduced by up to 11% in DDGS-fed groups compared to the control. Overall, inclusion of DDGS up to 20% in indigenous chicken diets, with or without enzyme supplementation, maintained growth performance while improving economic efficiency. It is concluded that DDGS can be included in indigenous chicken diets up to 20% level to reduce production costs and support sustainable backyard poultry farming.

Abstract Feeding high-fiber forages with low crude protein (CP) content may limit nitrogen (N) utilization in cattle. Protein supplementation is a common strategy to improve N retention and reduce environmental N losses. This study evaluated the effects of supplementing dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) or soybean-based supplement (SB; 52.5% soybean meal and 47.5% soyhulls), processed as meal or pelleted, on N intake, excretion, and retention in Jersey steers fed a grass hay-based diet. Five rumen-cannulated Jersey steers (BW: 424±45 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Each experimental period consisted of 7 days of dietary adaptation followed by 5 days of total fecal and urine collection. Diets consisted of grass hay (8.66% CP) offered ad libitum, with no supplementation (control), or with protein supplements provided either as meal (DDGS: 32.46% CP; SB: 27.68% CP) or pelleted (DDGSP and SBP) at 0.5% of body weight (DM basis). Nitrogen intake, fecal and urinary N excretion, and N retention were determined daily. Data were analyzed using a mixed model in SAS (PROC MIXED), with treatment as a fixed effect and steer and period as random effects. Pre-planned contrasts assessed the effects of supplementation, source, processing, and their interaction. Effects were considered significant at P≤0.05 and trends at 0.05&amp;lt; P≤0.10. Supplementation increased N intake (P &amp;lt; 0.001), with greater values for DDGS than SB (P = 0.001). Fecal N excretion increased with supplementation (P=0.005) and was greater with DDGS (P&amp;lt; 0.001), with a tendency for lower values in pelleted treatments (P=0.071). Urinary N excretion was greater with supplementation (P&amp;lt; 0.001), higher for SB sources (P&amp;lt; 0.001), and also increased with pelleting (P=0.043). Supplementation increased N disappearance (P&amp;lt; 0.001), which was greater with DDGS (P=0.009) and tended to be higher with pelleting (P=0.051). Retained N increased with supplementation (P&amp;lt; 0.001) and with DDGS (P=0.001). Nitrogen digestibility (absorbed N/N intake) improved with supplementation (P&amp;lt; 0.001) and pelleting (P=0.001). Retention relative to disappearance (retained N/absorbed N) was greater with DDGS than SB (P=0.001). Retention relative to intake (retained N/N intake) also increased with supplementation (P=0.016) and DDGS (P&amp;lt; 0.001). No interaction effects were detected. In conclusion, protein supplementation increased nitrogen intake, disappearance, and retention, improving overall N use efficiency in steers fed low-protein hay. Retention relative to both intake and N disappearance was greater with DDGS, indicating improved metabolic utilization compared to SB. Pelleting enhanced N disappearance but did not affect retention. These results suggest that both the type and physical form of the protein supplement can modulate nitrogen dynamics and influence the efficiency of N utilization in cattle fed forage-based diets.

Abstract Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), a by-product of ethanol production, contain up to 40% crude protein (CP) on a dry matter (DM) basis and serve as a cost-effective nutrient source of livestock. However, their impact on goat meat (chevon) quality remains underexplored. This study assessed the effects of DDGS-containing diets on the physical, chemical, and fatty acid composition of chevon. Thirty-six male Spanish goats (BW = 24 ± 1.8 kg) were stratified by weight into 4 groups and randomly assigned to one of four isonitrogenous (CP = 17.1 ± 0.1%) and isocaloric (3.2 ± 0.1 Mcal/kg DM) diets: an alfalfa hay-based diet (AL), AL + DDGS (ALD), a sericea lespedeza hay-based diet (SL), and SL + DDGS (SLD). After a 60-d feeding trial, goats were humanely slaughtered following the USDA standard protocols. After 24 h cooler storage (2°C), each carcass was fabricated to obtain 2.5-cm thick loin chops (longissimus muscle, LM) for meat quality analysis. No significant differences were observed in the CIE L* (lightness; 37.7-38.6 ± 0.86), a* (redness; 9.69-10.1 ± 0.48), and b* (yellowness; 8.86-9.78 ± 0.41) values of loin chops from goats feed the experimental diets. LM from goats fed the SL-diet had a higher (P &amp;lt; 0.01; 2.28 vs 1.28 ± 0.20%) ash content than that from goats fed the AL-diet and DDGS containing diets had intermediate values (1.55-1.92 ± 0.20%). However, no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) were found in moisture (76.1-76.7 ± 0.56%), protein (20.1-20.7 ± 0.26%), and crude fat (2.19-2.55 ± 0.30%) contents in LM from goats fed the four different diets. Percent metmyoglobin (12.4-15.6 ± 1.17%) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS, 0.16-0.34 ± 0.08 mg MAD/kg) values of LM were not significantly affected by dietary treatments. No significant differences were found in Warner-Bratzler shear values (2.66-3.08 ± 0.21 kg) and cooking losses (17.8-23.8 ± 2.54%) of the chops from goats fed the experimental diets. The predominant fatty acids in LM fat were palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1n9), and linoleic (C18:2n6) acids, with no significant difference across dietary treatments. However, goats fed DDGS-containing diets (ALD or SLD) had higher (P &amp;lt; 0.01) concentrations of a-linolenic (C18:3n3; 0.67 vs 0.46 ± 0.05%) and eicosenoic (C20:1n9; 0.13 vs 0.09 ± 0.01%) acids compared to those not fed DDGS (AL- or SL-diet). Additionally, SLD-fed goats had a higher (P &amp;lt; 0.01) concentration of g-linolenic acid (C18:3n6; 0.91 vs 0.65 ± 0.06%) than AL-fed goats. These findings suggest that incorporating dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) into meat goat diets does not negatively impact chevon quality but may enhance the concentrations of C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids in fresh goat meats.

Abstract The increasing availability of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in Brazil and the limited research on its inclusion in feedlot diets, which typically use ground flint corn, soybean meal, and whole cottonseed as the main sources of energy and protein, highlight the need to investigate the replacement of these ingredients with DDGS. This study aimed to compare the performance (experiment 1) of Nellore bulls and the metabolism (experiment 2) of Angus × Nelore steers fed diets containing 0 or 40% DDGS (DM basis), fully replacing soybean meal and whole cottonseed and partially replacing ground flint corn. In experiment 1, 361 Nellore bulls (517 ± 36 kg) were allocated into 60 experimental pens for 39 days (30 pens per treatment), and dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F), and carcass characteristics were evaluated. In experiment 2, 16 Angus × Nelore steers fitted with ruminal cannulas (average body weight of 608 kg) were kept in individual pens for 21 days (8 animals per treatment), assessing ruminal parameters (short-chain fatty acids - SCFA, ammonia concentration, ruminal pH, and methane production) and apparent nutrient digestibility in the total tract. The experimental designs were a randomized block design, and data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC, 2009). No significant differences were observed between treatments for average daily gain (P = 0.3115) and dry matter intake (P = 0.6519), as well as for feed efficiency (P = 0.198). Hot carcass weight (P = 0.5376) and hot carcass yield (P = 0.3452) were also not influenced by the diets. The longissimus muscle area showed a tendency toward significance (P = 0.0706), while subcutaneous fat thickness was not affected by treatments (P = 0.4928) (Table 1). Regarding apparent digestibility, no significant differences were found for dry matter (P = 0.3849) and organic matter (P = 0.2247). and crude protein (P = 0.0567). However, digestibility tended to be greater in the DDGS diet for crude protein (P = 0.0567), was higher in the DDGS diet for neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.0259) and lower for non-fibrous carbohydrates (P = 0.0325). Total SCFA concentration (P = 0.914), the C2:C3 ratio, and ruminal pH (P = 0.8682) showed no significant differences. Methane production, expressed both in mol/kg/day and g/kg/day, also did not differ between treatments (P = 0.821 and P = 0.8265, respectively). In conclusion, DDGS can fully replace soybean meal and whole cottonseed and partially replace ground flint corn in feedlot diets without compromising animal performance.

Abstract The objectives of this study were to characterize rumen microbial composition in response to feeding dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and/or canola meal in finishing diets. Six Jersey steers with rumen and duodenal cannulas were allocated in a duplicate 3 × 3 Latin square design. Treatments were as follows: 1) DDGS at 20.0% (DM basis) inclusion [CON], 2) 50% of DDGS replaced by Canola meal [CM50], 3) 100% of DDGS replaced by Canola Meal [CM100]. Each of the three periods in the Latin Square lasted 17-d, consisting of a 10-d diet adaptation followed by a 7-d collection period. Rumen evacuations were performed on d17 and subsamples of rumen fluid (50-ml) were stored at -80◦C until further processing. The DNA extraction was performed using a bead beating method. Sequencing was performed at the SDSU Seeds Laboratory (Brookings, SD) via full length 16S rRNA Gene using Oxford Nanopore long reads. All samples had &amp;gt;100,000 reads. The EMU Implementation was run through SILVA 16s Ver.132 at 97% similarity to classify long read amplification in CLC Genomic Workbench. A Wald test was performed to test for differential abundance in pair comparisons. To make all pair-wise comparisons between the three treatment groups, three contrasts were created as follows: CON vs. CM50, CM50 vs. CM100, and CON vs. CM100. We identified 1,776 unique operational taxonomic units (OTU) throughout all treatment groups. At the genus level, results showed that the most abundant group throughout all treatments was Prevotella, making up ~14% of quality-filtered reads per sample. We found 9 differentially abundant genera in CON vs CM50, 15 in CM50 vs CM100, and 10 in CON vs CM100. At the OTU level, uncultured species affiliated to Erysipelotrichaceae and Kandleria, respectively, were significantly greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) for CM100 compared to CON. Known members of these taxonomic groups have been reported to ferment a wide range of sugars to produce lactate, which corroborates with our findings that lactate concentrations were greater for CM100 than CON. The abundance of an OTU assigned to Prevotellaceae was also affected by treatments, being greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) for CON compared to CM100. As members of the Prevotellaceae family are characterized by their versatile metabolic capabilities, these differences may be the result of compounds present in canola meal that specifically affect particular species. The datasets obtained in this study thus revealed significant alterations in the composition of the rumen microbial communities in response to the inclusion of DDGS and canola meal in finishing diets. To complement this data, we are currently evaluating nutrient flow and digestibility to better understand the contribution of rumen microbes to nutrient metabolism in cattle.

Effects of protease supplementation on the ileal digestibility of amino acids for protein ingredients in broiler chickens.

The effects of dietary levels of corn distillers dried grains with solubles and supplementation of valine and isoleucine on growth performance, intestinal health, and cecal microbiome in Ross 708

This study investigated a compound low-protein diet (CLPD) strategy to reduce soybean meal (SBM) dependency in meat geese. Diets were formulated with crude protein (CP) levels decreasing from 16.5% (corn-soybean meal diet, CSD) to 9.8%, incorporating alternative ingredients such as rapeseed meal, corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), broken rice, and rice bran. All diets were balanced for limiting amino acids (lysine, methionine, threonine, and valine) through supplemental synthetic amino acids. A total of 192 four-week-old Sanhua geese were randomly assigned according to a single-factor completely randomized design to four dietary treatment groups: the 16.5% (CSD) group and three CLPD treatment groups (14.0% CP, 11.5% CP, and 9.8% CP). Each treatment consisted of six replicate pens with eight geese per pen. During the six-week trial, evaluations included growth performance, organ weights, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemistry, amino acid profiles, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota composition. Results demonstrated that compared to the 16.5% (CSD) group, the 11.5% CP (CLPD) group significantly improved final body weight (p < 0.05), average daily gain (P_Linear < 0.01, p < 0.05), and feed conversion efficiency (P_Linear < 0.01, p < 0.05), alongside enhanced apparent digestibility of crude protein and amino acids (P_Linear < 0.01, p < 0.05). Organ weights were generally stable, though the 9.8% CP (CLPD) group showed reduced liver weight (p < 0.05) and increased abdominal fat (P_Linear < 0.01, p < 0.05). Serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased (P_Linear < 0.05, p < 0.05). Intestinal morphology improved in the duodenum and jejunum: in the duodenum, villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio were significantly increased, and crypt depth was significantly decreased (P_Linear < 0.01, p < 0.05); in the jejunum, villus height was significantly increased (p < 0.05) and crypt depth was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Cecal microbiota alpha diversity remained consistent. The dominant genera in the 9.8% CP (CLPD) group were unclassified_Oscillospiraceae and unclassified_Ruminococcaceae (p < 0.05), among which, Megamonas, Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group dominated in the 16.5% (CSD) group (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that a compound low-protein diet (CLPD) with 11.5% CP, precisely balanced for limiting amino acids, supports optimal growth performance, improves nutrient utilization, and maintains intestinal health in meat geese. Overall, this offers a viable approach to easing SBM reliance in poultry nutrition while enhancing resource efficiency.

Efficient degradation of alternariol in food by a novel isolate, Bacillus pacificus ANSB901.

Low fertility limits reproductive efficiency in cattle. This study was conducted with multiparous Brangus cows receiving dietary supplementation with or without L-citrulline [Cit; an immediate precursor of L-arginine (Arg)]. During the entire experimental period, cows grazed green pasture and had free access to drinking water and mineral blocks. One hundred and seven (107) cows were assigned randomly to one of three treatment groups: dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) without Cit supplement (n = 36); DDGS top-dressed with rumen-protected Cit product (RPAA; n = 36); or unprotected Cit product (RUAA; n = 35). After 2 months of lactation, all cows were synchronized to estrus and were bred once via artificial insemination. From Day 1 to Day 60 of gestation, cows were individually fed once daily 0.84 kg of a supplement (DDGS; control), 0.56 kg of DDGS plus 0.28 kg of RUAA (containing 0.07 kg of unencapsulated Cit), or 0.56 kg of DDGS plus 0.28 kg of RPAA (containing 0.07 kg of rumen-protected Cit). The supplemental dose of Cit was equivalent to 0.5% of the estimated daily intake of 14 kg dry matter from pasture. On Days 40 and 60 of gestation, ultrasound was used to determine pregnancy rates. Each pregnant cow had a single conceptus. On Day 60 of gestation, blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein. All cows grazed normally and appeared healthy. Birth rates for live-born calves were 22% and 35% in cows receiving DDGS alone and Cit supplementation, respectively (p < 0.05). The beneficial effect of Cit was associated with increases in concentrations of Cit (+19%), Arg (+20%), ornithine (+19%), proline (+17%), and insulin (+82%) but decreases in concentrations of ammonia (-14%) in maternal plasma (p < 0.05). Thus, dietary supplementation with Cit is a simple, novel, and cost-effective nutritional method to increase the reproductive efficiency of lactating beef cows.

Based on an established appropriate substitution level for corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGSs) replacing energy-supplying components in the basal diet for pregnant sows, the substitution method was employed to determine the available energy values of corn DDGSs. In Exp. 1, forty pregnant sows (gestation day = 50 ± 5 d; body weight = 220 ± 24.9 kg; parity, 4 to 6) were randomly allocated into five treatments. The control group was fed a corn-soybean basal diet, while test diets contained 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% corn DDGSs replacing the energy-supplying portion of the basal diet. In Exp. 2, the available energy of five corn DDGS sources was determined using the substitution method at a 30% substitution level. Twelve pregnant sows (gestation day = 50 ± 5 d; body weight = 225.4 ± 29.2 kg; parity, 4 to 6) were arranged in a 6 × 3 Youden square design. Dietary treatments consisted of the corn-soybean basic diet and five test diets incorporating different corn DDGS types. Increasing the substitution level of corn DDGSs displayed both linear and quadratic effects (p < 0.05) on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE) and gross energy (GE) in diets. The ATTD of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) was quadratically affected by different substitution levels (p < 0.05), with the highest value achieved at the 30% substitution level. As the substitution level of corn DDGSs increased, the ATTD of ADF in corn DDGSs decreased. In contrast, the ATTD of crude protein (CP) increased either linearly or quadratically (p < 0.05), and a significant quadratic effect was observed for the ATTD of EE in corn DDGSs (p < 0.05). Although the GE, DE, and ME of corn DDGSs were not significantly influenced by the substitution level, the 30% corn DDGSs resulted in the lowest coefficients of variation (CV). Therefore, a 30% substitution level of corn DDGSs is recommended for energy-supplying components in the basal diet of pregnant sows using the substitution method. The ranges of DE, ME and net energy (NE) of five corn DDGSs samples were 15.58-18.07, 12.17-16.42 and 8.76-15.88 MJ/kg DM, respectively. The absolute value of relative error (|RE|) between the predicted available energy values obtained from the prediction equations established in Exp. 2 and the determined values were below 5%, except for ME for corn DDGSs N3 (5.81%).

The growing demand for biofuels, especially ethanol produced from corn, has driven the production of co-products such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). With a high protein content (around 30%), fiber, and minerals, DDGS presents an economical alternative for animal nutrition, replacing traditional sources like soybean meal while maintaining productive performance and reducing costs. This study evaluated the total replacement of soybean meal with DDGS in the diet of confined Holstein cattle, focusing on weight gain, feed intake, digestibility, feed efficiency, animal health, meat quality, and economic viability. The 24 animals received diets with 80% concentrate, containing either DDGS or soybean meal, and no significant differences were observed in terms of body weight (p = 0.92), feed intake (p = 0.98), or feed efficiency (p = 0.97) between the two treatments. The average daily gain was 1.25 and 1.28 kg for cattle in the DDGS and soybean meal groups, respectively (p = 0.92). Regarding metabolic and digestive parameters, no relevant changes were found in blood levels, except for higher serum cholesterol (p = 0.03) levels in animals fed DDGS. The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p = 0.03) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p = 0.05) was lower in the DDGS group, while the digestibility of ether extract was higher (p = 0.02). Rumen fluid analysis revealed an increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids (p = 0.01), such as acetic and butyric acids (p = 0.01), in the DDG-fed animals. In terms of meat quality, animals fed DDGS produced meat with lower levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p = 0.05) and higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) (p = 0.02), especially oleic acid (p = 0.05). This resulted in a healthier lipid profile, with a higher UFA/SFA ratio (p = 0.01). In terms of economic viability, DDGS-based diets were 10.5% cheaper, reducing the cost of production per animal by 7.67%. Profitability increased by 110% with DDGS compared to soybean meal, despite the high transportation costs. Therefore, replacing soybean meal with DDGS is an efficient and economical alternative for feeding confined cattle, maintaining zootechnical performance, increasing meat lipid content and improving fatty acid profile, and promoting higher profitability. This alternative is particularly advantageous in regions with easy access to the product.

The aim of the study was to determine the changes in the composition and physicochemical properties of cow's colostrum and the levels of immunoglobulin G in the serum of their calves, depending on the inclusion of dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) as a substitute for concentrate feeds in the diet during the dry period. Sixty cows were divided into four groups: Group C - traditional TMR feed, Group I - modified feed with the inclusion of DDGS at 10% of dry matter, Group II - DDGS inclusion increased to 15% of dry matter, Group III - DDGS inclusion increased to 20% of dry matter. Colostrum samples were collected from all cows during the first full milking after calving. Blood samples were taken from all cows after calving and from their calves on days 3rd and 30th of life. No significant changes were observed in the basic composition of cows' colostrum. The levels of amino acids were significantly lower in DDGS groups. There was an increase in a concentrations of IgG, IgM, IgA, lactoferrin, K, Na, and proportion of α-casein and κ-casein in the colostrum of cows receiving DDGS. The total serum protein content was lower in cows receiving DDGS, despite a higher content of IgG. On the 3rd day of life, significantly higher levels of total protein and IgG were found in the calves' serum. Based on the results optained, it can be concluded that the use of DDGS in a cow's diet during the dry period as a substitute for concentrated feeds does not reduce the colostrum quality. However, including DDGS at a level of 15% DM in the cows' diet results in higher IgG content and, consequently, a higher level of passive immunity in their calves.

Abstract This study thoroughly analyzes the growth, histology, and metabolomics profiles of Penaeus vannamei shrimp when fed a diet high in distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) supplemented with butyric acid (BA). The limited research on BA supplementation in high levels of DDGS makes this study particularly valuable, as its antimicrobial properties and improved nutrient absorption are crucial for promoting shrimp health. A total of 720 shrimp were divided into six groups, each receiving varying levels of BA supplementation: 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%. The experiment lasted 56 days, with three replicates for each group. The results showed significant increases in final weight (FW), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR) with higher levels of dietary BA (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, dietary BA led to a notable decrease in feed conversion ratio (FCR), with the most significant impact observed in the 1.5% BA group (P &lt; 0.05). Histological analysis of the hepatopancreas revealed that shrimp-fed diets containing 1.5% and 2% BA displayed significantly higher B-cell numbers with a well-defined structure than the other groups. Metabolomics analysis showed distinct quadrants in the PCA score plots for the control and BA groups, indicating a clear separation in their metabolic profiles. Integration analysis of differential metabolites and genes further revealed the upregulation of functions related to ABC transporters, amino acid biosynthesis, and metabolism in shrimp supplemented with BA. Our findings suggest that the optimal BA requirement for supplementation in the DDGS diet for P. vannamei is estimated to be 1.6%. This information will be valuable for farmers during feed formulation and aquaculture growth in general.