Dried Distillers Grains Research Articles

Effect of temperature on the digestibility of non-starch polysaccharide-rich ingredients in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study aimed to investigate the interaction effect of NSP-rich ingredient and rearing temperature on nutrient digestibility of the ingredients in Nile tilapia. Seven NSP-rich ingredients were tested: insect meal, wheat bran, palm kernel meal, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) from corn, and rice bran. A balanced control diet was formulated followed by the formulation of seven test diets by mixing 30 % of each test ingredient with 70 % of the control diet and fed to fish reared at 24 or 32 °C. At each temperature, 35 all male Nile tilapia with an initial mean weight of 45.0 g at 24 °C and 43.8 g at 32 °C were housed in each of 24 glass-tanks, each containing 60 L of water. The diets were administered to the fish groups in triplicate over 42 d in a recirculating aquaculture system. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed alongside the diets to determine nutrient digestibility. Digestibility of all nutrients differed between ingredients (P < 0.001) at both temperatures. Wheat bran had the lowest NSP digestibility at both 24 (1.9 %) and 32 °C (9.7 %). At 24 °C, DDGS showed the highest NSP and protein digestibility (41.4 and 90.3 %), while at 32 °C insect meal showed the highest NSP and fat digestibility (59.8 and 97.5 %). Insect meal showed the highest fat digestibility (97.4 %) also at 24 °C. An interaction effect between ingredient and temperature was observed for the digestibility of NSP, carbohydrate, protein, amino acids, magnesium, and dry matter (P ≤ 0.035). Some nutrients showed reduced digestibility for some ingredients at the higher temperature, but in most of the cases temperature increased nutrient digestibility, with insect meal exhibiting a 20 % increase in NSP digestibility. In conclusion, water temperature affect nutrient digestibility, but the extend of the temperature effect differs between ingredients.

Trace mineral source influences in vitro fermentation characteristics and trace mineral solubility.

Two experiments were conducted to determine: 1) the impact of strained rumen fluid (SRF) alone or SRF with particle-associated microorganisms (PAO) included and dilution on in vitro dry matter digestibility (DMD) and 2) the impact of trace mineral (TM) source on in vitro fermentation characteristics and TM solubility under simulated abomasal and intestinal conditions. In Experiment 1, three cannulated steers were adapted to a diet formulated to meet the nutrient requirements for lactating dairy cows. Strained RF was obtained by straining rumen content through 2 layers of cheesecloth. Half of the remaining digesta was washed with McDougall's buffer and filtered through 2 layers of cheesecloth to obtain PAO. Both SRF and PAO were filtered again through 8 layers of cheesecloth. Strained RF was mixed with either McDougall's buffer (SRF) or PAO (SRF+PAO) at a ratio of 1:2 or 1:4 and incubated at 39°C for 12h using the ground basal diet as the substrate. Digestibility of DM was greater in digestion tubes containing SRF and SRF+PAO at a 1:2 ratio. In Experiment 2, eight steers fitted with ruminal cannula were blocked by body weight and assigned to one of two treatment groups. Treatments consisted of 10mg Cu, 40mg Mn, and 60mg Zn/kg DM from either: 1) sulfate (STM) or 2) hydroxychloride (HTM) sources. Steers were housed in individual pens and fed the same diet as described in experiment 1. Dietary TM treatments were mixed with dried distillers grains and mixed in the diet, by hand, immediately after basal diet delivery. Dietary treatments were fed for 14 d. On day 15, SRF+PAO was collected from each steer (STM-RF and HTM-RF) and used in a series of in vitro crossover experiments. In vitro substrates (S) used were the ground diets consumed by the animals on each treatment (STM-S and HTM-S). Incubations containing HTM-S had greater (P < 0.01) total VFA concentration and propionic acid molar proportions, but lesser (P < 0.01) acetic acid molar proportions than STM-S. Rumen fluid from steers supplemented with HTM had a greater (P < 0.03) total VFA than STM-RF at 24h post incubation. After 12h post incubation, the molar proportion of propionic acid in HTM-RF was lesser (P = 0.04) than STM-RF. After simulated abomasal digestion, soluble Mn concentration in HTM-S was greater (P < 0.01) than STM-S. These data indicate that the source of trace minerals can influence in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and Mn solubility under simulated abomasal conditions.

The LTAR Grazing Land Common Experiment at Platte River High Plains Aquifer.

The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) consists presently of 18 sites within the contiguous United States that are managed by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and its partners. The LTAR network focuses on developing national strategies for more efficient, resilient, and profitable agricultural production systems, improved environmental quality, and enhanced rural prosperity. The Platte River High Plains Aquifer (PRHPA) LTAR site is managed jointly by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and USDA-ARS and is one of the LTAR sites that conduct research on both integrated cropping and grazing systems. The PRHPA region encompasses multiple land resource areas and diverse agricultural production systems. The PRHPA sites, predominantly located in eastern Nebraska, are designated as an integrated system focused specifically on the region's dominant production practices of row crop (corn and soybean), managed pastures, and beef cattle production. Here, we focus on C3 cool-season smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pasture grazing systems under prevailing and alternative management practices for the region. The sites evaluate continuous and rotational grazing with and without pasture fertilization (prevailing practices). In an additional treatment, cattle are supplemented with dry distillers grains plus solubles, while manure supplies fertilization (alternative practice). Main measurements at the site evaluate plant and animal productivity, forage quality, greenhouse gas fluxes, and soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. This paper describes the regional characteristics of the PRHPA site, ongoing LTAR research related to pasture and livestock production, stakeholder engagement, and future research plans.

Evaluation of Two Levels of Trace Mineral Supplementation to Beef Calves Prior to Weaning.

In this 2-year study, approximately 84 days prior to weaning, 24 calves/year (Angus × Hereford) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: trace mineral (Cu, Se, and Zn) supplementation following NASEM (2016) recommendations (Control) or trace mineral supplementation above NASEM (2016) recommendations (Super). Calves were individually fed, and trace minerals were provided in 0.5 kg of dry distiller's grains three times weekly. Body weight (BW), blood, and liver samples were collected on d 0 and at weaning (d 84). Additional BW and blood samples were collected post-weaning on d 85, 87, 88, 91, 95, and 99 during the preconditioning phase. Initial liver concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn were similar between treatments (p ≥ 0.69). At weaning, a year effect (p < 0.001) and a tendency for treatment × year effect (p = 0.09) were observed for Cu liver concentration. In year 2, but not in year 1, calves assigned to the Super treatment tended to have greater liver Cu concentration than calves assigned to the Control treatment. Except for Cu, a notoriously limited trace mineral in multiple geographical locations, the supplementation of trace minerals above the NASEM (2016) recommendations did not improve the mineral status of calves in this environment.

Lactobacilli-Based Pro and Postbiotic Efficacy Are Also Influenced by Other Factors Than Dietary Challenging Conditions.

The present study aimed to confirm the previously reported 'recovery' effect to a challenging diet (CD) of a Lactobacilli-based probiotic (Pro) and its derived postbiotic (Post) in broilers. Identical diet compositions were used, and observations were extended to a second CD diet. A completely randomised block design of 2 × 3 treatment groups with two CDs and three additive conditions (Control, Pro, Post) was used. One additional group received a standard diet (SD). The study involved 1600 one-day-old Ross 308 male broilers. All diets, fed from d1 to 35, were formulated to contain identical nutrients levels, with CDs formulated to be greater than SD in nonstarch polysaccharides using rye and barley (Rye CD) or dry distiller grains with soluble, sunflower and rapeseed meal (DDGS CD). Growth performance parameters, footpad lesions (FPL) score and plasma Ca, P and uric acid concentrations were measured. Compared to SD, birds fed Rye CD and DDGS CD had a higher 1-35 days feed conversion ratio (+3.4 and +4.1%, respectively), due to a higher feed intake for Rye CD (+2.9%) and a lower body weight for DDGS CD (-4.1%). An effect of additive was restricted to Rye CD where Post depressed BW at d28 and d35 (-3.7 and -2.4%, respectively). Compared to Rye CD, DDGS CD lowered plasma Ca/P at d21 (-9.0%) and d35 (-8.1%) and uric acid at d21 (-26%). Pro increased plasma Ca in Rye CD at d21 (+12%) and Post decreased plasma uric acid in DDGS CD at d35 (-25%). All other plasma parameters were not affected. The previously observed recovery effect of a commercial probiotic and postbiotic were not reproducible under highly similar growth conditions, which suggests that both may have specific physiological effects which are only expressed under specific circumstances.

Dried distiller’s grains in the diets of feedlot lambs: implications for production, carcass characteristics and rumen morphometrics

Context The demand and production of renewable fuels are boosting the production of biofuels. Agricultural industries have been playing a role in the increase of ethanol production from corn and, consequently, their by-products. Dried distiller’s grain (DDG) is a by-product of corn ethanol and can be used as a source of protein and energy in the diet of feedlot lambs. Aims The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of including DDG in high-concentrate diets on performance, rumen morpho-histology, and carcass characteristics in feedlot lambs. Methods Forty-five Santa Inês × Dorper male lambs with an initial body weight of 21 ± 3.2 kg (mean ± s.d.) and 82 ± 12 days old (mean ± s.d.) were distributed in a randomised complete-block design (nine blocks and five treatments). The experimental diets contained 900 g/kg of concentrate and 100 g/kg of coastcross hay, and DDG was used in replacement of soybean meal and corn. Lambs were fed one of the following five diets for 112 days: control without DDG (0DDG), or diet with 150 (150DDG), 300 (300DDG), 450 (450DDG) and 600 (600DDG) g/kg DM of DDG. Key results The inclusion of DDG from 150 up to 600 g/kg DM in the diet of the lambs linearly decreased (P &lt; 0.01) dry-matter intake (DMI), net energy of maintenance intake, net energy of gain, average daily gain, final body weight and feed efficiency (P &lt; 0.01). The inclusion of DDG linearly decreased (P ≤ 0.04) hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, hot carcass yield and cold carcass yield. For ruminal morpho-histology, there was a linear decrease in the area of papillae and absorptive surface area (P &lt; 0.01) Conclusions An increase in the DDG level from 150 to 600 g/kg DM in the diet of lambs negatively affected feedlot performance, with detrimental effects on carcass traits and the development of rumen papillae. The lambs showed low acceptance of DDG, even at the lowest level of dietary inclusion (150g/kg DM) as DMI was impaired. Implications DDG should be used with caution in diets for finishing lambs. Dietary inclusion of DDG up to 150 g/kg DM is recommended. Higher inclusions levels may significantly affect performance and carcass weight and yield.

Chemical characteristics of grass silage with the use of acidifier after opening the bag

The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical characteristics of Miyagi grass silage (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Miyagi), with the addition of moisture sequestrants (ground corn grain - GCG, and dried distillers grain with solubles and high fiber, DDGS), and addition of inoculant (SiloSolveMC) and/or acid (Mold-Nil Liquid). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3x3 factorial arrangement, with five replications: factor 01, the use of moisture scavengers (without additive, with the addition of GCG and/or DDGS), and factor 2, the use of bacterial inoculant (SiloSolveMC) and/or acid (Mold-Nil Liquid). For the chemical evaluation of the silage, the percentage of dry matter (DM), the insoluble fiber in neutral detergent (NDF), mineral matter contents (MM), and crude protein (CP). There were no interactions between moisture scavengers, bacterial inoculants, and/or acids. The use of moisture scavengers interfered with DM (P&lt;0.05), observing a value with GCG and DDGS use of 36.18% and 35.46%, respectively, higher than MGS (27,68%). For NDF values using GCG and DDGS, values of 51.39% and 65.47%, respectively, lower (P&lt;0.05) than MGS (70.72%) were observed. The use of microbial inoculant and acid did not alter (P&gt;0.05) the OM values, with an average value of 92%. As for CP, there was no interaction (P&gt;0.05) of moisture scavengers, microbial inoculant, and/or acid. It is recommended to include moisture-sequestering foods associated with MGS to obtain better DM, NDF, and CP values after opening the bag and the use of microbial inoculants and/or acids in the MGS did not influence these characteristics.

PSXII-21 How does the inclusion of dried distillers grains plus soluble affect short-chain fatty acid and methane production in feedlot diets?

Abstract The inclusion of the coproduct dry distillers grains plus soluble (DDGS) in the diet of finishing cattle can lead to changes in the nutritional profile of the diets, causing an increase in protein content and a reduction in starch. It is necessary to understand how changes in rumen substrates affect rumen metabolic activity, acids, and enteric methane (CH4) production. Five treatments were used, considering levels of DDGS inclusion in the dry matter (DM) of 1) 0 g/kg of DDGS, 2) 150 g/kg of DDGS, 3) 300 g/kg of DDGS, 4) 450 g/kg DDGS, or 5) 600 g/kg DDGS in finishing diets. The metabolism experiment was conducted with rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (n = 20) with initial body weight (BW) of 401.8 ± 27.0 kg. The production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and CH4 were determined using the ex-situ ruminal fermentation technique. Rumen content was manually collected from 0, 4, 8 and 12 h post-feeding. The liquid and solid fractions of rumen content were used in four 50 mL penicillin-type flasks per animal. Of the four flasks prepared, two are called “blank” and inactivated in boiling water to stop fermentation, and the other two (microrumen) are incubated in a thermostatic bath, simulating the conditions existing in the rumen of animals (presence of microorganisms, anaerobes, temperature of 39ºC, natural animal saliva, physiological pH) for 30 min. After 30 min, incubated flasks were also inactivated in boiling water to stop fermentation. Subsequently, measurements of the final products of rumen fermentation (SCFA and CH4) were carried out in each bottle. Total rumen emptying was performed to determine the rumen pool of DM. The data will be analyzed in the SAS software, the mean of the treatments will be compared using test of mean and orthogonal contrasts. The declared significance is P ≤ 0.05. The inclusion or levels of DDGS did not affect CH4 production of gּ kg DM-1ּ d-1 and gּ kg DM-1ּ d-1 (P &amp;gt; 0.05). There was an effect of the treatments on the production of propionate (gּ kg DM-1ּ d-1; P = 0.0448), with a decreasing linear effect (P = 0.0087) with the increase in the inclusion of DDGS in diet (0; 150; 300; 450; 600 g/kg of DDGS; means 137.20; 160.32; 117.60; 87.09; 91.52 gּ kg DM-1ּ d-1 propionate, respectively). There was no effect of DDGS levels on the production of Acetate, Butyrate, or total SCFAs (gּ kg DM-1ּ d-1). In summary, DDGS inclusion affects rumen metabolic activity, decreasing propionate production, but does not affect the production of other SCFAs nor CH4 production.

PSX-20 The inclusion of a tannin-based product evaluated in a typical feedlot diet under tropical conditions increases the molar proportion of propionate in a dual-flow continuous-culture system

Abstract The objective of the present study was to evaluate increasing levels of a tannin-based product and a monensin (positive control; unique dose) using a dual-flow continuous-culture system. Diets were randomly assigned to ten fermenters in a replicated 5 x 5 Latin square with three, 10-d experimental periods consisting of 7 d for adaptation and 3 d for sample collection. Four different levels were tested independently, resulting in 5 treatments: tannin at levels of 0 (negative control), 0.07, 0.14, and 0.21 (% of DM of the total diet) and monensin as positive control at 28 mg/kg DM. The tannin-based product was a specific blend of tannin and saponins, composed of quebracho and chestnut tannin extracts, SilvaFeed-BX). Diets were prepared as concentrate mixes that were combined with sugarcane bagasse, corn grain, dry distillers grain, citrus pulp, peanut meal, and urea. Liquid and solid flow rates were adjusted to 10 and 5.0%/h, respectively. Samples were collected for digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and microbial growth. The basal diet consisted of a typical finishing diet for beef cattle (16:84 roughage:concentrate ratio). All results were assessed for residual normality and variance homogeneity. All variables were fitted through generalized mixed models (GLIMMIX procedure) and compared by using Tukey test (multiple comparison) and polynomial regressions (tannin concentrations, which were analyzed for linear and quadratic responses. Partial data were presented in the table below. Total VFA concentration, molar proportion of butyrate, and total Branched-chain VFA were not affected by treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Molar proportion of acetate of the tannin-based product at 0.07 % of DM tended to be decreased compared with all other treatments. Molar proportion of propionate increased quadratically (P = 0.05) reaching the peak at the level of 0.07 % of DM, which were greater than monensin treatment. In conclusion, our results indicate that a smaller dose of a tannin-based product (0.07 g/kg of DM) might manipulate ruminal fermentation by increasing molar proportion of propionate in typical feedlot diet fed under tropical conditions. This is important from an energetic standpoint for the animal host, since propionate is the precursor of glucose synthesis in ruminants.

PSXI-2 Impact of flexible prepartum supplementation strategies on cow-calf and subsequent progeny feedlot performance

Abstract Implementation of minimal supplemental protein strategies during late gestation may have the potential to minimize any negative postweaning progeny performance while decreasing feed costs. A 3-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mid- to late-gestation supplementation strategies on reproduction, cow body weight (BW), and calf performance in May-calving mature cows grazing upland native range. Cows received one of 3 supplementation strategies: 1) 0.227 kg/d of a 30% CP distillers-based supplement (HalfSupp), 2) 0.454 kg/d of a 30% CP distillers-based supplement (Supp), or 3) brief and intermittent supplementation of Supp at 0.454 kg/cow based on periods of acute environmental stress, such as snow cover, wet winter events, and is best described as flexible supplementation (Flex). Supplementation was initiated in December each year and terminated approximately 30-d prior to the start of the calving season in April. Across all 3 yr, average supplement feeding rate was 25.5, 50.9, and 5.4 kg/cow during the 112-d supplemental period, which resulted in average yearly prepartum supplemental costs of $27.30, 54.60, and 1.99 for HalfSupp, Supp, and Flex; respectively. After weaning, steers grazed sub-irrigated meadow with a dried distiller grain supplement until May. In May, all steers grazed sub-irrigated meadow without additional supplement until August/September when steers were shipped to West Central Research and Extension Center (WCREC). Steers were placed in a GrowSafe feeding system for the rest of the finishing feeding period. Each year, steers were slaughtered at a commercial facility (Tyson Fresh Meats, Lexington, NE) when estimated visually to have 1.3 cm fat thickness over the 12th rib as a group. Cow BW was not different (P = 0.86) at the initiation of supplementation in Jan. However, cows fed Half had a lighter (P &amp;lt; 0.01) BW at pre-calving and tended (P = 0.08) to have a lighter BW at pre-breeding than their counterparts. After a 45-d breeding season, pregnancy rates were not influenced (P = 0.91) by prepartum supplementation strategies. Prepartum supplementation strategies did not influence (P &amp;gt; 0.56) preweaning calf BW at birth, pre-breeding, and weaning. In addition, steer backgrounding BW was also not influenced (P &amp;gt; 0.63) by prepartum supplementation strategy of their dam. Upon entry into the feedlot, steer BW was not impacted (P &amp;gt; 0.84) by prepartum supplementation strategy of their dam. Feedlot performance (BW, average daily gain, and feed efficiency) was not influenced (P &amp;gt; 0.59) by prepartum supplementation strategy of their dam. After harvest, all carcass characteristics were not impacted (P &amp;gt; 0.11) by the prepartum supplementation strategy of the dam. Considering the cost for prepartum supplementation, feeding a protein supplement just during environmentally stressful periods during gestation appears to be a viable alternative to more conventional methods and reduces winter feed costs.

PSIX-21 Can seeds rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce methane emissions when substituting palm oil on dairy beef calves fed high-concentrate diets? In vitro screening

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the rumen in vitro methane (CH4) production of concentrates feed with a different protein source (PS) replacing partially palm oil by different seeds (SE) rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Concentrate PS were: T1 = 8% soybean meal; and T2 = 15% dried distillers grain. Palm oil (CTR; 4% and 3.5% for T1 and T2, respectively) was partially substituted (1%) by flax seed (FL; 2.7%), canola seed (CO; 3%) or sunflower seed (SU; 2.3%), thus 8 concentrates were tested. Samples were ground at 1-mm and used in an in vitro digestibility assay. The rumen liquid was obtained at the slaughterhouse. Two incubation sets were done; two sampling points lasted 24 and 48 h to calculate the dry matter (DM) digestibility; a third sampling point lasted 12 d to monitor the CH4 production. Data were analyzed using a mixed effects model. Net volume of CH4 per degraded DM presented a PS effect (P &amp;lt; 0.01); T1 produced greater net volume of CH4 per degraded DM than T2 (8.12 vs. 6.91 ± 0.330 ml/mg, respectively). Furthermore, net volume of CH4 per degraded DM presented a SE effect (P &amp;lt; 0.01); all concentrates with seeds tested reduced the net volume of CH4 per degraded DM compared with CTR, and specifically CO produced lower net volume of CH4 per degraded DM than FL and SU (8.91, 7.47, 6.28, 7.39 ± 0.467 ml/mg; CTR, FL, CO, SU, respectively). In conclusion, the use of flax, canola, or sunflower seeds to partially substitute palm oil in concentrate feed, regardless of its PS, can be potential strategies to reduce rumen CH4 emissions, and seems that canola seed may be the most effective one.

PSV-27 Optimizing corn silage utilization in beef feedlot diets: Evaluating the impact of exogenous glucoamylase addition on performance and digestibility

Abstract The addition of an exogenous glucoamylase enzyme preparation to feedlot diets that contain a high percentage of corn silage may improve digestibility and yield positive outcomes in growth and efficiency. However, it is unclear what concentration of corn silage in the diet would most benefit from exogenous glucoamylase. Crossbred steers [n = 180; body weight (BW) = 459 ± 11.8 kg] were divided into 30 pens (5 pens per treatment; 6 steers per pen) and assigned to one of six treatments arranged as a 3 x 2 factorial investigating 3 forage concentrations (15, 42, and 69% corn silage) and 2 exogenous glucoamylase additions (0 or 183 enzyme units/kg of dry matter per d). Steers were fed 42% corn silage, 30% corn, 23% dried distillers grains with solubles, and 5% supplement at feedlot entry and for 2 wk prior to initiation of the study. Steers on the 15% and 69% corn silage diets were transitioned to treatment diets by wk 3 of the study (d 15), with the first transition occurring on d 0. Diet transitions occurred once weekly. The animals were on feed for 105 ± 10.4 d and had ad libitum access to feed and water. Average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and gain:feed were assessed both overall and for two distinct periods: d 0 to 50, and d 51 until slaughter. Data analysis was performed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. From d 0 to 50, ADG, DMI, and gain:feed did not differ due to forage concentration or enzyme inclusion and there was no interaction (P ≥ 0.39). For d 51 to slaughter, enzyme inclusion interacted with forage concentration such that the enzyme improved ADG (P = 0.0003) and gain:feed (P = 0.01) for steers fed the 42% corn silage diet but did not effect ADG and gain:feed for steers fed the 15 or 69% corn silage diets. For d 51 to slaughter DMI was not affected by forage concentration, enzyme inclusion, or their interaction (P ≥ 0.21). When calculated for the entire study (d 0 to slaughter), increasing forage concentration decreased ADG and gain:feed (P ≤ 0.0006), but did not effect DMI (P = 0.22). Overall, enzyme addition did not impact ADG, DMI, or gain:feed and did not interact with forage concentration (P ≥ 0.50). Carcass characteristics were not affected by forage concentration, enzyme addition, or their interaction (P ≥ 0.19). Overall results suggest that an exogenous glucoamylase enzyme improves growth and efficiency of heavier feedlot cattle fed moderate amounts of forage later in the feeding period.

PSXII-11 Impact of pre-breeding and breeding supplementation in May-born range heifers on growth rates and reproductive performance

Abstract Our objectives were to determine the impact rumen undegradable protein (RUP) supplementation prior to and during the breeding season had on growth rates and reproductive performance in May-born yearling range heifers. This study was conducted over a 3-yr period at the University of Nebraska, Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL) near Whitman, NE and utilized May-born Red Angus x Simmental crossbred heifers [n = 192; weaning body weight (BW) = 200 kg ± 28 kg]. Heifers were randomly assigned by pre-breeding BW to one of two treatments: 1) received 0.908 kg of a dried distillers grain supplement (DDGS; Supp, n = 66) pre-breeding through the breeding season or 2) received no supplement (NoSupp, n = 138). Each year, treatments were initiated in July and ended in August (55 ± 3 d). Using a C-Lock Smart Feeder (Rapid City, SD) heifers had individual access to their allotted DDGS supplementation. On average, NoSupp heifers consumed 0.09 kg/d (yr 1) and 0.02 kg/d (yr 2 and 3); whereas, Supp heifers averaged 0.59, 0.74, and 0.76 kg/d in yr 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Heifer BW was collected pre-trial (May), pre-breeding (July), breeding (August), pregnancy diagnosis (October), and pre-calving (April). Body condition score (BCS) was collected at pregnancy diagnosis (October) and pre-calving (April; Yr 1 and 2). Before each breeding season, two blood samples were collected 10 d apart to determine pubertal status. Heifers were synchronized with a single 5 mL intramuscular injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha (Lutalyse, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) 5 d after bull turnout during a 30 d natural service breeding season. Pregnancy diagnosis was determined via rectal ultrasound in October. No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.12) in BW were noted among treatments for all measurement timepoints. Moreover, SUPP heifers had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.02) average daily gain (ADG) from pre- trial to pregnancy diagnosis compared with NoSUPP heifers. However, there was no differences (P = 0.11) in ADG from pregnancy diagnosis to pre- calving. At pregnancy diagnosis (October), a treatment x year interaction (P = 0.02) for BCS was present where Supp heifers had a greater BCS than NoSupp heifers in yr 3. Heifer BCS pre-calving was not affected (P = 0.12) by treatment. There was a greater percentage (P &amp;lt; 0.01) of SUPP heifers cycling compared with NoSUPP heifers. However, there were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.24) in pregnancy rates, the percentage that calved in the first 21 d, calf birth BW, or subsequent calving date. Ultimately, this study implies that providing a RUP supplement prior to and during the breeding season will increase the percentage of heifers that are cycling before breeding and have a greater ADG through pregnancy diagnosis; however, supplementation will not impact other reproductive parameters or BW gains.

PSXIII-5 Behavior and blood urea nitrogen in cattle grazing meadow bromegrass and supplemented with condensed and hydrolizable tannins

Abstract The nutritional value of grasslands declines as the season progresses, negatively impacting cattle nutrition. Protein supplementation may reverse this trend, although high rates of ruminal proteolysis reduce the efficiency of N utilization. Tannins decrease protein degradability in the rumen, although they are also plant defenses with potential to influence animal behavior. The objective of this study was to determine in protein-supplemented cows grazing meadow bromegrass (MB) the influence of tannins on blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and on behavioral levels of activity. Twenty-four Black Angus cow [body weight (BW) = 614 ± 20 kg]-calf (BW = 244 ± 4 Kg) pairs were allotted to six 9-acre paddocks (4 pairs/paddock); animals in the Control (Ctrl; n = 3) and Tannin treatments (TT; n = 3) grazed meadow bromegrass (MB) and had a supplement of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; (1 kgּ cow-1ּ d-1), with the addition of a mix of condensed (2/3): hydrolizable tannins(1/3; SilvaTeam) at 0.4% of the diet for TT. Grazing occurred from July to September 2023 with four experimental periods of 15 d each, the first being the adaptation period (no tannins; Baseline). Data were analyzed as a mixed-effects model with repeated measures and paddock as the experimental unit. Cows were fitted with accelerometers on their left back leg to determine activity, and blood samples were collected from all animals at the end of each period to estimate BUN. Representative samples of grass and supplement were collected from each period and paddock and analyzed for CP and fiber content. Herbage availability (DM basis) in each paddock was assessed before and post-grazing during each period using a rising plate meter and calibration curves. neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (62.9 to 65.1 ± 0.5%) and and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (38.7 to 43.9 ± 0.3%) increased, whereas CP (6.8 to 3.9 ± 0.1%) declined from Period 1 to 4 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Initial biomass was 5,272 ± 211 Kg/ha and it declined after grazing (Period 4) to 2,319 ± 94 Kg/ha (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with no differences between treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). No differences between treatments were observed on motion index, number of steps taken per day, and the proportional percentage of time cows spent standing (9,379 ± 740, 2,611 ± 300, and 54.9 ± 0.02%, respectively; P &amp;gt; 0.05), suggesting that cows in TT did not invest extra time in searching activities or resting relative to Ctrl. It was only detected a greater percentage of transitions from lying to standing in TT than in Ctrl (7 to 3.4 ± 0.003%; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Values for BUN did not differ between treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05), although they declined from Baseline to Period 4 by 28 % (8.2 to 5.9 ± 0.2mg/dL) in TT and by 2.6 % (5.75 to 5.6 ± 0.01 mg/dL) in Ctrl (P &amp;lt; 0.05). These results suggest that the addition of low levels of tannins to a protein supplement in cows grazing a low-quality grass diet reduces ruminal proteolysis without adversely influencing biomass removal or animals’ levels of activity.

476 Induced hindgut acidosis in sheep affected gut permeability and ruminal fermentation

Abstract Leaky gut may be caused by acidotic conditions in the hindgut and lead to systemic inflammation and negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The objective was to determine the effects of induced hindgut acidosis in sheep on cecal pH, ruminal fermentation, and gut permeability. Ruminally and cecally cannulated ewes [n = 11; body weight (BW) = 49 ± 4 kg] were assigned to one of two treatments: control (CON; n = 5) or induced hindgut acidosis (HGA; n = 6). To induce hindgut acidosis, 3 g wheat starch/kg BW per 24 h was continuously infused via the cecal cannula for 4 d. Control ewes received a constant infusion of deionized water. The diet contained 40% grass hay pellets, 35% whole shelled corn, 15% dried distillers grains, and 10% alfalfa cubes. Chromium EDTA was dosed once daily via the cecal cannula as a marker of gut permeability. Rumen, cecal, and fecal samples were collected to determine pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Rumen fluid was collected on d 4 for an ex vivo fermentation. Flasks were incubated for 24 h to determine pH, VFA, ammonia and in vitro dry matter digestibility. Tissue samples from the ileum, cecum, and colon were mounted in Ussing chambers to measure transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). There was a treatment × time effect (P = 0.05) for cecal pH with HGA ewes having lesser cecal pH after d 1. By d 4, cecal pH had declined to 5.07 for HGA ewes compared with CON ewes which remained above 6.40 throughout the experiment. A treatment × time interaction was also observed (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for fecal pH and followed the same trend as cecal pH. Rumen pH was not affected (P = 0.87) by the interaction of treatment and time but was affected (P &amp;lt; 0.01) by treatment as ewes on the HGA treatment had a lesser rumen pH than CON ewes. Control ewes had lesser ruminal VFA and ammonia concentrations than HGA ewes (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Urinary Cr recovery was not affected by the interaction of treatment and time, or treatment (P ≥ 0.13). In vitro dry matter disappearance was not affected by cecal infusion treatment (P = 0.60). There was no effect (P = 0.78) of treatment on ex vivo pH. There were no effects (P ≥ 0.11) of treatment, time, or their interaction on ex vivo ammonia or total VFA concentration. In cecal tissue, TEER tended (P = 0.09) to be greater in CON ewes than HGA ewes. In contrast, TEER was not different (P ≥ 0.83) in ileal or colonic tissues between treatments. Induced hindgut acidosis in sheep altered rumen fermentation and tended to increase ex vivo measures of cecal permeability, but did not affect ex vivo rumen fermentation.

286 Impact of rate of overwinter gain in March-born yearling range heifers on growth rates and reproductive performance

Abstract Our objective was to determine the impact of rate of overwinter gain in March-born yearling heifers on pre- and post-breeding growth rates and reproductive performance. Red Angus x Simmental crossbred beef heifers [n = 182; weaning body weight (BW) = 242 kg ± 23 kg] were utilized in a 3-yr study conducted at the University of Nebraska, Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL) near Whitman, NE. Using 3-d BW averages collected in January, heifers were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) to achieve a low overwinter rate of gain at 0.34 kg/d (LO, n = 106), or 2) to achieve a high overwinter rate of gain at 0.68 kg/d (HI, n = 76). To achieve gains, heifers were managed together and had individual access to a dried distillers grain supplement via a C-lock Smart Feeder (Rapid City, SD). Each year, treatments were initiated in January and ended in May (111 ± 4 d). Heifer BW was collected at the start of trial (January), end of the trial (May), pre-breeding (May), pregnancy diagnosis (October), and pre-calving (February). Heifer body condition score (BCS) was collected at pregnancy diagnosis (October) and pre-calving (February; Yr 1 and 2). Before the breeding season, two blood samples were collected 10-d apart via coccygeal venipuncture to determine the percentage of heifers cycling. At breeding, HI-fed heifers had a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) BW than LO-fed heifers (813 and 788 kg, respectively; Table 1). However, heifer BW at pregnancy diagnosis and pre-calving were not impacted (P ≥ 0.16) by supplemental treatment. Additionally, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.16) in BCS at pregnancy diagnosis and pre-calving among treatments. Furthermore, rate of gain did not influence (P ≥ 0.38) the percent pubertal prior to the breeding season, pregnancy rates, or the percent that calved in the first 21-d of the calving season. Moreover, rate of gain did not impact (P = 0.89) subsequent calf BW at birth. There was a significant treatment x year interaction (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for subsequent calving date, where HI treatment heifers calved 7-d earlier than LO treatment heifers in Yr 1. This study implies that producers can develop heifers at a less overwinter rate of gain without impacting reproductive performance or subsequent calf birth weight.

255 Awardee Talk: Nutritional management to optimize cow-calf production in Southeast

Abstract Nearly one-half of beef cows in the United States are located in southern states where cow-calf operations predominate. Grazing management in cow-calf systems can be affected by environmental and seasonal conditions, often leading to nutrient deficiency, particularly during late gestation of beef females. Maternal nutrition during the last trimester of gestation can influence offspring development and health, and can be explored to optimize maternal and progeny performance. The objective of this presentation is to share nutritional and management strategies for pregnant beef cows and their long-term effects on offspring growth and physiology. Study 1 investigated the effects of timing of maternal protein supplementation during all last trimester of gestation (LATE84), only the first 42 d of last trimester of gestation (LATE42), or no prepartum supplementation (NOSUP) on offspring pre- and post-weaning performance. At weaning, LATE84 calves were the heaviest, followed by LATE42, and NOSUP (P ≤ 0.05). Steer serum parainfluenza-3 titers were greater (P = 0.03) for LATE42 vs. NOSUP and tended to be greater for LATE84 (P = 0.10) vs. NOSUP steers. Marbling and the proportion of steers grading choice were greater (P ≤ 0.04) for LATE42 vs. NOSUP, and intermediate for LATE84. Study 2 evaluated the effects of frequency of maternal protein supplementation on offspring pre-weaning growth. Cows received the same weekly amount of supplement (7 kg·cow⁻¹·wk⁻¹) but with different frequencies: once a week (1X), three times per week (3X), every day (7X), or no prepartum supplementation (NOSUP) during the last 80 d of gestation. At weaning, calves born from 7X cows were the heaviest (P ≤ 0.05), followed by 3X and 1X, which did not differ between them (P = 0.54), and NOSUP calves were the lightest (P ≤ 0.05). Study 3 evaluated the use of monensin supplementation during the last 77 d of gestation and its impacts on offspring performance. Treatments consisted of no prepartum supplementation (NOSUP), supplementation of dried distillers grains at 1 kg·cow⁻¹·d⁻¹ added with 0 (SUP) or 200 mg/d of monensin (SUPMO). At weaning, SUPMO calves were the heaviest (P ≤ 0.05), SUP intermediate, and NOSUP were the lightest. Experiment 4 consisted of pregnant heifers receiving the supplementation of 1 kg/d of soybean hulls dry matter added (BAC) or not (CON) with a Bacillus-based DFM mixture during late gestation (d 0 to 139) and early lactation (d 139 to 242). Post-weaning body weight gain and indicators of humoral immune response post-vaccination were greater for BAC vs. CON calves (P ≤ 0.05). Therefore, changing the time and frequency of supplementation, and the use of additives and probiotics during late gestation of beef females are effective alternatives to improve offspring pre- and post-weaning growth and immune response.

Energy utilization in lactating Jersey cows consuming a mixture of DDGS and straw replacing alfalfa hay

Some forages require significant amounts of water to grow, causing the dairy industry to be dependent on a limited resource. Feeding crop residues and feed coproducts in dairy rations may represent opportunities when alfalfa is not readily available, and to reduce the industry's use of water. A study using indirect calorimetry and 12 multiparous lactating Jersey cows (BW = 447.5 ± 43.7 kg; DIM = 71 ± 11 d, mean ± SD) was conducted to determine the effect of feeding dried distillers grains and solubles (DDGS) and straw in replacement of alfalfa hay on milk production and energy utilization. A triplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design was used to evaluate the replacement of alfalfa hay with a coproduct mixture (COP) of wheat straw and DDGS. Animals were blocked by milk yield and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental treatments including (proportions on a DM basis): a control diet (CON) containing 18.2% of alfalfa hay, a low-coproduct diet (LCOP) that contained 8.1% of COP, a medium-coproduct diet (MCOP) that contained 16.3% of COP, and a high-coproduct diet (HCOP) that contained 24.3% of COP. No differences were observed for daily dry matter intake or milk yield (mean ± SEM) 19.5 kg ± 0.60, 29.6 kg ± 0.91, respectively. A quadratic tendency was observed where increasing inclusion of COP up to 16.3% maintained ECM and milk fat yield but decreased when animals were fed 24.3% COP. Total methane production decreased linearly from 429.4 to 345.0 ± 22.8 L/d from CON to HCOP diets, respectively. The digestibility of CP increased linearly from 64.0 to 70.4 ± 0.95% and N balance increased linearly from 43.3 to 90.7 ± 15.0 g/d in animals consuming CON to HCOP diets. Total time spent ruminating was lowest in animals consuming the HCOP diet. A linear increasing tendency in digestible and metabolizable energy of 2.92 to 3.02 ± 0.041 Mcal/kg and 2.58 to 2.70 ± 0.047 Mcal/kg was observed in animals consuming CON to HCOP. The proportion ME from DE (ME/DE) tended to linearly increase from 88.3 to 89.4 ± 0.454 when COP was added to the diet. Results of this study indicate that alfalfa hay with a mixture of straw and DDGS can maintain milk production and DMI, but the partial or full replacement of alfalfa with the COP mixture may result in differences in energy utilization in part driven by effects on CH4 reduction.

PSXIII-24 Inclusion of dried distillers grains with solubles in feedlot diets containing flint corn and citrus pulp: Metabolism and performance of finishing Nellore bulls

PSXIII-24 Inclusion of dried distillers grains with solubles in feedlot diets containing flint corn and citrus pulp: Metabolism and performance of finishing Nellore bulls

Amino acid and energy digestibility of conventional corn dried distillers grains with solubles, high protein distillers dried grains, and corn fermented protein, and impacts on turkey poult growth performance and intestinal characteristics

Amino acids (AA) are an expensive nutritional components of poultry diets. Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is the primary co-product produced by the dry grind bioethanol industry, although new technologies are being implemented to produce high protein distillers dried grains (HP-DDG) and corn fermented protein (CFP), but data on their nutritive value in poultry are lacking. Two experiments (EXP) were conducted to determine the energy and AA digestibility of DDGS, HP-DDG, and CFP in poults in addition to a feeding trial to evaluate increasing dietary levels of HP-DDG and CFP on growth performance and intestinal characteristics. In EXP 1, six different DDGS sources were evaluated using poults to determine their nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) concentrations, and cecectomized roosters were used to determine their standardized ileal (SID) AA digestibility (SID-AA). In EXP 2, AMEn and SID-AA for HP-DDG and CFP were determined in young poults, and a feeding trial was conducted to evaluate growth performance and intestinal morphology and permeability of poults fed diets containing 7.5 and 15% HP-DDG or CFP from 1 to 32 d of age. In EXP 1, the AMEn concentration among the DDGS samples ranged from 2,530 to 3,573 kcal/kg DM but was not different (P = 0.57) among the samples, with an average SID for LYS of 66.6%. In EXP 2, different (P = 0.001) AMEn concentrations for HP-DDG and CFP were observed (3,114 and 3,760 kcal/kg DM, respectively), with the SID for LYS being 66.55 and 77.00% for HP-DDG and CFP, respectively. Including HP-DDG or CFP into the diet at 7.5 and 15% had no effect (P > 0.05) on growth, feed intake, or feed conversion. Neither co-product nor its inclusion rate affected intestinal morphology and permeability (P > 0.05). Overall, DDGS, HP-DDG, and CFP are excellent sources of AMEn and digestible AA, with dietary inclusion rates of up to 15% of HP-DDG or CFP having no impact on growth or intestinal characteristics.