Modified Distillers Grains Plus Solubles Research Articles

Effect of an algae feed additive on reducing enteric methane emissions from cattle.

Alga 1.0, a product containing bromoform, was fed to cattle to evaluate its effects on methane (CH 4 ) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions and diet digestibility. Twelve nonlactating, nonpregnant Jersey cows (490 ± 19kg body weight) were used in four replicated 3 × 3 Latin squares with three periods, each consisting of 21d. Cows were blocked by feed intake (averaged intakes over 4wk prior to trial) and assigned randomly to one of three treatments. Treatments included Alga 1.0 fed at 0, 69, and 103g/d in a 0.454kg/d dry matter (DM) top-dress daily in a modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) carrier. Diet consisted of 60% dry-rolled corn, 20% corn silage, 15% modified distillers grains, and 5% supplement (DM basis). Headbox-style indirect calorimeters were utilized to evaluate gas production from individual cows with two nonconsecutive 23-h collections in each period. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with cow within square as experimental unit and as a random effect, and treatment and period as fixed effects. Linear and quadratic contrasts were used to compare treatments. Feeding Alga 1.0 linearly reduced dry matter intake (DMI, P < 0.01) by 10.1% for 69g/d inclusion and 13.3% for 103g/d inclusion compared to the control. Nutrient intakes decreased linearly (P < 0.01) due to lower DMI, but nutrient digestibility was not impacted (P ≥ 0.28). Inclusion of Alga 1.0 did not impact gross energy or digestible energy concentration of the diets expressed as Mcal/kg DM (P ≥ 0.22) but did linearly reduce energy intake (Mcal/d; P < 0.01). Feeding Alga 1.0 linearly reduced enteric CH4 emissions measured as g/kg DMI (P < 0.01) by 39 and 64% for 69g/d and 103g/d inclusion, respectively. Linear reductions (P < 0.01) of 64% to 65% were also observed in enteric CH4 emissions when expressed per kilogram of DM or organic matter digested. Respired CO2 as g/d linearly decreased (P = 0.03) for cattle fed Alga 1.0 but did not differ when expressed as g/kg of DMI (P ≥ 0.23). Oxygen consumption did not differ between treatments for g/d and g/kg DMI (P ≥ 0.19). In conclusion, feeding Alga 1.0 reduced DMI up to 13.3%, did not impact digestibility, and significantly reduced CH4 emissions up to 63%.

159 Impact of Constant Inclusion or Decreasing Inclusion of Distillers Grains with High-Quality or low-Quality Roughage on Finishing Cattle Performance

Abstract Crossbred, calf-fed steers (n = 480; initial body weight = 292 ± 19 kg) were used in a randomized block design finishing experiment with a 2 × 3 arrangement of treatments to evaluate the impact of constant inclusion or decreasing inclusion of modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) with high-quality or low-quality roughage on finishing cattle performance. Dietary treatments included two roughage sources to provide similar neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from forage (6% corn stalks versus 12% corn silage DM basis) in three diets containing 0, 15, or decreasing inclusion of distillers (30, 15, then 0% across the feeding period). A total of 48 (10 steers/pen) pens were used with 8 pens/treatment. There was an interaction (P = 0.04) between roughage source and MDGS inclusion for dry matter intake (DMI). Cattle fed stalks with decreasing inclusions of MDGS (30-0%) had greater DMI than those fed silage as roughage source, but at 0% inclusion of MDGS there was no difference between roughage sources. No other significant interactions were observed, so main effects will be presented. Cattle fed the diet with 0% MDGS inclusion had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) hot carcass weight (HCW), DMI, average daily gain (ADG), and 12th rib fat, and poorer G:F compared with cattle fed diets where MDGS was at 15% inclusion continuously or when MDGS decreased from 30% to 0%. For the treatment where MDGS was decreased from 30% to 0%, performance differed from that of cattle fed 15% distillers continuously. Cattle fed decreasing inclusions of MDGS (30-0%) had less (P &amp;lt; 0.01) DMI, ADG and tended (P = 0.07) to have lighter HCW. But G:F was not (P = 0.25) affected compared with when distillers was fed at 15% continuously. Marbling score was impacted by distillers inclusion (P = 0.03), where cattle fed 15% MDGS had greater (P = 0.01) marbling score than 0% inclusion and tended (P = 0.06) to be greater than cattle fed 30-0% MDGS. Even though there are differences in marbling score across treatments, all three treatments were within the choice grade and reflect ADG differences across treatments. Cattle fed silage consumed less, gained the same, and had greater G:F (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Based on numerically less HCW, ADG, and poorer G:F, these data suggest that feeding 6% corn stalks did not produce similar performance as feeding 12% corn silage. These data suggest that feeding 15% distillers was not enough to offset decreased quality roughage (stalks) compared with silage as roughage which contradicts previous studies when 30% distillers were fed.

261 Effect of Alga 1.0 on Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Cattle

Abstract Alga 1.0, an algae-derived product was used to evaluate the effect of inclusion on methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from cattle along with diet digestibility. Twelve non-lactating, non-pregnant Jersey cows were used in 4 replicated 3x3 Latin squares. Cows were blocked by intake and assigned randomly to three treatments. Three periods were utilized with each period being 21 days long. Three treatments were evaluated with 0, 69, and 103 grams per day Alga 1.0, fed as a top dress with modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) as a carrier in a corn-based diet. Diet consisted of 60% dry-rolled corn, 20% corn silage, 15% MDGS, and 5% supplement. Headbox-style indirect calorimeters were utilized to evaluate gas production from individual cows with 2 non-consecutive 23-h collections in each period. Diet digestibility was measured using complete fecal collection the last 4 days of each period. Data were analyzed with GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with cow within period as experimental unit, cow and period as random effects, and treatment as fixed effect. Alga 1.0 inclusion decreased CH4 production measured as g/d (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and g/kg DMI (P &amp;lt; 0.01). A 39% percent reduction in CH4 was expressed as g/kg of DMI with 69 g inclusion; and a 63% reduction (g/kg DMI) with 103 g inclusion of Alga 1.0. Average eructated CH4 was 17.5 g/kg of DMI, 10.7 g/kg of DMI, and 6.4 g/kg of DMI, for the control, 69 g, and 103 g treatments, respectively. Emissions of CH4 reported as g/d were 164.9 for the control diet and decreased to 88.2 g/d for 69 g inclusion and 44.4 g/d for 103 g inclusion. Emissions of CO2 as g/d tended (P = 0.08) to be less for cattle receiving 103 g of Alga 1.0; but did not differ when calculated as g/kg of DMI (P = 0.39). Oxygen consumption (O2) amounts did not differ between treatments for g/day (P = 0.26) and g/kg DMI (P = 0.39). Respiratory quotient (RQ) was not significantly impacted (P = 0.32) by treatments. Alga 1.0 inclusion did influence organic matter (OM) intake (P = 0.01) with a 0.98 kg/d decrease with 69 g inclusion and a 1.27 kg/d decrease with 103 g inclusion compared with the control. Digestibility of OM was not influenced (P = 0.89) by the inclusion of Alga 1.0 and averaged 74.9%. Digestible Energy expressed as Mcal/kg did not differ (P = 0.67) between treatments. Feeding Alga 1.0 decreased OMI but did not affect digestibility. Alga 1.0 inclusion reduced CH4 emissions from cattle compared with a dry rolled corn control diet with no significant impact on CO2 emissions.

344 Impact of Removing 20% Distillers Grains After one-Third or two-Thirds of the Feeding Period on Performance of Finishing Yearlings

Abstract Crossbred, yearling beef steers (n = 210: initial BW = 430 ± 22 kg) were used in a randomized blocked design finishing experiment to evaluate the impact of removing modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) on finishing performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments included feeding 20% MDGS (DM basis) during the entire feeding period (124 d); 20% MDGS until day 79 and then 0% MDGS until the end of the feeding period; or 20% MDGS until day 43 and then 0% MDGS until the end of the feeding period. A total of 21 pens (10 steers/pen) were used with 7 pens/treatment. Cattle were fed a 60:40 blend of high-moisture and dry-rolled corn, with 15% corn silage, 20% MDGS and 5% supplement. Distillers were replaced with the corn blend and urea when removed. Cattle were stepped down to 10% MDGS for 4 days before the complete removal of MDGS. Cattle with MDGS removed on either d 79 or d 43 had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) final BW, DMI, and ADG. Cattle with MDGS removed on d 43 were 5% less efficient (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than cattle fed 20% MDGS throughout the entire feeding period. Cattle fed 20% MDGS throughout the whole feeding had the greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) HCW and LM area. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.35) in backfat and marbling scores among treatments, and no differences (P = 0.59) in percent of abscessed livers, although 38% of steers fed 20% MDGS continuously had liver abscesses compared with 46% for steers with MDGS removed on d 43. Based on the results of this study, removing MDGS from finishing diets on either day 43 or day 79 of the feeding period had a negative impact on cattle performance compared with feeding 20% MDGS continuously throughout the entire finishing period.

51 Supplemental Lysine in Finishing Cattle Diets

Abstract Smartamine ML (Adisseo), a bioavailable (80%) source of lysine and methionine was used to evaluate effects of increasing lysine supply on performance of beef cattle. Crossbred steers (n=120, initial BW 261 kg) were individually fed a diet of 15% modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS), 68% blend of high moisture and dried rolled corn, 12% corn silage, and 5% supplement with Smartamine ML top-dressed daily. Steers were assigned to 8 inclusions of lysine, 0 to 7 g/d in 1 g increments, with 15 steers per treatment. Data were analyzed with MIXED procedure of SAS as a generalized randomized design with animal as experimental unit and treatment as fixed effect. Orthogonal contrasts evaluated linear, quadratic, and cubic responses. Contrast statements compared the control with 1, 2, and 3 g/d treatments. Feeding increasing amounts of bioavailable lysine linearly decreased DMI (P = 0.04), final live BW (P = 0.04), and ADG (P = 0.02) with no effect on G:F (P ≥ 0.27). Numerical differences in DMI and ADG (P ≥ 0.26) led to a trend (P = 0.06) for improved live G:F for the 1 g/d treatment compared with control (0.188 and 0.176, respectively). During the Optaflexx feeding period (d 163-195), DMI linearly decreased (P = 0.01) as lysine increased in the diet with no differences in ADG (P ≥ 0.13) or G:F (P ≥ 0.12), with a trend (P = 0.08) for improved live G:F for 3 g/d compared with control (0.163 and 0.131, respectively). Hot carcass weight tended (P = 0.07) to linearly decrease as Smartamine ML increased in the diet, with no effect on other carcass measures including longissimus muscle area, 12th rib fat, and marbling score (P ≥ 0.18). In finishing beef cattle diets with 15% MDGS, more than 3 g/d of supplemental lysine did not improve performance.

PSIII-16 Use of soybean hulls in diets for drylot beef cows

Abstract One-hundred twenty-one Red Angus beef cows were used to evaluate the effects of soybean hull inclusion in beef cow diets throughout gestation and lactation. Cows were stratified by age, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS), and were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 4 pens per treatment). Treatments included 1) control diet [CON; consisted of corn silage, modified distillers’ grains plus solubles (MDGS), and wheat straw], and 2) soybean hull diet [SBH; consisted of 26 to 27% soybean hulls (DM basis) replacing portions of corn silage, MDGS, and wheat straw]. Beef cow BW, BCS, average daily gain (ADG), and back fat (BF) measurements were evaluated. Colostrum samples were collected on a subset of randomly selected cows from each pen. Weigh-suckle-weigh technique was used to evaluate milk production. Calf birth weight, weaning weight, and ADG were evaluated. At weaning, calves were ultrasounded for BF, rump fat, and ribeye area. Dam BW, BCS, BF, and ADG were not affected (P ≥ 0.12) by treatment. Colostrum fat, somatic cell count, urea nitrogen, and other solids were not altered (P ≥ 0.13) by treatment; however, colostrum protein was greater (P ≥ 0.09) in CON cows. Milk production at d 60 was greater (P = 0.03) for SBH fed cows. Calf birth and weaning weights were unaffected by treatment (P = 0.30). Ribeye area measurements were greater (P = 0.05) in SBH calves (14.6 vs. 13.7 ± 0.76 cm2), but BF and rump fat were not different (P ≥ 0.58). The present study demonstrates that soybean hulls can be included in beef cow diets at 26 to 27 % of dietary DM. Our data and previous research indicate that soybean hulls can be fed to drylot beef cows during gestation and lactation without negative impacts on cow or calf outcomes.

Feeding distillers grains to cattle may affect beef tenderness early postmortem.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fat source with modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) on beef tenderness through examination of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane fatty acid composition, changes in sarcoplasmic calcium concentration, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), sarcomere length, and proteolysis early postmortem. Steers (n = 256) were fed for 134 d on either corn, or a diet containing 40% full-fat MDGS, 40% de-oiled MDGS, or 38% de-oiled MDGS plus 2% corn oil. Twenty-four USDA Choice carcasses (three carcasses per pen; eight pens per treatment) were selected within each dietary treatment, and strip loins were collected and aged for 2, 9, 16, or 23 d postmortem and subject to retail display (RD) for an additional 7 d. Feeding MDGS increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of linoleic acid (18:2) and tended to increase (P = 0.06) total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the SR membrane. Steaks from cattle fed MDGS had greater sarcoplasmic calcium concentration than steaks from cattle fed corn at day 2 postmortem (P = 0.05). Steaks from steers fed de-oiled MDGS and de-oiled MDGS plus corn oil tended to have lower WBSF values (P = 0.08) than steaks from cattle fed corn at 2 d of aging with 0 d of RD. There were no differences among dietary treatments for sarcomere length (P = 0.92) and troponin-T degradation at 2 d postmortem (P = 0.60). Results suggest that feeding MDGS may increase early postmortem release of calcium into the sarcoplasm due to increased 18:2 and PUFA concentration in the SR membrane, which could result in increased beef tenderness early postmortem.

Effects of dietary fat source on beef strip loin steak display life

The effects of feeding different dietary fat sources with modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) on beef display life were evaluated. Steers (n = 256) were fed for 134 d on either a corn, 40% full-fat MDGS, 40% de-oiled MDGS, or 38% de-oiled MDGS plus 2% corn oil diet. Twenty-four United States Department of Agriculture Choice carcasses (3 head/pen) were randomly selected within each dietary treatment and strip loins were collected and aged for 2, 9, 16, or 23 d. Steaks from each aging period were placed under retail display (RD) conditions for 0, 4, and 7 d. Stearic acid was predominant (C18:0; P = 0.03) in beef from the de-oiled MDGS plus oil treatment in comparison with all other dietary treatments. Feeding MDGS increased linoleic acid (C18:2; P < 0.01) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P = 0.01) in comparison to the corn diet. The de-oiled MDGS plus oil group had greater C18:3 content (P = 0.03) when compared to corn, but no differences were observed between all other diets. There were no differences among dietary treatments for L* (P = 0.74) and b* (P = 0.25) values. The de-oiled MDGS group had lower a* values than all other treatments (P < 0.01) at day 5 of RD. The corn treatment had greater a* values (P ≤ 0.05) than de-oiled MDGS and de-oiled MDGS plus oil at day 6 and 7 of RD. Strip loin steaks from cattle fed full-fat MDGS tended to have lower a* values (P = 0.10) than steaks from cattle fed corn at day 7 of RD. Feeding de-oiled MDGS resulted in greater discoloration (P ≤ 0.05) at days 5, 6, and 7 of RD when compared to corn. Steaks from the de-oiled MDGS plus oil and full-fat MDGS groups had greater discoloration scores at day 7 of RD in comparison to corn (P ≤ 0.05). Strip loin steaks from cattle fed corn tended to have lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values (P ≤ 0.10) in comparison to de-oiled MDGS and de-oiled MDGS plus oil at day 7 of RD. Results suggest that feeding MDGS to cattle reduces color and lipid stability in addition to increasing C18:2 and PUFA content of beef. Addition of corn oil to de-oiled MDGS decreased redness and increased discoloration and lipid oxidation in comparison to corn diets.

Finishing performance and diet digestibility for feedlot steers fed corn distillers grains plus solubles and distillers solubles with and without oil extraction.

Three experiments evaluated the effects of corn oil removal using centrifugation in ethanol plants, on animal performance and digestion characteristics by finishing cattle fed by-products. In Exp. 1, 225 crossbred steers (300 ± 9.1 kg) were utilized in a randomized block design with a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors consisted of oil concentration [de-oiled (DO) or full fat (FF)] and by-product type [condensed distillers solubles (CDS) or modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS)] compared to a corn-based control. Fat concentration was 6.0% for DO CDS, 21.1% for FF CDS, 9.2% for DO MDGS, and 11.8% for FF MDGS. No oil concentration by by-product type interactions (P ≥ 0.17) were observed. There were no differences in DMI, ADG, or G:F between DO and FF CDS (P ≥ 0.29) or DO and FF MDGS (P ≥ 0.58). No differences (P ≥ 0.25) due to oil concentration were observed for carcass characteristics. Experiment 2 was a 5 × 5 Latin Square digestion trial with treatments similar to Exp. 1. Fat concentration was 8.7% or 15.4% for DO or FF CDS and 9.2% or 12.3% for DO or FF MDGS. Intake and total tract digestibility of fat were greater (P ≤ 0.02) for FF CDS compared with DO CDS. Digestible energy (megacalorie per kilogram), adjusted for intake, was greater (P = 0.02) for steers fed FF CDS compared to DO CDS. Average ruminal pH for cattle fed FF MDGS was greater than DO MDGS (P = 0.06). In Exp. 3, 336 yearling, crossbred steers (352 ± 19 kg) were utilized in a randomized block design with a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors included oil concentration (DO or FF) and inclusion [35%, 50%, and 65% wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS)] along with a corn-based control. The fat concentrations of DO and FF WDGS were 7.9% and 12.4%, respectively. A linear interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for DMI, which produced different slopes for DO and FF WDGS. No linear or quadratic interactions were observed for BW, ADG, or G:F (P ≥ 0.31). For the main effect of oil concentration, there were no statistical differences (P > 0.19) for final BW, ADG, or G:F. No statistical differences were observed for all carcass traits (P ≥ 0.34). Corn oil removal via centrifugation had minimal impact on finishing performance suggesting that cattle fed DO by-products will have similar performance to cattle fed FF by-products in dry-rolled and high-moisture corn diets.

A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of dietary fibre from distillers grains on enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli detection from the rectoanal mucosa and hides of feedlot steers.

Feeding high levels (≥40% dry matter) of distillers grains may increase the risk for cattle to carry enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157. The mechanism for the increased risk is not known nor whether non-O157 EHEC are similarly affected. Our objective was to test whether the fibre content or other components of modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) affects the probability for cattle to carry EHEC serogroups of public health importance. A 2×2 plus 1 factorial treatment arrangement within a randomized block design was utilized. Within each of four blocks, 25 feedlot pens (n=8steers/pen) were assigned randomly to (i) corn-based control diet; (ii) 20% dry matter (DM) MDGS; (iii) 40% DM MDGS; (iv) corn bran added to corn-based diet to match fibre of 20% MDGS or (v) 40% MDGS. Rectoanal mucosa swabs (RAMS) were collected on day (d)0, d35, d70 and d105; hide swabs were collected on the last feeding day. Samples were tested for EHEC by a molecular screening assay. The effects of fibre source and fibre level on EHEC carriage were tested using multilevel logistic regression (generalized linear mixed models; α=0.05). EHEC O45 RAMS detection was associated with fibre level, source and sampling day. EHEC O103 RAMS detection increased by feeding 40% MDGS but not the corresponding corn bran diet. Hide contamination by EHEC O45 or O103 was less likely in cattle fed MDGS compared to corn bran diets. EHEC O111 RAMS detection decreased by feeding 40% MDGS but not by feeding the corresponding corn bran diet. Detection of EHEC O157 or O145 was not associated with dietary factors. Feeding 40% MDGS increased the probability for carriage of some EHEC serogroups but decreased probability of others, which indicated that EHEC serogroups have different risk factors associated with feeding MDGS and little association with dietary fibre.

Effects of processing treated corn stover and distillers' grains on performance and total tract digestion of finishing cattle.

Two studies evaluated effects of replacing corn with a pellet containing alkaline treated corn stover, dried distillers' grains plus solubles (DDGS), and distillers' solubles on total tract digestion and performance of finishing cattle. Experiment 1 used 4 ruminally fistulated steers in a 4 × 6 Latin rectangle to evaluate total tract digestion. Treatments consisted of a control (CON) containing 50.3% dry-rolled corn (DRC), 40% modified distillers' grains plus solubles (MDGS), and 5% untreated corn stover. The next 2 treatments replaced 25% DRC (DM basis) with either a CaO-treated stover pellet (STOVPEL) or a pellet consisting of 64% CaO-treated corn stover, 18% DDGS, and 18% corn distillers' solubles (COMBPEL). The last treatment replaced 25% DRC with a mixture of feeds: 10% treated stover pellet, 10% DDGS, and 5% distillers' solubles (COMB). Experiment 2 used 336 crossbred steer calves (301 ± 25 kg initial BW) in a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial to evaluate effects of replacing corn with a pellet containing 64% CaO-treated corn stover, 18% DDGS, and 18% corn distillers' solubles on finishing performance. Factors included level of MDGS (20 or 40%) and pellet inclusion (10, 20, or 30%). The CON diet contained a 50:50 blend of DRC and high-moisture corn and 40% MDGS. All diets contained 5% wheat straw and 4% dry meal supplement. In Exp. 1, no differences ( ≥ 0.50) were observed between the CON, STOVPEL, COMB, or COMBPEL treatments for DM (76.5, 75.4, 72.5, and 78.0%, respectively; SEM 2.5) or OM (79.1, 79.7, 75.7, and 80.5%, respectively; SEM 2.4) digestibility. In Exp. 2, a linear increase ( = 0.03) in DMI was observed as pellet inclusion increased from 0% in the CON (10.6 kg/d [SE 0.13]) to 30% (11.0 kg/d [SE 0.13]) in treatments containing 40% MDGS. A quadratic response ( = 0.03) in DMI was observed as pellet inclusion increased in diets containing 20% MDGS due to greater DMI of the 20% pellet treatment. A linear decrease ( = 0.03) in G:F was observed as the level of pellet inclusion increased from 0 (0.182 [SE 0.02]) to 30% (0.175 [SE 0.02]) in diets containing 40% MDGS. In diets containing 20% MDGS, no differences ( ≥ 0.22) in G:F were observed as pellet inclusion increased from 10 to 30%. In conclusion, replacing up to 20% of corn (DM basis) in diets containing 20% MDGS had minimal impact on performance. Conversely, up to 30% of corn could be replaced in diets containing 40% MDGS with little impact on performance.

Finishing performance of feedlot cattle fed condensed distillers solubles.

Two experiments evaluated the effects of condensed distillers solubles (CDS) on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef cattle. In Exp. 1, 250 crossbred steers (initial BW = 355 ± 18 kg) were fed 0, 9, 18, 27, or 36% CDS (DM basis) which replaced a portion of urea and a 1:1 ratio of dry-rolled corn (DRC) and high-moisture corn (HMC). Steers were divided into 3 BW blocks and were assigned randomly to 25 pens. Dietary fat increased from 3.7 to 9.4% as CDS inclusion increased from 0 to 36%. Intake decreased linearly ( < 0.01) as CDS increased. A quadratic response was observed for ADG ( = 0.01) and G:F ( < 0.01) with maximum gain calculated at 20.8% CDS and maximum G:F at 32.5% CDS inclusion, which was 12% more efficient than those fed 0% CDS. Experiment 2 was designed as a 2 × 4 factorial using 400 crossbred steers (initial BW = 339 ± 15 kg) evaluating 0, 7, 14, or 21% CDS (DM basis) in 2 base byproduct diets containing either 20% modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) or 20% Synergy (a blend of wet corn gluten feed and MDGS). Steers were divided into 2 BW blocks and were assigned randomly to 40 pens. A tendency for a base diet × CDS inclusion interaction was observed for ADG, HCW, and final BW ( < 0.10). Gain increased linearly ( = 0.01) and tended to increase quadratically ( = 0.09) in MDGS diets, with maximum calculated ADG at 16% CDS inclusion. Inclusion of CDS had no effect on ADG in Synergy-based diets. Increasing CDS resulted in a linear increase in G:F ( < 0.01) regardless of basal diet. Condensed distillers solubles may be included in the diet at greater than 30% (DM basis) without other byproducts and improve animal performance. Likewise, CDS can be fed in combination with other byproduct feeds but with less improvement in performance.

Effects of grind size when alkaline treating corn residue and impact of ratio of alkaline-treated residue and distillers grains on performance of finishing cattle.

Two studies were conducted to optimize use of alkaline-treated corn stover and wheat straw and distillers grains as partial corn replacements. In Exp. 1, a finishing experiment used 30 pens (12 steers/pen) of calf-fed steers (initial BW = 374 ± 23.9 kg) with a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement of treatments with 6 replications per treatment. Factors were grind size, where corn stover was processed through a 2.54- or 7.62-cm screen, and chemical treatment (corn stover either fed in native, non-treated form [NT; 93.4% DM] or alkaline treated [AT; 5% CaO hydrated to 50% DM]). No interactions (P ≥ 0.38) were noted between grind size and chemical treatment. Feeding AT compared with NT improved (P ≤ 0.02) final BW, ADG, and G:F. Reducing grind size improved (P ≤ 0.01) ADG and G:F, and no interaction with chemical treatment was observed. Steers fed AT had similar DMI, ADG, G:F, and carcass characteristics compared with a 5% roughage control that contained 15 percentage units (DM basis) more corn. In Exp. 2, 60 individually fed steers (initial BW = 402 ± 61.4 kg) were randomly assigned to 10 diets. Six treatments evaluated 10, 25, or 40% dry-rolled corn (DRC), which was replaced with either a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio (DM basis) of modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) and treated corn stover analyzed as a 2 × 3 factorial. An additional 3 treatments were added where a 3:1 ratio of MDGS:straw were compared with a 3:1 ratio of MDGS:stover. As DRC increased, G:F (P = 0.06) quadratically increased for 3:1 MDGS:stover diets. Increasing DRC increased (P = 0.07) G:F in treated stover diets, regardless of ratio. Increasing DRC increased (P = 0.10) ADG for 3:1 ratios for both straw and stover. Reducing grind size, feeding a maximum of 20% treated crop residue, and maintaining at least 25% corn in the diet are strategies for optimizing cattle performance when replacing dry-rolled and high-moisture corn with treated crop residues and distillers grains.

Optimum inclusion of alkaline-treated corn residue and distillers grains fed to calf-fed steers

ABSTRACT A 180-d finishing study was conducted to evaluate inclusion rates of modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) and alkaline-treated corn residue (ATCR) on performance and carcass characteristics. Crossbred steer calves (n = 378; initial BW = 320 ± 7 kg) were used in a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial treatment arrangement. Factors included inclusion rate of MDGS (20 or 40%; DM basis) and ATCR (10, 20, or 30%; DM basis). In addition, a dry-rolled corn, 20% MDGS, and 5% untreated-corn-residue control was fed. There was a distillers inclusion–by–treated corn residue interaction for both carcass-adjusted G:F (P 0.21). Intakes were not affected by treatment (P > 0.18). Daily gain decreased linearly (P

Effect of dietary inclusion of wet or modified distillers grains plus solubles on performance of finishing cattle

ABSTRACT Two experiments evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of corn wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) or partially dried modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Experiment 1 used 288 steers (BW = 351 ± 11 kg). Cattle were weighed, stratified within block, and assigned randomly to pens (8 steers/pen; 6 pens/treatment) to evaluate 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% (DM basis) dietary inclusion of WDGS replacing a blend of high-moisture and dry-rolled corn. Experiment 2 used 288 steers (BW = 332 ± 17 kg) to evaluate the effects of MDGS inclusion with similar methodology as Exp. 1. In Exp. 1, quadratic responses (P

Effects of feeding modified distillers grains plus solubles on marbling attributes, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile of beef1,2

Wet distillers grains contain approximately 65% moisture. A partially dried product [modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS)] contains about 50% moisture. However, both have similar nutrient composition on a dry matter basis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of finishing diets varying in concentration of MDGS on marbling attributes, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile of beef. Yearling steers (n = 268) were randomly allotted to 36 pens, which were assigned randomly to 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% MDGS (DM basis) and fed for 176 d before harvest. The 48-h postmortem marbling score, marbling texture, and marbling distribution were assessed by a USDA grader and 1 ribeye slice (longissimus thoracis) 7 mm thick was collected from each carcass for proximate and fatty acid analyses. Treatments did not significantly alter marbling score or marbling distribution (P ≥ 0.05). United States Department of Agriculture Choice slices had coarser marbling texture when compared with USDA Select. Although dietary treatment affected marbling texture, no consistent pattern was evident. Diets did not influence fat content, moisture, or ash of the ribeye (P ≥ 0.05). For treatments 0, 10, 30, 40 and 50%, there were positive linear relationships between marbling score and fat percentage in the ribeye (P ≤ 0.05), and all slopes were similar (P = 0.45). Feeding MDGS linearly increased stearic, linoelaidic, linoleic, linolenic, PUFA, and n-6 fatty acids. As dietary MDGS increased, linear decreases were observed in all n-7 fatty acids and cubic relationships were detected for the 18:1 trans isomers [trans-6-8-octadecenoic acid (6-8t), elaidic acid (9t), trans-10-octadecenoic acid (10t), and trans vaccenic acid (11t)]. No effects were observed for saturated fatty acids containing 6 to 14 carbons. Feeding MDGS resulted in increased PUFA, trans, and n-6 fatty acids, minimal effects on marbling texture, and no effects on the relationship of marbling to intramuscular fat content relationship.

Nutrient variability for distillers grains plus solubles and dry matter determination of ethanol by-products

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate nutrient content and DM determination methods of dry milling byproducts. In Exp. 1, nutrient composition was determined for wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) and modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) from 6 ethanol plants with 10 samples collected per day, across 5 d, and sampling was repeated over 4 separate months. Mean composition was 31.0% CP, 11.9% fat, 0.84% P, and 0.77% S (DM basis). Coefficients of variation for DM content were greater for some plants than others, and variation occurred within and across days. Variability was small for CP and P, whereas fat differed among ethanol plants. Large variation in means and CV were observed for S in period 1, but variation subsequently decreased. Coefficients of variation for S were similar for samples collected within the same day and across days. In Exp. 2, samples of WDGS, MDGS, Dakota Bran Cake, and distillers solubles were used to determine DM content by drying samples at 105°C for 3, 8, and 24 h and 60°C for 24 and 48 h, vacuum oven drying, toluene distillation, and Karl Fischer titration. Compared with toluene distillation, drying at 105°C resulted in less DM (P ≤ 0.10) and vacuum drying and Karl Fischer titration resulted in greater DM (P < 0.01). In Exp. 3, additional WDGS, MDGS, and wet grains with no solubles were used to determine DM with oven drying at 60°C for 48 h, oven drying at 105°C for 3 h, or toluene distillation. Drying at 60°C for 48 h was similar to toluene distillation (P ≥ 0.60).