Steam-flaked Corn Research Articles

Effects of dietary supplementation of a yeast product on performance and morbidity of newly received beef heifers

ABSTRACT Two truckloads of beef heifers (n = 237; average initial BW = 191 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of a yeast culture/ enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast extract product (Celmanax; Varied Industries Corporation, Mason City, IA) included in a 65% concentrate receiving diet on growth performance and bovine respiratory disease morbidity during a 35-d receiving period. Treatments (replicated in 12 pens of 9 to 11 heifers per pen over the 2 truckloads) included 1) the 65% concentrate receiving diet with the addition of Celmanax (1.8 g/d per heifer of enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast cell wall and yeast cell metabolites, diluted with a carrier to a total of 14 g/d per heifer) or 2) the receiving diet without Celmanax (control; 14 g/d per heifer of carrier only). No load × treatment interactions (P > 0.15) were detected for any measures of performance or bovine respiratory disease morbidity. Initial BW did not differ (P > 0.53) between treatments nor did BW on d 35 (P = 0.33). Average daily gain for d 0 to 14 (P = 0.05) and for the overall 35-d (P = 0.08) period tended to be greater for Celmanax heifers than for control heifers. Receiving-diet DMI was greater (P ≤ 0.03) by the Celmanax heifers than by the control heifers at all the measurement periods during the experiment, but G:F did not differ (P ≥ 0.17) between treatments. The proportion of heifers treated one time for bovine respiratory disease tended (P = 0.09) to be less with the Celmanax treatment (4.1 ± 2.09% for Celmanax vs. 10.5 ± 3.92% for control). Results suggest that feeding Celmanax at 14 g/d per heifer can have positive effects on short-term performance and health of newly received beef cattle fed a 65% concentrate (steam-flaked corn–based diet) during the summer.

Effects of increasing concentrations of wet distillers grains with solubles in steam-flaked, corn-based diets on energy metabolism, carbon-nitrogen balance, and methane emissions of cattle1

The use of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) in feedlot diets has increased in the Southern Great Plains as a result of the growing ethanol industry. Nutrient balance and respiration calorimetry research evaluating the use of steam-flaked corn (SFC)-based diets in conjunction with WDGS is limited. Therefore, the effects of increasing concentrations of WDGS in a SFC-based diet on energy metabolism, C, and N balance, and enteric methane (CH4) production was evaluated in Jersey steers fed at 2 times maintenance, using respiration calorimetry chambers. Four treatments were used in two 4 × 4 Latin square designs, using 8 steers. Treatments consisted of: 1) SFC-based diet with 0% WDGS (SFC-0); 2) SFC-based diet with 15% WDGS (SFC-15); 3) SFC-based diet with 30% WDGS (SFC-30); and 4) SFC-based diet with 45% WDGS (SFC-45). Diets were balanced for degradable intake protein (DIP) by adding cottonseed meal to the SFC-0 diet. As a proportion of GE, fecal, urinary, and CH4 energy increased linearly (P < 0.03) as WDGS concentration increased in the diet. In contrast, DE, ME, and retained energy decreased linearly (P < 0.01) as a proportion of GE as WDGS concentration increased. Increasing concentration of WDGS in the diet did not affect (P > 0.78) heat production as a proportion of GE. As a result of greater N intake, total N excretion increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing WDGS inclusion in the diet. Fecal C loss and CH4-C respired increased linearly (P < 0.01) when WDGS concentration increased in the diet whereas CO2-C respired decreased (linear, P = 0.05) as WDGS concentration increased. We conclude that CH4 production as a proportion of GE increases linearly (P < 0.01) when WDGS concentration in the diet is increased; however, dietary inclusion of WDGS at up to 45% seems to have no effect (P > 0.78) on heat production as a proportion of GE. The reason for a linear decrease in retained energy as WDGS increased was likely because of increased fecal energy loss associated with feeding WDGS. Total N excretion, fecal C loss, and CH4-C respired increased linearly with increasing concentration of WDGS in the diet. We determined NEg values for WDGS to be 2.02, 1.61, and 1.38 Mcal/kg when included at 15%, 30%, and 45%, respectively, in a SFC-based diet. From these results we conclude that the energy value (NEg) of WDGS in a finishing cattle diet based on SFC must be decreased as the inclusion increases.

Effects of twenty percent corn wet distillers grains plus solubles in steam-flaked and dry-rolled corn-based finishing diets on heifer performance, carcass characteristics, and manure characteristics1

Two hundred sixty-four crossbred heifers (initial BW = 354 kg ± 0.5) were used to determine effects of corn processing method and wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) inclusion in finishing diets on animal performance, carcass characteristics, and manure characteristics. The study was conducted as a randomized complete block with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Dietary treatments included steam-flaked corn (SFC)- and dry-rolled corn (DRC)-based finishing diets containing 0 or 20% WDGS (0SFC, 20SFC, 0DRC, and 20DRC, respectively). Heifers averaged 154 d on feed and were marketed in 3 groups. There were no interactions between corn processing method and WDGS detected (P ≥ 0.29) for any performance or carcass response variables. Heifers fed diets containing WDGS tended to have greater final BW (P = 0.10) and increased G:F (P = 0.08) compared with heifers fed diets without WDGS. Heifers fed SFC-based diets consumed 7% less feed (P < 0.01) and were 9% more efficient (P < 0.01) than heifers fed DRC-based diets. Carcass characteristics were not affected by corn processing method or WDGS inclusion (P ≥ 0.16). Intakes of OM, N, P, and K were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for heifers fed DRC-based diets than those fed SFC-based diets, which resulted in greater net accumulation of the nutrients in the manure (P ≤ 0.04). Heifers fed diets containing WDGS had greater (P < 0.01) intakes of N, P, and K than heifers fed diets without WDGS. As a result, a greater net accumulation of P and K (P ≤ 0.03) and N (P = 0.10) were present in the manure from cattle fed diets containing WDGS compared with those fed diets without WDGS. There was no interaction (P ≥ 0.16) between corn processing and WDGS on N volatilization losses. Nitrogen volatilization losses from manure (expressed as a percentage of intake and g·heifer(-1)·d(-1)) were greater (P < 0.01) for heifers fed SFC-based diets than heifers fed DRC-based diets. Feeding DRC-based finishing diets to heifers resulted in increased manure production and nutrient excretion and decreased N volatilization. Both corn processing method and WDGS inclusion affected animal performance and manure characteristics.

Potential odorous volatile organic compound emissions from feces and urine from cattle fed corn-based diets with wet distillers grains and solubles

Odor and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are a concern at animal feeding operations (AFOs). The issue has become more prevalent as human residences move into areas once occupied only by agriculture. Odors near AFOs are generally caused by odorous VOCs emitted from manure, the mixture of feces and urine. Wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) are a by-product of the ethanol industry, and WDGS have become a staple in many beef cattle finishing diets. The objective of this research was to determine specific VOC emissions from frozen feces and urine of cattle fed steam-flaked corn (SFC)-based diets containing 0, 15, 30, or 45% WDGS. No differences in flux were detected across dietary treatments for phenol, indole, skatole, or 4-methylphenol (P > 0.23). Dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide flux in feces were not different across treatments (P > 0.35) and the flux of volatile fatty acids (VFA) such as acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric were not different across treatments (P > 0.25). There was a tendency for dimethyl disulfide flux from urine to be greater for cattle consuming an SFC-based diet with 15% WDGS than the other diets (P = 0.10). Furthermore, flux of acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, and isovaleric acid from the urine were not different (P > 0.61) across dietary treatment. There were no significant differences in odor activity value (OAV) across treatments for feces, and only a tendency for dimethyl disulfide in the feces (P = 0.09). Thus, there was no obvious indication that feeding WDGS in conjunction with SFC affects flux of odor or odorous VOC from beef manure. The summed OAV was three times higher in the urine than feces, and a single odorous compound (4-methylphenol) accounted for 97.6%and 67.3% of the OAV in urine and feces, respectively. Therefore, engineering or dietary strategies to reduce odor from beef cattle manure should focus on controlling or reducing 4-methylphenol concentrations in the urine and feces.

Effects of corn processing method and dietary inclusion of corn wet distillers grains with solubles on odor and gas production in cattle manure1,2,3

The growing ethanol industry in the Southern Great Plains has recently increased the use of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) in beef cattle finishing diets. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate odorous compound production in urine and feces of feedlot steers fed diets with different concentrations of WDGS and different grain processing methods. In both experiments, a Latin square design was used. In Exp. 1, a 2× 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used and the factors consisted of corn processing method [steam-flaked corn (SFC) or dry-rolled corn (DRC)] and inclusion of corn-based WDGS (0 or 30% on a DM basis). Thus, the 4 treatment combinations consisted of: 1) SFC-based diet with 0% WDGS (SFC-0); 2) SFC-based diet with 30% WDGS (SFC-30); 3) DRC-based diet with 0% WDGS (DRC-0); and 4) DRC-based diet with 30% WDGS (DRC-30). In Exp. 2, all diets were based on SFC and the 4 treatments consisted of: 1) 0% WDGS (SFC-0); 2) 15% WDGS (SFC-15); 3) 30% WDGS (SFC-30); and 4) 45% WDGS (SFC-45). In both experiments, diets were balanced for degradable intake protein and ether extract by the addition of cottonseed meal and fat. Fecal slurries were prepared from a 5-d composite of urine and feces collected from each treatment. The slurries were analyzed using a gas chromatograph for VFA, phenol, p-cresol, indole, skatole, hydrogen, methane (CH(4),) and total gas production. In Exp. 1, the DRC fecal slurries had greater initial total VFA concentration compared with the SFC-based slurries and accumulated a greater concentration of total gas throughout the incubation; however, the SFC-based manure resulted in more CH(4) production. In Exp. 2, total VFA concentrations did not differ across all fecal slurries initially and on d 28; however, throughout the incubation, slurries with 0 and 15% WDGS had the greatest total VFA concentration. Overall, the presence of starch in the feces was likely the determining factor for the accumulation of odorous compounds in the fecal slurries initially, which was especially evident in diets including DRC, and once methanogenic microorganisms were established they likely converted VFA to CH(4).

Effects of a slow-release urea product on performance, carcass characteristics, and nitrogen balance of steers fed steam-flaked corn

Two experiments were conducted to examine the impact of source, urea (U) or Optigen II (OP), and level of dietary NPN on performance (Exp.1) and N balance (Exp. 2) of growing cattle. Sixty Angus crossbred steers (initial BW = 353 ± 13.9 kg) were used to evaluate performance, and fed 1 of 3 steam-flaked corn based diets: U (U(1.2), 1.2% NPN), OP (OP(1.3), 1.3% NPN), or OP without cottonseed meal (OP(3.1), 3.1% NPN). U(1.2)and OP(1.3) contained cottonseed meal and NPN as CP sources, whereas OP(3.1) contained only NPN. For Exp. 1, steers were blocked by postweaning BW and assigned to treatment (TRT) and pen within block. Body weight was collected every 14 d during the 105-d trial. Six steers from each TRT were selected based on residual feed intake (RFI) and harvested. Carcass and organ measurements were obtained. Cumulative animal performance was evaluated in 3 periods (0 to 35, 0 to 70, and 0 to 105 d) using a mixed coefficient model with initial BW as a covariate. For Exp. 2, 5 ruminally cannulated Holstein steers in a 5 × 5 Latin square design were used to evaluate N balance. Steers were fed a steam-flaked corn based diet with either no NPN, 0.75% U or N equivalent OP, or 1.5% U or N equivalent OP. Intake was measured, and feed, orts, urine, and fecal samples were obtained and composited for each steer by period. Data were analyzed using a mixed coefficient model. Orthogonal contrasts were used to evaluate differences between OP and U, and high and low level of NPN. For Exp. 1, there were no differences (P > 0.10) in initial BW, final BW, ADG, or DMI among TRT for any of the periods. However, for period 1 steers on OP(3.1) had reduced F:G than U(1.2) (5.71 kg/kg vs. 7.39 kg/kg; P = 0.03), and steers fed OP(1.3) tended to have less F:G than those fed U(1.2) (6.07 kg/kg vs. 7.39 kg/kg; P = 0.07). In period 2, OP(3.1) had reduced F:G than U(1.2) (5.58 kg/kg vs. 6.56 kg/kg; P = 0.03), but did not differ from OP(1.3) (5.97). For Exp. 2, steers fed OP tended (P = 0.09) to have less apparent N absorption than those fed U. Apparent N absorption differed (P < 0.05) for level of NPN. There were no differences (P > 0.10) in intake or digestibility among source or level of NPN. No major differences (P > 0.10) on performance and carcass composition were observed between U and OP diets. Steers had better initial F:G (Period 1 and 2) when OP was used as the only source of feed N (OP(3.1)), suggesting that OP may replace true protein feeds in finishing cattle diets, minimizing feed use with no impact on carcass quality.

Feeding value of dried shredded sugarbeets as a partial replacement for steam-flaked corn in finishing diets for feedlot cattle

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the comparative feeding value of dried shredded sugarbeets (DSSB; 0, 20, and 40% of diet DM) as a replacement for steam-flaked corn (SFC) in finishing diets for feedlot cattle. In Exp. 1, 60 calf-fed Holstein steers (476 ± 6.3 kg) were used in a 97-d finishing trial. Substitution of SFC with DSSB did not affect ADG or DMI (P > 0.20). Increasing DSSB decreased gain efficiency (ADG:DMI; linear effect, P = 0.04) and dietary NE (linear effect, P = 0.03). Given that SFC has a NE(m) value of 2.38 Mcal/kg, the replacement NE(m) and NE(g) values for DSSB were 1.94 and 1.29 Mcal/kg, respectively. There were no treatment effects (P > 0.20) on carcass characteristics. In Exp. 2, 6 cannulated Holstein steers (205 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to evaluate treatment effects on digestion. Ruminal digestion of starch, NDF, and feed N were not affected (P > 0.10) by DSSB, although ruminal OM digestion tended to increase (linear effect, P < 0.08). Replacing SFC with DSSB decreased flow of starch to the small intestine, but it increased flow of microbial N (linear effect, P = 0.05). There were no treatment effects (P > 0.14) on postruminal digestion of OM, NDF, starch, or feed N or total tract digestion of OM, starch, and N. Substitution of DSSB increased (linear effect, P = 0.05) total tract NDF digestion and decreased (linear effect, P = 0.05) dietary DE (Mcal/kg). Given that SFC has a DE value of 4.19 Mcal/kg, the replacement DE value of DSSB was 3.68 Mcal/kg. There were no treatment effects (P > 0.12) on ruminal pH or total VFA; however, DSSB decreased propionate (linear effect, P = 0.05) and increased acetate (linear effect, P = 0.07), butyrate (linear effect, P = 0.05), valerate (linear effect, P = 0.04), and estimated methane production (linear effect, P = 0.05). We concluded that DSSB may replace SFC in finishing diets at levels of up to 40% without detrimental effects on ADG and carcass characteristics. The NE value of DSSB is 82% that of SFC (DM basis). Partial replacement of SFC with DSSB alters ruminal VFA patterns, increasing estimated methane energy loss and slightly decreasing the efficiency of DE utilization.

An evaluation of 10-G brand direct-fed microbial for yearling steers fed finishing diets containing wet distillers grains

ABSTRACT One hundred forty-four Charolais crossbred yearling steers (335.5 kg ± 12.2) were used to determine the effect of 10-G brand direct-fed microbial product (10-G contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilacticii, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus plantarum) in a finishing diet containing steam-flaked corn and wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) on performance and carcass characteristics. Cattle were fed twice daily with dietary treatment applied only to the first feeding. Dietary treatments included 1) 10-G (TRT) product in the first round of feeding and 2) control (CON). The CON diet received a placebo in place of the 10-G product. Each diet contained 6% wheat straw (WS) and 15% WDGS and the finishing diet contained 68% steam flaked corn on a DM basis. Prior to the initiation of the experiment, WS and WDGS were mixed together using a vertical screw-type truck-mounted mixer box in the ratio of 2:5 (kg:kg) WS to WDGS on a DM basis, stored in a single pile, packed with a tractor, and covered with plastic. The WS and WDGS mixture was added to each batch of feed as one commodity during diet manufacturing. Overall ADG, DMI, G:F, and NE recovery were similar across treatments (P > 0.10). Hot carcass weight, YG, QG, maturity, and marbling score were similar across treatments (P > 0.10). Carcasses from steers receiving 10-G had a greater (P

Effects of corn processing method and dietary inclusion of wet distillers grains with solubles on energy metabolism, carbon−nitrogen balance, and methane emissions of cattle1,2

The growing ethanol industry in the Southern Great Plains has increased the use of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) in beef cattle (Bos taurus) finishing diets. Few studies have used steam-flaked corn (Zea mays L.; SFC)-based diets to evaluate the effects of WDGS in finishing cattle diets, and a reliable estimate of the net energy value of WDGS has yet to be determined. Effects of corn processing method and WDGS on energy metabolism, C and N balance, and enteric methane (CH(4)) production were evaluated in a short-term study using 8 Jersey steers and respiration calorimetry chambers. A 2 by 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used in a Latin square design. The 4 treatment combinations consisted of: i) SFC-based diet with 0% WDGS (SFC-0); ii) SFC-based diet with 30% WDGS (SFC-30); iii) dry-rolled corn (DRC)-based diet with 0% WDGS (DRC-0); and iv) DRC-based diet with 30% WDGS (DRC-30). Diets were balanced for degradable intake protein (DIP) and ether extract (EE) by the addition of cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum L.) meal and yellow grease. As a proportion of GE, grain processing method did not affect (P ≥ 0.12) fecal, digestible, urinary, and ME, or heat production. Steers consuming SFC-based diets produced less (P < 0.04) CH(4) than steers consuming DRC-based diets. Retained energy tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for cattle consuming SFC- than DRC-based diets. Inclusion of WDGS did not affect (P ≥ 0.17) fecal, digestible, urinary, metabolizable, and retained energy, or heat production as a proportion of GE. Furthermore, neither inclusion of WDGS or grain processing method affected (P ≥ 0.17) daily CO(2) production. Due in part to greater N intake, cattle consuming diets containing 30% WDGS excreted more (P = 0.01) total N and excreted a greater (P < 0.01) quantity of N in the urine. From these results, we conclude that cattle consuming SFC-based diets produce less CH(4) and retain more energy than cattle fed DRC-based diets; however, dietary inclusion of WDGS at 30% seems to have little effect on CH(4) production and energy metabolism when diets are balanced for DIP and EE. Cattle excrete a greater amount of C when fed DRC compared with SFC-based diets, and dietary inclusion of 30% WDGS increases urinary N excretion. Finally, we determined the NE(g) values for WDGS were 1.66 and 1.65 Mcal/kg in a SFC or DRC-based diet, respectively, when WDGS replaced 30% of our control (SFC-0 and DRC-0) diets.

Effect of corn variety and fat supplementation on digestion of diets for feedlot cattle containing dry rolled or steam-flaked corn

Two corn hybrid varieties [normal yellow dent corn (NC) and high oil corn (HOC)] and two levels of supplemental fat (0 vs. 30g yellow grease/kg diet, YG) were evaluated in two 4×4 Latin square experiments involving eight Holstein steers with ruminal and duodenal cannulas. In Experiment 1, corn varieties were processed by dry rolling. In Experiment 2, they were processed by steam flaking. Non fat-supplemented NC and HOC diets contained 2.7 and 4.8g of fatty acids (FA)/kg diet, respectively. Fat supplementation increased FA content to 4.9 and 7.1g FA/kg diet for NC and HOC diets, respectively. With dry rolled corn varieties (Experiment 1), there were no treatment interactions on ruminal, postruminal and total tract digestion of OM, starch and N. There were interactions (P≤0.05) between corn variety and supplemental YG on ruminal aNDFom and postruminal FA digestion. With dry rolled NC, supplemental YG decreased ruminal aNDFom digestion, and postruminal FA digestion. Whereas, with dry rolled HOC, supplemental YG increased ruminal aNDFom digestion, but did not affect postruminal FA digestion. YG decreased (P<0.01) ruminal digestion of OM (11%) and starch (10%). Supplemental YG did not affect (P>0.05) total tract digestion of OM, starch, aNDFom and N, but increased (2.5%, P≤0.05) dietary DE. Ruminal (P<0.01) and total tract digestion (P≤0.05) of OM (1.4 and 3.0%) and starch (11.2 and 2.3%) were greater for NC vs. HOC diets. Likewise, ruminal aNDFom digestion tended to be greater (11.2%, P=0.07) for NC vs. HOC diets. Corn variety did not affect (P≥0.55) postruminal digestion of OM, starch and N. Corn variety did not affect (P≥0.53) total tract digestion of N, aNDFom or DE diet. With steam-flaked corn varieties (Experiment 2), there were no treatment interactions (P>0.05) on ruminal, postruminal and total tract digestion of OM, aNDFom, starch and N. There were interactions (P≤0.05) between corn variety and supplemental YG on intestinal FA digestion. With the NC diets, YG decreased FA digestion; whereas with the HOC diets, supplemental YG increased FA digestion. Supplemental YG did not affect (P>0.05) ruminal digestion, postruminal, or total tract digestion of OM, aNDFom, starch, N. Diet DE value was greater (3.1%, P≤0.05) for YG supplemented diets. There were no corn variety effects (P>0.05) on ruminal, postruminal and total tract digestion of OM, aNDFom, starch and N. Postruminal FA digestion was greater (6.7%, P<0.01) for NC than for HOC. It is concluded that the feeding value of high oil corn may not be different from that of normal corn. Independent of processing, the greater initial energy density of high oil corn is offset by slightly lower OM and/or fatty acid digestion.

Effect of replacing corn with brown rice grain in a total mixed ration silage on milk production, ruminal fermentation and nitrogen balance in lactating dairy cows

Nine multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to determine the effects of substituting corn grain with brown rice (BR) grain in total mixed ration (TMR) silage on milk yield, ruminal fermentation and nitrogen (N) balance. The TMR silages were made from the ensiling of TMR containing (dry matter basis) 50.1% forage in rice silage and corn silage combination, and 49.9% concentrate. The grain portion of the diets contained 31.2% steam-flaked corn, 31.2% steam-flaked BR or an equal mixture of corn and BR. Dietary treatments did not affect dry matter intake, milk yield and milk fat, protein and lactose yields. The ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations were not affected by dietary treatment. The urinary N excretion decreased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to increased levels of BR, with no dietary effect on N intake, N secretion in milk and fecal N excretion. Our results indicate that steam-flaked BR is a suitable replacement for steam-flaked corn in dairy cow diets, and that it can be included in rations to a level of at least 31.2% of dry matter without adverse effects on milk production, when cows were fed rice silage and corn silage-based diets.

Use of dried distillers grains throughout a beef production system: Effects on stocker and finishing performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of beef1

A 2-yr study was conducted using a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the effects of feeding dried distillers grains throughout a beef production system on performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile of beef. Factors were wheat pasture supplement [no supplement (CON), dry-rolled corn (DRC), and dried distillers grains (DDG)] fed at 0.5% BW daily and finishing diet [steam-flaked corn based diet containing 0 (SFC) or 35% (35DDG) DDG]. Each year, 60 preconditioned Hereford steers (initial BW = 198 kg ± 3) grazed winter wheat pasture with or without supplement. Body weight gain was 8% greater for steers consuming DDG supplement compared with CON and DRC steers (P < 0.01). After the grazing period, pastures within supplement treatment were randomly assigned to SFC or 35DDG. There was no supplement by finishing diet interaction for any performance or carcass variable of interest (P ≥ 0.41). Previous supplementation on winter wheat affected BW at feedlot entry and adjusted G:F (P ≤ 0.05) but had no effect on finishing ADG or carcass traits (P ≥ 0.12). On a carcass-adjusted basis, steers consuming 35DDG had reduced final BW, ADG, G:F, and total BW gain throughout the system (P ≤ 0.04) compared with SFC. Additionally, steers consuming 35DDG had reduced HCW, dressing percent, and fat thickness (P ≤ 0.03) compared with SFC. There was a supplement by finishing diet interaction (P = 0.02) for 18:0, in which cattle supplemented with DRC and fed the SFC finishing diet had the lowest concentration of 18:0 but DRC supplemented steers fed the 35DDG diet had the greatest concentration. The interaction was not significant (P ≥ 0.18) for other fatty acids. Main effects of supplement and finishing diet affected (P ≤ 0.05) several other fatty acids of interest, particularly 18:2, which is associated with reduced flavor-stability of beef. The use of DDG as a supplement to wheat pasture resulted in greater ADG during wheat grazing and heavier BW at feedlot entry, but final BW was not different from CON or DRC groups. Feeding DDG at 35% DM in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets reduced ADG, G:F, and HCW, and affected the fatty acid composition of beef.

Manure and Runoff Water Quality from Feedlots as Affected by Diet and Pen Surface

Environmental management of confined animal feeding operations is closely regulated. Hence, understanding management practices that affect nutrient outputs and the potential risk of transport in the environment is of importance. The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of feeding corn-based wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) and the type of pen surface material on manure nutrient composition and runoff water quality. Rainfall simulations were conducted at an experimental feedyard that contained soil and fly ash surfaced pens. Two diets, steam-flaked corn (SFC) and 30% WDGS, were fed to cattle on each surface type. Diets containing WDGS resulted in greater manure nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations than SFC diets. Runoff volumes were significantly higher from soil pens where WDGS diets were fed. Runoff volumes were consistent for fly ash pens; however, there was a 3-fold difference between soil surfaced pens, indicating great variability between soil surfaced pens. Feeding WDGS increased soluble reactive P (SRP) concentrations in runoff water by 38% and total P concentrations by 27% compared to SFC. This increase in P runoff concentrations as a result of feeding WDGS was expected, as manure WEP concentrations were greater in pens where WDGS was part of the diet. Pen surfaces with fly ash resulted in increased total P and ammonium-N (NH4-N) concentrations in runoff water. Mass losses of SRP, total P, NH4-N, and total Kjeldahl N (TKN) were highest from soil surfaced pens in which cattle were fed WDGS. While manure nutrient concentration can be an excellent indicator of the potential of nutrient runoff, hydrological properties can be the single most important factor in actually transporting nutrients offsite.

Influence of wet distillers grains diets on beef cattle fecal bacterial community structure

BackgroundThe high demand for ethanol in the U.S. has generated large stocks of wet distillers grains (DG), a byproduct from the manufacture of ethanol from corn and sorghum grains. Little is known, however, about the potential influence of dietary DG on fecal microbial community structure. A better understanding of the microbial population in beef cattle feces could be an important monitoring tool to facilitate goals of improving nutrient management, increasing animal growth performance and decreasing odors and/or shedding of pathogens. Five diets consisting of a traditional diet fed to finishing beef cattle in the Southern High Plains of Texas-CON (steam-flaked corn control with 0% DG), and four concentrations of DG in the dietary dry matter; 10 C (10% corn-based DG), 5S (5% sorghum-based DG), 10S (10% sorghum DG), and 15S (15% sorghum DG) were fed to steers at the Texas Tech University Burnett Animal Center. Diets were essentially isonitrogenous with a formulated crude protein value of 13.5%.ResultsFecal grab samples were obtained from 20 steers (n = 4 per diet) and the barcoded DNA pyrosequencing method was used to generate 127,530 16S operational taxonomic units (OTUs). A total of 24 phyla were observed, distributed amongst all beef cattle on all diets, revealing considerable animal to animal variation, however only six phyla (core set) were observed in all animals regardless of dietary treatment. The average abundance and range of abundance, respectively of the core phyla were as follows: Firmicutes (61%, 19 to 83%), Bacteroidetes (28%, 11 to 63%), Proteobacteria (3%, 0.34 to 17.5%), Tenericutes (0.15%, 0.0 to 0.35%), Nitrospirae (0.11%, 0.03 to 0.22%), and Fusobacteria (0.086%, 0.017 to 0.38%). Feeding DG-based diets resulted in significant shifts in the fecal microbial community structure compared with the traditional CON. Four low abundance phyla significantly responded to dietary treatments: Synergistetes (p = 0.01), WS3 (p = 0.054), Actinobacteria (p = 0.06), and Spirochaetes (p = 0.06).ConclusionsThis is, to our knowledge, the first study using this method to survey the fecal microbiome of beef cattle fed various concentrations of wet DG. Comparison of our results with other cattle DNA sequencing studies of beef and dairy cattle feces from a variety of geographical locations and different management practices identifies a core set of three phyla shared across all cattle. These three phyla, in order of relative abundance are; Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria. The presence of large animal-to-animal variation in cattle microbiome was noted in our study as well as by others.

Wet distillers grains plus solubles concentration in steam-flaked-corn-based diets: Effects on feedlot cattle performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics1

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of wet distillers grain plus solubles (WDG; <15% sorghum grain) concentration in steam-flaked corn (SFC) diets on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, ruminal fermentation, and diet digestibility. In Exp. 1, six hundred crossbred steers (364 ± 35 kg of BW) were used in a randomized complete block design with 8 replications/treatment. Dietary treatments consisted of a dry-rolled corn (DRC) control diet without WDG, a SFC control without WDG, and SFC with 4 WDG concentrations (15, 30, 45, 60% DM basis) replacing SFC, cottonseed meal, urea, and yellow grease. Final BW, ADG, G:F, HCW, and 12th-rib fat depth were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for SFC compared with DRC. Dry matter intake tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for DRC compared with SFC. Final BW, ADG, G:F, HCW, 12th-rib fat depth, and marbling score decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing WDG concentration. In Exp. 2, six ruminally and duodenally cannulated crossbred steers (481 ± 18 kg of BW) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design using the same diets as Exp. 1. Ruminal, postruminal, and total tract OM and NDF digestibility were not different (P > 0.14) for DRC compared with SFC. Ruminal and total tract starch digestibility were greater (P < 0.01) for SFC compared with DRC. Dry matter and OM intake were not different (P ≥ 0.43) among WDG treatments. Ruminal and total tract OM digestibility decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing WDG concentration. Intake, ruminal digestibility, and total tract digestibility of NDF increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing WDG concentration. Starch intake decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing WDG concentration. Ruminal starch digestibility increased (P = 0.01) with increasing concentration of WDG. Total tract starch digestibility decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing concentration of WDG. Feeding SFC improved steer performance compared with DRC. The concentration of WDG and corn processing method influences nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation. The addition of WDG in SFC-based diets appears to negatively affect animal performance by diluting the energy density of the diet.

Effects of steam-flaked corn on the performance and blood biochemical parameters in finishing steers

This paper aims at studying the effect of steam-flaked corn instead of corn in the diet for finishing steers on the growth performance and blood biochemical parameters. A single-factor design was used. There were 28 simmental crossbred steers with the similar bodyweight (414.4±29.3 kg, P > 0.05) selected and allotted to four groups with seven duplicates in each group. Steam-flaked corn replaced the proportion of normal cracked corn, which was of 0, 30%, 60%, or 90% in the concentrate of Groups I, II, III, or IV, respectively. The results showed that the steam-flaked corn replacing ordinary cracked corn could significantly improve the growth of steers. The daily growth rate (ADG) was increased by about 37.16% from 985.3 g/d to 1351.4 g/d. The feed efficiency was significantly improved by 27.46%. The feed to gain ratio was decreased from 5.68 to 4.12. Serum urea nitrogen was decreased from 4.59 mmol/L to 3.66 mmol/L. Under the experiment conditions, steam-flaked corn replacing ordinary cracked corn could increase the feed efficiency with an optimal replacing ratio of 90%.

Effects of concentration and source of wet distillers grains on digestibility of steam-flaked corn-based diets fed to finishing steers

The source and dietary concentration of wet distillers grains may affect the digestibility of beef cattle finishing diets. The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of graded levels of sorghum+corn-based wet distillers grains plus solubles (NMDGS) and corn-based distillers grains plus solubles (CDGS) on digestibility of steam-flaked-corn-based diets fed to finishing beef steers and to determine potential effects on ammonia emission from feces and urine. Ten beef steers (average BW = 252 kg) were used in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design. Steers were fed diets containing increasing concentrations of NMDGS (0, 5, 10, or 15% of DM) or one concentration of CDGS (10% of DM), which replaced steam-flaked corn, cottonseed meal, and urea in a high-concentrate finishing diet. Apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, ash, N, P, ether extract, and NDF were quadratically affected by dietary NMDGS concentration, with lowest values for the 5 and 10% NMDGS diets and highest values for the 0 and 15% NMDGS diets. Digestibilities of DM, OM, ash, N, P, and NDF in the 10% NMDGS diet were not different (P > 0.10) from digestibility of the 10% CDGS diet. Digestibilities of CDGS and NMDGS, determined by difference, were not different (P > 0.10). In vitro ammonia losses tended (P < 0.09) to increase with increased NMDGS in the diet. Results of this study suggest that the digestibilities of NMDGS and CDGS are similar, and, at the concentrations used in this study, wet distillers grains plus solubles have only minor-effects on total-tract digestibility of diets based on steam-flaked corn.

Effects of the proportion of solubles in wet distillers grains plus solubles on in vitro fermentation and hydrogen sulfide production

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Effects of substrates containing different proportions of distillers solubles (DS) to distillers grain (DG) on IVDMD, H₂S production, gas production kinetics, VFA proportions, and culture fluid osmolality were evaluated in a randomized block design with a 2×3+1 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatment substrates consisted of 15 or 30% DG with DS added within each DG concentration to yield proportions of DG:DS of 100:0, 75:25, and 50:50; the steam-flaked corn–based control treatment contained no DG. Two ruminally cannulated Jersey crossbred steers (BW = 590 kg) fed a 60% concentrate, steam-flaked corn–based diet were used as ruminal fluid donors. Duplicate cultures were incubated for 24 h to measure IVDMD and 48 h for gas production kinetics, with incubations replicated on separate days. No differences were observed among treatments for IVDMD (P > 0.15), but H₂S production was increased (P < 0.01) by 39 and 73% for 15 and 30% DG, respectively, relative to the control. Moreover, H₂S production increased linearly as the proportion of DS increased (P < 0.01). Osmolality was greater for the control (P < 0.001) than for other treatments, decreased (P < 0.001) with increasing DG concentration, increased linearly (P < 0.001) with increased DS in substrates, and increased over time (P < 0.001). Fractional rate of gas production (h^-1) was less (P = 0.01) for 30 versus 15% DG, and lag time of gas production decreased as DS increased in substrates (linear, P=0.02). Molar proportion of acetate was least (P = 0.02), propionate was greatest (P < 0.01), and acetate:propionate ratio was least (P = 0.02) for the control versus other treatments. In general, including DG in substrates and increasing proportions of DS increased H₂S production, reflecting increased S concentrations. For both 15 and 30% DG, substrates with greater proportions of DS had increased total gas production and culture fluid osmolality.

Corn grain and liquid feed as nonfiber carbohydrate sources in diets for lactating dairy cows

Interactions of sources and processing methods for nonstructural carbohydrates may affect the efficiency of animal production. Five rumen-cannulated cows in late lactation were placed in a 5 × 5 Latin square design and fed experimental diets for 2 wk. In the production trial, 54 cows were fed the experimental diets for 12 wk beginning at d 60 in milk. Diets contained 24% corn silage and 22% hay, averaging 20% alfalfa and 2% grass but being adjusted as needed to maintain dietary concentrations of 36% neutral detergent fiber. The control diet contained steam-flaked corn (SFC) and the other diets contained either finely (FGC; 0.8mm) or coarsely ground corn (CGC; 1.9mm), factorialized with or without 3.5% liquid feed (LF). The LF diets provided 1.03% of dietary dry matter as supplemental sugar. The FGC decreased rumen pH and concentration of NH3N compared with CGC. The SFC and FGC tended to increase the molar percentage of ruminal propionate and decrease the acetate:propionate ratio. The LF increased molar percentage of ruminal butyrate with FGC but not CGC. The LF tended to decrease starch digestibility with the CGC but not with the FGC. As expected, the SFC and FGC increased total tract starch digestibility. The DMI and milk yield were similar among dietary treatments. Compared with ground corn diets, the SFC tended to decrease milk fat percentage; thus, 3.5% fat-corrected milk and feed efficiency were decreased with SFC. The LF decreased milk protein percentage but had no effect on milk protein yield. The SFC compared with dry ground corn decreased the concentration of milk urea nitrogen. Sugar supplementation using LF appeared to be more beneficial with FGC than CGC. Increasing the surface area by finely grinding corn is important for starch digestibility and optimal utilization of nutrients.

Effects of fungal infested steam-flaked corn on characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion in steers

Four Holstein steers (407±4kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4×4 Latin Square design experiment. Treatments consisted of a 755g/kg steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet in which fungal infested steam-flaked corn replaced 0, 150, 300, and 450g/kg of the control flaked corn. The yeast and mold counts averaged 2.9×102, and 1.2×104CFU/g, respectively, for control flaked corn, and 7.0×105, and 6.2×106CFU/g, respectively, for fungal infested flaked corn. There were no treatment effects (P>0.10) on ruminal pH or volatile fatty acids molar proportions. Ruminal digestion of organic matter (OM; linear component, P<0.10), and feed N (linear component, P<0.05) decreased with increasing levels of fungal infested flaked corn in the diet. There were no treatment effects (P>0.10) on net microbial N synthesis. Amino acid intake increased linearly (P<0.01) as fungal infested flaked corn was augmented, and amino acid flow to duodenum was increased (P<0.01) with the highest fungal infested flaked corn level. Total tract digestion of OM, N and energy decreased (linear component, P<0.05) with increasing SFM. Ruminal and total tract digestion of ADF and starch were not affected (P>0.10) by treatments. It is concluded that mold infestation diminishes the feeding value of steam-flaked corn. The consequence was not related to effects of fungal growth on characteristics of digestion, but rather, to loss of readily digestible nutrients (starch) through the spoilage process, and to a lesser extent, decreased N digestibility. On the other hand, the metabolizable protein value was greater for fungal infested flaked corn.