Steam-flaked Corn Research Articles

Evaluation of dried distiller’s grains and roughage source in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets (2008)

Dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) are the main byproduct of dry milling, the process used most frequently for fuel ethanol production. DDGS consist of the spent grains following ethanol distillation and are high in protein, fat, fiber, and minerals. Alfalfa hay and corn silage are roughages most commonly included in feedlot diets and are one of the most expensive ingredients in feedlot diets on an energy basis. Comparing use of alfalfa hay and corn silage in conjunction with DDGS can provide useful information on how to obtain maximum benefit from these ingredients. Our objective was to evaluate the use of corn DDGS as a partial replacement for steam-flaked corn when corn silage or alfalfa hay were used in feedlot diets.

Effects of supplemental fat source on nutrient digestion and ruminal fermentation in steers1

Five Holstein steers (235 kg of BW) fitted with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square design experiment to determine the effects of supplemental fat source on site and extent of nutrient digestion and ruminal fermentation. Treatments were diets based on steam-flaked corn containing no supplemental fat (control) or 4% (DM basis) supplemental fat as tallow, dried full-fat corn germ (corn germ), corn oil, or flax oil. Fat supplementation decreased (P < 0.08) ruminal starch digestion but increased (P < 0.03) small intestinal starch digestion as a percentage of intake. Feeding corn germ decreased (P < 0.09) ruminal starch digestion and increased (P < 0.03) large intestinal starch digestion compared with steers fed corn oil. Large intestinal starch digestion was less (P < 0.04), and ruminal NDF digestion was greater (P < 0.09) for steers fed tallow compared with steers fed other fat sources. Small intestinal (P < 0.08) and total tract NDF digestibilities were greater (P < 0.02) for steers fed corn germ than for those fed corn oil. Feeding tallow increased total ruminal VFA (P < 0.03) and NH(3) (P < 0.07) concentrations compared with steers fed the other fat sources. Feeding corn germ led to a greater (P < 0.02) rate of ruminal liquid outflow compared with corn oil. A diet x hour interaction (P < 0.04) occurred for ruminal pH, with steers fed corn oil having the greatest ruminal pH 18 h after feeding, without differences at other time points. Fat supplementation increased (P < 0.09) ruminal concentrations of Fusobacterium necrophorum. Duodenal flow of C18:3n-3 was greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed flax oil compared with those fed corn oil. Feeding corn germ led to less (P < 0.01) ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids compared with corn oil. Steers fed tallow had greater small intestinal digestibility of C14:0 (P < 0.02) and C16:1 (P < 0.04) than steers fed the other fat sources. Fat supplementation decreased (P < 0.06) small intestinal digestibility of C18:0. Feeding corn germ decreased (P < 0.10) small intestinal digestibility of C18:1 compared with corn oil. It appears that source of supplemental fat can affect the site and extent of fatty acid and nutrient digestion in steers fed diets based on steam-flaked corn.

BOARD-INVITED REVIEW: Use of distillers by-products in the beef cattle feeding industry1

The ethanol industry is expanding rapidly. This expansion in production of renewable energy also increases production of by-products. These byproducts, primarily distillers grains plus solubles (DGS), are utilized very efficiently by ruminants. When the starch in corn is fermented to produce ethanol, the remaining nutrients (protein, fat, fiber) are concentrated about 3-fold. Whereas DGS is an excellent protein source for ruminants, the large supply and the price relative to corn make DGS an attractive energy source as well. This is especially important with reduced availability and higher price of corn because of demand by the ethanol industry. A meta-analysis of 9 experiments, where various levels of wet DGS were fed to feedlot cattle, shows that wet DGS produced higher ADG and G:F compared with cattle fed corn-based diets without DGS. A similar analysis with dry DGS showed similar type of responses but with less apparent feeding value for dry DGS compared with wet DGS. Metabolism studies suggest the fat in DGS may be partially protected from ruminal degradation leading to greater proportion of unsaturated fatty acids at the duodenum and greater total tract fat digestibility. Both the fat and the undegradable protein in DGS appear to explain some but not all of the greater feeding value of DGS compared with corn. Lower quality roughages may be used in feedlot diets containing wet DGS because of the protein, moisture, and physical characteristics the DGS contains. The feeding value of DGS is greater than dry-rolled corn or high moisture corn; however, the feeding value of DGS appears to be less when fed in finishing diets based on steam-flaked corn than in those based on dry-rolled or high-moisture corn.

Enhancement of Ovulatory Follicle Development in Maiden Sheep by Short-term Supplementation with Steam-flaked Corn

The effect of a short-term nutritional supplementation with steam-flaked corn on metabolism and folliculogenesis was evaluated in 14 maiden sheep. Oestrus was synchronized with two prostaglandin F(2alpha) doses given 10 days apart. From day 11 to 15 of the oestrous cycle induced with prostaglandins, half of the ewes (group 2M) were supplemented with steam-flaked corn, double the daily maintenance ration of the control sheep (group 1M). Body weight and condition remained unaffected, but the energetic supply increased plasma concentrations of glucose (3.6 +/- 0.1 vs 4.3 +/- 0.1 mmol/l, p < 0.0001) for the first 4 days and 3-hydroxybutyrate (0.323 +/- 0.58 vs 0.582 +/- 0.04 mmol/l, p < 0.005) from day 2 to 4. The profile of insulin secretion was also affected by the treatment, increasing in group 2M to reach significant differences on days 13 and 14 (p < 0.05). From similar values at the start of the food supply, the treatment induced a higher follicular development in group 2M (1.1 +/- 1.2 vs 7.4 +/- 1.06 total follicles in day 15, p < 0.05), as evidenced by the lineal increase in the number of larger follicles (>4 mm, p < 0.005). Then, the number of follicles >4 mm in size in 2M was around 60% higher on day 16 (7.86 +/- 0.45 vs 4.86 +/- 0.63, p < 0.005). Thereafter, the mean number of corpora lutea per ewe was around 30% higher in group 2M (1.43 +/- 0.2 vs 1.10 +/- 0.1, although differences were not found to be statistically significant). These data suggest that the use of diets containing high starch sources, like the steam-flaked corn, increases folliculogenesis and ovulation rate in sheep and can be applied in short-term feeding practices.

Effect of Corn Containing the Cry1F Protein on Performance of Beef Heifers Fed a Finishing Diet Based on Steam-Flaked Corn

AbstractCorn (maize; Zea mays) lines with the Herculex I trait have been modified to express both the Cry1F protein from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai and the phosphinothricin-N-acetyltransferase (PAT) protein from Streptomyces viridochromogenes. Hybrids containing event TC1507 express the Cry1F protein that controls European corn borer and certain other lepidopteran pests. Event TC1507 also expresses the PAT protein that confers tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium herbicides. The current study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of grain containing the TC1507 event by comparing the growth performance and carcass traits of beef heifers fed diets containing grain from a hybrid containing the TC1507 event to that of grain obtained from the near-isoline (control) as well as 2 nontransgenic commercial corn grain controls (Pioneer hybrids 33J56 and 33R77). Diets composed of steamflaked corn were individually fed to 80 beef heifers (360 kg) for 118 d. Dry matter intake, ADG, and G:F were not different (P > 0.05) between groups of heifers fed diets containing different sources of corn grain. Carcass traits, incidence of liver abscesses, and yield grade and quality grade were not affected by dietary treatment. In summary, growth performance and carcass characteristics of beef heifers were not significantly altered by feeding diets containing TC1507 corn grain vs. grain from its near-isoline or 2 other nontransgenic commercial corn grain hybrids.

Effects of increasing dose of live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus (Strain NP 51) combined with a single dose of Propionibacterium freudenreichii (Strain NP 24) on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers1

Two experiments, each with a randomized complete block design, were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus plus Propionibacterium freudenreichii on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. British and British x Continental steers (240 steers in each experiment; 12 pens/treatment in each study; average initial BW = 370 +/- 6 kg) were fed a 92% concentrate diet based primarily on steam-flaked corn. Four treatments were evaluated, which included a control diet (lactose carrier only) or diets containing 1 x 10(9) cfu/(steer x d) of P. freudenreichii (strain NP 24) with 1 x 10(7) (L), 1 x 10(8) (M), or 1 x 10(9) (H) cfu of L. acidophilus strain NP 51/(steer x d). Data were pooled for the 2 experiments. No differences (P > 0.10) were detected among treatments for final BW, final BW based on HCW, or DMI during various stages of the feeding period or overall. Likewise, no differences among treatments were observed for either ADG or carcass-adjusted ADG (P > 0.10), except for the tendency for a quadratic effect of NP 51 dose for the overall feeding period (P = 0.10), in which cattle fed M had a lower ADG than those fed L and H. Gain efficiency on a live BW basis was improved (P = 0.02) by NP 51 treatments compared with the control, with G:F responding quadratically to NP 51 dose for the overall feeding period (P = 0.05). In contrast to G:F based on live BW, carcass-adjusted G:F tended (P = 0.14) to decrease linearly with increasing NP 51 dose because the dressing percent tended (P = 0.12) to be less for steers fed direct-fed microbial compared with control cattle. Within the direct-fed microbial treatments, there also was a tendency (P = 0.13) for a linear decrease in the dressing percent as the NP 51 dose increased. No differences were observed in other carcass characteristics (P > 0.10), except tendencies for a quadratic increase in marbling score (P = 0.11) and percentage of USDA Choice cattle (P = 0.10). These data indicate that live cultures of L. acidophilus strain NP 51 plus P. freudenreichii strain NP 24 increased G:F of feedlot cattle fed steam-flaked corn-based diets by approximately 2%, but the effects depended on the dose of Lactobacillus.

Fontes protéicas e energéticas com diferentes degradabilidades ruminais para novilhos de corte

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of synchronization of starch (finely ground or steam-flaked corn) and protein (soybean meal or urea) rumen degradation on dry matter intake, total tract digestibility and rumen parameters of finishing Nelore steers. Four Nelore steers (300 kg LW) were utilized in a 4 x 4 Latin Square design, 2 x 2 factorial arragment: two corn processing methods (fine grinding vs. steam flaking) and two protein sources (soybean meal vs. urea). The diets contained 13% grass hay and 87% concentrate. Steam flaking decreased (p < 0.01) starch concentration in duodenal digesta, which would explain lower ruminal pH (p < 0.15) and concentration of N-NH3 (p < 0.01), plasma urea-N concentration (p < 0.01); and the increased molar concentration of ruminal propionate (p < 0.01). As compared to fine grinding, steam-flaking corn increased (p < 0.01) total tract digestibility of starch (98.8 vs. 88.6%), but decreased (p < 0.01) NDF digestibility (41.9 vs. 12.1%). Protein sources had no effect on the evaluated variables. Increasing starch degradability through steam-flaking of corn improved dietary protein utilization by beef steers.

Fontes protéicas e energéticas com diferentes degradabilidades ruminais para vacas em lactação

The objective of this trial was the evaluation of ruminal degradation synchrony of protein and energy sources. Four Holstein cows (23 kg day -1 ) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin Square design and 2 x 2 factorial arrangement: two protein (raw vs. roasted soybeans) with two energy sources (coarsely ground vs. steam-flaked corn). Dry matter intake was higher for cows fed coarsely ground corn with roasted soybean (p 0.05). Rumen pH was not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). Both roasted soybeans and flaking of corn decreased rumen ammonia nitrogen (p < 0.01). Animal fed steamflaked corn tended showed higher total VFA molar concentrations (p = 0.10), but there were no treatments effect on ruminal pH. A higher (p = 0.06) ruminal starch digestibility was observed for raw soybean treatment.

Effects of dried distillers' grain on fecal prevalence and growth of Escherichia coli O157 in batch culture fermentations from cattle.

Distillers' grains (DG), a by-product of ethanol production, are fed to cattle. Associations between Escherichia coli O157 prevalence and feeding of DG were investigated in feedlot cattle (n = 379) given one of three diets: steam-flaked corn (SFC) and 15% corn silage with 0 or 25% dried distillers' grains (DDG) or SFC with 5% corn silage and 25% DDG. Ten fecal samples were collected from each pen weekly for 12 weeks to isolate E. coli O157. Cattle fed 25% DDG with 5 or 15% silage had a higher (P = 0.01) prevalence of E. coli O157 than cattle fed a diet without DDG. Batch culture ruminal or fecal microbial fermentations were conducted to evaluate the effect of DDG on E. coli O157 growth. The first study utilized microbial inocula from steers fed SFC or dry-rolled corn with 0 or 25% DDG and included their diet as the substrate. Ruminal microbial fermentations from steers fed DDG had higher E. coli O157 contents than ruminal microbial fermentations from steers fed no DDG (P < 0.05) when no substrate was included. Fecal fermentations showed no DDG effect on E. coli O157 growth. In the second study with DDG as a substrate, ruminal fermentations with 0.5 g DDG had higher (P < 0.01) E. coli O157 concentrations at 24 h than ruminal fermentations with 0, 1, or 2 g DDG. In fecal fermentations, 2 g DDG resulted in a higher concentration (P < 0.05) at 24 h than 0, 0.5, or 1 g DDG. The results indicate that there is a positive association between DDG and E. coli O157 in cattle, and the findings should have important ramifications for food safety.

Effects of grain processing and dietary lipid source on performance, carcass characteristics, plasma fatty acids, and sensory properties of steaks from finishing cattle1,2

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of grain processing and lipid addition to finishing diets on cattle performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Eighty Hereford x Angus steers (384 kg +/- 17 kg of BW) were fed diets containing steam-flaked corn (SFC) or dry-rolled corn (DRC) with and without the addition of tallow (SFC/Fat and DRC/Fat) or steam-flaked corn with ground flaxseed (SFC/Flax). Ribeye steaks from steers fed SFC, SFC/Fat, or SFC/ Flax were used to evaluate the effects of fat source on meat quality. Cattle fed SFC and SFC/Fat tended to have greater ADG, G:F, HCW, and USDA yield grade, compared with those fed DRC and DRC/Fat (P < 0.10). Steaks from steers fed SFC/Flax developed a detectable off-flavor (P < 0.05) compared with steaks from steers fed SFC and SFC/Fat, and steaks from steers fed SFC retained desirable color longer than those from steers fed SFC/Flax (P < 0.05). Feeding SFC/Flax increased deposition of alpha-linolenic acid in muscle tissue compared with feeding SFC or SFC/Fat (P < 0.01). Dietary treatment did not cause differences in tenderness, juiciness, or flavor intensity. Ground flaxseed can replace tallow in finishing diets without loss in performance, but flax may affect flavor and color stability of beef. Feeding flaxseed can effectively alter composition of carcass tissues to yield beef that is high in n-3 fatty acids.

Effects of Graded Levels of Sorghum Wet Distiller’s Grains and Degraded Intake Protein Supply on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Feedlot Cattle Fed Steam-Flaked Corn-Based Diets

AbstractTwo experiments evaluated different levels of sorghum wet distiller’s grains plus solubles (SWDG) and effects of increasing the degraded intake protein (DIP) concentration in diets containing SWDG on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. In Exp. 1, 200 beef steers (average BW = 404 kg) were fed increasing levels of SWDG (0, 5, 10, and 15% of DM) and one level of corn wet distiller’s grains plus solubles (10% of DM), which replaced steam-flaked corn in a high-concentrate diet. Final BW (P = 0.04) and overall ADG (P = 0.01) decreased linearly with increasing levels of SWDG. Increasing SWDG decreased overall G:F (P = 0.01), hot carcass weight (P < 0.01), and LM area (P < 0.01). No differences were observed in overall DMI (P = 0.15) or other carcass characteristics (P . 0.09). Neither DMI nor G:F differed between corn wet distiller’s grains plus solubles and SWDG when fed as 10% of the dietary DM. In Exp. 2, 200 steers (average BW = 369 kg) were either fed a control diet without SWDG (8.4% DIP) or three 10% SWDG diets with no urea added or urea added at either 50% or 100% of the difference in the DIP concentration between the diet with no urea added and control diets. Final BW (P = 0.03), overall ADG (P = 0.04), and overall G:F (P = 0.05) were greater for cattle fed the control diet. A linear decrease was observed in overall DMI with increasing DIP (P = 0.02). Likewise, overall ADG decreased with increasing DIP (P = 0.08). Cattle fed the control diet had greater hot carcass weight (P = 0.03), fat thickness (P = 0.02), and yield grade (P = 0.01) than the average of those fed the 3 SWDG diets. Results from both experiments suggest decreased performance and carcass value with increasing levels of SWDG alone or combined with additional DIP. At 10% of the dietary DM, corn and sorghum wet distiller’s grains resulted in similar ADG and G:F.

Effects of wet corn gluten feed and roughage levels on performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior of feedlot cattle1

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels of wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) and dietary roughage on performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior of feedlot cattle fed diets based on steam-flaked corn (SFC). In Exp. 1, crossbred steers (n = 200; BW = 314 kg) were fed 4 dietary treatments (DM basis): a standard SFC-based diet containing 9% roughage (CON) and 3 SFC-based diets containing 40% WCGF, with either 9, 4.5, or 0% roughage. A linear (P = 0.04) increase in final BW and DMI (P < 0.01) was observed in diets containing WCGF as dietary roughage increased. Steers fed WCGF and higher levels of roughage had greater (P = 0.01) ADG than steers fed lower levels of roughage. Steers fed the CON diet had lower (P = 0.04) daily DMI and greater (P = 0.03) G:F than those fed WCGF. Most carcass characteristics of steers fed CON did not differ (P > 0.10) from those of steers fed WCGF. Based on feed disappearance and visual scan data, consumption rate did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatments; however, feeding intensity (animals present at the bunk after feeding) was greater for steers fed CON (P < 0.01) than for steers fed WCGF. In Exp. 2, yearling crossbred steers (n = 1,983; BW = 339 kg) were fed 4 dietary treatments (DM basis): a standard SFC-based control diet that contained 9% roughage (CON) and 3 SFC-based diets containing either 20% WCGF and 9% roughage or 40% WCGF with 9 or 4.5% roughage. Steers fed the CON diet tended to have lower final BW (P = 0.14), ADG (P = 0.01), and DMI (P < 0.01) than steers fed diets containing WCGF. Steers fed the 20% WCGF diet had greater (P = 0.08) G:F than steers fed the 40% WCGF diets. With 40% WCGF, increasing roughage from 4.5 to 9% decreased (P < 0.01) G:F and increased (P = 0.06) DMI. Gain efficiency was improved (P < 0.01) for steers fed CON vs. those fed diets containing WCGF, whereas HCW (P = 0.02) and dressing percentage (P < 0.01) were greater for steers fed WCGF. Percentage of cattle grading USDA Choice was greater (P = 0.02) for cattle fed WCGF. Results suggest that replacing SFC with up to 40% WCGF increased ADG and decreased G:F when 4.5 to 9.0% roughage was supplied. More CON steers were present at the feed bunk during the first hour after feeding than WCGF steers, suggesting that including WCGF at 40% of the diet affected feeding behavior.

Comportamento ingestivo de novilhos sob suplementação em pastagens de capim-tanzânia sob diferentes intensidades de desfolhação

Avaliou-se o efeito da intensidade de desfolhação da forragem e da suplementação protéica ou energética sobre o comportamento ingestivo de bovinos de corte. Foram utilizados oito novilhos canulados no rúmen, além dos animais traçadores para pastejar o capim-tanzânia (Panicum maximum Jacq.), em um sistema rotacionado com ciclos de pastejo de 33 dias de descanso e três dias de ocupação. As intensidades de desfolhação pré-definidas foram 1.000 e 4.000 kg matéria seca verde/ha (kg MSV/ha). Os novilhos foram distribuídos em dois quadrados latinos 4 x 4 e separados em dois grupos iguais nos piquetes, onde receberam os suplementos: SS = sem suplementação; MMG = 2,24 kg/dia de milho moído grosso, peneira de 8 mm; MF = 2,24 kg/dia de milho floculado; FS = 0,80 kg/dia de farelo de soja. Em cada período de ocupação, o comportamento ingestivo dos animais foi avaliado durante 24 horas consecutivas com observações a cada 5 minutos durante o dia e a cada 15 minutos à noite. A suplementação reduziu somente o tempo de ruminação. Os tempos em pastejo (470,6 vs 354,3 minutos/dia) e ruminação (408,5 vs 319,1 minutos/dia) aumentaram, enquanto o tempo em ócio reduziu nos animais mantidos em pastagem com intensidade de desfolhação de 1.000 kg MSV/ha em comparação àqueles mantidos na intensidade de desfolhação de 4.000 kg MSV/ha. Não houve efeito significativo da suplementação ou da interação MSV × suplementação sobre o comportamento ingestivo dos animais. A intensidade de desfolhação da forragem, em comparação à prática de suplementação, exerceu efeito mais acentuado sobre o comportamento ingestivo de bovinos em pastejo.

Effects of Proportions of Wet Corn Gluten Feed and Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles in Steam-Flaked, Corn-Based Diets on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Feedlot Cattle1

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Two hundred crossbred steers (initial BW=388; SE=7.9 kg) were fed 5 diets to evaluate the effect of the proportion of wet corn gluten feed (WCG), distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), or both in diets based on steam-flaked corn on performance and carcass characteristics. Dietary treatments reflected ingredients available for use in feedlot diets in the Southern Great Plains region and consisted of the following (DM basis): 1) a steam-flaked, corn-based, high-concentrate diet with no WCG or DDGS (CON); 2) a diet with 7% DDGS; 3) a diet with 20% WCG; 4) a diet with 13% WCG and 7% DDGS; and 5) a diet with 20% WCG and 7% DDGS. Steers were weighed individually and sorted to 1 of 25 pens (8 steers/pen in 5 blocks with 5 pens/block). Final BW and carcass-adjusted (to a constant dressing percent) final BW tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for the average of all 4 WCG and DDGS treatments than for CON, but no differences were noted among the 4 WCG and DDGS treatments (P > 0.10). Average daily gain was greater by steers in the 4 WCG and DDGS treatments than by steers fed the CON treatment from d 0 to 84 (P = 0.01) and overall (P = 0.04), and there was a tendency (P = 0.08) for greater ADG by steers in the 4 WCG and DDGS treatments from d 0 to 42. Carcass-adjusted ADG also was greater (P = 0.04) for the average of the 4 WCG and DDGS treatments than for CON but not different among the 4 WCG and DDGS treatments. Dry matter intake was less by cattle fed the CON diet than by the cattle in the other treatments from d 0 to 42 (P = 0.03), d 0 to 84 (P = 0.02), and for the overall study period (P = 0.02). The G:F ratio did not differ among CON and the WCG and DDGS treatments (P > 0.10). Hot carcass weight tended to be less (P = 0.07) for cattle fed the CON diet than for cattle fed the other diets, but no differences were observed between the CON and the WCDG and DDGS treatments for other carcass characteristics. Percentage of cattle grading USDA Choice or greater was not affected by dietary treatment. Data suggest that up to 20% WCG and 7% DDGS can be effectively used in feedlot cattle steam-flaked, corn-based diets alone or in combination.

Effect of a saponin-based surfactant and aging time on ruminal degradability of flaked corn grain dry matter and starch1

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of a saponin-based surfactant, Grain Prep surfactant (GP), and hot flake aging time on starch characteristics and ruminal DM and starch degradability of steam-flaked corn grain. In 2 experiments, the moisture content of incoming corn was automatically adjusted using the Grain Prep Auto Delivery System to 19.8% (Exp. 1) and 18.5% (Exp. 2). The application rate of GP was 22 mg/kg (as-is basis). Control corn was treated with water alone. Processed corn in Exp. 2 was stored in insulated containers for 0, 4, 8, or 16 h. Flaked corn samples were incubated in the rumen of lactating dairy cows for 0, 2, 4, 6, 16, or 24 h. In Exp. 1, GP increased, compared with the control, the soluble fraction and effective degradability (ED) of DM by 17.2 and 8.6%, respectively. The ED of cornstarch was increased by 6.7%. In Exp. 2, the concentration of soluble DM and starch were increased by GP by 15 and 24% compared with the control. The ED of DM and starch were also increased by 3 and 4%, respectively. No differences in gelatinization temperatures were observed due to treatment, except that GP-treated grain had a slightly greater mean gelatinization enthalpy in Exp. 2. In a pilot study, DM degradability parameters were not affected by germination of the corn kernels. Aging of the hot flakes for up to 16 h resulted in a quadratic decrease in DM and starch ruminal degradability. The aging process affected starch gelatinization enthalpy values of flaked grain in a manner opposite to that observed for ruminal DM and starch degradation. This phenomenon was most likely explained by increased starch intramolecular associations or crystallinity associated with starch annealing, or both. This study confirmed our previous observations that Grain Prep surfactant increases flaked corn DM and starch degradability in the rumen. Because the rate of degradation was not affected by the surfactant, the increase in degradability was attributed mainly to increases in DM and starch solubility.

Dry-rolled or steam-flaked grain-based diets and fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157 in feedlot cattle1

Hindgut is a major colonization site for Escherichia coli O157 in cattle. In this study, diets were formulated to effect changes in hindgut fermentation to test our hypothesis that changes in the hindgut ecosystem could have an impact on fecal shedding of E. coli O157. Feedlot heifers (n = 347) were prescreened for the prevalence of E. coli O157 by fecal and rectoanal mucosal swab cultures. A subset of 40 heifers identified as being positive for fecal shedding of E. coli O157 was selected, housed in individual pens, and randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments. Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial, with factor 1 consisting of grain type (sorghum or wheat) and factor 2 being method of grain processing (steam-flaking or dry-rolling). Four transition diets, each fed for 4 d, were used to adapt the animals to final diets that contained 93% concentrate and 7% roughage. The grain fraction consisted of dry-rolled sorghum, steam-flaked sorghum, a mixture of dry-rolled wheat and steam-flaked corn, or a mixture of steam-flaked wheat and steam-flaked corn. Wheat diets contained 52% wheat and 31% steam-flaked corn (DM basis). Fecal and rectoanal mucosal swab samples were obtained 3 times a week to isolate (enrichment, immunomagenetic separation, and plating on selective medium) and identify (sorbitol negative, indole production, and agglutination test) E. coli O157. The data were analyzed as repeated measures of binomial response (positive or negative) on each sampling day. Method of processing (dry-rolled vs. steam-flaked), sampling day, and the grain type x day interaction were significant (P < 0.05), but not the method of processing x grain type interaction. The average prevalence of E. coli O157 from d 9 was greater (P < 0.001) in cattle fed steam-flaked grains (65%) compared with those fed dry-rolled grains (30%). Average prevalence in cattle fed sorghum (51%) or wheat (43%) were similar (P > 0.10) on most sampling days. Results from this study indicate that feeding dry-rolled grains compared with steam-flaked grains reduced fecal shedding of E. coli O157. Possibly, dry-rolling allowed more substrate to reach the hindgut where it was fermented, thus making the hindgut inhospitable to the survival of E. coli O157. Dietary intervention to influence hindgut fermentation offers a simple and practical mitigation strategy to reduce the prevalence of E. coli O157 in feedlot cattle.

Efficacy of feed grade antibiotics in finishing diets containing distiller’ grains with solubles (DGS) (2007)

Rumensin and Tylan, both marketed by Elanco Products Company, have proved to be valuable feed additives when fed to finishing feedlot cattle. Rumensin was approved in the mid-1970s to improve feed efficiency and average daily gain. Rumensin frequently is used to manage digestive disturbances associated with otherwise erratic intakes of high grain diets. Tylan is fed as a preventative for liver abscesses. Rumen disorders such as acidosis and rumenitis are predisposing factors for liver abscesses. Erratic intakes of high grain diets along with poor bunk management are important factors that predispose cattle to ruminal disorders. Abscessed livers can have deleterious affects on animal performance, and in extreme situations lead to excess carcass trim and reduced carcass yields. Distiller's grains with solubles (DGS) typically contain the protein, bran, and germ portions of the grain used in the fermentation process. In studies previously conducted at Kansas State University, corn germ fed at levels as low as 5% (dry basis) significantly reduced the incidence of liver abscesses. Since DGS also contain the corn germ, we hypothesized that a similar effect could be achieved by substituting DGS for corn. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Rumensin and Tylan on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and carcass quality of yearling heifers fed diets based on steamflaked corn with and without 25% corn wet DGS.

Degermed corn distiller’s grains with solubles (DGS) have feed value similar to traditional distiller’s grains (2007)

Rapid expansion of the fuel ethanol industry has greatly increased availability of distillery byproducts. Distiller's grains with solubles (DGS) are the predominant byproduct of fermenting grains into fuel ethanol. During this process, starch is removed from the grain and the residual components of the grain are concentrated in the DGS. Improvements in the conversion of cereal grains to ethanol have been fueled by recent changes in the production process. Broin Companies (Sioux Falls, SD) have developed a technology that removes the germ before the fermentation process. The resulting byproduct contains more protein, less crude fat, and less phosphorus compared to traditional distiller's grains. Feeding even modest levels of DGS can contribute to greater phosphorus excretion from feedlots, suggesting that strategies aimed at reducing phosphorus levels are well warranted. The objective of this study was to compare diets based on steam-flaked corn with and without DGS and to compare a highprotein, low-fat, low-phosphorus byproduct to more traditional distiller's grains.

Wet distiller’s grains with solubles in beef finishing diets comprised of steam-flaked or dry-rolled corn (2007)

The purpose of this experiment was to determine optimal levels of distiller's grains in finished diets with steam-flaked corn or dry rolled corn. Distiller's grains have been used extensively in regions of the country in which dry-rolled and high-moisture grains are prevalent. Production of fuel ethanol is now expanding into the High Plains, where feedlots more commonly use steam flaking. The cost to produce flaked corn is higher than the cost to produce dry rolled corn, and with rising energy costs (especially natural gas), this spread is becoming more dramatic. Comparing the use of wet distiller's grains fed in conjunction with these grains provides useful information concerning optimum use level.

Effect of simulated air-lift and conveyor leg takeaway systems on starch availability and in vitro dry matter disappearance of steam-flaked corn grain

An experiment was conducted to determine effects of simulated air-lift (AIR) and auger/drag-chain leg (LEG) takeaway systems on starch availability (SA) and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) of steam-flaked corn grain. At a commercial feedlot in Texas (USA) on 3 different days, corn grain was steam flaked to a bulk density of 360 g/l. At three random times per day, grain was sampled beneath the rolls, with a portion allocated to initial measurement of flake color with the flake camera index system (FCIS). The remaining grain was allocated to the AIR and LEG treatments. For AIR, flaked grain was placed in a Styrofoam cooler, cooled to 37.8 °C, covered and stored for 4 h. For LEG, flaked grain was placed in a Styrofoam cooler, covered immediately and stored for 4 h. After the 4 h storage period, three random samples of corn grain from each treatment were analyzed for SA, flake color and IVDMD. The AIR samples had higher (P<0.001) SA than LEG samples (0.522 versus 0.313, respectively). Similarly, AIR samples had higher (P<0.001) IVDMD at 4 and 24 h versus LEG samples. Correspondingly, half time of disappearance ( t 1/2) was higher (P=0.06), for AIR versus LEG samples. The FCIS measurements did not differ between initial and 4 h AIR and LEG samples. Results indicate that rate of cooling of freshly processed steam-flaked corn grain as influenced by simulated takeaway system may affect starch retrogradation. Whether the magnitude of these differences under commercial feedlot conditions elicits a difference in animal performance remains to be determined.