Wet Brewers Grains Research Articles

The effects of applying cellulase and laccase on fermentation quality and microbial community in mixed silage containing corn stover and wet brewer's grains.

The purpose of this experiment was to explore the effect of adding cellulase and laccase on fermentation quality and microbial community in mixed silage of corn stover and wet brewer's grains. Try to a new approach for the proper preservation and utilization of the agro-industrial by-products (corn stover and wet brewer's grains). The experiment was divided into four groups: CK (control), C (cellulase, 120 U/g fresh matter [FM]), L (laccase, 50 U/g FM), CL (cellulase 120 U/g FW and laccase 50 U/g FM), and the chemical composition, fermentation quality, microbial population and microbial community in mixed silage of corn stover and wet brewer's grains after 30 day's fermentation were determined. Compared to control, the addition of cellulase significantly increased crude protein (CP), water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts, while significantly decreased the neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) content (P < 0.05). Adding laccase significantly decreased the acid detergent lignin (ADL) content (P < 0.05). Combined application of cellulase and laccase significantly increased the CP, WSC content and LAB counts, while significantly decreased pH value, NDF, ADF and ADL content (P < 0.05), thereby improving fermentation quality. In addition, the application of cellulase and laccase increased the abundance of Firmicutes and LAB genera, and decreased microbial diversity level of the sample. The combined application of cellulase and laccase further improved fermentation quality and microbial community in mixed silage of corn stover and wet brewer's grains.

358 The Effects of Varying Levels of Cotton Gin Byproduct and Wet brewers’ Grains on Growth Performance of Growing and Finishing Steers

Abstract The abundance of craft breweries provides widespread availability of wet brewers grains (WBG) to be used by beef cattle producers as a potential feedstuff. Cotton gin byproduct (CGB) is a feedstuff typically reserved for mature beef cows due to its low and variable feed value. Both WBG and CGB have high cost of transportation but are sometimes used by producers near supply centers due to their low price. The objective of this study was to analyze animal performance of growing Angus steers fed total mixed rations with varying amounts of CGB and WBG. Sixty-four Angus steers (365 ± 26 kg) were allotted and blocked by initial body weight (BW) in a randomized complete block design to 8 dietary treatments and fed in 2 phases, growing phase (GP) and finishing phase (FP) (84-d and 69-d, respectively). Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 x 4 factorial with two levels of CGB (0 or 25% of DM) and 4 levels of WBG (0, 10, 20 or 30% of DM). The control and base of all treatments were corn, corn silage and soybean meal. Body weights were recorded on two consecutive days at the beginning and end of GP and FP. Feed samples were collected, and refusals were weighed weekly. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with main effects of CGB, WBG, and the interaction. The linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of increasing levels of WBG and CGB were tested with polynomial contrasts. Average daily gain (ADG) did not differ among dietary treatments (0, 25% CGB and 0, 10, 20, 30% WBG) for GP, (1.67, 1.61, and 1.67, 1.57, 1.74, and 1.60 kg/d, respectively) (P &amp;gt; 0.3031), FP (1.53, 1.61 and 1.56, 1.53, 1.61, and 1.58 kg/d) or the overall trial (1.61, 1.62 and 1.62, 1.55, 1.68, and 1.60 kg/d). The addition of CGB increased GP dry matter intake (DMI; 11.06 vs 11.99 kg/d; P = 0.0011), while the addition of WBG linearly decreased GP DMI (11.81, 11.69. 11.81, and 10.81 kg/d; P = 0.0292). There was an interaction between CGB and WBG (P = 0.0206), with increasing levels of WBG at 0% CGB exhibiting a cubic effect (P = 0.0127), but no effect at 25% CGB. Inclusion of CGB decreased feed efficiency (FE) in the GP (6.77 vs. 7.69; P = 0.0008) but had no carry-over effect in the FP. There was no effect of WBG on FE in GP or FP. In conclusion, CGB increased DMI, reduced FE, and maintained ADG. Increasing quantities of WBG did not reduce ADG or FE, but decreased DMI with increasing feeding level. Therefore, WBG and CGB can be considered viable options for cattle producers seeking to lower input costs.

Fermentation characteristics and microbial community composition of wet brewer's grains and corn stover mixed silage prepared with cellulase and lactic acid bacteria supplementation.

The objective of this study was to investigate how cellulase or/and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) affected the fermentation characteristic and microbial community in wet brewer's grains (WBG) and corn stover (CS) mixed silage. The WBG was mixed thoroughly with the CS at 7:3 (w/w). Four treatment groups were studied: i) CON, no additives; ii) CEL, added cellulase (120 U/g fresh matter [FM]), iii) LAB, added LAB (2×106 cfu/g FM), and iv) CLA, added cellulase (120 U/g FM) and LAB (2×106 cfu/g FM). All additive-treated groups showed higher fermentation quality over the 30 d ensiling period. As these groups exhibited higher (p<0.05) LAB counts and lactic acid (LA) content, along with lower pH value and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) content than the control. Specifically, cellulase-treated groups (CEL and CLA) showed lower (p<0.05) neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents than other groups. All additives increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Firmicutes, Lactiplantibacillus, and Limosilactobacillus) while they decreased abundance of Proteobacteria and microbial diversity as well. The combined application of cellulase and LAB could effectively improve the fermentation quality and microbial community of the WBG and CS mixed silage.

Wet brewers’ grains as a source of protein for feedlot lambs: Impacts on intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and nitrogen balance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of wet brewers’ grain (WBG) as an alternative ingredient replacing soybean meal (SBM) and ground corn (GC) on nutrient intake and apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and nitrogen balance in feedlot lambs. Five ruminally cannulated ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês lambs, castrated with 48.3 ± 2.0 kg of initial BW and 8.3 ± 0.68-month-old (mean ± SD), were assigned in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The experimental diets were composed of 10% roughage (Coastcross hay) and 90% concentrates, in which 85.9% of the diet was composed of GC (71.3%) plus SBM (14.6%) in the control diet. Treatments consisted in WBG inclusion levels of 7.6%, 15%, 23% and 30% replacing GC+SBM in control diet with the aim to maintain isonitrogenous concentrations. The data were analyzed using a linear or quadratic polynomial contrast in SAS. There was no effect of WBG inclusion on DMI, OM nor CP intake, but a linear increase was observed for NDF (P < 0.001), ADF (P < 0.001), EE intake (P < 0.01), and linear decrease (P < 0.001) on NFC intake. Inclusion of WBG decrease linearly NFC, while DM, OM, and CP digestibility were being lower for lambs fed a diet contained 23% WBG (quadratic component, p < 0.05). The replacement of SBM and corn grain by WBG, linearly increased the molar ratio of acetate (P < 0.01), and linearly decreased propionate (P < 0.01), resulting in a linear increase in the acetate:propionate ratio (P = 0.04). In addition, increasing the inclusion of WBG linearly increased the molar proportion of isovalerate (P < 0.05). Ruminal pH increased linearly (P < 0.001) by dietary WBG inclusion, as consequence, ruminal pH was maintained less time below 5.5 as WBG inclusion increased. Although nitrogen excretion was greater with 23% inclusion of WBG in diet (quadratic component, P < 0.05), there was no effect (P > 0.10) on retained N. Based on diet acceptability, digestibility, N retention, and ruminal fermentation parameters, it is concluded that, WBG can be used as feed ingredient up to 7.6% in diets, replacing partially SBM and GC in finishing diets for lambs. Inclusion WBG replacing SBM and partially GC, minimize the risk of acidosis in lambs fed high-concentrate diets during fattening. Inclusions beyond 23% decreased significant diet digestibility and increased ruminal acetate: propionate molar ratio, decreasing energy efficiency, increasing methane losses.

Invited Review: Rise of craft breweries in the southeastern USA increases supplement availability for beef cattle

The purpose of this invited review was to discuss the current state of craft beer production and the generation, nutritional variability, and importance of wet brewers grains (WBG) as a livestock feed. This article also takes an in-depth look at logistical challenges of using WBG as a feed resource and how local communities are mitigating those challenges. Information provided came from the combination of published scientific resources and through experiences based on outreach services and real-world applications of using WBG as a byproduct feed for beef cattle. Wet brewers grains are often a cheap or no-cost feed for beef cattle producers located near craft breweries. The high concentrations of CP and digestible fiber make it a byproduct of interest for many beef cattle production systems. Moisture content is the greatest limitation, and additives for improved fermentation may be needed during storage of this high-moisture feed. The rise of craft breweries has increased the availability of WBG, which is an affordable feedstuff for beef cattle producers located near a brewery. Although there is variability in WBG between brews and craft breweries, successful incorporation of this byproduct into diets has occurred in all sectors of the beef industry. The on-farm handling and storage of WBG should be considered, and the addition of a feed additive may help to prevent spoilage and extend WBG shelf life. In local communities, logistical challenges may be somewhat averted when several smaller beef cattle producers work together on a WBG contract.

Nutritional and logarithmic fungal count of brewery spent grain in different conservation techniques and brewery factories'.

The higher moisture level (70-80%) in wet brewer's grain (WBG) poses two major difficulties when using it as a feed for different classes of animals. Firstly, transport of WBG is costly. Secondly, the rich polysaccharide and protein content and the high moisture content of WBG make it susceptible to microbial growth and spoilage. Therefore this study was planned to examine the effect of soaking, sun drying and ensiling on nutritional and fungal load dynamics of wet brewers' grain. Wet brewers' grain was collected from Meta Abo, Habesha, Dashen and Bedele breweries, Ethiopia. The sample was labeled and kept in a separate sterile bag and stored under -20°C. For soaking, 2kg sample was uniformly treated with salt (3% on dry matter basis), placed in plastic container and covered with a lead for partial aerobic condition. Wet brewers' grain (2kg) was exposed to sun drying for the consecutive three days, eight hours per day. The sample (2kg) with molasses (3% on dry matter basis) was ensiled in a plastic bottle. All samples except sun dried, were subjected to oven drying at 55°C for 72h. To evaluate insacco degradability, samples were incubated for 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96h in nylon bags (6.5 × 14cm, 50μm pore size) placed in ventral sac of three cannulated Boran-Friesian steers (550 ± 15kg live weight). The samples (25g) were dissolved in 225ml of peptone water. Potato Dextrose agar medium was injected with 1ppm per each 100ml of agar with chloramphenicol and streptomycin to restrict bacterial growth. Plates were incubated aerobically at 28 ± 1°C for 3day and growing molds and yeast colonies were directly counted. The sample received from Meta Abo brewery factory had the higher (p < 0.05) acid detergent fiber, lignin and digestible organic matter but comparable dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber with other breweries. The minimal loss on DM and other nutrients, lower fungal, yeast and mold colony counts and the higher CP digestion kinetics was observed in ensiling techniques. If supply is not a constraint under local conditions, ensiling can be recommended as the best conservation practice.

Effects of wet brewers grains on fermentation quality and in vitro ruminal digestibility of mixed silage prepared with corn stalk, sweet potato peel and dried apple pomace in southeast China.

The effects of wet brewers grains (WBG) on fermentation quality, chemical composition and in vitro ruminal digestibility of mixed silages prepared with corn stalk, dried apple pomace and sweet potato peel were evaluated. A mixture of corn stalk, sweet potato peel and dried apple pomace (50/30/20) was ensiled with 0, 10%, 20% and 30% WBG on a fresh weight (FW) basis for 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 30 days respectively. The results showed that the application of WBG increased (p < 0.05) lactic acid, acetic acid and total volatile fatty acids contents, and decreased (p < 0.05) pH, dry matter, water-soluble carbohydrates content and ammonia-nitrogen/total nitrogen during ensiling. The pH in all silages was below 4.03 during ensiling. Treating with WBG increased (p < 0.05) crude protein content, and decreased (p < 0.05) neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, cellulose and hemicellulose content after 30 days of ensiling. After 72 h of incubation, cumulative gas production, potential gas production and in vitro crude protein digestibility increased (p < 0.05) with the increasing proportions of WBG. However, in vitro digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fibre, and metabolisable energy were similar in all silages. The 20% and 30% WBG-treated silages showed better fermentation quality and greater or higher in vitro digestibility, which were indicated by greater or higher (p < 0.05) lactic acid content, in vitro crude protein digestibility, and lower (p < 0.05) pH, ammonia-nitrogen/total nitrogen ratio as compared with the control. Therefore, ensiling agro-food by-products with at least 20% WBG were recommended for improving fermentation quality.

Nutritive Value of Wheat Bran Diets Supplemented With Fresh Carrots and Wet Brewers' Grains in Yellow Mealworm.

We evaluated the effect of supplementation of a wheat bran (WB) diet with fresh carrots (FC) or wet brewer’s grains (WBG) on the growth performance and chemical composition of Tenebrio molitor larvae. Additionally, a digestibility trial was performed to determine the nutritional value of the raw materials used. The control diet was based on WB-only. Two other diets were formulated in which WB was supplemented with FC (FC diet) or with WBG (WBG diet). The experiment was conducted in trays (12 per treatment) and lasted 90 d. Larval weight, feed intake, and excreted feces were controlled in each tray the experiment. The digestibility trial was performed from 48 to 62 d post-hatch. Results showed digestibility coefficients of ashes, crude protein, and gross energy were significantly higher in FC diet compared with the other diets. Consequently, both digestible energy (DE) and digestible protein (DP) contents of FC were also significantly higher than those obtained for WB and WBG diets (on av. +1.12 megajoule [MJ] DE and +9.15 g DP per kg dry matter [DM]; P < 0.003). Mealworms fed FC diet showed significantly higher final weight and average daily gain than those fed the WBG diet (+12.4%), being higher in WBG than in WB diet (+3.5%). Dietary treatment did not affect DM, ashes, ether extract, and crude protein content of mealworms obtained. Some dietary effects on amino acid and fatty acid composition were observed. This study provides novel data and a unique experimental approach to assess the nutritional value of raw materials in mealworms.

Effect of chemical and biological preservatives and ensiling stage on the dry matter loss, nutritional value, microbial counts, and ruminal in vitro gas production kinetics of wet brewer's grain silage.

This study evaluated the effects of chemical and biological preservatives and ensiling stage on spoilage, ruminal in vitro fermentation, and methane production of wet brewer's grain (WBG) silage. Treatments (TRT) were sodium lignosulfonate at 10 g/kg fresh WBG (NaL1) and 20 g/kg (NaL2), propionic acid at 5 g/kg fresh WBG (PRP, 99%), a combination inoculant (INO; Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus buchneri each at 4.9 log cfu per fresh WBG g), and untreated WBG (CON). Fresh WBG was treated and then ensiled for 60 d, after which mini silos were opened and aerobically exposed (AES) for 10 d. Data were analyzed as an RCBD (five blocks) with a 5 TRT × 3 stages (STG; fresh, ensiled, and AES) factorial arrangement. Results showed that ensiled PRP-treated WBG markedly preserved more water-soluble carbohydrates and starch than all other ensiled TRT (P < 0.001). Dry matter losses of ensiled PRP-treated WBG were 48% lower than all other ensiled TRT (P = 0.009) but were not different than CON in AES (P = 0.350). Due to its greater concentration of digestible nutrients, PRP-treated AES was less aerobically stable than CON (P = 0.03). Preservation was not improved by INO, NaL1, or NaL2 but the latter prevented the increase of neutral detergent fiber across STG (P = 0.392). Apparent in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) decreased only in ensiled CON, INO, and NaL1 relative to fresh WBG and AES NaL2 had greater IVDMD than all other AES TRT (P ≤ 0.032). In vitro ruminal fermentation of fresh WBG resulted in a greater methane concentration and yield than the other STG (P < 0.033). In conclusion, PRP was the most effective at preserving WBG during ensiling but failed to improve aerobic stability under the conditions tested.

Effects of microbial inoculation on dry matter losses, fermentation profile, and aerobic stability of wet brewers grain stored with increasing concentrations of dry ground corn

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of microbial inoculation and storage length on the fermentation profile, dry matter losses and aerobic stability of wet brewers grains (WBG) ensiled with increasing amounts of dry ground corn (DGC). Pure WBG (210 g/kg of dry matter [DM]) and 3 mixtures of WBG and DGC were prepared targeting for a dry matter content of 350 g/kg (RC35), 500 g/kg (RC50) or 650 g/kg (RC65). Distilled water (CON) or one of two microbial inoculants were applied, a combination with Pediococcus pentosaceus at 1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage and Propionibacterium freudenreichii at 2 × 104 cfu/g of fresh forage (PPPF), or a heterofermentative with Lactobacillus buchneri at 7.5 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage and Pediococcus pentosaceus at 1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage (LBPP). Mixtures were ensiled in laboratory silos in quadruplicate and opened at two storage lengths (SL), 30 or 60 days (30 d and 60 d, respectively). Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with a 4 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments using Proc Glimmix of SAS. Butyric acid concentration decreased (P < 0.04) with addition DGC regardless of microbial inoculation. Mixtures with greater amounts of DGC (RC50 and RC60) reduced (P < 0.01) DM losses and pH, regardless of inoculation or storage length. Lactic acid concentration was greater (P ≤ 0.05) with intermediate addition of corn (RC35 and RC50). Acetic acid concentration did not differ among inoculation treatments when corn was added to the mixtures; however, LBPP increased 1,2-propanediol in RC50 and RC60. Moreover, LBPP increased aerobic stability only for the RC65 mixture. In conclusion, the addition of DGC to WBG improves fermentation and decreases DM losses, while inoculation with LBPP can improve aerobic stability in RC65. Our data suggests that adding DGC to WBG is a feasible strategy to store WBG for up to 60 days and inoculation with PPPF and LBPP can improve further the conditions of the WBG and DGC mixtures silage.

Nutritional and fungal load dynamics of fresh brewers\u2019 grain stored under aerobic conditions

Brewers’ spent grain (BSG) is the amplest by-product of the brewing process. The fresh BSG is currently used as low-cost cattle feed due to its microbiological instability and high perishability. While recent research looked at the effects of storage time and temperature on the characteristics of wet brewers grains (WBG) as ruminant feeds. Three storage temperatures (15, 20, and 25 °C) and periods (2, 4 and 6 days) were arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial design. Surface spoilage was not apparent at 15 °C throughout the storage periods. Deterioration was not also observed at 20 °C until the fourth day of storage where slight mold growth was apparent. Extensive mold growth was detected late in the sixth day at 20 °C and continued manifestations up until the last day of storage at 25 °C. Changes in major nutrients, DM losses, and yeast and mold colony count were significantly affected by the interaction of storage temperatures and durations (P < 0.05). Except for samples stored at 15 °C, nutrients contents decreased concomitantly (exceptions are ADF, lignin, and loss in DM) with prolonged storage times (p < 0.05) and increasing temperatures (p < 0.05). Contrast analysis indicated that it would be safe to store under aerobic storage conditions and feed the WBG for dairy cattle.

332 Effect of Chemical and Biological Preservatives on in vitro Fermentation and Methane Production of Ensiled and Aerobically Exposed Wet Brewer’s Grains

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of preservatives on the in vitro fermentation measures of wet brewer’s grain (WBG) silage at different stages of storage. Treatments (TRT) were sodium lignosulfonate at 1% (NaL1) and 2% (NaL2; w/w of fresh WBG), propionic acid (PRP; 0.5% w/w of fresh WBG), a combination inoculant (INO; Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus buchneri each at 4.9 log cfu/fresh WBG g), and untreated WBG (CON). WBG (Fresh) were packed into 8.8 L mini-silos and stored for 60 d at 21°C (Ensiled), then they were opened and aerobically exposed for 10d (AES). Samples from each stage of storage (STG; Fresh, Ensiled and AES) were analyzed for in vitro ruminal digestibility (24 h).Gas kinetics were recorded using the Ankom RF Gas Production System. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design (5 blocks) with a 5 (TRT) × 3 (STG) factorial arrangement. Apparent in vitro DM digestibility (DMD) decreased across STG, (51.5, 47.2 and 40.9 for Fresh, Ensiled and AES, respectively) and increased for NaL1, NaL2 and PRP (~47.8) vs. CON (43.0 ± 2.12%). PRP increased apparent in vitro OM digestibility (OMD) when Ensiled (54.5) and NaL2 increased it for AES (47.1) vs CON (46.3 and 39.9 ± 1.73%, respectively). The asymptotic maximal (M) and rate (k) of gas production decreased across STG (214.6, 181.5, 155.1 and 14.6, 12.6, and 9.8, for Fresh, Ensiled and AES, respectively). PRP increased (200.0) and NaL1 decreased (169.3) M vs. CON (183.9± 7.81ml/incubated DM g), while NaL1 and NaL2 (~11.4) decreased k vs. CON (13.4 ± 0.85%/h). Methane concentration and yield were higher in Fresh vs. other STG (0.94 vs. ~0.84 ± 0.07mM and 0.27 vs. ~0.23 ± 0.03mmol/g fermented OM). Spoilage of WBG decreases fermentability and methane production while PRP and NaL improve digestibility with the former also increasing M and k.

Effects of feeding sodium metabisulfite-treated fruit and vegetable discards to Hanwoo heifers and cows.

ObjectiveTwo series of experiments were conducted to determine how the incremental levels of sodium metabisulfite (SMB)-treated fruit and vegetable discards (FVD) in diet of Hanwoo heifers and cows affect their performance and health.MethodsIn Exp. 1, 36 Hanwoo heifers were stratified by age (13.3±0.83 mo) and initial body weight (305±19.7 kg), and divided randomly to one of three diets containing 0%, 10%, or 20% SMB-treated FVD (as-fed basis). The experiment lasted 110 d, including 20 d of adaptation. In Exp. 2, 24 multiparous Hanwoo cows were divided into three groups based on age (48.2±2.81 mo) and initial body condition score (2.64±0.33). Cows in each block were assigned randomly to one of three diets containing 0%, 11%, or 22% SMB-treated FVD (as-fed basis). The experiment lasted 80 d, including a 20-d adaptation period. In both experiments, SMB-treated FVD was used as a replacement for wet brewers grain in total mixed ration (TMR).ResultsGrowing heifers exhibited no differences in their daily feed intake (6.58±0.61 kg/d dry matter [DM]), average daily gain (0.60±0.07 kg/d), and body condition score when they consumed the incremental levels of SMB-treated FVD. Although most blood metabolites were unaffected by treatments, blood urea-N and β-hydroxybutyrate levels decreased linearly as the SMB-treated FVD level increased in TMR. Similar to Exp. 1, minor differences were found in daily feed intake (8.27±0.72 kg DM/d) and body condition score of Hanwoo cows. Most blood metabolites remained unaffected by treatments, but blood urea-N decreased as the SMB-treated FVD level in TMR increased.ConclusionOur findings suggest that SMB-treated FVD could be safely incorporated into the diet of Hanwoo heifers and cows, potentially improving N-use efficiency in the body while not impairing performance or health.

Effects of a xylanase-rich enzyme on intake, milk production, and digestibility of dairy cows fed a diet containing a high proportion of bermudagrass silage

We previously reported that milk production in dairy cows was increased by adding a specific xylanase-rich exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (XYL) to a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 10% bermudagrass silage (BMD). Two follow-up experiments were conducted to examine whether adding XYL would increase the performance of dairy cows consuming a TMR containing a higher (20%) proportion of BMD (Experiment 1) and to evaluate the effects of XYL on in vitro fermentation and degradability of the corn silage, BMD, and TMR (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, 40 lactating Holstein cows in early lactation (16 multiparous and 24 primiparous; 21 ± 3 d in milk; 589 ± 73 kg of body weight) were blocked by milk yield and parity and randomly assigned to the Control and XYL treatments. The TMR contained 20% BMD, 25% corn silage, 8% wet brewer's grain, and 47% concentrate mixture in the dry matter (DM). Cows were fed the XYL-treated or untreated experimental TMR twice per day for 10 wk after a 9-d covariate period. In Experiment 2, ruminal fluid was collected from 3 cannulated lactating Holstein cows fed a diet containing 20% bermudagrass haylage, 25% corn silage and 55% concentrate. In Experiment 1, compared with Control, application of XYL did not affect DM intake (24.0 vs. 23.7 kg/d), milk yield (35.1 vs. 36.2 kg/d), fat-corrected milk yield (36.1 vs. 36.9 kg/d), or yields of milk fat (1.29 vs. 1.31 kg/d) or protein (1.07 vs. 1.08 kg/d). However, intake of neutral detergent fiber (4.67 vs. 4.41 kg/d) tended to increase with XYL; consequently, milk protein concentration was increased by XYL (3.02 vs. 2.95%). Feed efficiency tended to be lower in cows fed XYL (1.57 vs. 1.52 kg of fat-corrected milk/kg of DM intake) compared with Control. In Experiment 2, XYL tended to increase the rate of gas production in the TMR, the molar proportion of propionate for corn silage, and that of valerate for the TMR. In addition, XYL increased in vitro DM, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber degradability of BMD and corn silage. Application of XYL to a diet with a relatively high proportion of BMD tended to increase digestible neutral detergent fiber intake, increased milk protein concentration, and in vitro degradability of DM, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. However, XYL did not affect milk production and tended to decrease feed efficiency in early lactation cows.

Effect of storage of wet brewer's grains with incremental levels of salt on apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and purine derivative excretion in dairy heifers.

Objectives of this study were to evaluate apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and purine derivative (PD) excretion in dairy heifers limit-fed diets containing wet brewer's grains (WBG) treated with salt. A 12-wk replicated 4 × 4 Latin square was conducted using 8 Holstein heifers of 224.5 ± 19.4 d of age, and body weight (BW) of 219.2 ± 28.1 kg (mean ± SD). Fresh WBG were treated with 0%, 0.8%, 1.6%, and 2.4% salt and stored for 4 d before being fed. Salt was added either to the WBG or separately to equalize the amount of salt in the diet. The diet contained 9% grass silage, 47% corn silage, 19% corn meal, 17.6% WBG and salt, 2% soybean meal, and 3% mineral mix. Diets were formulated to be limit-fed at 2.15% of BW, provide 14% crude protein (CP) and 2.27 Mcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg of dry matter (DM). Heifers were adapted to diets for 14 d followed by a 7-d collection period. Dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily during the collection week while BW was recorded once a week. Urine and fecal samples were collected during the last 4 d of the collection period. Acid insoluble ash was used as an internal marker to determine apparent nutrient digestibility. Weight loss of WBG during storage was determined from days 1 to 11 and initial and final yeast and mold counts were determined. Final yeast counts were similar among treatments while final mold counts tended to be lesser (P = 0.07) for the 0.8% and 1.6% salt treatments. Urinary volume was similar among treatments while allantoin (P = 0.14), and uric acid (P < 0.01) and total PD excretion tended to increase (P = 0.13) quadratically. DMI was varied by treatment (linear, quadratic, and cubic effects P < 0.01). Heifers fed the 0.8% treatment had the least DMI. Nonfiber carbohydrate (NFC) digestibility linearly decreased (P < 0.04) as salt increased. Digestibilities of DM, and organic matter (OM), tended to decrease (P < 0.10) with increasing levels of salt added to WBG. Fat digestibility was quadratic with the greatest value for the 1.6% treatment. Treating WBG with salt reduced its deterioration based on lesser mold counts for the 0.8% and 1.6% treatments. These treatments had resulted in greater fat digestibility and tended to have increased PD excretion suggesting improved microbial protein synthesis.

Influence of the storage period on the nutritional and microbiological value of sun-dried brewer’s grains

Background: Brewer's grains, a by-product of the brewery industry, can be included in the diet of ruminants. However, its high humidity makes it difficult to store and preserve. Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of sun dehydration of wet brewer’s grains (WBG) and the effect of storage period on its nutritional and microbiological quality. Methods: A completely randomized experimental design was used to evaluate WBG dehydration efficiency, with treatments corresponding to 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 hours of sun exposure. A second experiment was carried out using also a completely randomized design to evaluated the effect of storage with the following treatments: 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days of storage of the dry by-product. Results: Dry matter (DM) content linearly increased with dehydration period. The chemical composition of the dried brewer's grains had no effect as a function of storage period. Indigestible protein (C fraction) increased linearly but did not compromise the cumulative gas production and the in vitro digestibility of DM and protein. Storage time had no effect on fungus population. The maximum aflatoxin value was 45.5 μg/kg, and remained within acceptable limits for bovine feed. Conclusion: Dehydration of WBG in the sun is efficient to guarantee conservation and makes it possible to store the by-product. The storage of the dry by-product for 180 days does not compromise its nutritional or microbiological quality.

Effects of Sodium Formate and Calcium Propionate Additives on the Fermentation Quality and Microbial Community of Wet Brewers Grains after Short-Term Storage.

Simple SummaryThe objective of this study was to examine the effect of sodium formate and calcium propionate on the fermentation quality and microbial community of wet brewers grains (WBG) after short-term storage. Both additives improved the silage quality of WBG ensiled for 20 days to different extents. However, ensiled WBG treated with sodium formate had higher contents of dry matter, water-soluble carbohydrates, and neutral detergent fibers and better fermentation quality, rumen degradation, and microbial composition. The addition of sodium formate enhances the abundance of desirable Lactobacillus and reduces the abundance of undesirable microorganisms, including Clostridium. In summary, during short-term storage of high-moisture feed, sodium formate has a more beneficial preservation effect than an equivalent dose of calcium propionate.The objective of this research was to examine the effect of sodium formate (SF) and calcium propionate (CAP) on the fermentation characteristics and microbial community of wet brewers grains (WBG) after short-term storage. In the laboratory environment, fresh WBG was ensiled with (1) no additive (CON), (2) sodium formate (SF, 3 g/kg fresh weight), and (3) calcium propionate (CAP, 3 g/kg fresh weight) for 20 days. After opening, fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, rumen effective degradability, and the microbial community of ensiled WBG were analyzed. The addition of CAP had no effect on pH and lactic acid concentration and increased the concentrations of propionic acid; the SF group had the lowest pH and acetic acid, butyric acid, and ammonia nitrogen contents and the highest lactic acid concentration. After fermentation, the SF group had the highest contents of dry matter (DM), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The contents of the three nutrients in the CAP group were significantly higher than those in the CON group. The addition of the two additives had little influence on the crude protein (CP) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of the ensiled WBG. Two additives elevated in situ effective degradability of DM and NDF compared with the parameters detected in the CON group; WBG ensiled with SF had higher effective in situ CP degradability than that in the CON and CAP groups. The results of the principal component analysis indicate that the SF group and two other groups had notable differences in bacterial composition. The analysis of the genus level of the bacterial flora showed that the content of Lactobacillus in the SF group was significantly higher than that in the two other treatment groups, while the content of Clostridium was significantly lower than that in the two other treatment groups. Therefore, the addition of sodium formate can suppress the undesirable microorganisms, improve the fermentation qualities, and ensure that WBG is well preserved after 20 days of ensiling.

Nutritional evaluation of wet brewers’ grains as substitute for common vetch in ensiled total mixed ration

The interest of ensiling total mixed ration for ruminants re-emerged in the last decades. In many situations, ensiled total mixed ration (ETMR) has been a sustainable alternative to efficiently handle wet by-products in ruminant diets. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of replacing common vetch with wet brewers’ grains (WBG) at different proportions on the fermentation quality, nutritive value, aerobic stability, in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility of ETMR. Four ETMR formulations were designed according to the varied ratios on fresh weight basis: (i) 45% common vetch (Control); (ii) 35% common vetch +10% WBG; (iii) 25% common vetch +20% WBG; (iv) 15% common vetch +30% WBG. The laboratory silos (10 L) were opened after 70 days of ensiling, then the 70-day silages were subjected to aerobic stability for 14 days and changes in ETMR temperature were recorded. Replacing common vetch with WBG linearly increased the ratio of lactic acid to acetic acid, ethanol, water soluble carbohydrate contents and dry matter recovery, and decreased pH, volatile fatty acids and ammonia nitrogen contents. When exposed to air, no ETMR deteriorated and their temperature appeared stable during the 14 days test. With the WBG levels increasing, the organic matter digestibility, metabolisable energy, 72-h net gas production and the average gas production rate were linearly decreased, whereas no obvious differences were observed among the control, 10% and 20% WBG silages. Therefore, 20% WBG can be used effectively in ETMR, reducing the need for common vetch without negative effects. Highlights Ensiling total mixed ration is a good way to use wet brewers’ grains Reducing the need for legume and feed cost 20% wet brewers’ grains replacement had no adverse effect on in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility

Growth performance and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility of limit-fed diets containing wet brewer's grains to Holstein heifers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility of Holstein heifers limit-fed diets containing different amounts of wet brewer’s grains (WBG). A 12-wk randomized complete block study was conducted using 30 yearling Holstein heifers [378 ± 27 d of age, and body weight (BW) of 357.8 ± 27.6 kg (mean ± SD)]. Treatments were 0%, 10% and 20% of WBG on a dry matter (DM) basis and diets were formulated to be limit-fed for dry matter intake (DMI) at 2.35% of BW and provided 15% crude protein (CP) and 2.27 Mcal metabolizable energy/kg of DM. Dry matter intake was recorded daily, while BW and skeletal measurements were measured every 2 wk. During week 12, fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum over four consecutive days and composited by heifer to determine apparent total tract nutrient digestibility using acid detergent insoluble ash as a marker. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Dry matter intakes, BW, and average daily gain were not different among treatments (P = 0.2, P = 0.4, and P = 0.6, respectively). Dry matter intakes ranged from 8.6 to 9.0 kg/d. Average BW were 404.4, 411.5, and 409.3 kg for heifers fed the 0%, 10%, and 20% WBG diets, respectively. Average daily gains were 1.03, 1.04, and 0.96 kg/d for heifers fed the 0%, 10%, and 20% WBG diets respectively. Skeletal measurements and body condition scores (BCS) were not different among treatments except for the change in heart girth (P < 0.01) and initial BCS (P < 0.01). Apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, organic matter, CP, fat, and hemicellulose were greater or tended to be greater in heifers fed 0% and 20% WBG treatments than heifers fed 10 % WBG (P = 0.04, P = 0.04, P = 0.06, P = 0.06, and P = 0.01, respectively). Neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and fat digestibilities were similar among treatments (P = 0.2, P = 0.3, and P = 0.3, respectively). During the digestibility phase, DMI tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for the 10% WBG treatment. These results demonstrate that limit-feeding heifers with diets containing up to 20% WBG could replace soybean- and corn-based concentrates in diets without adverse consequences to the heifer growth performance.

Improvements of in situ degradability of grass hay, wet brewer’s grains, and soybean meal with addition of clay in the diet of Holstein cows

Clay-based feed additives have been widely examined as tools for combating the negative impacts of both aflatoxin (AF) infected feedstuffs as well as subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). The objective of this study was to determine the ruminal degradability of feedstuffs in response to 3 concentrations of dietary clay in lactating dairy cows. Treatments were: no clay (CON), 10, or 20 g/kg of dietary DM as clay (EcoMix®, UMG, Ukraine). Samples (8 g) of dried alfalfa hay (AH), grass hay (GH), wet brewer’s grains (WBG), ground corn (GC), corn silage (CS), or soybean meal (SBM) were placed into polyester bags (3 replicates per feed) and incubated for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 48, 72, or 96 h in 3 rumen-cannulated cows fed one of three treatments. Recovered bags were analyzed for DM, aNDF, ADF, starch, CP for all feedstuffs, and total fatty acids (TFA), saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for GH, WBG, and CS. Soluble (S), digestible (D), and undigested (U) fractions; and fractional rate of digestion (Kd) and effective degradability (ED), were estimated for each feedstuff, treatment, and cow combination. Statistical analysis was preformed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Grass hay S of DM exhibited a quadratic treatment effect (CON = 1.4, 10 g/kg = 1.7, and 20 g/kg = 1.2 g/kg). There was an increase in WBG D of DM as concentration of clay in the diet increased (CON = 5.9, 10 g/kg = 6.6, and 20 g/kg = 7.6 g/kg). There was a quadratic treatment effect for DM S (CON = 2.6, 10 g/kg = 3.4, and 20 g/kg = 1.5 g/kg) and ED (CON = 4.8, 10 g/kg = 5.7, and 20 g/kg = 3.9 g/kg) of SBM. There was a decrease in SBM S of starch (CON = 6.3, 10 g/kg = 4.7, and 20 g/kg = 3.3 g/kg) and an increase in SBM D of starch (CON = 7.7, 10 g/kg = 7.7, and 20 g/kg = 8.2 g/kg) as concentration of clay in the diet increased. There was an increase in GH D of SFA (CON = 3.4, 10 g/kg = 7.8, and 20 g/kg = 9.1 g/kg DM) and a decrease in both GH U (CON = 6.0, 10 g/kg = 1.9, and 20 g/kg = 0.0 g/kg DM) and Kd (CON = 0.07, 10 g/kg = 0.03, and 20 g/kg =0.01 h−1) of SFA as concentration of clay in the diet increased. There was a decrease in WBG S of SFA as concentration of clay in the diet increased (CON = 0.8, 10 g/kg = 0.4, and 20 g/kg = 0.3 g/kg). Corn silage D of TFA exhibited a quadratic treatment effect (CON = 7.3, 10 g/kg = 3.3, and 20 g/kg = 4.5 g/kg). In conclusion, the addition of clay at 10 g/kg of total dietary DMI maximized S for GH and SBM DM as well as ED for SBM. Also, the addition of clay at 20 g/kg of total dietary DMI maximized degradability of SFA for GH.