Corn Wet Distillers Research Articles

Effects of starch dilution with corn stalks or wet distillers grains with solubles on growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers

Effects of starch dilution with corn stalks or wet distillers grains with solubles on growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers

Effect of wheat middling incorporation into wet corn distillers grains with solubles on apparent diet digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics in growing and finishing diets.

Two separate cross-over experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of incorporating wheat middlings into wet corn distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) on apparent diet digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics in growing and finishing diets. In experiment 1, four ruminally cannulated heifers (313 ± 42.9kg) were limit fed a high-energy growing diet that included WDGS (CON) or WDGS + wheat middlings (CON + WM) at 40% of diet dry matter (DM). The diet also contained (DM basis) 39.5% dry-rolled corn, 7.5% supplement, and 13% warm-season grass hay. In experiment 2, four ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (321 ± 17.4kg) were fed a finishing diet that included WDGS (CON) or WDGS + wheat middlings (CON + WM) at 30% of diet DM. The diet also contained (DM basis) 60.3% dry-rolled corn, 2.7% supplement, and 7.0% warm-season grass hay. Experiments consisted of two 15-d periods that were conducted concurrently. Each period included 10 d of diet adaptation, 4 d of fecal collection, and 1 d of ruminal fluid collection. Fecal samples were collected on days 11 to 14 of each period and composite samples were analyzed for chromium to estimate apparent diet digestibility. On day 15, ruminal fluid samples were collected prior to feeding and again at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24-h post-feeding. In experiment 1, DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake did not differ (P ≥ 0.11) between diets; however, starch intake was greater (P = 0.03) for heifers fed CON + WM compared with CON. Apparent DM, OM, NDF, and starch digestibilities were similar between diets (P ≥ 0.13), but feeding CON + WM tended to lead to lesser (P = 0.06) apparent ADF digestibility. Ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations did not differ between diets (P ≥ 0.16); however, ruminal ammonia concentrations tended to be less (P = 0.09) for CON + WM compared with CON. In experiment 2, DM intake did not differ (P = 0.65) between diets. Apparent DM digestibility was greater (P = 0.01) for CON + WM compared with CON but the difference was small. Intake and apparent digestibility of OM, NDF, ADF, and starch did not differ (P ≥ 0.25) between diets. Ruminal ammonia concentrations were lesser (P = 0.03) while ruminal pH was greater (P = 0.02) for CON + WM compared with CON. Overall, incorporation of wheat middlings into WDGS had minimal impacts on feed intake, apparent diet digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics when fed to growing and finishing cattle.

Effect of Using Ensilaged Corn Wet Distillers’ Grains Plus Solubles (WDGS) as a Partial Replacement for Concentrated Feed for Wet Lot Fed Fatteners during Fattening on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Pork Quality

The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional suitability of WDGS in pigs’ feeding and production. Pigs were liquid fed and divided into 3 groups. Pigs in the control group were fed diets based on cereal grains, while the experimental groups were also given 10% or 15% WDGS, which partially replaced their cereal grains. During this study, the average daily gains (ADG), feed intake, chemical composition of meat, fatty acid profile of meat, and quality parameters of the carcass and meat were examined. The highest statistical weight gains were detected for the group WDGS 10% during the first stage of the fattening period. No statistical differences were detected for the final body weight, carcass traits, chemical composition of the meat or the composition of fatty acids such as SFAs, PUFAs, and MUFAs, with the exception of eicosenoic acid (C20:1n9). Pigs fed on 10% WDGS exhibited lower peroxidation of lipids (TBARS) than the control group or WDGS 15%. Similarly, water holding capacity (WHC) was the lowest for the group WDGS 10%. Of the meat coloration, redness (a*), yellowness (b*), and chroma (C*) were affected by the WDGS’ inclusion, where the highest values were observed for the group WDGS 10%. In conclusion, WDGS can be utilized in the liquid feeding of pigs for up to 15% of their DM.

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF WET DISTILLERS GRAINS WITH SOLUBLES (WDGS) IN THE DIET OF DAIRY COWS

Corn wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) included up to 25% in the diet of 16 Simmental dairy cows, 27 to 72 months old, during three weeks, negatively affected rumen function monitored by non-invasive parameters, such as fecal consistency, and also influenced milk quality by reducing milk fat content. Dry distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) are currently the most attractive by-product of the bioethanol industry due to the possibility of application in the diet of various animal species, whereas WDGS is often more locally available and financially affordable; however, there is little data in the literature indicating potential negative consequences of its use. Therefore, this report aims to point out, based on a practical example, the possible problems of its application in the diet of dairy cows as the most metabolically sensitive category, as well as to demonstrate steps to prevent and/or mitigate eventual errors.

Assessment of corn wet distillers grains fed to crossbred bulls on feeding behavior, rumen morphology, liver abscesses and blood parameters.

Corn ethanol production has been growing in Brazil in the last ten years, generating by-products to feedlot diets. This study evaluates the effects of the inclusion of low-fat corn wet distillers grains (LF-WDG) on feeding behavior, ruminal health, liver abscesses and blood parameters of F1 Angus-Nellore bulls feedlot finished. Our hypothesis is that evaluation of data from feeding behavior, rumen and liver health would help to explain animal performance. In this trail, one-hundred animals were fed for 129 days with diets containing amounts of 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45% of LF-WDG replacing corn grain and soybean meal. Evaluations of fluctuation of dry matter intake (DMI) were carried out. Additionally, feeding behavior data were assessed by monitoring (24-h period) the feeding, rumination, time spent eating (TSE), and time expended on other activities (resting and number of meals per day). Blood variables such as pH, bicarbonate, total CO2 content, and base excess in extracellular fluid (Beecf) were determined. After slaughter, rumen epithelium was classified according to the incidence of lesions (rumenitis) and abnormalities (papillae clumped), and samples were collected for morphology and histology evaluations. Moreover, livers were scored for severity of abscesses as follow: as unabscessed (0), one or two small abscesses (A−), two to four small active abscesses (A) or one or more large, active abscesses (A+). The DMI (kg/day) differed (P = 0.03) among treatments and there is a tendency of 15 and 30 LF-WDG (% DM) had lower %DMI fluctuation compared to 0 or 45%. The TSE increased linearly (P < 0.01) as the amounts of inclusion of LF-WDG increased. Moreover, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, NDF consumption rate and NDF rumination efficiency increased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to LF-WDG feeding. The incidence of rumenitis tended (P = 0.08) to be greater at 45% LF-WDG, while keratin thickness decreased linearly in bulls fed LF-WDG (P < 0.01). The severity of liver abscesses (score A+) increased linearly (P = 0.02). Regarding blood parameters, only Beecf decreased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to LF-WDG feeding. Therefore, the hypothesis of the current study was confirmed. We previous reported that F1 Angus-Nellore bulls fed LF-WDG show greater weight gain (1.94 ± 0.09 kg/day) and final body weight (620 ± 18.8 kg) when compare to control (1.8 ± 0.09 kg/day and 602 ± 18.8 kg, respectively). Here, we conclude that inclusion of 15 to 30% LF-WDG in feedlot diets improved feeding behavior without impairing ruminal health and blood parameters, driving performance and weigh gain of crossbred bulls. However, bulls fed 45% LF-WDG had greater severity of liver abscesses.

Feeding value improvement of corn-ethanol co-product and soybean hull by fungal fermentation: Fiber degradation and digestibility improvement

Fungal pre-treatment and fermentation could improve nutritional value of wet corn distillers’ grains and solubles (WDGS), soybean hull (SH), and their blend in swine and poultry diets, which can potentially increase revenues for corn-ethanol and soybean processing industries while reducing feed cost in swine and poultry production systems. This study evaluated the effectiveness of pre-treatment of SH, WDGS, and their mixture by Trichoderma reesei and fermentation by Aspergillus oryzae to improve the nutritional profile and digestibility of these ingredients. T. reesei produced cellulase and xylanase, resulting in structural carbohydrates reduction by 69.2% while concentrating amino acids from 6.8% to 11% in SH. Fermentation with A. oryzae degraded phytate by over 50% and improved in vitro digestibility of amino acids in WDGS and its mixture with SH. Fermenting T. reesei pre-treated SH by A. oryzae showed higher in vitro dry matter digestibility than non-fermented substrate. Moreover, the proportion of key amino acids (arginine, threonine, methionine, and lysine) in both T. reesei and A. oryzae fermented substrates were significantly improved. The results demonstrated the feasibility of combining T. reesei and A. oryzae in improving feeding value of WDGS and SH for potential use as feed ingredients for monogastric animals.

Effects of FeCl3 Catalytic Hydrothermal Carbonization on Chemical Activation of Corn Wet Distillers' Fiber.

Corn wet distillers’ fiber (corn fiber) is a byproduct of the corn-ethanol production process, with high potential as a precursor for activated carbon due to its moderate nitrogen content and availability. However, there has been limited investigation into activated carbons from the corn fiber. In this work, we produce activated carbons from the corn fiber using three procedures, including direct KOH activation, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) followed by KOH activation, and FeCl3-catalyzed HTC followed by KOH activation. Catalytic HTC with FeCl3 was found to slightly increase the degree of carbonization relative to uncatalyzed HTC while also removing the nitrogen content at increasing concentrations and slightly increasing the porosity. The resulting activated carbon samples are then characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen analysis. The two-step process resulted in activated carbon with substantially higher surface areas than the one-step process (1220 vs 789 m2/g), as well as much higher thermal stability and nitrogen content (up to 1.20%). The results show that the corn fiber has potential for activated carbon production, with the two-step HTC followed by the activation process producing more favorable material properties than direct activation.

Hydrothermal carbonization valorization as an alternative application for corn bio-ethanol by-products

Corn Wet Distillers' Fibre (Corn Fibre) and Corn Condensed Distillers' Solubles (CDS) are by-products of the corn-ethanol production process with limited investigation of their valorization potential available in the literature. In this work, we perform hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) on Corn Fibre and CDS at reaction temperatures ranging from 180 °C to 300 °C. The solid products were characterized by ultimate and proximate analysis, HHV, TGA, FT-IR, Py-GC-MS, and SEM. The liquid process water composition was characterized by GC-MS analysis, and the total organic carbon (TOC) was determined. The produced hydrochar had a higher heating value of up to 33.91 MJ/kg, and nitrogen content as high as 3.91% Nitrogen at 77.35% Carbon. The hydrochar had a much higher ratio of hydrogen to oxygen content than most hydrochars from biomass investigated in the literature. The process water for CDS had a high quantity of hydrocarbons and high liquid carbon yield, whereas the process water from Corn Fibre contains large quantities of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). These findings indicate that HTC of Corn Fibre and CDS may be a promising alternative pathway for producing valuable chemicals or high-quality hydrochar for fuel or higher value applications which can utilize nitrogen content, such as activated carbons.

PSXIV-17 Effects of corn bran plus solubles and corn oil on growth performance and carcass traits of finishing bulls

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance and carcass traits of finishing bulls fed diets containing, on dietary dry matter basis, different levels of corn wet distillers bran plus solubles (WDBS; 0, 15, 30 or 45%) added with or without corn oil (CO; 0 and 3%). A total of 205 Nellore bulls (390 ± 25 kg initial BW) were blocked by initial body weight, distributed in 40 pens and pens within weight block were randomly assigned to treatments in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. Diets were isonitrogenous and contained 8.5% sugarcane bagasse and 91.5% concentrate (ground corn, soybean meal, pelleted citrus pulp, urea, mineral). The WDBS (FlexyDDG®) and the corn oil were from SJC Bioenergia (Quirinópolis, Goiás, Brazil). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. An interaction between CO × WDBS levels was observed for dry matter intake (DMI; P = 0.032). In diets without CO, increasing levels of WDBS linearly (P = 0.004) reduced the DMI, but in diets containing 3% CO, increasing levels of WDBS quadraticaly affected the DMI (P = 0.002). No effects of CO, WDBSF levels or CO × WDBS levels were observed for final body weight, average daily gain, hot carcass weight and dressing percentage. Feed efficiency tended (P = 0.07) to be greater for bulls fed diets containing CO (0.154 vs. 0.144). Increasing levels of WDBS tended (P = 0.09) to increase the feed efficiency. In summary, increasing levels of WDBS in finishing diets linearly (in diets without CO) or quadratically (in diets with CO) reduces the dry matter intake. Adding CO and WDBS tend to increase feed efficiency.

Porcine in vitro digestion and fermentation characteristics of corn wet distillers’ grains and dried distillers grains with solubles without or with multi-enzyme

Wet distillers grains (wet DG) and condensed distillers are co-products from ethanol plants, which are combined and dried into distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Information is lacking on effects of producing DDGS from wet DG on response to fiber-degrading enzymes in terms of digestibility of DDGS for pigs. This study determined porcine in vitro digestion and fermentation characteristics of wet DG and DDGS without or with multi-enzyme that supplied 9600 U of xylanase, 1200 U of glucanase, 4000 U of cellulase, 480 U of mannanase, 5600 U of invertase, 40,000 U of protease, and 96,000 U of amylase/kilogram of feedstuff. Four gram samples were weighed into conical flasks (5 flasks per treatment) and hydrolyzed in 2 steps using pepsin and pancreatin. Subsequently, undigested residues were incubated in a buffer solution with minerals and fresh pig feces as inoculum. Gas production was measured for 72 h, and modeled to estimate kinetics of gas production. Concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was measured in fermented solutions. On dry matter (DM) basis, the wet DG and DDGS contained 235.2 and 288.7 g/kg crude protein, and 62.5 and 109.9 g/kg ether extract, respectively. There was no interaction between feedstuff and multi-enzyme on any of the response criteria measured in this study. Coefficient of in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDDM) of wet DG (0.497) did not differ from that of DDGS (0.498). Multi-enzyme supplementation did not affect the IVDDM of wet DG or DDGS. Total gas production per unit weight of enzymatically unhydrolyzed residue for wet DG was greater (P<0.05) than that of DDGS (122.8 vs 108.9 mL/g DM). Multi-enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.05) the total gas production per unit weight of enzymatically unhydrolyzed residue for wet DG and DDGS by 4.94 and 10.33%, respectively. There was no effect of feedstuff or multi-enzyme on degradation rate and VFA production of enzymatically unhydrolyzed residue. In conclusion, the wet DG and DDGS were similar in IVDDM; however total gas production for enzymatically unhydrolyzed residue for wet DG was greater than that for DDGS, implying that wet DG is more fermentable than DDGS. The multi-enzyme product used in the current study can improve fermentability of wet DG and DDGS for pigs. Feedstuff and multi-enzyme did not interact on any response criteria measured this study, implying that the drying of wet DG into DDGS did not influence the effect of the multi-enzyme on digestibility of DDGS for pigs.

Investigating ruminant digestive characteristics of finishing beef steers fed sorghum wet distillers grains treated with calcium hydroxide

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Alkali treatment has been used to increase the digestibility of low-quality, fibrous crop residues. However, alkali treatment of the fiber fraction in distillers grains has only briefly been explored. Six ruminally cannulated steers (444 ± 4.0 kg of BW) were used to evaluate the effects of treating sorghum wet distillers grains plus solubles (SWDGS) with calcium hydroxide (CH) in finishing diets. Treatment diets were based on steam-flaked corn and included (1) 30% corn wet distillers grains plus solubles (CDG), (2) 30% SWDGS (SDG), or (3) 30% SWDGS treated with 2.27% CH (SDG-CH). Data were analyzed as a replicated Latin square with 3 dietary treatments and 3 periods using the MIXED procedure of SAS with animal within square as the experimental unit. No differences (<i>P</i> = 0.47) in DMI were observed. Steers consuming CDG had the greatest (<i>P</i> < 0.01) total ruminal VFA concentration, followed by SDG-CH, with SDG having the least. Steers consuming SDG had the greatest (<i>P</i> < 0.01) ruminal pH, followed by SDG-CH and then by CDG. Steers consuming SDG had the greatest (<i>P</i> < 0.01) ruminal acetate:propionate ratio, followed by SDG-CH, with CDG having the least. Steers consuming SDG-CH tended (<i>P</i> = 0.07) to have a greater apparent total-tract digestibility of NDF. No differences (<i>P</i> ≥ 0.15) were observed in apparent total-tract digestibility of DM, OM, ADF, starch, or N. Treating SWDGS with CH increased the digestibility of fiber compared with untreated SWDGS in finishing diets.

Fermentation characteristics and feeding value of ensiled wet corn distillers grains in combination with wet beet pulp for lactating dairy cows

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted to evaluate (1) fermentation characteristics of ensiled wet corn distillers grains with solubles (WDG) and wet beet pulp (WBP) and (2) feeding value of ensiled blends of WDG and WBP in lactating dairy cow diets. On an as-fed basis, the ratio of ensiling for WDG:WBP was (1) 100:0 (DG100), (2) 67:33 (DG67), (3) 33:67 (DG33), and (4) 0:100 (DG0), respectively. Feedstuffs were ensiled and sampled at d 0, 4, 8, 21, and 112. Initial pH was lowest for DG100 and increased as the WBP was included. Low initial pH and increased acetic acid concentration with decreasing lactic acid concentration may have helped preserve both feedstuffs and their blends. Lactic acid was the predominant organic acid for DG100, and acetic acid was predominant at d 112 for the other 3 treatments. A feeding study followed the ensiling study. Nine cows (92 ± 4 DIM; mean ± SD) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. They were fed the (1) control diet; (2) low WDG diet with 21.7% DG33 blend (DM basis); and (3) high WDG diet with 24.6% DG67 blend (DM basis). There was no effect of diet on DMI. Milk yield was greater for cows fed WDG diets compared with cows fed the control diet; however, there was no effect of diet on energy-corrected milk. Milk fat concentration decreased for cows fed WDG diets compared with control diet; however, milk fat yield was not affected by diet. Cows fed WDG diets tended to produce milk with greater milk protein concentration and yield compared with cows fed the control diet, but there was no difference between WDG diets. Results provide evidence that ensiling WDG and WBP to preserve each wet by-product was possible and that ensiled blends could be incorporated in diets of lactating dairy cows to increase milk production and milk protein yield.

Persistence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Total Escherichia coli in Feces and Feedlot Surface Manure from Cattle Fed Diets with and without Corn or Sorghum Wet Distillers Grains with Solubles

Feeding corn wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) to cattle can increase the load of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in feces and on hides, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. The objective of these experiments was to examine a role for the persistence of E. coli O157:H7 in the feces and feedlot pen surfaces of cattle fed WDGS. In the first study, feces from steers fed 0, 20, 40, or 60% corn WDGS were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7. The E. coli O157:H7 numbers in feces from cattle fed 0% corn WDGS rapidly decreased (P < 0.05), from 6.28 to 2.48 log CFU/g of feces by day 14. In contrast, the E. coli O157:H7 numbers in feces from cattle fed 20, 40, and 60% corn WDGS were 4.21, 5.59, and 6.13 log CFU/g of feces, respectively, on day 14. A second study evaluated the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in feces from cattle fed 0 and 40% corn WDGS. Feces were collected before and 28 days after the dietary corn was switched from high-moisture corn to dry-rolled corn. Within dietary corn source, the pathogen persisted at higher concentrations (P < 0.05) in 40% corn WDGS feces at day 7 than in 0% WDGS. For 40% corn WDGS feces, E. coli O157:H7 persisted at higher concentrations (P < 0.05) at day 7 in feces from cattle fed high-moisture corn (5.36 log CFU/g) than from those fed dry-rolled corn (4.27 log CFU/g). The percentage of WDGS had no effect on the E. coli O157:H7 counts in feces from cattle fed steam-flaked corn-based diets containing 0, 15, and 30% sorghum WDGS. Greater persistence of E. coli O157:H7 on the pen surfaces of animals fed corn WDGS was not demonstrated, although these pens had a higher prevalence of the pathogen in the feedlot surface manure after the cattle were removed. Both or either the greater persistence and higher numbers of E. coli O157:H7 in the environment of cattle fed WDGS may play a part in the increased prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle by increasing the transmission risk.

Hourly methane production in finishing steers fed at different levels of dry matter intake1

Methane (CH) loss from finishing cattle is important as it represents an energy loss that could be used for maintenance and growth, and CH is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 21 to 25 times that of CO. Our objectives were to determine hourly CH production from growing cattle fed diets differing in corn processing method (dry rolling or steam flaking) and wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) inclusion rate. Eight steers (195 kg ± 2.3 in Exp. 1 and 322 kg ± 3.7 in Exp. 2) were fed the following diets: 1) steam-flaked corn (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); 4) SFC-based diet with 45% WDGS (SFC-45); 5) Dry-rolled corn DRC)-based diet with 0% WDGS (DRC-0); and 6) DRC-based diet with 30% WDGS (DRC-30). All hourly CH data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Individual animal was the experimental unit. The model included the fixed effect of h, diet, and the h × diet interaction. Hourly differences in CH were analyzed using repeated measures. There were numerous h × diet interactions and thus simple-effect means are presented. In steers fed DRC-0 or DRC-30 at 2-times maintenance, the greatest hourly CH emissions occur 6 h after feeding ( < 0.01) with a secondary peak between 10 and 11 h after feeding ( < 0.01). For cattle fed SFC-0, SFC-15, SFC-30, and SFC-45 at 2-times maintenance, all diets had peak CH emissions 5 and 6 h after feeding ( < 0.01), with a secondary CH peak for SFC-45 nine to 11 h after feeding ( < 0.01). Cattle fed all diets at a maintenance level of intake exhibited 1 peak in hourly CH production between 3 and 6 h after feeding ( < 0.01). All steers fed SFC-30 and SFC-45 had sustained CH production over several hours, irrespective of intake level. Steers fed SFC-45 produced more CH beginning 4 h after feeding ( < 0.01) and produced a greater amount of CH than any other treatment ( < 0.01). Methane production generally peaked 6 h after feeding irrespective of intake level or diet type. Additionally, when fed above a maintenance level of intake, a secondary peak in CH production was observed 9 to 11 h after feeding, and steers fed at a maintenance level of intake had only 1 peak in CH production in a 23-h period.

Receiving Stocker Cattle Performance is Similar With Either Corn or Sorghum Wet Distillers Grains

Receiving Stocker Cattle Performance is Similar With Either Corn or Sorghum Wet Distillers Grains

Effects of sorghum wet distillers grains plus solubles in steam-flaked corn–based finishing diets on steer performance, carcass characteristics, and digestibility characteristics

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of sorghum wet distillers grains (SWDGS) in finishing diets on steer performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility. In Exp. 1, 240 steers (initial BW=379 ± 1 kg) were fed steam-flaked corn–based diets with or without 25% SWDGS and 7.5, 10.0, or 12.5% alfalfa hay. There were no effects of alfalfa hay concentration on BW, DMI, ADG, or G:F (<i>P</i> ≥ 0.16). Including SWDGS reduced (<i>P</i> ≤ 0.05) ADG and G:F. Fat thickness decreased (<i>P</i> = 0.03) and DP tended to decrease (<i>P</i> = 0.09) linearly as level of alfalfa hay increased. Final BW of steers consuming diets containing 25% SWDGS were 12 kg lighter (<i>P</i> = 0.05) than those of steers fed diets without SWDGS. Hot carcass weight tended (<i>P</i> = 0.09) to be lighter for steers fed SWDGS. In Exp. 2, effects of corn processing method (steam-flaked corn and dry-rolled corn) and 20% corn wet distillers grains with solubles (CWDGS) or SWDGS inclusion on ruminal pH and in situ digestibility were evaluated. Cattle consuming diets containing SWDGS had a greater (<i>P</i> ≤ 0.05) ruminal pH than steers consuming diets with CWDGS or no wet distillers grains with solubles. Including wet distillers grains with solubles did not affect (<i>P</i> ≥ 0.37) steam-flaked corn or dry-rolled corn in situ DM digestibility. In situ digestibility of DM and NDF differed between CWDGS and SWDGS (<i>P</i> < 0.0001). Differences in performance and nutrient digestibility between CWDGS and SWDGS are the result of differences in the product rather than an interaction with corn processing method.

1471 Effect of corn wet distillers' grains inclusion in growing diets on backgrounded cattle performance

Distillers' grains (DG) can be used as energy as well as protein dietary sources. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of partially replacing dry-rolled corn (DRC) and sunflower meal (SFM) with corn wet DG (WDG) in growing diets on cattle performance. One hundred ninety-two Angus calves (199 ± 3 kg initial BW) were assigned by weight to 1 of 3 blocks and group housed in 1 of 24 pens. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diets containing (DM basis) 0% WDG, 19.4% DRC, and 20.4% SFM (CON); 10.0% WDG, 13.9% DRC, and 15.9% SFM (10-DG); 20.0% WDG, 8.0% DRC, and 11.8% SFM (20-DG); or 35.0% WDG, 0% DRC, and 4.8% SFM (35-DG). All diets contained 58.2% sorghum-sudangrass silage and 2.0% dry supplement. Diets were formulated to generate a RDP balance equal to zero and to meet or exceed MP requirements at expected ad libitum DMI and ADG. Dietary CP and lipid concentrations and IVDMD measured 12.0, 2.97, and 66.3%; 13.5, 4.00, and 66.8%; 15.1, 5.04, and 67.3%; and 17.3, 6.61, and 68.2% for CON, 10-DG, 20-DG, and 35-DG, respectively. Calves were fed once daily for 85 d and held off feed for 16 h to record initial and final individual BW. Data were analyzed as a generalized randomized complete block design. Cattle ADG was greater (P < 0.01) for calves fed the 20-DG diet (913 ± 20 g) compared with those fed the CON (682 ± 20 g) or 10-DG (829 ± 20 g) diets, although it was similar (P = 0.93) to those fed the 35-DG (915 ± 20 g) diet. Conversely, DMI was similar (P > 0.65) between cattle fed the CON (6.01 ± 0.27 kg/d), 10-DG (5.97 ± 0.27 kg/d), and 20-DG (5.93 kg/d) diets and smaller (P < 0.01) compared with cattle fed the 35-DG (5.41 ± 0.27 kg/d) diet. Consequently, G:F improved (P < 0.01) with increasing WDG dietary inclusion (114.4, 139.5, 154.2, and 169.6 ± 6.7 for CON, 10-DG, 20-DG, and 35-DG, respectively). Greatest lipid concentration in the 35-DG diet may have decreased fiber digestibility, which, in turn, could relate to reduced DMI. Additionally, ADG quadratic response (P < 0.01) may have resulted from greater NEg concentration and from DMI quadratic response (P < 0.01) with increasing WDG dietary inclusion. Including 35% WDG in a silage-based diet resulted in greatest G:F and growing-according ADG.

Influence of feeding increasing levels of dry or modified wet corn distillers grains plus solubles in whole corn grain-based finishing cattle diets on pancreatic α-amylase and trypsin activity

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of dietary inclusion [0%–50% of diet dry matter (DM)] and form (dry and modified wet) of corn distillers grains plus solubles (DGS) on pancreatic α-amylase and trypsin activities in calves. Feeding up to 50% DGS did not negatively impact pancreatic exocrine function.

Effects of roughage source and inclusion in beef finishing diets containing corn wet distillers' grains plus solubles.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of roughage source and inclusion in diets containing wet distillers' grains plus solubles (WDGS) on finishing cattle performance and ruminal metabolism. In Exp. 1, 385 crossbred steer calves (initial BW = 346 kg [SD 29]) were used in a finishing trial. A control diet with no roughage inclusion was compared with 6 diets containing either alfalfa hay (ALF), corn silage (CSIL), or corn stalks (CSTK) at 2 inclusions as a 3 × 2 factorial. Alfalfa hay was included at 4 (low) or 8% (standard) of diet DM. Diets containing CSIL or CSTK were formulated to provide total dietary NDF equal to the low and standard ALF inclusion diets. The final diets contained 6.13 and 12.26% CSIL or 3.04 and 6.08% CSTK (DM basis). All diets contained 30% WDGS and a 1:1 mixture of dry-rolled and high-moisture corn (DM basis). Cattle fed no roughage had reduced ( < 0.01) DMI and tended ( ≤ 0.10) to have the lowest final BW and ADG compared with cattle fed roughage. There were no differences ( ≥ 0.11) in DMI, ADG, or G:F due to roughage source. Cattle fed a standard inclusion of roughage had greater ( ≤ 0.04) DMI and ADG compared with cattle fed diets with low inclusion, regardless of roughage source. Feed efficiency tended to be different among treatments ( = 0.09), with cattle fed no roughage having greater G:F than all treatments ( ≤ 0.06) except cattle fed the low level of CSTK, which had a similar G:F ( = 0.48). Feed efficiency was not affected by source of roughage ( = 0.23) or inclusion of roughage ( = 0.49). In Exp. 2, 6 ruminally fistulated steers (347 kg BW [SD 25]) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial with ALF or CSTK included at zero, low, or standard levels similar to Exp. 1. Apparent total tract digestibility (%) of DM, OM, and NDF decreased linearly ( ≤ 0.07) due to increasing roughage inclusion. Average, maximum, and minimum ruminal pH increased linearly ( ≤ 0.09) as roughage inclusion was increased. Based on the results of this study, low levels of CSTK improved cattle performance relative to low inclusions of ALF or CSIL. Diets with standard inclusions of ALF, CSIL, or CSTK had similar performance. Roughage sources can be exchanged to provide equal NDF in finishing diets containing 30% WDGS without negatively impacting finishing cattle. Based on ADG, eliminating roughages when 30% WDGS was included in finishing diets was not beneficial.

Influence of feeding increasing levels of dry or modified wet corn distillers’ grains plus solubles in whole corn grain-based finishing diets on hepatic and renal mass, and glutathione peroxidase and urea cycle enzyme activities in finishing cattle

Salim, H., Wood, K. M., Cant, J. P. and Swanson, K. C. 2015. Influence of feeding increasing levels of dry or modified wet corn distillers’ grains plus solubles in whole corn grain-based finishing diets on hepatic and renal mass, and glutathione peroxidase and urea cycle enzyme activities in finishing cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 407–415. Forty-two cross-bred steers (BW=357±5.8 kg) fed whole corn grain-based finishing diets were used in a completely randomized block (60, 120, or 180 d on feed) design (2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments plus control) to determine the effect of inclusion level [0 (control), 16.7, 33.3, and 50% of diet DM) and form (dry (DDGS) or modified wet (MWDGS)] of distillers’ grains plus solubles (DGS) on hepatic and renal glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and hepatic urea cycle enzyme activities. Kidney weight (g kg−1of BW) increased linearly (P=0.004) with increasing inclusion levels of DGS. There were no effects (P≥0.11) of dietary treatment on hepatic and renal GPx activity (U g−1, U mg−1of protein, and kU liver−1). Hepatic carbamoyl phosphate synthetase activity (kU liver−1and U kg−1of BW) tended to linearly increase (P=0.09 and P=0.10, respectively) with increasing inclusion level of DGS. Hepatic ornithine transcarbamoylase and argininosuccinate synthetase activity (kU liver−1and U kg−1of BW) increased linearly (P≤0.05) with increasing inclusion levels of DGS. These data indicate that steers adapt to feeding up to 50% DGS by increasing kidney mass and activity of urea cycle enzymes in liver to allow for clearance of excess nitrogen. Also, hepatic and renal GPx activity, as an indicator of Se status, is not affected when typical finishing diets are fed.