Wet Distillers Research Articles

Nutritive value of wheat concentrated distillers solubles in diets for growing pigs

Two experiments (Exp.) were conducted to determine the nutritive value of wheat-derived wet concentrated distillers solubles (CDS) for growing pigs. In Exp. 1, standardised ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) was determined by the difference method, using six ileally cannulated barrows (initial bodyweight (BW) of 31 ± 2.9 kg). The pigs were fed a casein-corn starch-based diet supplemented with wheat CDS so that about half of the crude protein (CP) originated from either wheat CDS or from casein. In Exp. 2, 12 barrows with an initial BW of 17 ± 0.9 kg were used to determine digestible energy (DE) content, and to calculate metabolisable energy (ME) and net energy (NE) content of wheat CDS. Animals were fed either a casein-corn starch-based basal diet or a CDS diet containing 470 g/kg of the basal diet and 530 g/kg wheat CDS on a dry matter (DM) basis. Values of SID of CP and AA in Exp. 1 amounted to 85, 74, 83 and 70% for CP, lysine, methionine and threonine, respectively. The DE, ME and NE contents of wheat CDS were 16.8, 15.8 and 11.1 MJ/kg DM, respectively. It can be concluded that SID of CP and AA and also the energy content in wheat CDS are substantially higher than corresponding values reported in international tables with information on nutritional value of dried co-products of bioethanol production.

Mixing Beef Feed Rations Containing Distillers Wet Grains

Abstract. The flexibility of distillers grains has made it a major substitute for corn in beef feed rations. However, producers are having issues with feeding wet distillers grains. This study addresses three major mixing conditions: ingredient addition order, mixing time, and mixer design. The addition orders considered were hay-corn-protein-DWG and hay-DWG-protein-corn. Horizontal and vertical mixers were tested at mix times of 3, 5, and 7 min mixing a beef finishing ration containing wet distillers grains. Test results were obtained using total mixed ration and Pennsylvania State University Particle Separator analyses. Results showed that the 3-min mixing time is sufficient, thus when adding distillers grains, longer mix times are not needed. The hay- corn-protein- DWG ingredient addition order is recommended for both mixers when using liquid additives in the ration in order to avoid unwanted bundle formation. Finally, the two mixer designs were both adequate in mixing a wet distillers grains ration.

Effects of feeding dry-rolled corn-based diets with and without wet distillers grains with solubles and zilpaterol hydrochloride on performance, carcass characteristics, and heat stress in finishing beef steers.

Zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) has been approved for use since 2006; however, there is no research on any interactions between ZH and coproducts. Additionally, there is no published information on the potential effects of ZH on heat stress in feedlot cattle. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to determine the effects of feeding dry-rolled corn (DRC)-based diets with and without wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) and ZH on performance, carcass characteristics, and heat stress in feedlot cattle. Four hundred thirty-eight steers were used in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in 16 pens with 26 to 28 steers in each pen. Factors consisted of inclusion of 0 or 30% (on a DM basis) WDGS and inclusion of ZH at 0 or 84 mg/steer daily for 21 d at the end of the finishing period. Therefore, cattle were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of the resulting 4 treatment combinations: 1) DRC-based diet with 0% WDGS and 84 mg/steer ZH, 2) DRC-based diet with 0% WDGS and no ZH, 3) DRC-based diet with 30% WDGS and 84 mg/steer of ZH, and 4) DRC-based diet with 30% WDGS and no ZH. Final live BW, carcass-adjusted BW, ADG, and G:F were greater for cattle fed ZH than non-ZH-fed cattle (P < 0.01). Additionally, cattle fed ZH consumed 7.4% less DM than cattle not fed ZH (P < 0.01). Cattle fed ZH for 21 d also had a 2.9% greater HCW (P < 0.01), a 1.1% greater dressing percentage (P < 0.01), 7.3% greater LM area (P < 0.01), and an 8.4% improvement in yield grade (P < 0.01) than cattle not fed ZH. For the main effect of WDGS inclusion, ADG was greater for cattle fed 0 vs. 30% WDGS (P = 0.04) and G:F also tended to be greater for cattle fed 0 vs. 30% WDGS (P = 0.07) for the 21-d ZH feeding period. However, when evaluated over the entire experiment, cattle fed 30 vs. 0% WDGS had a greater ADG and G:F (P < 0.01). Furthermore, cattle fed 30 vs. 0% WDGS had a greater dressing percentage and tended to have a greater amount of 12th rib fat (P < 0.07). Heat stress measurements were collected during the time cattle were fed ZH, from May 31 to July 12, 2013. The slopes for change in respiration rate and panting score per day were positive but were not different across dietary treatments (P > 0.71); in addition, the slopes for change in respiration rate and panting score when accounting for environmental conditions were positive but were not different across dietary treatments (P > 0.32).

Effects of wet corn distillers grains with solubles on visceral organ mass, trace mineral status, and polioencephalomalacia biomarkers of individually-fed cattle.

Twenty-four steers (initial BW = 385 ± 1.1 kg) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments (0, 30, or 60% wet distillers grains with solubles [WDGS]; DM basis) and were fed individually to determine the effect of WDGS on live growth and carcass performance, visceral organ mass, trace mineral status, and polioencephalomalacia biomarkers. Steers were slaughtered at 125, 150, 164, and 192 d (2 blocks/slaughter date) when external fat depth was approximately 1.3 cm based on visual appraisal. Steers fed 30% WDGS had greater DMI than those fed 0 or 60% WDGS (P < 0.05), and steers fed 60% WDGS had the lowest carcass-adjusted ADG (P < 0.09) of the 3 treatments. Nonetheless, WDGS concentration did not alter feed efficiency (P > 0.41) on either live or carcass-adjusted basis. Steers fed 30% WDGS had greater liver S and Mn concentrations (DM basis) and lower liver Fe concentrations than control steers (P < 0.10; initial values used as a covariate), and feeding 60% WDGS decreased liver Cu and increased liver Fe (P < 0.10) compared with feeding 30% WDGS. Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity in brain tissue tended to be decreased with 60 vs. 30% WDGS (P = 0.12), and COX activity decreased linearly (P = 0.06) in lung tissue as dietary WDGS concentration increased. Likewise, gut fill linearly increased (P = 0.01) with increasing WDGS concentration. Feeding 30% WDGS increased fractional mass (g/kg of empty BW) of the small intestine (P < 0.10) compared with controls, whereas 60% WDGS increased fractional kidney mass (P < 0.10) compared with 30% WDGS. Overall, results suggest that gut fill, Cu status, and COX activity seem to be compromised by WDGS when fed at 60% of diet DM in diets based on steam-flaked corn, which suggests a greater susceptibility to polioencephalomalacia.

Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds after Land Application of Cattle Manure

Beef cattle manure can serve as a valuable source of nutrients for crop production. However, emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after land application may pose an odor nuisance to downwind populations. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of land application method, diet, soil moisture content, and time since manure application on VOC emissions. Manure was collected from feedlot pens where cattle were fed diets containing 0, 10, or 30% wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS). Land application methods included surface-applying manure (i.e., no-tillage) or incorporating manure using disk tillage. The effects of soil moisture content on VOC emissions was determined by adding water to each of the plots approximately 24 h after manure application. Isovaleric acid, butyric acid, and 4-methylphenol contributed 28.9, 18.0, and 17.7%, respectively, of the total measured odor activity values. In general, the largest emissions of volatile fatty acids and aromatics were measured during the initial collection periods on the no-tillage plots under dry soil moisture conditions. Emissions of volatile fatty acids and aromatics were reduced after water additions because these compounds were stored in the soil-water matrix rather than released into the atmosphere. In contrast, sulfide emissions generally increased with the addition of the water, especially on the plots containing manure from the 30% WDGS diet. Sulfur content of manure increases with higher percentages of WDGS feed stock. Application method, diet, soil moisture content, and time since application should be considered when estimating VOC emissions.

Effects of feeding dry or modified wet distillers grains with solubles with or without supplemental calcium oxide on ruminal metabolism and microbial enzymatic activity of beef cattle.

The objectives of this study were to determine the interaction of feeding dry (DDGS) or modified wet (MDGS) distillers grains with solubles (DGS) with or without supplemental CaO on in situ DM and NDF disappearance; ruminal pH, VFA, and methane concentration; and cellulase and xylanase activity. Fistulated steers (n = 8; average initial BW = 540 ± 250 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial, and steers were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: 1) 50% DDGS with 0% CaO, 2) 48.8% DDGS supplemented with 1.2% CaO, 3) 50% MDGS with 0% CaO, or 4) 48.8% MDGS supplemented with 1.2% CaO (DM basis). The remainder of the diet was husklage, dry-rolled corn, and vitamin and mineral supplement. There were no interactions (P ≥ 0.12) of DGS type and CaO addition on any parameters measured. Steers fed DDGS had a 17% increase (P < 0.01) in DMI compared to steers fed MDGS; however, CaO supplementation reduced (P = 0.03) DMI by 12%, regardless of DGS type. As expected, addition of CaO increased the pH of the diet by 1.82 pH units. This caused a time by CaO interaction (P = 0.05) for ruminal pH. Regardless of DGS type, steers supplemented with CaO tended to have increased (P = 0.09) ruminal pH at 1.5 h and had increased (P = 0.03) ruminal pH at 3 h postfeeding; however, ruminal pH did not differ (P ≥ 0.24) for the remainder of the day. There was no difference (P = 0.46) in ruminal cellulase activity when comparing type of DGS fed. However, there was a time by CaO interaction (P < 0.01); cattle fed 1.2% CaO diets had 28% greater ruminal cellulase activity only at 0 h postfeeding when compared to cattle fed 0% CaO. Furthermore, feeding supplemental CaO increased (P = 0.04) acetate to propionate ratio (A:P) regardless of type of DGS fed. Increased initial ruminal pH and cellulase activity from supplemental CaO did not increase (P = 0.48) in situ NDF disappearance. No differences (P ≥ 0.48) in ruminal methane concentration were found when comparing DGS type or supplemental CaO. In conclusion, the type of DGS fed had little effect on ruminal metabolism. Even though CaO increased ruminal pH and cellulase activity at some times postfeeding, it was not enough to affect in situ fiber disappearance.

Analysis of the Disintegration of Distiller's Spent Grain Compacts as Affected by Drying in Superheated Steam

Breaking and disintegrating of biomass compacts while they are being dried in superheated steam (SS) is a common problem observed during the initial stage of SS drying. The present work investigated the moisture and temperature changes, volume and density variation, crushing resistance, and tensile strength of single cylindrical compacts produced from wet distiller's spent grain (WDG) under SS drying conditions. The wet compacts were dried in SS at 110, 130, and 150°C with SS velocities of 0.9, 1.1, and 1.4 m/s. For a specific temperature and velocity, the compacts were exposed to SS for time periods of 5, 120, 300, and 600 s and the changes in physical properties were analyzed. An increase in a percentage increase in volume by 78–130% and a decrease in density by 51–61% were observed as a result of drying the compact in SS. The results obtained from the study were compared with hot-air dried compacts for 600 s, indicating that SS drying had a substantial role in stimulating the relaxation of stresses stored in the compacts as compared with a convection hot-air drying process.

Effects of spoilage of wet distillers grains plus solubles when stored in a bunker on nutrient composition and performance of growing and finishing cattle

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Three experiments evaluated the effect of spoilage of wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) on nutrient composition and cattle performance. In Exp. 1, a 140-d barrel storage study was conducted to simulate bunker storage. An interaction between days of storage and DM, OM, and NDF recovered at the surface in spoiled material was observed. In Exp. 2, a 130-d finishing experiment used 60 individually fed steers fed 3 treatments: a dry-rolled corn–based diet (control) and 2 diets containing 40% WDGS replacing dry-rolled corn. The WDGS was stored in either an uncovered bunker (spoiled) or anaerobically in a silo bag (non-spoiled). Calculations suggest 12% of DM was lost while stored in the bunker. No differences in performance (P ≥ 0.26) were observed between WDGS treatments. However, both WDGS treatments were greater (P ≤ 0.04) in ADG, final BW, and G:F than the dry-rolled-corn diet. In Exp. 3, an 84-d growing experiment used 60 individually fed steers in a 2 × 2 factorial. Treatments were spoiled versus nonspoiled WDGS fed at 15 or 40% (DM basis). Calculations suggest that 6.0% of DM was lost while stored in the bunker. Feeding spoiled WDGS decreased DMI (P < 0.01) across both levels of dietary WDGS compared with nonspoiled WDGS. Diets containing spoiled WDGS had similar ADG and G:F compared with diets with nonspoiled WDGS (P ≥ 0.16). Feeding WDGS containing spoilage did not affect performance of finishing steers. Spoilage did decrease DMI but had little effect on ADG and no effect on G:F when fed to growing steers.

Comparison of Revalor XS, a new single-dose implant, to a Revalor IS and Revalor S implant strategy in finishing steers

ABSTRACT A commercial feedlot study compared effects of a Revalor IS/Revalor S implant program to a Revalor XS single-implant program on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. Yearling crossbred steers (1,356; BW = 313.3 ± 16.0 kg) were used in a randomized complete block designed trial. Pens were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 implant treatments. Cattle on the Revalor IS/Revalor S treatment were reimplanted on d 80 with Revalor S. Diets consisted of 54.9% dry-rolled corn, 35% wet distillers grains plus solubles, 5.5% mixed hay, and 4.6% liquid supplement (DM basis). There were no differences (P = 0.96) in DMI because of treatment. Also, no differences (P > 0.90) in final BW, ADG, or G:F were observed on a carcass-adjusted basis. No differences in final BW, ADG, and G:F (P > 0.50) were observed for live performance. Marbling score, 12th-rib fat thickness, LM area, and YG were unaffected (P > 0.69) by implant strategies. Steers on the Revalor XS treatment had a greater number of Low Choice carcasses (P = 0.01) and a lower number of Select carcasses (P = 0.02) compared with Revalor IS/Revalor S, with 58% of Revalor XS cattle grading Low Choice and 50% of Revalor IS/Revalor S cattle grading Low Choice. Steers on the Revalor XS treatment tended to have a greater (P = 0.11) number of USDA YG 5 carcasses. Steers implanted with Revalor XS performed similar to cattle implanted initially with Revalor IS followed by Revalor S.

Waste Utilization in a Spirit Plant as Alternative to Fossil Fuels

Food processing industries are extremely large consumers of thermal energy as well as bio waste generation and there are huge opportunities to improve its utilization. In this study a medium scale spirit plant situated in China was audited. Based on the data obtained, energy and mass balances were performed in order to find the sources of thermal energy, the potential cost effective reduction, recovery and assess potential uses to lower the fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emission. Fermented grains are used for the spirit production and even though they are re utilised during the process at the end are disposed as biological waste consisting mainly of wet distillers grains. The feasibility of using the waste as fuel for direct combustion or co-combustion with coal for the steam generation was studied and evaluated.

Effects of decreased dietary roughage concentration on energy metabolism and nutrient balance in finishing beef cattle1

The optimal roughage concentration required in feedlot diets changes continuously for many reasons such as source, availability, price, and interaction with other ingredients in the diet. Wet distillers grains and solubles (WDGS) are common in finishing diets and they contain relatively high amounts of fiber compared with other grains they replace. Therefore, concentration of roughage could be altered when WDGS are included in feedlot diets. There has been very little data published regarding the effects of roughage concentration on energy metabolism and nutrient balance in beef steers. Therefore, the effects of roughage concentration in dry-rolled corn (DRC)-based diets containing 25% WDGS were evaluated in 8 steers (BW = 362 ± 3.71 kg) using a replicated Latin square. Data were analyzed with the fixed effects of dietary treatment and period and random effects of square and steer within square were included in the model. Diets consisted of 25% WDGS and the balance being DRC and coarsely ground alfalfa hay (AH) replacing corn at 2% (AH-2), 6% (AH-6), 10% (AH-10), and 14% (AH-14) of dietary dry matter. As a proportion of GE intake, fecal energy loss increased linearly (P = 0.02), and DE decreased linearly (P = 0.02) as dietary level of AH increased. Methane energy loss, as a proportion of GE intake, increased linearly (P < 0.01) and ME decreased linearly (P < 0.01) as dietary concentration of AH increased. Heat production tended (P = 0.10) to decrease reaching a minimum of 10% AH and increased from 10 to 14% AH inclusion. Moreover, as a proportion of GE intake, retained energy (RE) decreased (P < 0.01) as AH level increased in the diet. Reasons for the decrease in RE are 1) the increase in fecal energy loss that is associated with decreased ruminal digestibility of NDF when AH replaced DRC and the shift in ruminal VFA produced, 2) the decreased energy available for animal retention when NDF increased linearly as AH increased in the diet, and 3) the methane and heat energy associated with digestion of the fibrous portion of the AH. Neutral detergent fiber and OM excretion also increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing AH in the diet. The increased NDF and OM excretion were likely caused by the difference in digestibility of AH and DRC.

The effect of medicinal feed additive programs and dietary sulfur concentrations in steam-flaked corn diets containing wet distillers grains on performance and carcass merit in yearling feedlot steers123

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> A total of 432 crossbred yearling steers (329 ± 10.5 kg) were used in an unbalanced randomized block design to examine the effects of a medicinal feed additive (MFA) program and dietary sulfur (S) concentrations on feedlot performance and carcass merit. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial, with main factors being ionophore and antibiotic combination consisting of feed additive program monensin/tylosin or laidlomycin propionate/chlortetracycline and dietary S concentration [constant (CST) or variable (VAR)]. High-S diets (0.60% S) were fed on randomly assigned days to the VAR treatment, with low-S diets (0.48% S) fed on remaining days and to the CST treatment throughout the experiment. No interactions between S and MFA treatment were apparent for feedlot performance. Steers receiving VAR had greater (P < 0.05) BW than did CST-supplemented steers. Overall, DMI was greater (P < 0.05) for VAR than for the CST steers. Average daily gain and feed efficiency did not differ between CST and VAR. Steers receiving VAR diets had a mortality rate attributable to polioencephalomalacia 7.8 times greater (P < 0.02) than that of steers fed CST diets. Feedlot performance and carcass merit did not differ between the MFA treatments, and S treatment did not affect most carcass variables. The S × MFA interaction was significant (P < 0.05) for DP, such that S treatment had no effect on DP when monensin/tylosin was fed, but when steers were fed laidlomycin propionate/chlortetracycline, DP was decreased by 0.72% (P < 0.02) when VAR diets were fed. These results suggest that under our conditions, performance and carcass characteristics were not affected by MFA treatment. Furthermore, varying S concentration in finishing diets increased mortality rate; however, feedlot performance and carcass measurements were generally not affected by S treatment.

Preservation characteristics of modified wet distillers grains with solubles stored with marginal-quality feedstuffs in laboratory-scale mini silos

ABSTRACT The objective of this experiment was to determine preservation characteristics of modified wet distillers grains with solubles (MWDGS) when stored with corn silage or feedstuffs having a traditionally marginal nutrient profile. Wet distillers grains with solubles (approximately 50% DM) were blended with either corn silage, corn stalks, soybean hulls, or wheat straw at the rate of 75:25, 50:50, or 25:75 (MWDGS:forage; as-fed basis) and stored as silage in laboratoryscale mini silos weighing between 16 and 23 kg. Three replicates of each mixture were opened at 28, 98, and 182 d of storage for assessment of mold. Mini silos opened on d 98 were subsampled and analyzed for chemical composition and aerobic stability. The resulting feed resources were stable at 98 d, having a final pH near or below 4.0, which significantly slows or inhibits yeast, mold, and fungal growth. In general, increasing concentrations of MWDGS in the blend resulted in increased CP (P

A simulation-based approach for evaluating and comparing the environmental footprints of beef production systems1

A methodology was developed and used to determine environmental footprints of beef cattle produced at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) in Clay Center, NE, with the goal of quantifying improvements achieved over the past 40 yr. Information for MARC operations was gathered and used to establish parameters representing their production system with the Integrated Farm System Model. The MARC farm, cow-calf, and feedlot operations were each simulated over recent historical weather to evaluate performance, environmental impact, and economics. The current farm operation included 841 ha of alfalfa and 1,160 ha of corn to produce feed predominately for the beef herd of 5,500 cows, 1,180 replacement cattle, and 3,724 cattle finished per year. Spring and fall cow-calf herds were fed on 9,713 ha of pastureland supplemented through the winter with hay and silage produced by the farm operation. Feedlot cattle were backgrounded for 3 mo on hay and silage with some grain and finished over 7 mo on a diet high in corn and wet distillers grain. For weather year 2011, simulated feed production and use, energy use, and production costs were within 1% of actual records. A 25-yr simulation of their current production system gave an average annual carbon footprint of 10.9±0.6 kg of CO2 equivalent units per kg BW sold, and the energy required to produce that beef (energy footprint) was 26.5±4.5 MJ/kg BW. The annual water required (water footprint) was 21,300±5,600 L/kg BW sold, and the water footprint excluding precipitation was 2,790±910 L/kg BW. The simulated annual cost of producing their beef was US$2.11±0.05/kg BW. Simulation of the production practices of 2005 indicated that the inclusion of distillers grain in animal diets has had a relatively small effect on environmental footprints except that reactive nitrogen loss has increased 10%. Compared to 1970, the carbon footprint of the beef produced has decreased 6% with no change in the energy footprint, a 3% reduction in the reactive nitrogen footprint, and a 6% reduction in the real cost of production. The water footprint, excluding precipitation, has increased 42% due to greater use of irrigated corn production. This proven methodology provides a means for developing the production data needed to support regional and national full life cycle assessments of the sustainability of beef.

Oxidation of cooked ground beef links from cattle fed distiller's grains in different phases of production

Heifers were randomly assigned to a dietary treatment in a 2 X 2 design factorial that included 2 or 5 lb/head/ day (DM basis) supplementation of wet distillers grains during the winter backgrounding phase and finished on a corn based diet with 40% dietary inclusion (DM basis) of either Sweet Bran or modified wet distillers grains. During the summer months, all cattle were supplemented with modified wet distillers grains at a rate of 0.6% of BW. A total of 16 USDA Choice clods, four carcasses from each dietary treatment group, were collected. Each clod was independently ground 14 days post-harvest. Beef (with no fat content formulation) and non-meat ingredients, 0.75% sodium chloride and 0.25% sodium phosphate, were mixed for one minute and the mixture was stuffed into skinless links using a piston stuffer. Links were placed in individual foil trays for each clod and cooked in a smokehouse to an internal temperature of 160°F. The links were placed in zip-top bags with the presence of oxygen and placed in refrigerated dark storage. Lipid oxidation was evaluated on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) analysis. Data were analyzed as a 2 X 2 factorial with repeated measures (day) using the PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, N.C.).

Effect of feeding de-oiled wet distiller's grains plus solubles on beef oxidation

Effect of feeding de-oiled wet distiller's grains plus solubles on beef oxidation

Enteric methane production from beef cattle that vary in feed efficiency123

We hypothesized that CH4 production will decrease with increased feed efficiency. Two experiments were conducted to determine CH4 production of cattle that differed in feed efficiency. Cattle in both studies were selected from larger contemporary groups. Animals furthest from the confidence ellipse that resulted from regressing BW gain on DMI were selected. In the first experiment, 113 crossbred steers were evaluated for feed efficiency for 64 d. Steers were 355 ± 1 d of age and weighed 456 ± 10 kg when they began the study. Steers were fed a ration that consisted of (DM basis) 82.8% corn, 12.8% corn silage, and 4.5% supplement [contains 0.065% monensin, 32% CP (28% NPN), 7.5% Ca, 0.8% P, 4.8% NaCl, 1.8% K, and 55,116 IU/kg vitamin A]. Thirty-seven steers were selected to measure CH4 production. In the second experiment, 197 heifers were evaluated for feed efficiency for 64 d. Heifers were 286 ± 1 d of age and weighed 327 ± 2 kg when they began the study. Heifers were fed a ration that consisted of (DM basis) 60% corn silage, 30% alfalfa hay, and 10% wet distillers grains with solubles. Forty-seven heifers were selected to measure CH4 production. Methane production was measured with respiration calorimeters. In both experiments, cattle had ad libitum access to feed, and DMI consumed during the 24 h before CH4 production was measured. Methane production was collected for a 6-h period on untrained cattle. Consequently, methane production is not a quantitative measure of daily methane production; rather, it is an index value to rank cattle. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between either BW gain:DMI ratio or residual feed intake (RFI) on CH4 production after adjusting for the previous 24-h DMI. In the steers, BW gain:DMI ratio and previous 24-h feed intake accounted for little of the variance in CH4 production (R(2) = 0.009), and neither did RFI and previous 24-h feed intake (R(2) = 0.001). In the heifers, the BW gain:DMI ratio contributed 28% toward the variance estimate and previous 24-h DMI contributed 72% toward the variance estimate (R(2) = 0.31). As the BW gain:DMI ratio increased, daily CH4 production increased. The regression coefficient for RFI (P = 0.45) did not differ from 0 for CH4 production. Our study does not support our original hypothesis that CH4 production decreases with increased feed efficiency and suggests that CH4 production may increase with increased feed efficiency.

Effects of feeding corn modified wet distillers grain plus solubles co-ensiled with chopped whole plant corn on heifer growth performance and diet digestibility in beef cattle1

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding corn modified wet distillers grain plus solubles (MWDGS; 48% DM) co-ensiled with chopped whole plant corn (WC) on growth performance, dietary intake, and nutrient digestibility of beef cattle. In Exp. 1, 96 Angus-crossed heifers (2 yr old; 522 ± 49.1 kg BW; 5.3 ± 0.1 BCS) were stratified and blocked according to BW and stratified by BCS in each block in a randomized complete block design (24 pens; 4 heifers/pen; 6 treatment replications). Groups were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments for a 62 d trial. Treatments were 1) corn silage (CS) and soybean meal (CON), 2) MWDGS co-ensiled with chopped whole plant corn (WC; CO-EN), 3) CS mixed with MWDGS at feeding (CS+WDG), and 4) CS mixed with dry distillers grain plus solubles (DDGS) at feeding (CS+DDG). In Exp. 2, 4 crossbred beef steers (initial BW = 278 ± 18 kg) fitted with permanent ruminal cannulas were used in a balanced 4 × 4 Latin square to test the effects of feeding MWDGS co-ensiled with WC on DM intake, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and total tract digestibility. There were four 14-d periods, with 10 d for diet adaptation and 4 d for samples collection. Orthogonal contrasts were used and compared CON vs. diets containing distillers grains (DGD), CO-EN vs. diets where distillers grains were mixed at feeding (MIX), and CS+WDG vs. CS+DDG. In Exp. 1, the CON fed heifers resulted in greater G:F (P = 0.04) compared with those fed DGD. However, ADG (P = 0.03), final BW (P = 0.04), and BW gain (P = 0.03) were greatest for DGD diets compared with CON and greatest (P = 0.04) for CO-EN when compared with MIX. Apart from a slightly greater acetate concentration (P = 0.05), which resulted in a greater acetate to propionate ratio (P = 0.03) for the CON diet compared with DGD, no important differences were observed on intake, diet digestibility, or fermentation characteristics when comparing the CON treatment with DGD or when comparing CS+WDG with CS+DDG. However, the CO-EN diet resulted in decreased DMI (P = 0.05) and consequently decreased OM (P = 0.05), N (P = 0.04), and NDF (P = 0.02) intakes compared with MIX. Data from these studies suggest that MWDGS co-ensiled with WC can successfully replace traditional corn-based diets supplemented with soybean meal and corn silage diets supplemented with distillers grains without compromising digestibility and growth performance in pregnant heifers.

Effects of roughage concentration in dry-rolled corn-based diets containing wet distillers grains with solubles on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers1

Distillers grains and distillers solubles are by-products of grain fermentation used to produce ethanol and contain greater concentrations of NDF and ADF, compared with other grains and concentrates they replace in feedlot diets. Typical finishing diets in the United States contain 8.3% and 9.0% roughage. Therefore, it is plausible that the dietary concentration of roughage can be altered when distillers grains are included in feedlot diets. The effects of roughage concentration in dry-rolled, corn-based diets containing wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) were evaluated in steers (n = 128; initial BW = 339 kg), using Calan gates. Each diet was based on dry-rolled corn and contained 25% WDGS with coarsely ground alfalfa hay (AH), replacing corn at 2% (AH-2), 6% (AH-6), 10% (AH-10), and 14% (AH-14) of DM. Feed offered was recorded daily, orts were measured weekly, and BW was measured on d 0, 1, 35, 70, 105, 140, 174, and 175. After commercial harvest and chilling, carcasses were evaluated on-line with a beef carcass grading camera to assess marbling and yield grade traits. The data were analyzed using the Mixed Procedure of SAS, in which contrast statements were used to separate linear and quadratic effects of AH inclusion. Decreasing concentrations of AH in the finishing diet resulted in a tendency for a quadratic response (P = 0.07) in final BW, where BW increased from 2 to 6% AH inclusion but then decreased from 6 to 14% inclusion. Similarly, ADG from d 0 to end responded quadratically (P < 0.01), in which ADG increased from 2 to 6% yet subsequently decreased from 6 to 14% AH inclusion. Dry matter intake from d 0 to end increased linearly (P = 0.02) as AH inclusion increased in the diet, whereas G:F increased from 2 to 6% AH inclusion and then decreased linearly (P < 0.01) from 6 to 14% AH inclusion. Concentration of AH in the finishing diet did not affect HCW, marbling score, or the proportion of cattle grading USDA choice (P ≥ 0.18). However, dressing percent and LM area did respond in a quadratic manner (P < 0.02), in which they decreased from 2 to 10% AH inclusion and increased from 10 to 14% AH in the diet. Yield grade and adjusted 12th rib fat responded quadratically (P < 0.01), in which both increased from 2 to 6% AH inclusion and decreased from 6 to 14% inclusion. Analysis of responses of G:F and ADG on AH predict the apex at 3% and 7% for G:F and ADG, respectively, when fed in diets containing 25% WDGS.

Effect of Drying Conditions and Level of Condensed Distillers Solubles on Protein Quality of Wheat Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles

Reduced protein quality is one of the concerns currently confronting the supply and utilization of wheat distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS) as an animal feed ingredient. This study assessed the protein quality of wheat DDGS, expressed as acid detergent insoluble crude protein (ADICP) and lysine content, by blending wet distillers grain (WDG) with varying condensed distillers solubles (CDS) levels and drying using forced air convection, microwave, and microwave–convection methods. As the CDS level was increased, the protein content of wheat DDGS generated from the three drying methods increased. Interactions of CDS level with drying air temperature, microwave power, and microwave–convection settings had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on average ADICP and lysine contents. Higher ADICP and lower lysine contents were observed in samples dried at higher temperature, microwave power, and microwave convection settings. Further, the CDS level significantly affected the color parameters of microwave- and microwave–convection-dried samples and the drying air temperature–CDS level interaction significantly affected the color of forced air convection–dried samples. Significant lysine content–redness, ADICP–lightness color parameter, and ADICP–total color difference correlations were found in forced air convection–, microwave-, and microwave–convection-dried samples, respectively. Microwave and microwave–convection drying achieved desirable protein quality associated with low-temperature drying at much shorter times.