Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2004

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Animal Science

First Advisor

Robbi H. Pritchard

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to evaluate wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) compared to dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) fed to growing and finishing steers. The first study was designed to determine the effect of feeding one of four treatment diets: 1) 20% soybean meal and com (SBM); 2) 20% DDGS; 3) 20% WDGS; or 4) 20% blood meal, oil and com (BM). In Yl, steer ADG, DMI and G:F was not affected by treatment during the first 28 d and over the entire trial period. In Y2, steer DMI, ADG and G:F were not affected by treatment during the first 28 days. However, steers fed BM and WDGS had greater (P < 0.05) cumulative G:F compared to steers fed SBM and DDGS in yr 2. The second study was designed to determine the effect of feeding different levels ofWDGS and DDGS on the performance of finishing cattle and carcass characteristics. Steers were fed one of the five treatment diets: 1) com-soybean meal based diet (CON); 2) 20% DDGS; 3) 20% WDGS; 4) 40% DDGS; or 5) 40% WDGS. No treatment x year interactions occurred; thus data were pooled over the 2 yr. There was an interaction (P < 0.01) between wet vs dry and 20 % vs 40 % DG for cumulative DMI. Steers fed 20 % DDGS and 40 % DDGS had the highest DMI, but feeding 40 % WDGS significantly depressed DMI. Cumulative ADG was similar across all treatments; however, steers fed 40 % DO had greater G:F (P < 0.05) than those fed 20 % DO, and those fed WDGS were more efficient (P < 0.01) than those fed DOGS. Pooled carcass data showed that steers fed distillers grains with solubles had greater (P < 0.01) 12th rib fat compared to CON resulting in steers fed distillers grains with solubles having greater (P < 0.05) USDA Yield Grades compared to CON steers. Steers fed 20% DOGS and 20% WDGS had higher (P < 0.05) marbling scores compared to steers fed 40% DDGS and 40% WDGS. Hot carcass weight, ribeye area, and percent kidney, pelvic, and heart fat were similar across all treatments. Based on the performance of steers, distillers grains with solubles was an effective alternative to SBM in growing diets. In addition, feeding DOGS and WDGS at 20 and 40% of the diet DM can be used to replace SBM in finishing diets to achieve similar gains and efficiencies. However, steers fed distillers grains with solubles compared to those fed the CON diet had more backfat and poorer USDA Yield Grades.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Distillers feeds.
Beef cattle -- Feeding and feeds.

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright