Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2008
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Animal Science
Abstract
In a 2-yr study, 180 cows, in early lactation, grazing pastures dominated by a smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Lyess) Kentucky bluegrass (Paa pratensis L.) mix near Brookings, SD received one of three treatments beginning in mid May to determine the effects of supplementation of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) or com on cow and calf performance. Cows received 2.09 kg DM DDGS, 1.95 kg DM com, or no supplement per cow daily, starting approximately 14 d before the start of the breeding season and continuing for 49 d. Forage samples were collected weekly and analyzed for CP, protein fractions, ADF, and NDF. Cows were bled weekly for 5 wk beginning I wk prior to the beginning of the treatment period. Serum was analyzed for concentration of progesterone and serum urea nitrogen (SUN). Cattle consuming DDGS had greater SUN in yr I (P<0.05) and 2 (P<0.0001) compared with those supplemented with com. In yr I, cows consuming com had decreased SUN (P<0.05) than DDGS and unsupplemented controls. Supplemented cows tended (P=0.09) to have improved ADO, but supplement did not improve any measure of reproduction. Calf growth rate was not affected by supplementation of their dams. These results were similar when only 2- and 3- yr olds were included in the analysis. Analysis of pasture forage indicate a linear decline in CP (P=0.0001) and NPN (P=0.0001), and a linear increase in ADF (P<0.0001), and NDF (P=0.01). Under the conditions of this study, it was not beneficial to supplement cows with DOGS or com to improve cow reproductive performance or calf performance.
Key Words: dried distillers grains with solubles, beef cows, undegradable intake protein, reproduction
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Beef cattle -- Feeding and feeds
Beef cattle -- Reproduction
Distillers feeds
Corn as feed
Proteins in animal nutrition
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
72
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Melroe, Tyler, "Effect of Supplementing Distillers Grain with Solubles or Corn on Performance of Cows Grazing Spring Pasture During the Breeding Season" (2008). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1460.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1460