2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this collaborative project is to conduct and report research on the commercial growth performance of dairy cattle which are fed pelleted diets based on ethanol coproducts (primarily DDGS). 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 1) Processing of commercial-scale DDGS-based pelleted dairy cattle diets; physical and chemical characterization of these pelleted feeds. 2) Quantify animal and diet effects on growth performance, efficiency, nutrient intake, excretion, elimination, and retention when dairy cattle are fed DDGS-based pelleted diets in a commercial setting. 3) Technology transfer of research results to animal producers, animal nutritionists, commodity groups, fuel ethanol manufacturers, and feed millers. 3.Progress Report This research directly supports the goals of the parent project by investigating new methods for utilizing distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). This year, experiments were conducted to modify DDGS (a coproduct from corn ethanol manufacturing) into pelleted feeds, and then examine dietary effectiveness in commercial-scale dairy operations. This novel application has the potential for significantly higher economic value compared to traditional use of DDGS as livestock feed. Results will be presented at national conferences and published in scientific journals. Research progress was monitored throughout the duration of the project via monthly phone conferences as well as frequent emails.