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ARS Home » Plains Area » Bushland, Texas » Conservation and Production Research Laboratory » Livestock Nutrient Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #251641

Title: Effects of wet distiller's grains plus solubles concentration in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets on performance and carcass characteristics of beef steers

Author
item LUEBBE, MATT - Texas Agrilife Research
item DAVIS, T. - Texas Agrilife Research
item JENKINS, KARLA - University Of Nebraska
item MCCOLLUM, F. TED - Texas Agrilife Research
item Cole, Noel
item MACDONALD, JIM - Texas Agrilife Research

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science Supplement
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/7/2010
Publication Date: 7/12/2010
Citation: Luebbe, M.K., Davis, T.C., Jenkins, K.H., McCollum, F., Cole, N.A., Macdonald, J.C. 2010. Effects of wet distiller's grains plus solubles concentration in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets on performance and carcass characteristics of beef steers [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science Supplement. 88:E-Supplement 2, Paper 201. p. 231.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Six hundred crossbred steers (365 + -35 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design to determine effects of a corn- and sorghum-based (< 15% sorghum) wet distiller's grains plus solubles (WDG) on animal performance and carcass characteristics in steam-flaked corn (SFC) based diets. Forty-eight pens were utilized resulting in 8 replications per treatment. Wet distiller's grains (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60% dietary inclusion; 0WDG, 15WDG, 30WDG, 45WDG, and 60WDG, respectively) replaced cottonseed meal, supplemental fat (yellow grease), urea, and SFC. Additionally, a dry-rolled corn control diet (DRC) was included. Dietary fat was set at a minimum of 6.5% with supplemental fat from yellow grease. Alfalfa hay was included at 10% of diet DM. Contrasts included DRC vs. SFC, and linear and quadratic effects of WDG concentration. Final BW, ADG, G:F, HCW, and fat depth were greater (P<= 0.05) for SFC than DRC. Dry-matter intake tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for DRC than SFC. Marbling score, dressing percent, and LM area were not different (P > 0.40) for DRC and SFC. Final BW, ADG, HCW, fat depth, and marbling score decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with WGDS inclusion level. Gain efficiency and DMI responded quadratically (P < 0.01) across WDG inclusion levels. Dressing percent tended to decrease linearly (P = 0.07) with WDG level and LM area was not different (P = 0.31) across WDG inclusion levels. Feeding SFC improved animal performance and carcass characteristics compared with DRC. The relative energy content of WDG in SFC-based diets appears to dilute the energy density of the diets and negatively impacts animal performance.