ARS | Publication request: Effects of corn processing method and dietary inclusion of corn wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) on nutrient metabolism and enteric gas production in finishing steers

Submitted to: Midwestern Section of the American Society of Animal Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 19, 2012
Publication Date: March 1, 2013
Citation: Jaderborg, J., Crawford, G.I., DiCostanzo, A., Spiehs, M.J., Hales, K.E. 2013. Effects of corn processing method and dietary inclusion of corn wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) on nutrient metabolism and enteric gas production in finishing steers [Abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 91(Suppl. 2):53. Abstract #0154.

Technical Abstract: Dry rolled (DRC) and high moisture (HMC) corn are common corn processing methods used by feedlots in the Upper Midwest. Research is limited on higher inclusion rates of wet distillers grains with soluble (WDGS). Therefore, the effects of increasing the concentrations of WDGS in dry rolled and high moisture corn-based diets on energy metabolism and enteric methane (CH4) production were evaluated in eight MARC III (initial BW = 394 kg) steers using respiration calorimetry head boxes. A 4 x 4 replicated Latin square with 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with the following dietary treatments: 1) DRC-based diet with 25% WDGS (DRC-25); 2) DRC-based diet with 45% WDGS (DRC-45); 3) HMC-based diet with 25% WDGS (HMC-25); 4) HMC-based diet with 45% WDGS (HMC-45). Dry matter intake tended to decrease (P = 0.10) and CH4 production was reduced (P < 0.01) as WDGS concentration increased in the diet. The CO2 to CH4 ratio increased (P = 0.02) and RQ decreased (P < 0.01) when WDGS increased in the diet. Retained energy tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for DRC vs HMC. Urinary and fecal N excretion as proportion of N intake was not affected (P = 0.62) by corn processing method. However, as a proportion of N intake, urinary N excretion was increased (P < 0.01), whereas, fecal N excretion was decreased (P < 0.01) when WDGS concentration increased in the diet. As a percent of intake, ether extract apparent digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) for WDGS at 45 than 25% of DM. Diets containing 25% WDGS or HMC had a lower (P < 0.01) NDF digestibility. Starch apparent digestibility as percent of intake was increased (P < 0.01) for diets containing DRC, while it was not affected (P = 0.29) for WDGS concentrations in diet. Our research suggests using 45 vs 25% WDGS in diets will increase retained energy and N retained both as a percent of gross intake energy.