Optimum Levels of Dry Distillers Grains with Solubles for Finishing Beef Steers

Authors

Crystal D. Buckner, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry L. Mader, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Sheryl L. Colgan, Haskell Ag Lab, Concord
Kip K. Karges, Dakota Gold Research, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Matthew L. Gibson, Dakota Gold Research, Sioux Falls, S.D.Follow

Date of this Version

January 2007

Comments

Published in 2007 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2006 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

A feedlot study was conducted to evaluate increasing levels of dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in corn-based diets on steer performance. Treatments consisted of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% (DM basis) DDGS dietary inclusion. Quadratic trends were observed for final BW and ADG with increasing levels of DDGS and 20% inclusion being the most improved. DMI was not changed with DDGS treatment level, while F:G was numerically optimum for 20% inclusion, although all DDGS levels had improved F:G compared to the 0% treatment. No differences in carcass characteristics were observed. Energy value of DDGS at 10 to 40% dietary inclusion remained above 100% in a quadratic trend, with the most improved values at 10 and 20% inclusion. Results showed DDGS can be fed in finishing diets to improve ADG and F:G with optimum level at 20% dietary inclusion.