Effects of Modified Distillers Grains and Corn Ratios as Supplements in Diets Varying in Forage Quality on Performance of Growing Beef Steers

Authors

Viviane B. Ferrari, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Robert G. Bondurant, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson Erickson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Jim C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2017

Citation

2017 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. University of Nebraska Extension MP104. Lincoln, NE.

Comments

© 2016 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Distillers grains (DG) have been intensively used for beef production, but prices relative to corn vary such that it may be beneficial to displace a portion of DG with corn in certain circumstances. Four ratios of supplemental energy (40% of diet DM) from modified distillers grains and corn (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, and 40:60) were supplemented in one of 3 forage diets (56% of diet DM) and evaluated for performance. Forages were high (brome hay + sorghum silage) or low quality. Low quality forages were corn residue baled through conventional rake and bale, or by disengaging the spreader on the combine and baling the tailings (easy bale). Steers fed the high quality forage had greater ADG due to greater DMI, but similar F:G as both residue forage diets, which were not different. Decreasing the ratio of modified DG:corn linearly decreased ADG and resulted in poorer F:G.