Department of Animal Science
Date of this Version
12-2014
Citation
Bremer, M.L. 2014. Energy value of de-oiled distillers grains plus solubles in beef cattle diets. Master's Theses. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Abstract
Ethanol plants are centrifuging off oil from the thin stillage stream as it has added market value currently. The impact of oil removal on cattle performance has been minimally researched. Thus four trials, one growing, one digestion, and two feedlot, were designed to determine the energy and feeding value of de-oiled distillers grains in beef cattle diets.
In growing cattle diets, diet concentration of modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) impacted cattle performance more than oil content. Ending BW, ADG, and G:F did not differ between cattle fed de-oiled or full fat MDGS, however cattle fed de-oiled MDGS had lower DMI than those fed full fat MDGS. No significant differences in fiber digestibility were observed between de-oiled and full fat MDGS treatments. The energy value of de-oiled MDGS in growing cattle diets was calculated to be 124% the value of corn.
In finishing steer diets, increasing diet concentrations of de-oiled MDGS increased G:F. However, decreasing MDGS fat content from 12.0% to 7.2% decreased steer performance by 3.4%. No significant interactions were observed when increasing concentrations of de-oiled wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) were fed with steam flaked (SFC) or dry rolled corn (DRC). Comparison of steer performance when de-oiled and full fat WDGS are fed in SFC and DRC diets resulted in no significant differences also.
In growing and finishing diets small differences in cattle performance have been observed. Energy values for distillers grain in growing diets are still high with no improvements in fiber digestibility being observed. In finishing diets where distillers grains were fed at 30-35%, de-oiled distillers grains have 89% the feeding value of full fat distillers grain.
Key Words: corn processing, digestion, de-oiled, finishing, growing
Advisors: Galen E. Erickson and Matthew K. Luebbe
Comments
A THESIS Presented to the faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Master of Science, Major: Animal Science, Under the Supervision of Professors Galen E. Erickson and Matthew K. Luebbe. Lincoln, Nebraska: December, 2014
Copyright (c) 2014 Meredith L. Bremer