Impact of Removing 20% Distillers Grain after One-third or Two-thirds of the Feeding Period on Performance of Finishing Yearling

Authors

Sofia Suarez Lorences, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Braden C. Troyer, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Mitch M. Norman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Pablo L. Loza, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Rick Stock, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
J. C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2023

Citation

2023 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

UNL Beef, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abstract

A finishing study evaluated the effect of removing modified distillers grains plus solubles after one-third or two-thirds of the feeding period on performance and carcass characteristics of yearling steers. Treatment diets included 20% modified distillers for the entire feeding period; 20% modified distillers for two-thirds of the feeding period and then 0%; and 20% modified distillers for one-third of the feeding period, then 0%. Removing modified distillers from the diet decreased average daily gain, final body weight and dry matter intake and tended to increase feed conversion. Cattle fed 20% modified distillers throughout the entire feeding period had greatest hot carcass weight and longissimus muscle area. There was no difference in marbling score, backfat and percent of abscessed livers. Removal of modified distillers negatively impacted performance and impact depended on length of the feeding period without distillers inclusion. These data suggest running out of distillers during the feeding period will have negative consequences on gain and conversions.