Impact of Constant Inclusion or Decreasing Inclusion of Distillers Grains with High-quality or Low-quality Roughage on Finishing Cattle Performance

Authors

Sofia Suarez Lorences, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
University of Nebraska - Lincoln, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 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 trial was conducted to evaluate high-quality or low-quality roughage inclusion in diets containing three concentrations of modified distillers grains plus solubles on finishing cattle performance. In a randomized block design, steers were fed according to a 2x3 factorial arrangement with two roughage sources (6% corn stalks versus 12% corn silage) in three diets containing 0, 15, or decreasing inclusion of distillers (30, 15, then 0% across the feeding period). No interactions were observed between distillers inclusion and roughage source except for intake. Steers fed corn silage consumed less, gained the same, and had slightly better feed conversions Steers fed 0% distillers grains had lower average daily gain, hot carcass weight, less 12th rib fat, and poorer feed conversion compared with those fed 15% distillers grains. Steers fed 15% distillers continuously had greater intake and gain compared to steers fed decreasing inclusion of distillers from 30% to 0% (average inclusion of 15%), but feed conversion was not impacted.