Effects of Individual Sweet Bran Components in Beef Finishing Diets on Nutrient Digestion

Authors

Rebecca L. Sjostrand, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Rittikeard Prachumchai, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Maggie Youngers, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Rick A. 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

Sweet Bran is a branded wet corn gluten feed recognized for improving rumen health, energy intake, and gains in finishing cattle. Eight ruminally cannulated steers were utilized in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin Square design to evaluate the effect of individual Sweet Bran components on total tract digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters. Three Sweet Bran components (solvent extracted germ meal, corn bran, and mixed steep) were included at 40% of diet dry matter in their respective treatment, with a steam-flaked corn control diet. Total tract dry matter and organic matter digestibility were least for bran, intermediate for solvent extracted germ meanl, and greatest for steep and control diets. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was least for control and intermediate for bran and steep with a tendency for solvent extracted germ meal to have the greatest fiber digestibility. Overall, steep and solvent extracted germ meal have similar energy densities as the steam-flaked corn control, and bran and solvent extracted germ meal are highly digestible fiber sources. The nutrient and physical characteristics of steep, solvent extracted germ meal, and bran are complementary and may contribute to the greater energy value of Sweet Bran compared to dry-rolled corn.