Effect of Corn Processing in Finishing Diets Containing Wet Distillers Grains on Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Finishing Steers

Authors

• Kyle J. Vander Pol, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Matthew A. Greenquist, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Thomas Robb, Abengoa Bioenergy, York, Nebraska

Date of this Version

January 2006

Comments

Published in 2006 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2005 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

An experiment evaluated the effects of six corn processing methods in feedlot diets containing 30% (DM basis) wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS). Treatments consisted of whole corn, dry-rolled corn, a dry-rolled/ high-moisture corn mix, high-moisture corn, steam flaked corn, and fine ground corn. The ADG was highest for steers receiving dry-rolled corn, high-moisture corn, or a 50:50 blend of dry-rolled and high-moisture corn. Feed conversion was best for steers receiving high-moisture corn. Interestingly, cattle fed finely ground corn or steam-flaked corn did not gain or convert as well as expected. Results indicate that there is a performance advantage obtained by processing corn as either dry-rolled or high-moisture when included with WDGS in finishing diets.