Strategies for DDGS Supplementation Frequency to Frazing Yearling Streers

Authors

Sydney T. Vanderhoff, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Rebecca L. Sjostrand, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mitchell M. Norman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Isaque F. Vicci, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jim C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mary E. Drewnoski, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2024

Citation

2024 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

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

Abstract

Infrequent supplementation saves labor and may reduce animal performance, but recent research with reduced fat distillers grains has provided inconsistent results. This experiment evaluated the effects of daily and three times a week supplementation of dried distillers grains on yearling steer performance grazing smooth bromegrass pastures from May to August. Daily supplemented steers received 5.6 pounds of dry matter per steer of dried distillers grains with solubles 7 days/week. The three times a week supplemented steers received 13.0 pounds of dry matter per steer of dried distillers grains with solubles three days/week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). A control treatment received no supplementation. Providing distillers grains supplement increased gain by 0.89 pounds per day compared to non-supplemented cattle. Daily supplementation of dried distillers grains increases gain by 0.31 pounds per day compared to three times a week supplementation and a non-supplemented control. Supplementing distillers gains three times per week may reduce ADG by 10% compared to daily supplementation.