Effect of Feeding CARS on Digestibility and Fatty Acid Flow in Finishing Cattle Diets

Authors

John C. Gibbons, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Mitchell M. Norman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Tyler J. Spore, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Hannah C. Wilson, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Kylie Butterfield, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Andea K. Watson, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Jonathan W. Wilson, DSM Nutritional Products

Date of this Version

2022

Citation

2022 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

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

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of a liquid feed, Condensed Algal Residue Solubles (CARS) on diet digestibility and fatty acid flow to the small intestine. Three treatments included CARS at 0, 2.5, and 5% of the diet dry matter, replacing steam-flaked corn. The base diet included 73, 70.5, or 68% steam flaked corn, 15% dried distillers grains plus solubles, 8% alfalfa haylage, and 4% supplement. Inclusion of CARS in the diet did not affect dry matter or organic matter intake or digestibility of dry matter, organic matter or neutral detergent fiber. Amount of fatty acid flowing to the duodenum was not affected by treatment; however, the fatty acid profile changed, with a lesser portion of saturated fatty acids and a greater portion of unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids available for post rumen absorption as CARS increased in the diet. Concentration of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids at the duodenum increased linearly. The CARS product can be included up to 5% of finishing diets without affecting diet digestibility which complements the performance data from a companion experiment. It also increased unsaturated fatty acid flow to the small intestine, which might alter concentration of these fatty acids in the beef.