Wet Corn Gluten Feed and Alfalfa Hay Levels in Dry-Rolled Corn Finishing Diets

Authors

Travis B. Farran, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Casey N. Macken, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ronald U. Lindquist, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Columbus, Nebraska

Date of this Version

January 2004

Comments

Published in 2004 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2003 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

One hundred ninety-two yearling steers were fed 132 days (June to October) to determine if roughage levels could be reduced in dry-rolled corn finishing diets containing wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) and to evaluate the effects on N volatilization. Finishing diets contained either 0 or 35% WCGF and 0, 3.75, or 7.5% alfalfa hay. Intake, ADG, and carcass weight increased as level of alfalfa hay increased, or when WCGF was fed. Feed conversions of cattle fed 35% WCGF were improved 4.4% compared to conversions of cattle fed no WCGF at 0% alfalfa hay. Within 35% WCGF diets, efficiency decreased as alfalfa hay inclusion increased. Nitrogen loss from pens with cattle fed 0 and 35% WCGF was not different, averaging nearly 80%. These data suggest alfalfa hay can be decreased from conventional levels when diets contain WCGF.