Replacement of Forage with Dried Distillers Grains Reduces Ruminal Methane Production

Authors

Eric J. Behlke, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Tim Sanderson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jess L. Miner, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2007

Comments

Published in 2007 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2006 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Our objective was to determine how replacing forage with dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) affects ruminal methane production. Methane produced by lambs and ruminal cultures was quantified following the substitution of brome hay with DDGS. In vitro and in vivo methane production is reduced when brome hay is replaced with DDGS. A reduction in methane production in vitro is not associated with a reduction in energy produced in the form of volatile fatty acids or dry matter disappearance. Decreased ruminal methane production would increase the retention of gross feed energy and may explain the increase in ADG realized when DDGS are used to supplement cattle receiving a forage-based diet.