Effect of Corn Processing and Wet Distillers Grains Inclusion Level in Finishing Diets

Authors

Mark E. Corrigan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kyle J. Vander Pol, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Matthew A. Greenquist, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Matt K. Luebbe, 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

Dry-rolled corn (DRC), high-moisture corn (HMC), or steam-flaked corn (SFC) was replaced with increasing levels of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS; 0, 15, 27.5, 40% DM) to determine if an interaction exists between corn processing method and WDGS level in finishing steer diets. Optimal feedlot performance was observed with 40%, 27.5%, and 15% WDGS in DRC, HMC, and SFC based diets, respectively. Fat thickness, DMI, and marbling score responded quadratically to WDGS level and incidence of liver abscess decreased linearly with increasing WDGS levels. In conclusion, a greater response to WDGS level was observed with less intensely processed corn.