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ARS Home » Plains Area » Clay Center, Nebraska » U.S. Meat Animal Research Center » Nutrition, Growth and Physiology » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #292671

Title: Effects of corn processing method and dietary inclusion of corn wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) on nutrient metabolism and enteric gas production in finishing steers

Author
item JADERBORG, JEFFREY - University Of Minnesota
item CRAWFORD, GRANT - University Of Minnesota
item DICOSTANZO, ALFREDO - University Of Minnesota
item Spiehs, Mindy
item Hales Paxton, Kristin

Submitted to: Proceeding of Plains Nutrition Council Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/21/2013
Publication Date: 4/18/2013
Citation: Jaderborg, J.P., Crawford, G.I., DiCostanzo, A., Spiehs, M.J., Hales, K.E. 2013. Effects of corn processing method and dietary inclusion of corn wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) on nutrient metabolism and enteric gas production in finishing steers [Abstract]. In: Proceeding of Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference, April 18-19, 2013, San Antonio, Texas. p. 135.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Dry rolled (DRC) and high moisture (HMC) corn are common corn processing methods used by feedlots in the Upper Midwest. Research is limited on higher inclusion rates of wet distillers grains with soluble (WDGS). Therefore, the effects of increasing the concentrations of WDGS in dry rolled and high moisture corn-based diets on energy metabolism and enteric methane (CH4) production were evaluated in eight MARC III (initial BW = 868 lb) steers using respiration calorimetry head boxes. A 4 x 4 replicated Latin square with 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with the following dietary treatments: 1) DRC-based diet with 25% WDGS (DRC-25); 2) DRC-based diet with 45% WDGS (DRC-45); 3) HMC-based diet with 25%WDGS (HMC-25); 4) HMC-based diet with 45% WDGS (HMC-45). Density of dry rolled and high moisture corn used in treatment diets were 5.66 and 5.05 lb/gal respectively. Dry matter intake tended to decrease (P = 0.10) and CH4 production was reduced (P < 0.01) as WDGS concentration increased in the diet. The CO2 to CH4 ratio increased (P = 0.02) and RQ decreased (P < 0.01) when WDGS increased in the diet. Retained energy tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for DRC vs HMC. Urinary N excretion as proportion of N intake was not affected by corn processing method or WDGS inclusion rate, while feces was increased (P = 0.01 and < 0.01; respectively) for HMC and 25% WDGS diets. However, as a proportion of N intake, urinary N excretion was increased (P < 0.01); whereas, fecal N excretion was decreased (P < 0.01) when WDGS concentration increased in the diet. As a percent of intake, ether extract apparent digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) for WDGS at 45 than 25% of DM. Diets containing 25% WDGS or HMC had a lower (P < 0.01) NDF digestibility. Starch apparent digestibility as percent of intake was increased (P < 0.01) for diets containing DRC, while it was not affected (P = 0.29) for WDGS concentrations in diet. Retained energy as a percentage of GE intake was similar (P = 0.21) using 25 and 45% WDGS diets, while retained N as a percentage of N intake was greater (P = 0.02) for 45% diets.