INTRODUCTION

Date: June 28, 2006

Rationale

Wet distillers grains plus solubles is an excellent feed for feedlot cattle and as a supplement for cows or calves on forage. However, usage must occur as delivered with semi-load quantities used on a weekly basis. As a result, smaller operations are limited on using wet distillers grains plus solubles. Similarly, most cow-calf operations that would like to purchase and store feeds cannot utilize wet distillers grains because feeding rates are too low to avoid spoilage and there is disconnect between needs (winter) versus greatest supply (summer).

Research has shown that wet distillers grains will not spoil over time if oxygen is removed. The issue is that wet distillers grains are wet and cannot be stored in a bunker silo or be packed. Similarly, WDGS does not store well in silo bags because pressure cannot be applied. As a result, WDGS does not store well or requires burdensome areas for storage.

Based on some small-scale mixing and evaluation of WDGS amended with dry forages, dry byproducts, or dry grain, it has been determined that adding small amounts of dry, bulky feedstuffs to WDGS may solve these challenges with storage in silo bags and/or bunkers. However, we need to evaluate this on a larger scale so that it is applicable to commercial situations. This project is very timely, as we would like to have answers for producers prior to May when supply of WDGS may be larger than supply of feedlot cattle that can use large enough quantities of WDGS. By doing this research project, we will be able to give producers guidelines about how to store wet distillers grains over a period of time. We will be able to help producers determine which feed stuffs to use and at what inclusion levels to ensure WDGS can be stored and used by these operations at a later date or by smaller operations.

The objective of this research project was to evaluate three common forage sources available in the summer which include: alfalfa hay, grass hay, and wheat straw, as well as DDGS and corn gluten feed. Within each source, the appropriate inclusion of amendment was determined that will allow for packing in a silo bag without breaking bags. Bunker storage was also evaluated (which presumably requires more forage addition) that would allow for packing equipment to appropriately compact the bunker silo.

Description of Research Project:

Successful outcome will be adequate storage (no spoilage) and packing density in either silo bags or bunker storage. Bunker storage will be evaluated based on packing pressure allowed with equipment packing WDGS without loss or equipment sinking into pile. The only risk is that spoilage will occur and render the bags or bunkers unfit for feeding. Pictures and visual observation will be the key determinant. When bagging these different mixes, the bagger was held at a constant pressure of 300 PSI.

During the experiment, different adjustments were made based on how the different products were bagging. Grass hay was the first forage that was tested. It was tested at the 12.5 %, 10%, and 7.5% of the mix on a dry matter basis. Next, alfalfa hay was mixed in at 20%, 17.5%, and 15% of the mix on a dry matter basis. During the night time, our bag split open at the 7.5% and 10% grass hay levels. The next day, wheat straw was mixed at 12.5% and 15% on a dry matter basis. After the straw, dry distillers grains were mixed in at 50% and 60% on a dry matter basis. The last product that was tested was wet corn gluten feed. It was mixed in at 40%, 50%, and 60% of the mix on a dry matter basis. After this was all done, there was still wet distillers grain left over, therefore two more levels of grass hay and alfalfa hay were bagged. Grass hay was bagged at 15% and 17.5% while alfalfa was then bagged at 22.5% and 25% all on a dry matter basis. During the next night, the bag split open again at the 40% and 50% wet corn gluten feed.

Based on how the different products bagged, a small bunker experiment was conducted using wheat straw. This product required the least amount for bagging, therefore should require the least amount for bunker silo storage of wet distiller’s grains. With the small amount of distillers that was left, a mix of 25% wheat straw on a dry matter basis was used. It then was packed into a bunker with a skid loader because of the small amount. Based on the visual appraisal, more than 25% will be required.

Four loads were brought in at a separate time and mixed with either 30 or 40% (DM basis) of grass hay used in the bagging project. A skid loader with rubber tracks was used for packing as well as a payloader.

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Date published: June 28, 2006