May 2007
In recent years, more by-product feeds have become available as a result of the ethanol (distillers grains) and sweetener (corn gluten feed) industries. Univ. of Nebraska scientists conducted a finishing trial to determine the optimum level of inclusion of wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) in feedlot diets containing 30% wet corn gluten feed (WCGF). Six WDGS rates (0, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30% of DM) were compared with a dry rolled corn/high moisture corn-based control diet.
The inclusion of 30% WCGF in the diets significantly increased dry matter intake (DMI), avg. daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion compared to the control diet. DMI and ADG tended to peak within the range of 15 to 25% WDGS, and then declined slightly at the 30% level. Feed conversion was not influenced by WDGS level. The authors concluded that optimum performance could be achieved with inclusion levels of WDGS ranging from 15 to 20% in diets containing 30% WCGF (Lozo et al. 2007. Univ. of Nebraska Beef Cattle Report).
Dr. Rick Rasby, Professor of Animal Science
Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE