Evaluation of Byproduct Combinations on Feedlot Performance, Carcass, and Fecal Characteristics

Abstract

The first experiment compared inclusion levels of a 1:1 blend of Sweet Bran (SB) and dried distiller's grains (DDGS) byproducts in a dry-rolled corn feedlot ration on performance, carcass merit, and fecal characteristics. Heifers (n = 108; initial BW = 324� 13.6 kg) were blocked by BW, randomized to treatment, and fed for 142 d. Treatments were control (CONT, 8% DDGS), intermediate with 22% SB and 22% DDGS (INTERM), and all byproduct with 44% SB and 44% DDGS (ALL). Dry matter intake resulted in a quadratic response (P = 0.05) and ADG and carcass adjusted ADG tended to result in quadratic responses (P > 0.08) with INTERM being the highest. Final body weight was not different (P > 0.15) on a live basis, but was greater (P <0.03) for heifers fed the byproduct blend than the control. Gain to feed on a live and carcass adjusted basis increased linearly (P < 0.03) with increased byproduct inclusion. Dressing percentage increased linearly (P = 0.02) resulting in ALL having a 1.81% improvement in dressing percentage. There was a trend (P = 0.09) for a quadratic increase in HCW that was greater (P = 0.03) for heifers fed the byproduct blend than CONT, but no other differences (P > 0.19) in carcass characteristics. These data indicate that replacing dry-rolled corn in a finishing diet with a 1:1 blend of SB and DDGS increases feed efficiency and HCW without altering ADG calculated with live weights. Fecal pH and scores increased linearly (P < 0.03) at sampling points starting at d 28 with increasing byproduct blend. Fecal DM decreased linearly as byproduct inclusion increased (P < 0.03) at each sampling period. Pad sample DM decreased linearly (P &le; 0.05) on d 56, 112, and 142 and tended to decrease on d 84 (P = 0.06). Data indicates replacing corn with a 1:1 blend of SB and DDGS increases fecal pH, fecal score, and decreases fecal DM and DM of pen pad samples. A second experiment compared performance and carcass effects of altering corn dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) to sorghum-based wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) ratios in a dry-rolled corn feedlot ration with 30% distillers grains plus solubles (DM basis). One hundred and eight yearling heifers (initial BW 383� 28 kg) were blocked by BW stratified by hide color and randomized to treatment, and finished for 125 d. Combinations of distillers grains evaluated were: 100% DDGS; 75% DDGS: 25% WDGS; 50% DDGS:50%WDGS; 25%DDGS:75%WDGS; and 100% WDGS. There were no differences (P > 0.20) among treatments in overall ADG, G:F, or DMI. No differences (P > 0.06) were detected in HCW, dressing percentage, marbling score, KPH or USDA Yield Grade. Data suggests that when fed at 30% of the finishing diet DM, corn DDGS and sorghum WDGS can be blended or exchanged with no impact on finishing performance or carcass characteristics.