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Effects of replacing corn with a pellet consisting of treated corn stover and distillers byproducts on performance of finishing cattle
A 183 d finishing study utilizing 336 crossbred steer calves (initial BW = 301 ± 25 kg) evaluated the effects of replacing corn with a pellet consisting of alkaline treated corn stover, dry distillers grains, and solubles in diets containing modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) on finishing cattle performance. Treatments were designed as a 2x3 plus 1 factorial. The 2 factors were inclusion of MDGS (20 or 40%, DM basis) and inclusion of the pellet (10, 20, or 30%, DM basis). The control diet (CON) consisted of a 50:50 blend of dry-rolled corn and high-moisture corn and 40% MDGS. All diets contained 5% wheat straw and 4% dry meal supplement. Linear and quadratic effects of the pellet within 20 and 40% MDGS were evaluated. A linear increase (P = 0.05) in DMI was observed as pellet inclusion increased from 0% in the CON (10.58 ± 0.41 kg/d) to 30% (10.97 ± 0.62 kg/d) in diets containing 40% MDGS. A quadratic response (P = 0.03) in DMI was observed as pellet inclusion increased from 10% (10.91 ± 0.72 kg/d) to 30% (10.95 ± 0.51 kg/d) in diets containing 20% MDGS due to greater DMI of 20% pellet (11.28 ± 0.33 kg/d). No differences in ADG were observed (P = 0.21) as pellet inclusion increased in either 20 or 40% MDGS. A linear decrease (P = 0.04) in G:F was observed as level of pellet increased from 0% (0.181 ± 0.006) to 30% (0.175 ± 0.005) in diets containing 40% MDGS. In diets containing 20% MDGS, no difference (P ≥ 0.22) in G:F was observed as pellet inclusion increased from 10% (0.175 ± 0.007) to 30% (0.164 ± 0.005). When fed with 40% MDGS, the pellet was 100% the feeding value of corn at 10% inclusion, 94% the value of corn at 20% inclusion, and 88% at 30% inclusion of the diet. Using an estimated G:F of 0.177 for a control diet containing 20% MDGS and 0% pellet, the pellet is 83% the feeding value of corn when fed at 10%, 69% the feeding value of corn when fed at 20% of the diet, and 77% the feeding value of corn when fed at 30% of the diet.
Keywords: Finishing, Pellet, Treated Corn Stover