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The influence of grain source and dried corn distiller's grains plus solubles oil concentration on finishing cattle performance and feeding behavior
Eighty-one steers (428 ± 3.5 kg of BW) were used to determine the effect of grain type (corn vs barley) and oil concentration of dried corn distiller’s grains plus solubles (DDGS; moderate = 7 to 9% vs low = 4 to 5%) on feedlot performance, feeding behavior, and carcass performance. Steers were allotted by BW to 1 of 3 pens equipped with an Insentec feeding system. Within each pen, steers were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (n= 6 or 7 steers/treatment): 1) corn and moderate fat DDGS, 2) corn and low fat DDGS, 3) barley and moderate fat DDGS, and 4) barley and low fat DDGS. Intake and feeding behavior traits were calculated from data generated via the Insentec feeding system. Steers were weighed 2 consecutive days at trial initiation, then every 28 d thereafter. Steers were marketed in 2 groups at 119 (n = 40) and 155 (n = 41) d (final BW = 668 ± 4.4 kg). Final BW and ADG (P=0.79) were not affected by grain type or DDGS oil concentration. The ADG for the first 28 d was lower (P=0.002) for the steers fed barley-based diets (1.23±0.101 kg) than steers fed corn-based diets (1.65±0.102 kg). Overall DMI decreased (P=0.002) and G:F increased (P=0.01) with steers fed barley-based diets. Steers on barley-based diets had less daily visits (P=0.05) but increased eating time per visit (P=0.03). Blood urea concentration was greater in steers fed barley-based diets (P<0.001) as well as steers fed low-fat DDGS diets (P=0.05). Blood glucose concentration was not affected (P≥0.20) by treatment. There was no effect (P≥0.26) of treatment on carcass traits; HCW, marbling, LM area, 12thrib fat, and KPH fat. These data indicate that steers fed barley diets were more efficient, having a greater G:F, than steers fed corn diets. Oil level of DDGS had no effect on feedlot performance. Steers fed barley diets spent more time eating per visit but visited the bunk less per day than steers fed corn diets which could account for the lower DMI with steers fed barley diets. Carcass traits were not affected by either grain type or oil concentration of DDGS. Our data indicates that including a lower fat DDGS as compared to a moderate fat DDGS in a feedlot diet may not influence feedlot performance, feeding behavior, or carcass measurements.
Keywords: finishing cattle, distillers grains, and grain source