EFFECT OF DRY DISTILLER'S GRAINS ON NUTRIENT METABOLISM OF BEEF CATTLE AND SWINE

Based on previous research it appears there is an interaction between grain processing methods and the efficiency of utilization of distiller's grains by beef cattle. With increases in fuel costs, the expense of steam flaking grains for feedlot diets has increased. It might be possible to decrease grain processing costs by adding distiller's grains to feedlot diets. In addition, distiller's grains contain a considerable quantity of fiber; thus, it may be possible to decrease the quantity of hay added to finishing diets and thus lower the costs of finishing rations. Therefore, the objectives of these studies are to: 1) determine the effects of grain processing method (steam-flaked vs. dry rolled) and distiller's grain concentration (0, 10 or 20%) on beef cattle health and performance; 2) determine the effects of dietary alfalfa hay concentration and grain processing method on performance of cattle fed finishing diets containing distillers grains; 3) determine the
variability in content and digestibility of nutrients in sorghum-based distiller's grains produced at several different ethanol plants and locations; and 4) determine the relative merits of sorghum- versus corn-based distiller's grains for use in diets for swine.