Effects of Roughage Source and Level with the Inclusion of Wet Distillers Grains on Finishing Cattle Performance and Economics

Abstract

A finishing trial was conducted to evaluate roughage source and level compared to no roughage inclusion in finishing diets containing 30% (DM basis) wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS). Roughage sources included alfalfa hay, corn silage, or corn stalks fed at either a low (4% alfalfa hay) or high (8% alfalfa hay) level and sources were included on an equal NDF basis. In general, higher roughage levels increased DMI, ADG, and profit. However, steers fed 3% corn stalks performed similarly to steers fed high levels of roughage. When roughage was eliminated from the diet, DMI, ADG, and profit were decreased compared with diets containing corn stalks or high levels of alfalfa or corn silage. Results indicate at high roughage levels, sources can be exchanged on an equal NDF basis in finishing diets containing 30% WDGS (DM basis).