Storage and Utilization of Brewers Wet Grains in Diets for Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract

Brewers wet grains were treated wtih NH3 at 0, 2, or 4% of dry matter, compacted in plastic pails, and exposed to aerobic storage for 3, 7, or 10 d. Portions were compacted in polyethylene bags, sealed with twine, and left to ensile for 7, 14, or 28 d. During aerobic storage, water-soluble carbohydrate increased at high NH3 but decreased at 0 and 2% NH3. Mold growth and spoilage were inhibited by 4% NH3. For ensiled grains, NH3 delayed increases of lactate, presumably by inhibiting fermentation. Water-soluble carbohydrates increased to d 14 at 4% NH3, then tended to decrease with longer ensiling. The 4% NH3 addition effectively preserved wet grains in aerobic and anaerobic storage, but 0 and 2% did not.