Optimum Levels of Dry Distillers Grains with Solubles for Finishing Beef Steers

Abstract

A feedlot study was conducted to evaluate increasing levels of dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in corn-based diets on steer performance. Treatments consisted of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% (DM basis) DDGS dietary inclusion. Quadratic trends were observed for final BW and ADG with increasing levels of DDGS and 20% inclusion being the most improved. DMI was not changed with DDGS treatment level, while F:G was numerically optimum for 20% inclusion, although all DDGS levels had improved F:G compared to the 0% treatment. No differences in carcass characteristics were observed. Energy value of DDGS at 10 to 40% dietary inclusion remained above 100% in a quadratic trend, with the most improved values at 10 and 20% inclusion. Results showed DDGS can be fed in finishing diets to improve ADG and F:G with optimum level at 20% dietary inclusion.