Characterization and effects of DDG on the intake and digestibility of finishing bulls in feedlots

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize four corn and sorghum co-products (DDG) in terms of their protein and carbohydrate fractions; we also evaluated the effects of substituting the protein source of the conventional supplement by DDG on consumption and nutrient digestibility in confined finishing cattle. Thirty-six male Nellore cattle with a mean age of 24 months were used. The treatments were: FA: concentrate with corn as an energy source and cottonseed meal as a protein source; DDG50: concentrate with a 50% substitution of the FA protein source by DDG; DDG100: concentrate with 100% substitution of the FA protein source by DDG. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and three replicates (pens) containing four animals per pen. We found that the use of DDG in the finishing phase did not interfere with the animals’ food intake or the digestibility of the nutrients (p > 0.05). Nutrients were used by the animals; therefore, DDGs may be viable substitutes of cottonseed meal. We conclude that the bromatological composition of this co-product is influenced a lot during processing; therefore, the nutritional values of this co-product present in the composition tables may not be true.

Advances in Pasture Management and Animal Nutrition to Optimize Beef Cattle Production in Grazing Systems

“…In Brazil, however, most industries produce DDG without soluble, resulting from dry milling of corn processing for ethanol production [66]. DDG is typically characterized by its high protein content with low ruminal degradation, presenting between 50 and 62% of RUP in its composition, responsible for the greater supply of MP to the ruminant [86]. Comparatively, the RUP content of DDG is higher than that of cotton and soybean meal, 50 and 20%, respectively [87].…”

“…Furthermore, the co-product contains highly fermentable fiber and low starch content, which reduces the risk of acidosis in cattle consuming a high-grain diet, improving rumen health, in addition to being a source of minerals [90]. According to Fonseca et al [86], in Brazil, the DDG produced by most companies does not have the reconstitution of the soluble fraction, presenting lower values of EE and non-fibrous carbohydrates.…”

Effects of Replacing Cottonseed Meal with Corn Dried Distillers’ Grain on Ruminal Parameters, Performance, and Enteric Methane Emissions in Young Nellore Bulls Reared in Tropical Pastures

“…Another possible reason for the greater animal performance in animals supplemented with DDG is its protein profile, which contains high RUP content, which is responsible for the increase in essential amino acids and their metabolizable pool [54]. However, the replacement of cottonseed meal with DDG did not affect the productive responses, proving that it is possible to use this co-product as a cheaper protein source without influencing animal performance.…”