Feed preference in pigs: effect of cereal sources at different inclusion rates

The palatability of different cereals was studied in 2 two-way choice (preference) experiments using pigs of 56 d of age and 17 kg of BW. In Exp. 1, the effect of 24 cereals vs. a common reference diet containing white rice on feed preference in pigs was studied. Pigs were offered free choice between the reference diet and a diet with the cereal under study for 4 d. Barley, corn (2 sources), wheat, cassava meal, biscuit meal, rye, sorghum, and 1 source of oats were tested at inclusion rates of 300 and 600 g x kg(-1). Short-grain rice (whole, brown, or extruded white), long-grain white rice (raw and cooked), extruded barley, extruded corn, extruded wheat, oats (2 sources), thick rolled oats, cooked oats, and naked oats (raw, extruded, or micronized) were tested at inclusion rates of 150, 300, and 600 g x kg(-1). Relative preference of cereals (% of total feed intake) was affected by type of cereal and by rate of inclusion. The diets containing extruded rice (150 g x kg(-1)), extruded naked oats (150, 300, and 600 g x kg(-1)), or naked oats (150 and 300 g x kg(-1)) were preferred (P < 0.05) by pigs to the reference diet. However, the reference diet was preferred (P < 0.05) to the diets containing 150, 300, and 600 g x kg(-1) of cooked long-grain rice, oats, or cooked oats, 300 and 600 g x kg(-1) of extruded wheat, wheat, corn, sorghum, or unhulled short-grain rice, and 600 g x kg(-1) of thick rolled oats, extruded corn, rye, extruded barley, micronized naked oats, barley, cassava, or biscuit meal. Extrusion improved (P < 0.05) preference values for corn and naked oats by pigs, but had no effect on barley, rice, or wheat. In Exp. 2, the preferences of pigs for oats and barley were studied using mash and pelleted diets. Diet form did not affect preference in oats diets. However, for barley, greater preference values were obtained when measured in pelleted form compared with mash form. Additionally, direct 2-way choices were also performed between oats and barley diets and between diets presented in mash and pelleted forms. Pigs preferred barley to oats, and preferred diets presented in pelleted form to those presented in mash form. In conclusion, cereal type, inclusion rate, and diet form affected feed preference in pigs. Using cereals with greater preference values may contribute to the formulation of more palatable feeds, which enhance feed intake of piglets at critical stages such as weaning time.     

Energy and nutrient digestibility in NutriDense corn and other cereal grains fed to growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to measure the energy and nutrient digestibilities in NutriDense corn and other cereal grains. An additional objective was to evaluate the effect of balancing diets with AA on the values measured for DE and ME of corn varieties. In Exp. 1, 6 growing pigs were fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and allotted to a 6 x 6 Latin square design to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) values for CP and AA in NutriDense corn, yellow dent corn, barley, wheat, and sorghum. Diets based on each of the 5 cereal grains were formulated, along with a N-free diet. Results of this experiment showed that the AID for most indispensable AA were greater (P < 0.05) in NutriDense corn and wheat than in the other cereal grains. The SID for Lys in NutriDense corn (77.6%) was greater (P < 0.05) than in yellow dent corn (68.5%), and sorghum (56.9%), but not different from wheat (75.1%) and barley (71.7%). The SID for Arg and Met in NutriDense corn also were greater (P < 0.05) than in yellow dent corn (88.1 and 87.2% vs. 84.5 and 82.8%, respectively). For the remaining indispensable AA, no differences in SID between NutriDense corn and yellow dent corn were observed. For all AA, the lowest values (P < 0.05) for AID and SID were obtained for sorghum. If calculated as grams of standardized ileal digestible AA per kilogram of DM, concentrations of all indispensable AA in NutriDense corn were greater (P < 0.05) than in yellow dent corn, but barley and wheat had greater concentrations of most AA than yellow dent corn and NutriDense corn. In Exp. 2, 12 growing barrows were placed in metabolism cages, and the DE and ME of NutriDense corn and yellow dent corn were measured. Both grains were used in diets without or with crystalline AA supplementation. Each diet was fed to 6 pigs in a 2-period, changeover design. The DE and the ME in NutriDense corn (4,004 and 3,922 kcal/kg of DM, respectively) were greater (P < 0.01) than in yellow dent corn (3,878 and 3,799 kcal/kg of DM, respectively). Values for DE and ME were not affected by the addition of crystalline AA to the diets. It is concluded that NutriDense corn has a greater value than yellow dent corn in diet formulations due to increased concentrations of digestible, indispensable AA and energy. However, barley and wheat have greater concentrations, whereas sorghum has lower concentrations, of many digestible AA than NutriDense corn.     

Effect of high-oil corn on growth performance, diet digestibility, and energy content of finishing diets fed to beef cattle

Sixty crossbred beef steers (initial BW = 412 kg) were used in a 83-d finishing study to determine the effect of feeding dry rolled high-oil corn on performance and total-tract digestibility of finishing diets. Steers were allotted by weight to the following dietary treatments: 1) control corn (C; 82% normal corn, 12% triticale silage), 2) high-oil corn (HO; 82% high-oil corn, 12% silage), and 3) high-oil corn formulated to be isocaloric to C (ISO; 74% high-oil corn, 20% silage). Total lipid content was 4.9% (DM basis) for normal corn and 7.0% for high-oil corn. Steers were individually fed using electronic gates. Quantity of feed offered and refused was recorded daily. Fecal samples were collected on d 63 to 66 of the trial to determine digestibility. Chromic oxide was fed as an indigestible marker for 7 d before fecal collection began. Planned contrasts of HO vs C and ISO vs C were used to assess treatment differences. Dry matter intake was greater for steers fed C vs HO (P < 0.01) or C vs ISO (P < 0.01), but daily gain and feed efficiency were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments. Digestibility of DM, OM, starch, and GE was greater (P < 0.05) for the HO diet than the C diet, but lipid digestibility did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). The combined effect of greater GE content and digestibility resulted in greater (P < 0.01) DE content for the HO than for the C diet. Calculated DE of the corn was 8.3% greater (3.74 Mcal/kg; P < 0.01) for the HO diet and 6.5% greater (3.67 Mcal/kg; P < 0.01) for the ISO diet than the corn in the C diet (3.25 Mcal/kg). Dry matter and GE digestibility did not differ (P > 0.05) between the C and ISO diets. Steers consuming ISO had greater (P < 0.05) starch digestibility than steers fed the C diet. Although HO had higher DE, DE intake was similar (P > 0.05) for HO and C due to lower DMI for HO. These results indicate that available energy is greater from high-oil corn than from typical corn, but depressed voluntary feed intake prevented performance improvements and resulted in equal energy intakes between high-oil corn and typical corn diets.     

Grain source and processing in diets containing varying concentrations of wet corn gluten feed for finishing cattle

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate combinations of wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) and barley, as well as the particle size of dry-rolled barley and corn, in finishing steer diets containing WCGF. In Exp. 1, 144 crossbred steers (initial BW = 298.9 +/- 1.4 kg) were used to evaluate barley (0.566 kg/L and 23.5% NDF for whole barley) and WCGF combinations in finishing diets containing 0, 17, 35, 52, or 69% WCGF (DM basis), replacing barley and concentrated separator byproduct. A sixth treatment consisted of corn (0.726 kg/L and 11.1% NDF for whole corn), replacing barley in the 35% WCGF treatment. In Exp. 2, 144 crossbred steers (initial BW = 315.0 +/- 1.5 kg) were used to evaluate coarse or fine, dry-rolled barley or corn (0.632 and 0.699 kg/L; 26.6 and 15.9% NDF for whole barley and corn, respectively) in finishing diets containing WCGF. A factorial treatment design was used; the factors were grain source (corn or barley) and degree of processing (coarse or fine). The diets contained 50% WCGF, 42% grain (corn or barley), 5% alfalfa hay, and 3% supplement (DM basis). In Exp. 1, DMI and ADG responded quadratically (P < or = 0.03), peaking at 35 and 52% WCGF, respectively. The efficiency of gain was not affected (P > or = 0.42) by dietary treatment. Steers fed dry-rolled corn and 35% WCGF had heavier HCW, lower DMI, greater ADG, increased G:F, increased s.c. fat thickness at the 12th rib, and greater yield grades compared with steers fed dry-rolled barley and 35% WCGF (P < or = 0.04). The apparent dietary NEg was similar among the barley and WCGF combinations (P > or = 0.51); however, the corn and 35% WCGF diet was 25% more energy dense (P < 0.001) than was the barley and 35% WCGF diet. In Exp. 2, no grain x processing interactions (P > or = 0.39) were observed. Particle size was 2.15 and 2.59 mm for fine- and coarse-rolled barley and was 1.90 and 3.23 mm for fine- and coarse-rolled corn. Steers fed a combination of corn and WCGF had increased ADG, greater G:F, heavier HCW, larger LM area, more s.c. fat thickness at the 12th rib, greater yield grades, increased marbling, and more KPH compared with steers fed a combination of barley and WCGF (P < or = 0.03). Fine-rolling of the grain increased fat thickness (P = 0.04). The addition of WCGF to the barley-based diets increased DMI and gain. Decreasing grain particle size did not greatly affect performance of the steers fed the 50% WCGF diets; however, carcasses from the steers fed the fine-rolled grain contained more fat.     

Methane emissions from feedlot cattle fed barley or corn diets

Methane emitted from the livestock sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Understanding the variability in enteric methane production related to diet is essential to decreasing uncertainty in greenhouse gas emission inventories and to identifying viable greenhouse gas reduction strategies. Our study focused on measuring methane in growing beef cattle fed corn- or barley-based diets typical of those fed to cattle in North American feedlots. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block (group) design with two treatments, barley and corn. Angus heifer calves (initial BW = 328 kg) were allocated to two groups (eight per group), with four cattle in each group fed a corn or barley diet. The experiment was conducted over a 42-d backgrounding phase, a 35-d transition phase and a 32-d finishing phase. Backgrounding diets consisted of 70% barley silage or corn silage and 30% concentrate containing steam-rolled barley or dry-rolled corn (DM basis). Finishing diets consisted of 9% barley silage and 91% concentrate containing barley or corn (DM basis). All diets contained monensin (33 mg/kg of DM). Cattle were placed into four large environmental chambers (two heifers per chamber) during each phase to measure enteric methane production for 3 d. During the backgrounding phase, DMI was greater by cattle fed corn than for those fed barley (10.2 vs. 7.6 kg/d, P < 0.01), but during the finishing phase, DMI was similar for both diets (8.3 kg/d). The DMI was decreased to 6.3 kg/d with no effect of diet or phase while the cattle were in the chambers; thus, methane emissions (g/d) reported may underestimate those of the feedlot industry. Methane emissions per kilogram of DMI and as a percentage of GE intake were not affected by grain source during the backgrounding phase (24.6 g/kg of DMI; 7.42% of GE), but were less (P < 0.05) for corn than for barley during the finishing phase (9.2 vs. 13.1 g/kg of DMI; 2.81 vs. 4.03% of GE). The results indicate the need to implement dietary strategies to decrease methane emissions of cattle fed high-forage backgrounding diets and barley-based finishing diets. Mitigating methane losses from cattle will have long-term environmental benefits by decreasing agriculture's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.     

Assessment of Hull-less Barley as a Locally Grown Swine Feed Ingredient in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States

Crossbred pigs (six replicate pens of four pigs per treatment, avg. initial BW = 38 kg) were used in a 6-wk growth and digestibility trial to assess a hull-less barley adapted for the mid Atlantic region of the U.S. as the primary ingredient in pelleted diets for growing pigs. There were five experimental diets: 1) a corn-soybean meal-based diet, 2) a diet containing 46% hull-less barley and 1.6% added fat, 3) a diet containing 41% hulled barley and 4.1% added fat, 4) a diet containing 46% hulled barley and 1.6% added fat, and 5) a diet containing 46% wheat and 0.68% added fat. For diets based on small grains, a fixed inclusion rate of 25% corn was used. With the exception of Diet 4, all diets were formulated to be iso-lysinic and iso-caloric. Diet type had no effect (P>0.10) on ADFI or ADG. Pigs fed the hulled barley, high-fat diet (Diet 3) had slightly improved feed efficiency (P<0.05) relative to pigs fed the corn, hull-less barley or hulled barley, low-fat diets. Only minor differences in digestibility of DM, energy, and protein were observed among the corn, hull-less barley, hulled barley, high-fat, and wheat diets. The digestibility of these components in the hulled barley, low-fat diet (Diet 4) was 3.9 to 6.9 percentage units less (P<0.05) than in the other diets. These results demonstrate that good quality hulled and hull-less barley adapted for the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. can be used at a relatively high inclusion rate in pelleted grower pig diets and produce growth performance comparable with similar diets based mainly on corn or wheat.     

Glycemic index of starch affects nitrogen retention in grower pigs

Three studies were performed to examine the effect of starch and protein digestion rates on N retention in grower pigs. In Exp. 1, the glycemic index (GI) of corn, a malting barley, and a slow-rumen-degradable barley (SRD-barley) were measured using 6 barrows (BW = 18.0 ± 0.5 kg). The GI of malting barley was greater (P < 0.05) than that of SRD-barley (71.1 vs. 49.4), and the GI of both barley cultivars was less (P < 0.05) than that of corn (104.8). In Exp. 2, the standardized ileal digestibility of AA and DE content of the 3 ingredients were determined using 5 ileal-cannulated barrows (BW = 20.7 ± 2.3). The apparent total-tract energy digestibility values of corn (86.1%) and malting barley (85.7%) were greater (P < 0.05) than that of SRD-barley (82.3%). The standardized ileal digestibility of Lys was 94.0, 92.6, and 92.4% for corn, malting barley, and SRD-barley, respectively, and did not differ among grains. In Exp. 3, 6 diets were formulated to equal DE (3.40 Mcal/kg), standardized ileal digestibility of Lys (8.6 g/kg), starch (424.9 g/kg), and digestible CP (180.0 g/kg) using the values obtained in Exp. 2. Three GI [high (corn), medium (malting barley), and low (SRD-barley)] and 2 rates of protein digestion [rapid (soy protein hydrolysate) and slow (soy protein isolate)] were tested in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with 36 barrows (BW = 32.2 ± 2.5 kg). Pigs were fed 3.0 times the maintenance energy requirement daily in 2 meals for 2 wk and were housed in metabolic crates to collect feces and urine separately. At the end of the study, intestinal contents were collected from 4 equal-length segments of the small intestine. The percentage of unabsorbed CP in segment 1 relative to dietary CP was greater (P < 0.05) for the soy protein isolate diet than for the soy protein hydrolysate diet (170.3 vs. 116.5%). The percentages of unabsorbed starch in segments 1 and 2 were greater (P < 0.05) for the SRD-barley diet than for the malting barley or corn diet. Nitrogen intake and fecal N excretion were greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the malting barley and SRD-barley diets than for pigs fed the corn diet. Urinary N excretion was greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the SRD-barley diet than for pigs fed the corn or malting barley diet. Pigs fed slowly digestible starch (SRD-barley; 46.6%) had less (P < 0.05) net N retention than pigs fed corn or malting barley (54.7 and 54.1%, respectively). In conclusion, slowly digestible starch sources such as SRD-barley may not be suitable to support maximum protein deposition in restricted-fed grower pigs.     

Combinations of alfalfa hay and wet corn gluten feed in limit-fed growing diets for beef cattle

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of alfalfa hay (AH) and wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) combinations on ADG and gain efficiency of cattle limit-fed growing diets. In Exp. 1, crossbred beef steers (n = 220; initial BW = 262 kg) were limit-fed diets consisting of steam-flaked corn and 40% WCGF (DM basis) with 0, 10, or 20% ground AH (0AH, 10AH, and 20AH, respectively). A fourth diet containing 20% ground AH and steam-flaked corn served as a control. All diets were fed once daily at 1.8% of BW (DM basis). Growing period ADG, gain efficiency, and dietary NE calculated from performance data decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with addition of AH to diets containing WCGF. Rate of DMI increased linearly (P < 0.05) with AH addition to diets containing WCGF. Following the growing period, steers were finished on a common diet offered ad libitum. Gain efficiencies during the finishing period were higher (P < 0.05) for steers fed the 20AH diet than for steers fed the control diet. In Exp. 2, crossbred beef heifers (n = 339; initial BW = 277 kg) were limit-fed diets containing steam-flaked corn with 10, 20, or 30% ground AH and 0, 40, or 68% WCGF in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement, fed once daily at 1.6% of BW (DM basis). An AH x WCGF interaction occurred (P < 0.05) for growing period ADG and gain efficiency. Increasing AH or WCGF decreased cattle ADG, gain efficiency, and dietary NE with the exception of heifers fed 30AH/40WCGF, which had ADG that did not differ (P > 0.10) from that of heifers fed 20AH/0WCGF or 30AH/0WCGF, and which had greater gain efficiencies (P < 0.05) than heifers fed 30AH/0WCGF. Rate of DMI increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing AH and decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing WCGF. Heifers were finished on diets containing 33% WCGF with 0 or 0.5% added urea (DM basis) offered ad libitum. Increasing WCGF in growing diets tended (linear, P < 0.10) to increase finishing ADG and gain efficiency, whereas increasing AH decreased (linear, P < 0.05) kidney, pelvic, and heart fat, and the percentage of carcasses grading USDA Prime. Urea tended to increase ADG (P < 0.10), but decreased (P < 0.04) the percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice. Results suggest that the value of WCGF relative to steam-flaked corn in limit-fed growing diets might be improved in diets containing 30% AH relative to diets containing 10 or 20% AH.     

Effects of barley variety fed to steers on carcass characteristics and color of meat

This study evaluated the effect of barley varieties in the diets of finishing steers on carcass composition, fat, and lean color and the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat. Crossbred steers (391 kg initial BW) were assigned randomly to one of five finishing diets composed primarily of corn (n = 9), Morex barley (n = 9), Steptoe barley, (n = 9), or two experimental barley varieties SM3 (n = 9) and SM5 (n = 9). Grains were cracked prior to feeding. Diets were formulated (DM basis) to be isonitrogenous (2.24% N) and isocaloric (2.01 Mcal/kg NEm and 1.35 Mcal/kg NEg). Steers were slaughtered according to industry-accepted procedures when it was visually estimated that 70% of carcasses would grade USDA Choice. After a 24-h chill at 4 degrees C, carcass quality and yield grade data were collected by trained, experienced university personnel. Objective color (L*, a*, and b*) of both the LM and subcutaneous fat were measured, and samples of subcutaneous fat were removed from the 10th- to 12th-rib region for fatty acid analysis. Diet did not affect hot carcass weight (P = 0.15), fat thickness (P = 0.58), LM area (P = 0.57), percentage of internal fat (P = 0.52), yield grade (P = 0.96), marbling (P = 0.73), or quality grade (P = 0.10). However, the LM from steers fed diets formulated with Morex and SM5 barley varieties tended to be lighter (higher L* values, P = 0.08) than the LM from steers fed the corn-based diet. Additionally, fat from steers fed corn tended to be more yellow (higher Hunter b* values, P = 0.09) than fat from steers fed barley-based diets. Although grain source had only minimal effects on the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat samples, pentadecanoic acid (15:0) was greater (P < 0.05) in fat from steers fed SM3 and Steptoe barley varieties than in fat from steers fed corn. Stearic acid (18:0) concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in fat samples from steers fed corn than in those fed the experimental barley lines (SM3 and SM5). Conversely, fat samples from steers fed Steptoe and SM5 barley had greater (P < 0.05) gadoleic acid (20:1) concentrations than fat from steers fed corn or Morex variety. Although the variety/line of barley included in the finishing diet may affect LM and fat color, grain-source (barley vs. corn) had little effect on beef carcass quality and yield grades and did not greatly alter the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat.     

Evaluation of selected high-starch flours as ingredients in canine diets.

Cereal grains represent 30 to 60% of the DM of many companion animal diets. Once incorporated into a diet, the starch component of these grains can provide an excellent source of ME. However, crystallinity and form of starch are variable and can cause incomplete digestion within the gastrointestinal tract. Diets fed in this experiment included one of six high-starch flours as the main source of carbohydrate. The flours originated from barley, corn, potato, rice, sorghum, and wheat. The diets were extruded and kibbled. Starch fraction concentrations of flours consisted of nearly 100% rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) combined. Starch fraction concentrations of diets paralleled concentrations in flours. Flours varied widely in concentrations of CP, fat, starch, and total dietary fiber. Ileal OM and CP digestibilities were lowest for the potato flour treatment (74 and 64%, respectively). Ileal and total tract starch digestibilities were different (P<.05) among treatments; however, the starch component of all diets was nearly completely digested (>99%). Total tract digestibility of DM and OM was lowest for sorghum (80 and 84%, respectively) compared to all other diets. Crude protein digestibility was highest for corn (87%). Wet fecal weights tended (P<.08) to be greatest for dogs fed the barley treatment (175 g/d). However, dry fecal weights (dried at 55 degrees C) were greatest for dogs consuming the sorghum diet (51 g/d). Fecal scores were consistently greater (i.e., looser stools) for the barley treatment. Any of these flours could be used without negative effects on digestion at either the ileum or in the total tract. Fecal consistency data for dogs consuming the barley treatment indicate that diets containing large amounts (>50%) of barley may not be advantageous for dog owners who house their animals indoors for most of the day.     

Effect of grain processing degree on intake, digestion, ruminal fermentation, and performance characteristics of steers fed medium-concentrate growing diets

Three trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of degree of barley and corn processing on performance and digestion characteristics of steers fed growing diets. Trial 1 used 14 (328 +/- 43 kg initial BW) Holstein steers fitted with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas in a completely randomized design to evaluate intake, site of digestion, and ruminal fermentation. Treatments consisted of coarsely rolled barley (2,770 microm), moderately rolled barley (2,127 microm), and finely rolled barley (1,385 microm). Trial 2 used 141 crossbred beef steers (319 +/- 5.5 kg initial BW; 441 +/- 5.5 kg final BW) fed for 84 d in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate the effects of grain source (barley or corn) and extent of processing (coarse or fine) on steer performance. Trial 3 investigated four degrees of grain processing in barley-based growing diets and used 143 crossbred steers (277 +/- 19 kg initial BW; 396 +/- 19 kg final BW) fed for 93 d. Treatments were coarsely, moderately, and finely rolled barley and a mixture of coarsely and finely rolled barley to approximate moderately rolled barley. In Trial 1, total tract digestibilities of OM, CP, NDF, and ADF were not affected (P > or = 0.10) by barley processing; however, total tract starch digestibility increased linearly (P < 0.05), and fecal starch output decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with finer barley processing. In situ DM, CP, starch disappearance rate, starch soluble fraction, and extent of starch digestion increased linearly (P < 0.05) with finer processing. In Trial 2, final BW and ADG were not affected by degree of processing or type of grain (P > or = 0.13). Steers fed corn had greater DMI (P = 0.05) than those fed barley. In Trial 3, DMI decreased linearly with finer degree of processing (P = 0.003). Gain efficiency, apparent dietary NEm, and apparent dietary NEg increased (P < 0.001) with increased degree of processing. Finer processing of barley improved characteristics of starch digestion and feed efficiency, but finer processing of corn did not improve animal performance in medium-concentrate, growing diets.     

Effects of Roughage Type and Restricted Feed Intake on Digestibility and Finishing Cattle Performance

Two-hundred sixty-four English-type crossbred cattle (mean initial BW 282 ± 6 kg) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of restricted feeding and roughage source in finishing beef cattle diets. Treatments consisted of diets with 7.5% corn silage (DM basis), fed either ad libitum or restricted, and 7.5% (DM basis) corn stalks or millet hay fed ad libitum. Total DM intake was reduced by 4, 11, and 9% by restricting corn silage, corn stalks, and millet hay treatments, respectively. Average daily gain was not affected (P>0.05) by treatment, whereas feed efficiency was improved (P<0.05) for all treatments compared with corn silage diets fed ad libitum. Total feed cost of gain was highest (P<0.05) for the corn silage treatment fed ad libitum. Hot carcass weight, quality grade, and yield grade were not affected by treatment, and cattle fed restricted corn silage had a lower (P<0.05) dressing percentage. Fecal analysis of Cr concentrations indicated no difference (P>0.05) in OM, DM, or N digestibilities. However, restricted corn silage-fed cattle and cattle fed millet hay ad libitum tended to exhibit increased (P>0.05) OM, DM, and N digestibilities compared with the cattle fed corn silage ad libitum. The cattle fed corn stalks ad libitum tended to have decreased (P>0.05) OM, DM, and N digestibilities compared with the steers fed corn silage ad libitum. Fecal output was not different (P>0.05) between treatments. Restricted corn silage rations, corn stalk rations fed ad libitum, and millet hay rations fed ad libitum tended to decrease (P>0.05) fecal output by cattle compared with cattle fed the corn silage ration ad libitum.     

Protein quality and utilization of timothy, oat-supplemented timothy, and alfalfa at differing harvest maturities in exercised Arabian horses

To evaluate the protein quality and postgut N utilization of full-bloom timothy hay, oat-supplemented timothy-hay diets, and alfalfa hay harvested at different maturities, apparent whole tract N digestibility, urinary N excretion, and serum AA profiles were determined in light to moderately exercised Arabian horses. Six Arabian geldings (16.0 ± 0.3 yr; 467 ± 11 kg of BW) were randomly allocated to a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Diets included full-bloom timothy grass hay (G), G + 0.2% BW oat (G1), G + 0.4% BW oat (G2), mid-bloom alfalfa (A1), early-bloom alfalfa (A2), and early-bud alfalfa hay (A3). Forages were fed at 1.6% of the BW of the horse (as-fed). Each period consisted of an 11-d adaptation period followed by total collection of feces and urine for 3 d. Blood samples were taken on d 11 for analysis of serum AA concentrations. During the 3-d collection period, urine and feces were collected every 8 h and measured and weighed, respectively. Approximately 10% of the total urine volume and fecal weight per period was retained for N analyses. Fecal DM output was less (P < 0.05) in A1, A2, or A3 compared with G, G1, or G2. Apparent whole tract N digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) in A1, A2, and A3 compared with G, G1, or G2, and was greater (P < 0.05) in G1 and G2 compared with G. Nitrogen retention was not different from zero, and there were no differences (P > 0.05) in N retention among diets. Urinary N excretion and total N excretion were greater (P < 0.05) in A1, A2, and A3 compared with G, G1, or G2. Plasma concentrations for the majority of AA increased curvilinearly in response to feeding G, A1, A2, and A3 (quadratic, P < 0.05), with values appearing to maximize 2-h postfeeding. Although alfalfa N digestibility increased with decreasing harvest maturity, N retention did not differ and urinary volume and N excretion increased, indicating that postabsorptive N utilization decreased. In contrast, inclusion of oats at either 0.2 or 0.4% of the BW of the horse to timothy hay markedly enhanced N digestibility without increasing N excretion, indicating improvement in postgut N utilization. These findings indicate that feeding oat-supplemented timothy hay is more environmentally sustainable than feeding alfalfa to the horse at maintenance or under light to moderate exercise.     

Substitution of wheat dried distillers grains with solubles for barley grain or barley silage in feedlot cattle diets: intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of substituting wheat dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) for barley grain and barley silage on intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in feedlot beef cattle. Eight ruminally cannulated Angus heifers (initial BW 455 ± 10.8 kg) were assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 4 treatments: control, low (25%), medium (30%), and high (35%) wheat DDGS (DM basis). The diets consisted of barley silage, barley concentrate, and wheat DDGS in ratios of 15:85:0 (CON), 10:65:25 (25DDGS), 5:65:30 (30DDGS), and 0:65:35 (35DDGS; DM basis), respectively. The diets were formulated such that wheat DDGS was substituted for both barley grain and barley silage to evaluate whether wheat DDGS can be fed as a source of both energy (grain) and fiber in feedlot finishing diets. Intakes (kg/d) of DM and OM were not different, whereas those of CP, NDF, ADF, and ether extract (EE) were greater (P < 0.01) and intake of starch was less (P < 0.01) for the 25DDGS compared with the CON diet. The digestibilities of CP, NDF, ADF, and EE in the total digestive tract were greater (P < 0.05) for 25DDGS vs. CON. Ruminal pH and total VFA concentrations were not different (P > 0.15) between 25DDGS and CON diets. Replacing barley silage with increasing amounts of wheat DDGS (i.e., from 25DDGS to 35DDGS) linearly reduced (P < 0.05) intakes of DM and other nutrients without altering (P=0.40) CP intake. In contrast, digestibilities of DM and other nutrients in the total digestive tract linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing wheat DDGS except for that of EE. Additionally, with increasing amounts of wheat DDGS, mean ruminal pH tended (P=0.10) to linearly decrease, and ruminal pH status decreased with longer (P=0.04) duration of pH <5.5 and <5.2, and greater (P=0.01) curve area under pH <5.8 and <5.5 without altering (P > 0.19) ruminal VFA and NH(3)-N concentrations. Results indicated that wheat DDGS can be effectively used to replace both barley grain and silage at a moderate amount to meet energy and fiber requirements of finishing cattle. However, when silage content of the diet is low (<10%), wheat DDGS is not an effective fiber source, so replacing forage fiber with wheat DDGS in finishing diets decreases overall ruminal pH status even though the rapidly fermentable starch content of the diet is considerably reduced.     

Rice mill feed as a replacement for broiler litter in diets for growing beef cattle

The efficacy of replacing broiler litter with rice mill feed was evaluated in four experiments. In Exp. 1, 40 predominantly Angus steers (initial BW = 277+/-18.2 kg) were fed four dietary treatments for 112 d (five steers per pen; two pens per diet). Dietary treatments (DM basis) were as follows: 1) 47% broiler litter:53% corn; 2) 60% rice mill feed:40% corn; 3) 50% rice mill feed:50% corn; and 4) 40% rice mill feed:60% corn. All diets, along with bermudagrass hay, were fed free choice. Daily gains were faster (P < 0.10) for the 50:50 and 40:60 diets (1.26 and 1.30 kg/d, respectively) than for the broiler litter diet (0.89 kg/d). Daily DMI was less (P < 0.10) by steers consuming rice mill feed-based diets than by those consuming broiler litter-based diets. In Exp. 2, 16 Angus x Charolais steers (initial BW = 277+/-22.7 kg) were fed the same four diets used in Exp. 1 while housed in individual metabolism stalls for determination of nutrient digestibility. Daily DMI was not different (P > 0.10) among diets. Nutrient digestibilities did not differ among diets (P > 0.10). In Exp. 3, 40 Continental cross steers (initial BW = 257+/-21.3 kg) were fed one of four dietary treatments for 112 d (five steers per pen; two pens per diet). On a DM basis, diets were as follows: 1) 47% broiler litter:53% soyhulls; 2) 70% rice mill feed:30% soyhulls; 3) 60% rice mill feed:40% soyhulls; and 4) 50% rice mill feed:50% soyhulls. All diets, along with bermudagrass hay, were fed free choice. Daily gains were less (P < 0.05) for the broiler litter diet than for the 60:40 and 50:50 diets (1.05, 1.16, and 1.28 kg/d, respectively), and steers fed the broiler litter diet consumed less DM than did steers fed the varying rice mill feed-based diets (P < 0.10). In Exp. 4, 16 Angus x Charolais steers (initial BW = 292+/-21.1 kg) were fed the same four diets as in Exp. 3 while housed in individual metabolism stalls for determination of nutrient digestibility. Daily DMI was less (P < 0.01) for the broiler litter diet (5.0 kg/d) than for the 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50 diets (7.8, 7.9, and 7.9 kg/ d, respectively). Digestibilities for DM, OM, and ADF did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatments; however, CP digestibility was greatest (P < 0.10) for the 60:40 diet, and NDF digestibility was least (P < 0.10) for the 70:30 diet. Rice mill feed can be used to replace broiler litter to formulate low-cost diets for stocker calves. Soyhulls and corn can be blended with rice mill feed to produce acceptable backgrounding diets for growing beef calves.     

By-product feeds for meat goats: effects on digestibility,ruminal environment,and carcass characteristics

Crossbred wether goats (n = 24; 50% Boer, 6 per diet) initially averaging 27.4+/-0.4 kg were fed either wheat middlings (wheat midds), soybean hulls (soyhulls), or corn gluten feed at 1% BW (as-fed) along with orchardgrass hay (10.7% CP) offered to ad-libitum consumption for 72 d followed by 5 d total fecal collection. The Control (hay) diet was supplemented with 5.7% soybean meal to bring total dietary protein to 12.5%, by-products were brought to a higher Ca:P ratio with limestone or dicalcium phosphate to make total dietary Ca:P 1.5:1, and soybean meal was added to soyhulls to bring them up to 17% CP (wheat midds = 17% and corn gluten feed = 21% CP). Total DMI (916 g/d+/-57 or 3.2%+/-0.2 BW) did not differ (P > 0.92) among treatments. Initial BW (P = 0.25), final BW (P = 0.48), and ADG (P = 0.56) did not differ for the four treatments. Carcass weight was greater (P = 0.05) for goats fed soyhulls (16.0 kg) or wheat midds (15.6 kg) as compared with goats fed the hay diet (14.5 kg), with carcass weight from goats fed corn gluten feed being intermediate (15.3 kg, SEM = 0.3 kg). Carcass grade did not differ (P = 0.80) and averaged 5.42+/-0.4. Dressing percentage tended (P = 0.12) to be lower for goats fed the hay diet (46.4%) compared with soyhull (48.3%), corn gluten feed (48.3%), or wheat midd (48.8%) diets (SEM = 0.7). Ruminal pH was highest (P < 0.01) for goats fed the hay diet (6.52) and lowest for goats fed wheat midds (6.23) with soyhull (6.41) and corn gluten feed diets (6.35) being intermediate (SEM = 0.05). Digestibility of DM (70.1+/-2.5%), OM (70.3+/-2.6%,), CP (75.5+/-2.0%), GE (68.5+/-2.7%), NDF (68.1+/-3.0%), ADF (65.4+/-3.4%), cellulose (70.1+/-2.9%), and lignin (31.1+/-8.2%) did not differ (P > 0.15). Total ruminal VFA did not differ (86.0+/-6.1 mM, P = 0.59), but acetate:propionate ratio was higher (P < 0.01) for hay (3.1) and soyhull diets (3.3) than for corn gluten feed (2.4) and wheat midd diets (2.4, SEM = 0.11). Ruminal ammonia (mg/100 mL) was lower (P < 0.01) for goats fed hay (15.4) and soyhull diets (11.6) than those fed corn gluten feed (25.2) and wheat midd diets (23.0, SEM = 1.35). Ruminal pH was lower for goats fed the byproducts, but remained above 6. Serum urea nitrogen (mg/100 mL) averaged 21.0+/-1.0 (P = 0.11) with soyhulls tending to be lowest (19.3) and corn gluten feed tending to be highest (22.8). Soyhulls, corn gluten feed, and wheat midds appear to be viable feed ingredients for meat goat diets.     

Phosphorus bioavailability, growth performance, and nutrient balance in pigs fed high available phosphorus corn and phytase

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate P bioavailability, growth performance, and nutrient balance in pigs fed high available P (HAP) corn with or without phytase. The bioavailability of P in normal and HAP corn relative to monosodiumphosphate (MSP) for pigs was assessed in Exp. 1. In a randomized complete block design, 96 pigs (average initial BW 9.75 kg) were fed eight diets for 28 d. The reference and test diets were formulated by adding P as MSP, HAP, or normal corn at 0, 0.75, or 1.5 g/kg to a corn-starch-soybean meal basal diet (2.5 g/kg P) at the expense of cornstarch. Plasma inorganic P concentration responded linearly (P < 0.05) to supplemental P intake. Estimates of P bioavailability from HAP andnormal corn when plasma P was regressed on supplemental P intake were 46 and 33%, respectively. In Exp. 2 and 3, pigs were fed corn-soybean meal-based diets containing HAP corn or normal corn and 0 or 600 units of phytase per kilogram in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (two corn sources and two levels of phytase). In Exp. 2, 48 crossbred pigs (barrow:gilt, 1:1) averaging 9.25 kg were used to evaluate growth performance. There were no detectable interactions between corn source and phytase for any of the performance criteria measured. Pigs receiving normal corn had the lowest (P < 0.05) BW and rate of gain. Feed efficiency was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed normal compared with those fed the HAP corn phytase-supplemented diet. In Exp. 3, 24 crossbred barrows averaging 14.0 kg were used to evaluate nutrient digestibility. There were no detectable interactions between corn and phytase for any of the N and Ca balance criteria. Nitrogen and Ca retention were improved in pigs receiving HAP corn with phytase (P < 0.05). Retention and digestibility of P was lowest (P < 0.01) for pigs on normal corn diet without phytase. The percentage of P digested and retained was improved and fecal P excretion lowered (P < 0.05) by feeding HAP corn.The results of this study indicate that the bioavailability and balance of P in HAP corn is superior to that of normal corn. The addition of 600 phytase units (Natuphos 600, BASF) to HAP corn-based diets further improved P digestibility and reduced P excretion in pigs.     

A regional evaluation of the effect of fiber type in gestation diets on sow reproductive performance

A cooperative regional research study using 194 sows, from which data were collected from 381 litters, was conducted at 3 research stations to determine the effects of added psyllium (a concentrated fiber source) or soybean hulls to gestation diets on reproductive performance of sows and preweaning performance of their pigs. Primiparous and multiparous sows were allotted to the 3 treatments of control (corn and soybean meal-based), 0.30% psyllium, or 20% soybean hulls. Sows fed the control and 0.30% psyllium diets were provided 1.82 kg/d, and sows fed the 20% soybean hulls diet were provided 2.0 kg/d to equalize ME, Lys, Ca, P, and vitamin and trace mineral intake. Treatments 1 to 3 had 130, 130, and 121 litters per treatment from 64, 64, and 63 sows, respectively. Gestating sows fed psyllium had a greater (P < 0.01 to 0.10) d 110 gestation, farrowing, weaning, and 17 d postpartum BW and gestation ADG compared with sows fed soybean hulls. Sows fed psyllium also had a greater (P < 0.10 and 0.08) d 110 gestation BW and gestation ADG than the control sows. Sows fed soybean hulls had a reduced (P < 0.06) farrowing BW compared with the control sows. Sows fed psyllium weaned lighter (P < 0.09) pigs than sows fed the control diet. Litter size was not affected (P > 0.10) by diet. Sows fed psyllium had a reduced (P < 0.03) feed intake compared with sows fed soybean hulls for d 5 to 7 postpartum, and sows fed the control diet were intermediate. Fecal scores (1 to 5 with 1 = dry and 5 = watery) were greater (P < 0.001) and DM content was less (P < 0.001 to 0.01) in the feces of sows fed soybean hulls compared with sows fed psyllium or the control diet on d 112 of gestation and d 4 postpartum. Fecal scores were greater (P < 0.10) and fecal DM content was less (P < 0.02) in sows fed psyllium compared with sows fed the control diet only on d 4 postpartum. In summary, sows fed soybean hulls during gestation had reduced BW compared with sows fed the control diets. In contrast, sows fed psyllium had an increased BW.     

Wet corn gluten feed and alfalfa hay combinations in steam-flaked corn finishing cattle diets

One finishing trial and one digestibility trial were used to evaluate wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) and alfalfa hay (AH) combinations in steam-flaked corn (SFC) finishing diets. In Exp. 1, 631 crossbred heifers (initial BW = 284 +/- 7.9 kg) were fed SFC-based diets containing combinations of WCGF (25, 35, or 45% of diet DM) and AH (2 or 6% of dietary DM) in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. No interactions existed between WCGF and AH for heifer performance. Increasing dietary WCGF linearly decreased gain efficiency (P < 0.01), dietary NEg concentration (P < 0.05), and 12th-rib fat thickness (P = 0.10). Cattle fed 35% WCGF had the lowest occurrence of abscessed livers, resulting in a quadratic response (P < 0.05) as dietary WCGF increased. In Exp. 2, 12 ruminally cannulated Jersey steers (585 kg) were fed SFC-based diets containing combinations of WCGF (25 or 45% of diet DM) and AH (0, 2, or 6% of diet DM) in an incomplete Latin square design with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Starch intake was lower (P < 0.05), but NDF intake was greater (P < 0.05) as AH and WCGF increased in the diet. Ruminal pH was increased by AH (linear, P < 0.05) and tended (P < 0.07) to increase with WCGF. Feeding 2% AH led to the greatest ruminal NH3 but the lowest total VFA and propionate (quadratic, P < 0.05). Addition of AH to diets containing 25% WCGF increased acetate to a greater extent than addition to diets containing 45% WCGF (AH x WCGF interaction, P < 0.05). Feeding 45% WCGF tended to increase passage rate (P = 0.17) and decrease (P < 0.05) total tract OM digestibility but increase (P < 0.05) in situ degradation of DM from AH and WCGF. Interactions between AH and WCGF existed (P < 0.05) for ruminal fluid volume (quadratic effect of AH x WCGF level), in situ SFC degradation (linear effect of AH x WCGF level), and in situ rate of WCGF DM disappearance (quadratic effect of AH x WCGF level). We conclude that AH levels may be decreased when WCGF is added to SFC diets as 25% or more of the dietary DM.     

Effects of haylage and monensin supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal metabolism of feedlot cattle fed diets containing 60% dried distillers grains

The objectives of this research were to determine the interaction of monensin and haylage supplementation for steers fed 60% dried distillers grains (DDGS) on 1) mineral status, performance, and carcass characteristics, and on 2) ruminal pH, H(2)S, and short-chain fatty acid concentrations. In Exp. 1, Angus-cross steers (n=168; BW=277 ± 67 kg) were blocked by BW and allotted in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to 24 pens. Dietary treatments were 1) 0 mg of monensin/kg of diet + 0% haylage, 2) 33 mg of monensin/kg of diet + 0% haylage, 3) 0 mg of monensin/kg of diet + 10% haylage, and 4) 33 mg of monensin/kg of diet + 10% haylage. The remainder of the diet was 60% DDGS, 10% corn silage, 15% supplement, and corn (either 5 or 15%) on a DM basis. When supplemented with 0 mg of monensin/kg of diet, added haylage increased ADG by 5.7%, whereas when supplemented with 33 mg of monensin/kg of diet, added haylage increased ADG by 13% (P < 0.01). No interactions of monensin and haylage were observed for DMI or G:F (P ≥ 0.36). Haylage inclusion increased (P < 0.01) DMI and decreased (P < 0.01) G:F. No interactions (P > 0.05) on plasma mineral concentrations were observed; however, over time, plasma Cu concentrations decreased (P < 0.01), whereas plasma ceruloplasmin and S concentrations increased (P < 0.01). There were no treatment effects (P ≥ 0.08) on carcass characteristics. Cattle fed the 60% DDGS diets benefitted from increased dietary forage, and the effects of monensin and forage were additive for ADG and final BW. In Exp. 2, ruminally fistulated steers (n=8; BW = 346 ± 34 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design and were randomly assigned to the diets used in Exp. 1. Haylage inclusion increased ruminal pH from 1.5 through 12 h postfeeding, and the effects of monensin supplementation were additive (P < 0.05). From 1.5 through 9 h postfeeding, steers fed 33 mg of monensin/kg of diet tended to have reduced (P ≤ 0.10) concentrations of H(2)S when compared with steers fed 0 mg of monensin/kg of diet. Acetate:propionate ratios at 6 h postfeeding were 0.94, 0.93, 1.29, and 1.35 for diets 1 to 4, respectively (P < 0.01); total lactate was decreased regardless of treatment (range: 0.94 to 1.42 μmol/mL). Sulfuric acid in DDGS, not ruminal short-chain fatty acids, may be responsible for the low rumen pH observed and may influence the maximum inclusion of DDGS in cattle diets. Monensin supplementation decreased H(2)S concentration and may decrease the risk of polioencephalomalacia for cattle fed high-DDGS diets.