May 9, 2008

Study shows source of distiller's grains affects animal performance
 

The type of distiller's grains used in finishing rations of High Plains cattle have differences in energy value and varied effects on animal performance, said Texas AgriLife Research scientist Dr Jim MacDonald.

Dr MacDonald began investigating the different animal performance responses observed in the Northern and Southern Plains, and tried to determine how to successfully incorporate distiller's grains into the region's finishing rations.

Dry-rolled corn with distiller's grains derived from corn are used by researchers in the Northern Plains while steam-flaked corn with distiller's grains from sorghum are used in the Southern Plains.

Three performance trials were done; two utilising corn-based distiller's grain from a Nebraska plant, and the third using sorghum-derived distiller's grains.

The study found that there are large differences in the energy value of distiller's grains derived from different cereal grain sources, similar to the variations in energy values of the cereal grains themselves, MacDonald said.

There will be a place for all of the different types of distiller's grains produced, but the producer needs to know what the energy value is and the product needs to be priced appropriately, he said.

MacDonald added that it is important for producers to understand that distiller's grains from one plant is different from another so it is vital to have a relationship with their distiller's grains supplier.