Evaluation of wheat or corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers

A novel therapeutic effect of mannitol-rich extract from the brown seaweed Sargassum ilicifolium using in vitro and in vivo models

BACKGROUND

Wound healing is an active, complex, integrated series of cellular, physiological, and biochemical changes initiated by the stimulus of injury in a tissue. The present study was performed to investigate the potential wound healing abilities of Sargassum ilicifolium crude extracts (CE) that were characterized by 1H NMR and FTIR Spectrometric measurements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seaweed samples were collected from southern coastal sites of Sri Lanka. To determine the cytotoxicity and proliferation of S. ilicifolium CE were used for the MTT and alamarBlue assays respectively. The scratch and exclusion wound models were used to HaCaT and HDF cells to assess the cell proliferation and migration. RAW 264.7 cells (macrophages) were used to evaluate Nitric Oxide (NO) production and phagocytosis activities. Moreover, Fifteen, 8-week-old, female, New Zealand rabbits were selected and divided into five groups: excision skin wounds (10.40 ± 0.60 mm) were induced in groups I, II, and III. Rabbits in groups I and IV were given S. ilicifolium CE (orally, 100 mg/kg day, two weeks), whereas groups II and V were given equal amounts of distilled water. Wound healing properties were measured and wound tissue samples were collated, formalin-fixed, wax-embedded, stained (Hematoxylin and Eosin; Van Gieson) and examined for the healing process.

RESULTS

Anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities were observed in RAW 264.7, HDF and HaCaT cells treated with S. ilicifolium aqueous extracts when compared to the control groups. S. ilicifolium extracts concentration 8 - 4 μg/μL, (P<0.05) had remarkable the highest proliferative and migratory effects on RAW 264.7, HDF and HaCaT cells when compared with the control. RAW 264.7 cell proliferation and/or migration were higher in S. ilicifolium extracts (4 μg/μL, 232.8 ± 10.07%) compared with the control (100 %). Scratch wound healing were remarkably enhanced in 24 h, 48 h (P<0.05) when treated with S. ilicifolium on HaCaT cells. Rabbits treated with the CE of S. ilicifolium showed a significantly increased wound healing activities (P<0.05) within three days with a close wound area of 57.21 ± 0.77 % compared with control group (26.63 ± 1.09 %). Histopathology, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels evidenced no toxic effects on seaweed treated groups. Histopathological results also revealed that the healing process was significantly faster in the rabbit groups which were as treated with CE of S. ilicifolium orally with the evidence of enhanced early granulation tissue (connective tissue and angiogenesis) and significant epithelization compared to the control.

CONCLUSIONS

Cell proliferation and migration are significantly faster when treated with S. ilicifolium aqueous extracts. Moreover, there are no toxic effect of S. ilicifolium aqueous extracts on RAW 264.7, HDF and HaCaT cell lines. In this study, it is revealed that S. ilicifolium has potential remedial agent; D-Mannitol for skin wound healing properties that by promote keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation and migration. These findings show that S. ilicifolium have promising wound healing properties.

Evaluation of pineapple stem starch as a substitute for corn grain or ground cassava in a cattle feedlot for 206 or 344 days: feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and economic evaluation

The pineapple stem starch substituted for ground cassava or corn as a carbohydrate source in the concentrate diet. The experiment used 36 Holstein crossbred steers (aged 22 months) with an average initial body weight of 453.0 ± 35.3 kg. The experimental units were randomly assigned to three different starch sources of concentrate diets: ground corn (GC), ground cassava (CA), or pineapple stem starch (PS) with two different feeding periods: (1) period 1 for 206 days or (2) period 2 for 344 days with six replicates per treatment (two steers per replication), arranged in a completely randomized design. The animals were slaughtered at the end of the experimental periods. After that, the feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and economic return were evaluated. The results showed that the steers fed PS had a greater weight gain, average daily gain, and lower feed: gain ratio when fed for 206 days than when fed for 344 days, but dry matter intake, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and fatty acids profile did not differ between treatments in both periods of feeding except C14:1 and C18:0. The steers fed PS showed the greatest economic return. As a substitute for cassava or corn, pineapple stem starch had no negative impact on the feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. These results indicate that pineapple stem starch could be a useful feedstuff for the feedlot steers diets as an alternative starch source.

Impact of different levels of low-fat dried distillers grains on performance of young Nellore bulls during the finishing phase

This study evaluated the effect of including low-fat dried distillers grains (DDG) on young Nellore bulls performance, nutritional parameters, and nitrogen metabolism. Thirty-five Nellore cattle were randomly divided into four diets: without dried distillers grains (D0) or with the inclusion of DDG at 150 g/kg (D150), 300 g/kg (D300), or 450 g/kg (D450). The evaluation period lasted 126 days, and three periods of collection of feces and urine were carried out. Final body weight (P = 0.099) and average daily gain (P = 0.097) tended to decrease linearly; the digestibility of dry matter (P < 0.001), organic matter (P < 0.001), ether extract (P < 0.001) and nonfiber carbohydrates (P < 0.001), and intakes of total digestible nutrients (TDN, P < 0.001) decreased linearly. The increase in crude protein intake (P < 0.001) did not result in an increase in the amount of nitrogen retained (P = 0.540). We concluded that the inclusion of low-fat DDG in finishing diets up to the level of 450 g/kg tends to reduce animal performance and the intake of TDN.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the wound healing properties and safety assessment of two seaweeds (Sargassum ilicifolium and Ulva lactuca)

Seaweeds have been regarded as a reservoir of biologically active molecules that are important in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of the present study was to explore the wound healing properties and to assess the safety of the seaweed Sargassum ilicifolium and Ulva lactuca. Enhanced cell proliferation and cell migration activities were observed in L929 cells treated with S. ilicifolium extract compared to U. lactuca extract treated cells and the control group. In-vivo experiments were conducted using five groups (10 in each) of Albino mice (BALB/c). Mice in group I and group II were treated (Orally, 100 mg/kg BW/day) with aqueous extracts of S. ilicifolium and U. lactuca, respectively for 14 days. Treatment group III received a topical application of the aqueous extract of S. ilicifolium (25% w/w) and ointment base (75% w/w) (2 g/kg BW/day, for 14 days). Group IV (Control) received an equal amount of distilled water, orally and mice in group V kept without wounds. The extract from S. ilicifolium showed stronger wound healing properties than the one from Ulva lactuca. Histopathological findings also revealed that the healing process was significantly enhanced in the mice group treated orally with S. ilicifolium aqueous extract. These findings show that S. ilicifolium species possess promising wound healing properties in-vitro and in-vivo.

Meat quality traits and feeding distillers grains to cattle: a review

Livestock management and meat production involve a series of steps that affect meat quality. Animal genetics, nutrition and diets, slaughter procedures and meat-preservation conditions are some of the parameters that should be controlled to maintain meat quality. In regard to animal nutrition and diets, novel ingredients are increasingly used, distillers grains (DG) being an example. DG are obtained as a co-product from bioethanol production and comprise the fat, protein, fibre and micronutrient portion of the grains. Many papers have studied the inclusion of DG in finishing diets and their effect on growth performance and meat characteristics, but a review on the effects on meat quality is needed. Feeding with DG influences beef colour; nevertheless, a relationship between the level of inclusion and colour development has not been established yet. In addition, feeding DG-inclusion diets sometimes increases meat discoloration during retail display. Also, the composition of fatty acids is modified since total polyunsaturated fatty acid content in meat increases with the inclusion of DG in finishing diets. This increment in polyunsaturated fatty acid content is likely to contribute to lipid oxidation processes and might be related to meat discoloration due to myoglobin oxidation. However, meat tenderness has not been modified in most of the cases. This review focused on recent studies on DG inclusion, animal performance and meat quality. Key points that need further research are also identified and discussed.

Growth Performance and Carcass Traits Responses to Dried Distillers' Grain with Solubles Feeding of Growing Awassi Ram Lambs

Simple Summary

Corn grain is considered to be the most important crop in the world. Corn dried distiller grains with solubles is a by-product of ethanol production. It is included at 0, 125, or 25 g/kg in lambs’ diets. This inclusion reduced the cost of diet, indicating the good possibility of using it in small ruminant diets.

Abstract

This study considers the impact of dried distillers’ grain with solubles (DDGS) in diets of lambs. Randomly; 27 lambs were distributed to one of three diets. Diets were: a control diet (CON; n = 9), a 125 (DDGS125; n = 9) or a 250 g/kg DDGS (DDGS250; n = 9) of dietary dry matter (DM). The lambs were fed using these diets for 91 days. To assess carcass traits; five lambs were randomly selected at the end of the study. No significant differences were detected in intake and digestibility of DM; crude protein and fiber. Average daily gain did not differ among diets. Carcass characteristics did not differ among diets. With the exception of shear force and redness, which were greater in DDGS250 than in DDGS125 and CON diets, meat quality parameters were unaffected. Eye muscle area decreased in DDGS125 than in DDGS250 and CON diet. These results demonstrate that the feeding of lambs on DDGS at 125 or 250 g/kg DM did not have any impact on growth. These diets only had a simple effect on the characteristics of carcass and meat quality. These results suggest that it would be suitable to introduce these feeds into sheep nutrition in the future.

Feeding condensed tannins to mitigate ammonia emissions from beef feedlot cattle fed high-protein finishing diets containing distillers grains

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of feeding a condensed tannin extract (CT) on dry matter intake (DMI), growth performance, carcass traits, and NH3-N emissions of beef feedlot cattle fed high-protein barley-based finishing diets. In Exp. 1, 36 crossbred steers (346 ± 4.2 kg) were individually fed 4 diets with 20% corn dried distillers grains (DG) and increasing concentrations of a CT extract from Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) at 0%, 1.2%, 2.4%, and 3.5% of DM (9 steers per diet) for 52 d. The DMI was not affected at 1.2% and 2.4% but tended (P = 0.08, quadratic effect) to decrease at 3.5% CT extract. There was no effect (P ≥ 0.12) of increasing CT extract on ADG, but G:F tended (P = 0.09) to decrease linearly. In Exp. 2, 148 crossbred steers (457 ± 3.8 kg) were allocated to 16 pens with 4 pens per treatment in a completely randomized design and fed for 83 d. The 4 dietary treatments included 0% corn DG (0DG), 20% DG (20DG), 40% DG (40DG), and 40% DG with 2.5% CT extract (40DGCT) and contained 13.3, 15.9, 20.4, and 19.4% CP, respectively. All cattle were weighed, and blood was collected from 5 steers per pen every 3 wk. Ammonia emissions were measured in four 3-wk periods using the integrated horizontal flux technique with passive NH3 samplers from 2 pens of cattle fed 0DG and 20DG (Period 1), 40DG and 40DGCT (Period 2), 0DG and 40DG (Period 3), and 0DG and 40DGCT (Period 4). There was no effect (P ≥ 0.15) of diet on final body weight (621 ± 7.1 kg), DMI (11.9 ± 0.25 kg/d), ADG (1.98 ± 0.07 kg/d), G:F (166 ± 5.4 g/kg), and carcass traits. Plasma urea N (PUN) increased (P < 0.001) from 0DG to 40DG (113 to 170 ± 6.0 mg N/L) and was reduced (P < 0.001) by 40DGCT (146 mg N/L) compared with 40DG and tended (P = 0.09) to be reduced compared with steers fed 20DG (153 mg N/L). Ammonia-N emissions were greater from cattle fed 40DG [113.7 vs. 70.8 ± 4.57 g N/(steer·d), P = 0.003] and tended to be greater from cattle fed 20DG [51.3 vs. 26.3 ± 11.2 g N/(steer·d), P = 0.11] compared with 0DG. Cattle fed 40DGCT tended to have lower NH3-N emissions compared with cattle fed 40DG [72.7 vs. 95.1 ± 9.3 g N/(steer·d), P = 0.09 and 20.5 vs. 26.5 ± 2.64% N intake, P = 0.11]. Feeding 2.5% CT to beef feedlot cattle fed a high-protein diet had no detrimental effect on performance, reduced PUN indicating lower urinary urea N excretion, and lowered NH3-N emissions by 23%.

Effect of feeding condensed tannins in high protein finishing diets containing corn distillers grains on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and route of nitrogen excretion in beef cattle

Eight ruminally cannulated crossbred beef heifers (427 ± 41.2 kg, body weight) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square to determine the effects of feeding a condensed tannin (CT) extract with high protein diets containing corn dried distillers grains and solubles (DG) on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and route of nitrogen (N) excretion. Dietary treatments included [dry matter (DM) basis]: 0 (0DG), 20 (20DG), and 40% DG (40DG), and 40% DG with 2.5% CT extract (1.33% CT) from Acacia mearnsii (40DGCT). The DG and CT extract were substituted for grain in a barley-based diet that contained 91% concentrate and 9% silage (DM basis) and was fed as a total mixed ration once daily. The crude protein concentrations of the diets were 12.9, 16.8, 20.4, and 20.5% for 0DG, 20DG, 40DG, and 40DGCT, respectively. Periods were 5 wk with 2 wk for transition to the DG level of the diets, 1 wk for adaptation to CT, and 2 wk for measurements. Feed offered and refused were measured daily. Total urine and fecal output were collected daily for 4 d consecutively. Data were analyzed using a mixed linear model with diet and period as fixed effects and square and animal within square as random effects. There was no effect (P ≥ 0.22) of CT on DM intake, but 40% DG in the diet (40DG and 40DGCT) decreased (P ≤ 0.015) DM intake compared with 20DG. As a result, nitrogen (N) intake was not different (P > 0.15) among heifers fed 20DG, 40DG, and 40DGCT (313 g N/d) and was less (P ≤ 0.001) for heifers fed 0DG (220 ± 18 g N/d). Apparent total tract N digestibility was less (P ≤ 0.001) in heifers fed 40DGCT (70.6 ± 1.07%) compared with to 0DG, 20DG, and 40DG (78.4%). There was no effect (P = 0.84) of CT (40DGCT vs. 40DG) on the total N output, however, feeding 40DGCT decreased (P ≤ 0.001) the excretion of total urinary N and urea N in urine by 17 and 21%, respectively, compared with heifers fed 40DG and was equivalent (P ≥ 0.12) to the amount excreted by heifers fed 20DG. The reduction of N digestibility reflected the protein binding effects of CT within the gastrointestinal tract and the shift in excess N excretion from labile urea N in urine to bound NDIN and ADIN in feces (P ≤ 0.001) in heifers fed 40DGCT compared with 40DG. Supplementation of CT in high protein diets fed to feedlot cattle reduced urinary N and increased the capture of N in manure to potentially lesson the loss of N as ammonia and provide opportunities for improved nutrient management of beef production.

High-fibre high-lipid by-product pellets containing calcium oxide-treated oat hulls as a partial replacement for barley grain in finishing diets for beef cattle

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of treating oat hulls with calcium oxide (CaO) prior to inclusion in a high-lipid by-product pellet (HLP) on dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal fermentation, and total-tract digestibility (Study 1) and growth performance (Study 2). In Study 1, six ruminally cannulated heifers were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Study 2 used 210 steers in 21 pens in a 113 d finishing study. Dietary treatments for both studies included a barley-based control diet (CON), a diet where HLP partially replaced barley grain (NT-HLP), and a diet where HLP contained oat hulls treated with 7.5% CaO [dry matter (DM) basis; CaO-HLP]. For Study 1, DMI and ruminal pH were not affected. Apparent total-tract digestibility of DM and organic matter (OM) were greater (P < 0.05) for CON than NT-HLP and CaO-HLP. In Study 2, final body weight tended to be greater for NT-HLP and CaO-HLP than CON (P = 0.065). For CaO-HLP and NT-HLP, DMI was greater than CON (P < 0.01), but average daily gain (ADG) (2.0 kg d−1) and gain:feed (G:F) (0.16 kg kg−1) were not different. Thus, HLP can partially replace barley grain in finishing diets without negatively affecting ruminal fermentation or growth performance, but treatment with CaO has no effect.

In situ ruminal degradation characteristics of dry matter and crude protein from dried corn, high-protein corn, and wheat distillers grains

Background

The continuing growth of the ethanol industry has generated large amounts of various distillers grains co-products. These are characterized by a wide variation in chemical composition and ruminal degradability. Therefore, their precise formulation in the ruminant diet requires the systematic evaluation of their degradation profiles in the rumen.

Methods

Three distillers grains plus soluble co-products (DDGS) namely, corn DDGS, high-protein corn DDGS (HP-DDGS), and wheat DDGS, were subjected to an in situ trial to determine the degradation kinetics of the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP). Soybean meal (SBM), a feed with highly degradable protein in the rumen, was included as the fourth feed. The four feeds were incubated in duplicate at each time point in the rumen of three ruminally cannulated Hanwoo cattle for 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h.

Results

Wheat DDGS had the highest filterable and soluble A fraction of its DM (37.2 %), but the lowest degradable B (49.5 %; P < 0.001) and an undegradable C fraction (13.3 %; P < 0.001). The filterable and soluble A fraction of CP was greatest with wheat DDGS, intermediate with corn DDGS, and lowest with HP-DDGS and SBM; however, the undegradable C fraction of CP was the greatest with HP-DDGS (41.2 %), intermediate with corn DDGS (2.7 %), and lowest with wheat DDGS and SMB (average 4.3 %). The degradation rate of degradable B fraction (% h⁻¹) was ranked from highest to lowest as follows for 1) DM: SBM (13.3), wheat DDGS (9.1), and corn DDGS and HP-DDGS (average 5.2); 2) CP: SBM (17.6), wheat DDGS (11.6), and corn DDGS and HP-DDGS (average 4.4). The in situ effective degradability of CP, assuming a passage rate of 0.06 h⁻¹, was the highest (P < 0.001) for SBM (73.9 %) and wheat DDGS (71.2 %), intermediate for corn DDGS (42.5 %), and the lowest for HP-DDGS (28.6 %), which suggests that corn DDGS and HP-DDGS are a good source of undegraded intake protein for ruminants.

Conclusions

This study provided a comparative estimate of ruminal DM and CP degradation characteristics for three DDGS co-products and SBM, which might be useful for their inclusion in the diet according to the ruminally undegraded to degraded intake protein ratio.

Effect of including high-lipid by-product pellets in substitution for barley grain and canola meal in finishing diets for beef cattle on ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility

The objective was to determine the effect of replacing barley grain and canola meal with high-lipid by-product pellets (HLBP; 14.6% CP, 29.8% NDF, 9.0% fat, and 5.52 MJ NE/kg in DM) on DMI, ruminal fermentation, nutrient flow at the omasal canal, and nutrient digestibility. Four ruminally cannulated and ovariectomized Hereford × Gelbvieh heifers (initial BW of 631.9 ± 23.3 kg; mean ± SD) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Periods consisted of 28 d, including 10 d for diet transition, 11 d for dietary adaptation, and 7 d for measurements. Heifers were fed a typical finishing diet consisting of 89% of concentrate (barley grain and canola meal; CONT), 6% of barley silage, and 5% of mineral and vitamin supplement (on DM basis). Dietary treatments consisted of a CONT or diets where 30% (HLBP30), 60% (HLBP60), and 90% (HLBP90) of the barley grain and canola meal were replaced with HLBP. Dry matter intake was not affected by treatment ( > 0.10). Total short-chain fatty acid concentration and molar proportions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate ( > 0.10) among treatments and ruminal ammonia did not differ ( > 0.10) among treatments, and ruminal ammonia increased ( = 0.03) linearly with increasing HLBP inclusion rate in the diet. Mean and maximum pH increased, whereas the duration and area that pH was below 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2, thresholds used for mild, severe, and acute ruminal acidosis, respectively, decreased linearly ( ≤ 0.05) with increasing rates of inclusion of HLBP. Organic matter flow at the omasal canal increased linearly ( = 0.03) with increasing HLBP inclusion rate in the diet. However, OM digestibility coefficients and apparent ruminal NDF and ADF digestibility yielded negative values for some animals, especially those fed HLBP90, indicating that ruminal digestibility was underestimated. Total tract OM digestibility decreased linearly ( < 0.01) with increasing inclusion rates of HLBP. This study showed that HLBP inclusion in substitution for barley grain and canola meal linearly decreases the severity of ruminal acidosis in cattle fed a typical grain-based finishing diet. However, total tract nutrient digestibility was negatively affected.

Effect of feeding strategically blended feed pellets on rumen fermentation and nutrient digestion

Zenobi, M. G., Lardner, H. A., Jefferson, P. G. and McKinnon, J. J. 2015. Effect of feeding strategically blended feed pellets on rumen fermentation and nutrient digestion. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 243–254. Five rumen-cannulated heifers (631±31 kg) were used in a 5×5 Latin square design to evaluate the effect of feeding blended by-product feed pellets (BP) on rumen fermentation and nutrient utilization. Four BP were formulated to be high in starch (HS) or fat (HF) and either low (LSP) or high (HSP) in soluble crude protein. The control diet consisted of 49.1% forage and 50.9% barley-based concentrate. Treatments were 50.3% forage and 49.7% BP (DM). Heifers fed HF BP had higher (P=0.05) mean pH values than those fed the control diet and tended (P=0.07) to have higher mean pH than those fed the HS BP. Feeding HF BP decreased (P<0.05) rumen propionate concentration without affecting acetate or total volatile fatty acid concentration. Rumen ammonia-nitrogen (N) levels and digestibility of crude protein was highest (P<0.05) for HS, intermediate for HF, and the lowest for the control. Feeding HF BP reduced (P<0.05) gross energy digestibility and digestible energy content relative to both the control and HS diets while both BP increased (P<0.01) their extract digestibility compared with the control. There was minimal effect of pellet soluble crude protein content. Total N excretion (% of N intake) was not affected (P>0.05) by treatment. These results indicate that BP had no adverse effects on rumen fermentation or apparent nutrient digestibility and did not result in issues with excess nutrient excretion. As such BP can be used as an alternative energy source in backgrounding diets to cereal grains and can help counteract volatility in feed grain prices.

Using a fibrolytic enzyme in barley-based diets containing wheat dried distillers grains with solubles: ruminal fermentation, digestibility, and growth performance of feedlot steers

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of adding an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (FE) on ruminal pH and fermentation, digestibility, and growth performance of feedlot beef cattle fed a finishing diet containing wheat dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). In Exp. 1, 4 ruminally cannulated Angus heifers (average BW of 807 ± 93.9 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were 1) control (CON; 10% barley silage and 90% barley grain-based concentrate), 2) CON diet substituting 30% wheat DDGS for barley grain (WDG), 3) WDG diet supplemented with low FE (WDGL), and 4) WDG diet supplemented with high FE (WDGH). Heifers fed WDG had less (P = 0.01) total tract DM digestibility than heifers fed CON. Increasing FE linearly (P < 0.05) increased starch digestibility without affecting digestibility of other nutrients. Addition of FE also reduced (P = 0.03) ruminal ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentration but did not affect VFA concentration. Moreover, application of FE to wheat DDGS linearly increased in situ ruminal DM (P < 0.01) and NDF (P = 0.02) disappearance after 48 h of incubation. In Exp. 2, 160 yearling steers (initial BW = 495 ± 37.9 kg) were fed the same diets as in Exp. 1. No differences in DMI, final BW, ADG, dietary NEg, or carcass characteristics were observed among diets. However, the steers fed WDG had less (P < 0.05) G:F and greater number of (P < 0.01) abscessed livers than steers fed CON. Increasing FE application in wheat DDGS diets did not affect DMI, final BW, or ADG but tended (P < 0.09) to linearly improve feed efficiency and decreased (P = 0.03) the incidence of abscessed livers. These results demonstrated adverse effects of including wheat DDGS in finishing diets on feed digestion, feed efficiency, and animal health. Application of FE in wheat DDGS-based diets potentially improved starch digestion, protein metabolism in the rumen, feed efficiency, and animal health.

Effect of low-oil corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles on growth performance, carcass traits and beef fatty acid profile of feedlot cattle

He, M. L., Xu, L., Yang, W. Z., Gibb, D. and McAllister, T. A. 2014. Effect of low-oil corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles on growth performance, carcass traits and beef fatty acid profile of feedlot cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 343–347. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of low-oil corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (LO-DDGS) on growth, carcass traits and beef fatty acids profiles of finishing feedlot cattle. One hundred and eighty British crossbred steers (450±28.5 kg; six pens/treatment) were offered barley grain-barley silage as the control diet with LO-DDGS replacing barley grain at 200 and 300 g kg−1 dry matter basis in treatment diets. Compared with control, LO-DDGS at 200 g kg−1 did not affect growth performance or carcass traits, whereas at 300 g kg−1 it decreased (P<0.05) gain:feed, but increased (P<0.05) levels of desirable fatty acids in beef. LO-DDGS can replace 200 g kg−1 barley grain in finishing feedlot diets without undesirable impacts on growth performance or carcass traits.

Effect of dietary inclusion of triticale dried distillers' grain and oilseeds on quality and fatty acid profile of meat from feedlot steers

This study compared carcass, meat quality and fatty acid profiles of longissimus thoracis (LT) from feedlot cattle fed barley grain with or without oilseed (OS). Six diets containing no oilseed (No-OS), 10% ground flaxseed (FS), 10% high oleate sunflower seeds (SS) with or without 30% triticale dried distiller's grain (DDGS) were prepared. Feeding DDGS increased chroma at 24 and 144 h post mortem. Feeding FS increased weight% of LT PUFA (P<0.05) compared to No-OS or SS. An OS by DDGS interaction occurred for 18:3n-3 (P<0.05) where FS increased weight% of 18:3n-3 (P<0.05), a response accentuated (P<0.05) by DDGS. Feeding DDGS increased weight% of LT 18:2n-6 (P<0.05), but neither OS nor DDGS affected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, t7,c9 &c9,t11-18:2). Feeding FS increased weight% of n-3 FA, and both FS and SS increased t10-18:1 with no effect on CLA or t11-18:1. Combination feeding of DDGS and FS further increased weight% of n-3 FA and tempered increases in t10-18:1 with no effect on CLA or t11-18:1. The findings suggest a new strategy to increase beef omega-3 fatty acids efficiently through inclusion of a combination of DDGS and FS in feedlot diet.

Short Communication: Use of high-lipid by-product pellets as a partial replacement for barley grain and canola meal in finishing diets for beef steers

Górka, P., McKinnon, J. J. and Penner, G. B. 2013. Short Communication: Use of high-lipid by-product pellets as a partial replacement for barley grain and canola meal in finishing diets for beef steers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 523–528. The objectives were to determine the effect of the inclusion rate (0%, CON; 30%, HLP30; 60%, HLP60) of high-lipid by-product pellets (HLP) as a partial replacement for barley grain and canola meal on feed intake and growth performance of steers (n=264). Dry matter intake and gain:feed ratio were greater (P<0.01) for HLP30 and HLP60 relative to CON. This study indicates that up to 60% of the barley grain and canola meal in finishing diets for steers can be replaced with HLP, although feed efficiency may be compromised.

Effect of high dietary levels of canola meal on growth performance, carcass quality and meat fatty acid profiles of feedlot cattle

He, M. L., Gibb, D., McKinnon, J. J. and McAllister, T. A. 2013. Effect of high dietary levels of canola meal on growth performance, carcass quality and meat fatty acid profiles of feedlot cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 269–280. This study investigated the effect of substituting canola meal (CM) for barley grain on growth performance, carcass quality and meat fatty acid (FA) profiles of feedlot cattle. Cross bred calves (n=140; 285±27 kg) were individually fed diets comprised of a barley grain based concentrate (including 5% supplement) and barley silage at ratios of 45:55 and 92:8 (DM basis) during growing and finishing periods, respectively. Pressed CM from Brassica napus, containing 11.4% residual oil and solvent-extracted CM derived from B. napus or Brassica juncea canola seed were compared. Canola meal was substituted for 0 (control), 15, or 30% barley grain (DM basis) in both growing and finishing diets. Regardless of diet, cattle did not differ (P>0.05) in average daily gain in either the growing or finishing period. For the overall feeding period, inclusion of 30% CM increased (P<0.01) DMI of cattle compared with 15% CM groups, but reduced (P<0.05) gain: feed (G:F) as compared with control and 15% B. juncea and 15% pressed CM. Gain: feed of cattle fed CM was also reduced (P<0.05) during the finishing period as compared with the control diet with this reduction being more notable at the 30% level. Carcass quality and incidence of liver abscesses were not affected (P>0.05) by inclusion of CM. Inclusion of 30% pressed CM resulted in higher (P<0.05)%FAME of total polyunsaturated fatty acid, n-3, alpha-linolenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and a decrease (P<0.05) in n-6/n-3 ratio in the pars costalis diaphragmatis muscle as compared with the control diet. In conclusion, inclusion of CM did not alter the growth performance or G:F of beef cattle during the growing period, but did lower G:F during the finishing period. The inclusion of 15 or 30% solvent-extracted CM did not alter carcass quality, whereas 30% pressed CM increased the levels of desirable fatty acids (i.e., n-3 and CLA) in beef.

Replacing canola meal as the major protein source with wheat dried distillers’ grains alters omasal fatty acid flow and milk fatty acid composition in dairy cows

Chibisa, G. E., Christensen, D. A. and Mutsvangwa, T. 2013. Replacing canola meal as the major protein source with wheat dried distillers’ grains alters omasal fatty acid flow and milk fatty acid composition in dairy cows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 137–147. Wheat dried distillers’ grains with solubles (W-DDGS) has a high fat content and is now commonly fed to dairy cows in western Canada. The objective was to determine the effects of replacing canola meal (CM) with W-DDGS on omasal fatty acid (FA) flow and milk FA composition. Four ruminally-cannulated lactating dairy cows were used in a 4×4 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Cows were fed either a standard barley silage-based total mixed ration (TMR) (0% W-DDGS, control) or TMR containing 10, 15 and 20% W-DDGS, with W-DDGS replacing CM as the major protein source. The omasal flow of C18:1 trans-10, C18:1 trans-11, C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) cis-9, trans-11, and total CLA increased linearly with increasing levels of W-DDGS. There were quadratic changes in milk concentrations of total C18:2, C18:3n-3, total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and total n-6 PUFA as the level of W-DDGS increased. Feeding increasing amounts of W-DDGS resulted in a linear increase in milk concentrations of CLA cis-9, trans-11, CLA trans-11, trans-13, and total CLA, whereas milk concentrations of C18:1 trans-11 tended to increase linearly when level of W-DDGS increased. Feeding increasing amounts of W-DDGS resulted in quadratic changes in milk concentrations of C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3. In summary, feeding increasing amounts of W-DDGS increased milk concentrations of key FA like C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, CLA cis-9, trans-11, and total CLA, which can potentially improve human health.

Triticale dried distillers' grain increases alpha-linolenic acid in subcutaneous fat of beef cattle fed oilseeds

This study investigated the effect of triticale dried distillers' grain with solubles (DDGS), flax (FS) and sunflower (SS) seed on growth and the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous (SQ) fat in individually housed steers (n = 15 per diet) fed ad libitum (DM basis); (1) control (CON) 90% barley grain + 10% barley silage; or substitution of barley grain for: (2) 30% DDGS; (3) 10% FS; (4) 30% DDGS + 8.5% FS; (5) 10% SS and (6) 30% DDGS + 8.5% SS. Oilseeds in the combination diets were reduced to maintain diet lipid levels below 9% DM and to determine if favorable changes in the fatty acid profile could be maintained or enhanced at reduced levels of oilseed. Plasma and SQ fat biopsies were collected at 0, 6, and 12 weeks. Inclusion of DDGS decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain, feed conversion and backfat thickness. Feeding FS increased (P < 0.05) plasma ALA compared to CON and SS and consistently increased (P < 0.01) ALA and non-conjugated and non-methylene interrupted dienes (NCD), whereas SS tended to decrease ALA in fat. Inclusion of DDGS with FS further increased (P < 0.02) ALA and decreased (P < 0.05) NCD and 18:1-t10 in fat. The fact that the levels of n-3 fatty acids in SQ fat from steers fed DDGS + FS were higher than those obtained with FS alone, has obvious benefits to the practical cost of favorably manipulating fatty acid profiles in beef.

Effects of distillers’ dried grains with solubles from corn, wheat or a 50:50 corn:wheat blend on performance, carcass characteristics and serum sulphate levels of feedlot steers

Amat, S., Hendrick, S., McAllister, T. A., Block, H. C. and McKinnon, J. J. 2012. Effects of distillers’ dried grains with solubles from corn, wheat or a 50:50 corn:wheat blend on performance, carcass characteristics and serum sulphate levels of feedlot steers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 343–351. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of corn (CDDGS), wheat (WDDGS) or a 50:50 corn:wheat blend (BDDGS) dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) on performance (Trials 1 and 2), carcass traits (Trial 2) and serum sulphate level (Trial 2) of steers. In Trial 1, 396 steers (281.1±19.6 kg) were fed one of three backgrounding diets. The control diet was 34.3% barley grain, 26.0% grass hay, 10.3% barley straw, 22.8% barley silage and 6.7% supplement [dry matter (DM) basis]. For the two treatments, 17% of the barley was replaced with CDDGS or WDDGS. In Trial 2, 288 steers (273.9±18.5 kg) were backgrounded and finished. Backgrounding diets were identical to Trial 1, with a third treatment where 17% of the barley grain was replaced with BDDGS. The control finishing diet was 86.8% barley grain, 7.4% barley silage and 5.8% supplement (DM basis). Treatments included replacement of 40% of the barley grain (DM basis) with CDDGS, BDDGS or WDDGS. In Trial 1, there was no effect of DDGS on dry matter intake (DMI) (P=0.49), average daily gain (ADG) (P=0.64), feed efficiency (P=0.06), ultrasound fat (USFAT) (P=0.90) or longissimus dorsi (USLD) (P=0.071) area. In Trial 2, overall, DMI of cattle fed WDDGS was higher (P=0.03) than control or CDDGS cattle, with BDDGS intermediate. In contrast, ADG was higher (P<0.01) for the CDDGS and BDDGS than either the control or WDDGS fed cattle. The CDDGS and BDDGS cattle were more efficient (P<0.01) than those fed WDDGS with the controls intermediate. Cattle fed CDDGS or WDDGS exhibited higher (P<0.01) serum sulphate levels compared with BDDGS or control cattle, reflecting differences in sulphur intake. The results indicate that CDDGS is a superior energy source to WDDGS and that both sources of DDGS can be used as a partial replacement for barley in backgrounding and finishing diets for cattle.

The effects of a low lignin hull, high oil groat oat on the performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle

Arya, S. and McKinnon, J. J. 2011. The effects of a low lignin hull, high oil groat oat on the performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 685–693. A study was conducted to evaluate inclusion levels of a low lignin hull, high oil groat oat (CDC SO-I) on the performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. Two hundred crossbred steers (average weight of 427.3 kg±22.4) fed in 20 pens (10 head per pen) were used. Five treatments, formulated by replacing barley grain with increasing levels of CDC SO-I oat (Barley grain:CDC SO-I oat ratios of 100:0; 75:25; 50:50; 25:75 and 0:100; DM basis) were used. Over the entire study, there was a linear decrease (P<0.01) in DMI and ADG with increasing inclusion level of CDC SO-I oat. There was a quadratic effect (P=0.03) on gain to feed with similar values for steers fed 100:0, 75:25, 50:50 and 75:25 and then decreasing for the 0:100 treatment. Days on feed increased (P=0.03) quadratically with steers fed the 75:25 and 0:100 treatments spending the longest time on feed. Increasing the inclusion level of CDC SO-I oat in the diet also linearly decreased (P<0.01) carcass weight, dressing percentage and carcass grade fat. However, there was no effect of treatment on l. dorsi area and lean meat yield. There was no effect (P>0.05) of treatment on marbling score. Overall, the results of this study indicate that replacement of barley grain by CDC SO-I oat in finishing diets decreases DMI and as a result leads to reduced ADG, increased days on feed and lower slaughter and carcass weights.

Review:Trans-forming beef to provide healthier fatty acid profiles

Dugan, M. E. R., Aldai, N., Aalhus, J. L., Rolland, D. C. and Kramer, J. K. G. 2011. Review: Trans- forming beef to provide healthier fatty acid profiles. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 545–556.Trans fatty acids are found naturally in foods, particularly in those derived from ruminant animals, such as beef and dairy cattle. Over the past few decades, human consumption of trans fatty acids has increased, but this has been mainly from products containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The correlation of trans fatty acid consumption with diseases such as coronary heart disease has been cause for concern, and led to recommendations to reduce their consumption. Trans fatty acids, however, have differing effects on human health. Therefore, in foods produced from ruminant animals, it is important to know their trans fatty acid composition, and how to enrich or deplete fatty acids that have positive or negative health effects. This review will cover the analysis of trans fatty acids in beef, their origin, how to manipulate their concentrations, and give a brief overview of their health effects.

Wheat distillers grains in feedlot cattle diets: feeding behavior, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood metabolites

A study was conducted to evaluate feed intake, ADG, carcass quality, eating behavior, and blood metabolites in feedlot beef steers fed diets that varied in proportion of wheat dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) replacing barley grain or barley silage. Two hundred crossbred steers (BW = 489 ± 30 kg) were blocked by BW and randomly allotted to 20 pens (5 pens per treatment). Steers were fed 1 of 4 diets: control without DDGS (CON), 25% (25DDGS), 30% (30DDGS), or 35% (35DDGS) wheat DDGS (DM basis). The CON diet consisted of 15% barley silage and 85% barley-based concentrate; the 3 wheat DDGS diets were formulated by substituting 20% barley grain and 5, 10, or 15% silage, respectively, with 25, 30, or 35% wheat DDGS so that the 35DDGS diet contained no silage. 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 and fiber in feedlot finishing diets. Dry matter intake of steers fed 25DDGS was greater (P < 0.01), but final BW, ADG, and G:F were not different compared with steers fed CON diet. Carcass characteristics and liver abscess score were not different between CON and 25DDGS. Steers fed 25DDGS had longer eating time (min/d; P < 0.01), greater meal frequency (P < 0.04), but a slower eating rate (P < 0.04). Replacing barley silage with increasing amounts of wheat DDGS (from 25DDGS to 35DDGS) linearly reduced (P < 0.01) DMI. Final BW, ADG, and G:F were not affected by increasing amounts of wheat DDGS. Carcass traits were not different, whereas liver abscess scores linearly (P < 0.01) increased as more barley silage was replaced by wheat DDGS. Eating time (min/d) and duration of each meal linearly (P < 0.02) decreased, whereas eating rate (min/g of DM) linearly (P < 0.01) increased with increasing replacement of barley silage. Blood urea N was doubled (P < 0.01) compared with CON by inclusion of wheat DDGS. Results indicate that wheat DDGS can be used effectively in feedlot diets, decreasing the need for barley grain or silage without negatively affecting growth performance and carcass characteristics. A reduction in the amount of roughage required to maintain growth performance is a potential advantage in feedlot operations because forage is costly and often of limited availability. Thus, DDGS can be a possible alternative as long as they are available and cost effective; however, increased incidence of liver abscess and increased N content of manure need to be considered when greater amounts of wheat DDGS are included in finishing diets.