Effects of Corn Condensed Distillers Solubles Supplementation on Intake, Performance, Rate and Site of Digestion, and Ruminal Fermentation in Cattle Consuming Forage-Based Diets

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to determine effect of feeding method and level of corn condensed distillers solubles supplementation on performance of beef cows fed forage-based diets and effects on digestibility and ruminal fermentation. Experiment 1 utilized 80 gestating crossbred cows in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial design; main effects were feeding method (mixed vs. fed separately) and level of CCDS. All treatments were offered ad libitum forage. Experiment 2, utilized 5 ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein steers in a 5×5 Latin square to evaluate effects of CCDS supplementation on DM intake, site of digestion, and ruminal fermentation. Exp. 2 utilized similar treatments as experiment 1; and all treatments were offered ad libitum forage. Results of these studies suggest that CCDS supplementation increases intake, performance, and CP digestion and appears to be an effective supplement for cattle eating moderate-quality forages.