Steam-flaked corn diets containing combinations of wet corn gluten feed and alfalfa hay: effects on diet digestibility and ruminal characteristics

Authors

J.J. Sindt
Sean P. Montgomery
J.N. Pike
T.B. Farran
C.M. Coetzer
James J. Higgins
James S. Drouillard
Evan C. Titgemeyer

Keywords

Cattlemen's Day, 2002; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 02-318-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 890; Beef; Wet corn gluten feed; Steam-flaked corn; Digestibility

Abstract

Twelve ruminally cannulated Jersey steers were used to measure digestibility and ruminal characteristics of steam-flaked corn based diets containing combinations of wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) and alfalfa hay (AH). Starch intake was lower (P<0.05), but neutral detergent fiber intake was higher (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 higher levels of WCGF tended to increase passage rate (P=0.17) and decreased (P<0.05) total tract organic matter digestibility. Flaked corn diets containing at least 25% WCGF may contribute enough roughage to allow reduction of alfalfa hay levels.

Recommended Citation

Sindt, J.J.; Montgomery, Sean P.; Pike, J.N.; Farran, T.B.; Coetzer, C.M.; Higgins, James J.; Drouillard, James S.; and Titgemeyer, Evan C. (2002) "Steam-flaked corn diets containing combinations of wet corn gluten feed and alfalfa hay: effects on diet digestibility and ruminal characteristics," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1698