Effects of infrequent dried distillers grain supplementation on spring-calving cow performance (2013)

Authors

B.W. Bennett
Justin W. Waggoner
John R. Jaeger
Andrea K. Sexten
K. C. Olson

Keywords

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 13-162-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 1083; Cattle; Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS); Cow performance; Nutrient composition

Abstract

Feed and supplement costs and the expenses associated with delivery of winter supplements account for a large proportion of the total operating expenditures for cow-calf producers. Cattle grazing low-quality dormant native range (30% crude protein). Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) are a by-product of the ethanol refining process. Distillers grains supply the recommended 30% crude protein level, are readily available, and often are favorably priced compared with more traditional feedstuffs. With the rising costs of inputs in today's cow-calf sector, reducing cost is necessary to maintain viability of the national cowherd. Reducing the frequency of supplementation results in less labor and fuel use, effectively reducing input costs; however, this is viable only as long as cow performance is maintained at acceptable levels. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of infrequent supplementation of dried distillers grains with solubles on cow body weight and body condition score.

Recommended Citation

Bennett, B.W.; Waggoner, Justin W.; Jaeger, John R.; Sexten, Andrea K.; and Olson, K. C. (2013) "Effects of infrequent dried distillers grain supplementation on spring-calving cow performance (2013)," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1444