Effect of Distillers Grains Composition and Level on Steers Consuming High-Quality Forage

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dried distillers grains (DDG) supplementation level and composition on growing steer performance and forage intake. Factors included DDG supplementation level (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 or 1.00% of BW), and DDG solubles level (0, 5.4, 14.5, 19.1, or 22.1% DM). Final BW improved, and forage intake decreased with increasing levels of DDG. An interaction between DDG supplementation level and solubles level was observed on ADG and F:G and was likely related to supplemental fat levels. Supplementation of forages with DDG improves performance while decreasing forage intake when fat levels are not too great.