Effects of Corn Processing and Wet Distillers Grains on Nutrient Metabolism

Seven ruminally cannulated steers were used in a metabolism experiment to determine the effects of distillers grains level (0% or 40% of diet DM) on diet digestibility and rumen metabolism in diets consisting of dry-rolled, high-moisture, or steam-flaked corn. Intakes were greater while digestibility was reduced for DM and organic matter in steers fed 40% compared to 0% distillers grains. Average and maximum pH were less for steers fed 40% distillers grains, but pH change and variance were also less for 40% compared to 0% WDGS. Feeding WDGS does not increase rumen pH, but does decrease variance. Starch intakes were equal whether 0 or 40% WDGS were fed because cattle fed 40% WDGS had greater DMI, which may influence rumen pH