Evaluation of the Relative Contribution of Protein in Distillers Grains in Finishing Diets on Animal Performance

A finishing study evaluated the relative contributions of protein from wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. The protein portion of WDGS was mimicked by corn gluten meal (CGM). Increasing WDGS inclusion from 0 to 40% increased final body weight and gain, decreased intakes, and improved feed efficiency. When CGM was fed to equal protein concentration as WDGS, final body weight and gain increased, and feed efficiency improved. Adding solubles to CGM did not improve feed efficiency. Th e feeding value of CGM was similar to distillers grains, suggesting protein has a major role in the feeding value of distillers grains