Feeding Cattle Without Distillers’ Grains

Sinking oil prices may force cattle feeders to use alternatives for the most popular byproduct in the ration.

by Dan Herold, Hubbard Feeds

Since the advent of the ethanol boom in the upper Midwest, distillers’ grains (also known simply as distillers’) have become a staple ingredient in cattle rations. Known to enhance both ration palatability and animal performance, distillers’ grains are a natural fit for all classes of cattle, from feedyard to cow-calf production. Current low global oil prices, tight grain supplies and decreased fuel demand have cut the profit potential of fuel ethanol production. The resulting market pressure has forced some ethanol plants to close, at least temporarily, interrupting the supply of ethanol coproducts and mandating a quick move to feeding cattle without distillers’ grains.

Bunk management
Feeding rations with distillers’ has eased bunk management and reduced digestive upsets. The moisture from wet or modified distillers’ grains conditions the ration, acting like a glue to minimize dust and sorting. Palatability and consumption are also improved compared to drier diets. Additionally, distillers’ energy comes in the form of fiber and corn oil, which displaces dietary starch from corn and reduces incidences of acidosis and roller-coaster intakes.

When transitioning cattle to diets without distillers’ grains, the rations usually become drier. It is important to reduce load amounts to provide the same amount of dry matter (DM) delivery to the bunk. If loads are not adjusted and the same amount of a drier ration is fed, the cattle will likely consume everything in the bunk as they are accustomed to doing, leading to a big jump in DM intake. This spike in consumption now involves a higher concentration of dietary starch, increasing acidosis risk. Grain type will also influence the rate of ruminal acid production. For example, cereal grains and high-moisture corn are fermented more rapidly than dry corn, posing a greater risk for digestive upset.

Removing distillers’ from the ration means giving more attention to bunk management and animal eating behaviors. Drier rations are easier to sort, leading to inconsistent grain intake and elevated bloat risk. To minimize the effect of transitioning to drier rations, consider taking these steps:

1. 1. Feed twice daily to provide smaller volumes of feed and less time to sort.
2. 2. Step down the distillers’ in the ration to allow several days of transition, rather than removing it entirely.
3. 3. Add water at 5%-10% of the load amount to manage dust and fines.
4. 4. Increase the amount of silage in the ration to add moisture.
5. 5. Consider backing down one step in the ration sequence to provide more roughage to offset the increase in starch.

Ration considerations
Distillers’ grains can serve as a source of both protein and energy in cattle diets. Their most economical use, however, is in meeting dietary protein needs. The price of distillers’ grains helps us economically reach higher protein levels, but when fed above the protein requirement, they are an expensive corn substitute. Rations with distillers’ grains typically contain higher net energy (NEg) than traditional corn-based rations. The higher oil content in distillers’ grains relative to corn gives them a boost in NEg. When shifting from a ration including distillers’ grains to a traditional ration, reaching the same level of protein and energy will be more difficult, especially in finishing rations.

Before the expansion of the ethanol industry, feedyard rations typically included alfalfa hay. Alfalfa was plentiful in the Midwest, and when it was included with a 40% protein supplement, traditional corn-based rations would yield 12% protein. The proliferation of ethanol plants meant alfalfa acres were soon shifted to corn production to meet the demands of the growing boom. Coincidentally, with 30% protein distillers’ becoming available, alfalfa was replaced with lower-protein straw or cornstalks as a roughage source.

Supplementation strategies
Whether a decline in the availability of distillers’ is short- or long-term, the first step is to account for a reduction in dietary protein. Now that alfalfa is no longer readily available, considering alternative ingredients and how they fit into rations is necessary.

1. 1. When distillers’ are available but only in reduced quantities, supplement with 1 to 1.25 pounds (lb.) of a 40%-50% protein supplement.
2. 2. In the event of a complete interruption in the supply of distillers’, an alternative locally sourced protein ingredient (e.g., soybean meal, canola meal, etc.) can be used along with the 40%-50% protein supplement.
3. 3. Demand for alternative proteins could diminish availability, making a higher-inclusion (2-lb. intake) 50% protein supplement the only option.

Keeping sufficient protein in the ration is imperative to maintaining performance. Protein serves two primary roles that directly contribute to daily gain. First and foremost, ruminal bacteria require nitrogen from protein to grow and function, allowing them to liberate energy from fiber and grain for the animal to use. Secondly, protein flowing from the rumen to the small intestine is absorbed and goes directly to supporting lean muscle accretion and frame development. Cattle that are protein-deficient will eat to satiety, but will be limited in their ability to digest, absorb and utilize nutrients. Lean muscle growth is impaired, and feed conversion is reduced. Neglecting to supplement protein can mean a small drop in the feed bill — but a large decrease in the amount of meat produced.

Many beef producers and feedyard nutritionists who entered the cattle industry within the last 15 years cannot remember a time when distillers’ grains were not available. While distillers’ represent a nutritional and economic asset to cattle feeding, they are not a requirement. We can finish cattle without distillers’ grains, but we should plan for what could be coming in the future, transition cattle carefully when making ration changes and fine-tune our bunk-management skills. Planning ahead means first checking the status of your local ethanol plant to anticipate impending closures, then developing a plan to meet cattle protein needs. Being prepared is the key to a successful transition when feeding without distillers’ grains.

Editor’s note: This article is provided by Hubbard, an Alltech^® Co. You can learn more about their available product options to provide the required protein requirements at www.hubbardfeeds.com.