Interpretive Summary: Effect of substitution of distillers grains and glycerin for steam–flaked corn in finishing cattle diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics

By: Haley E Larson, Jeff P Jaderborg, Devan M Paulus-Compart, Grant I Crawford, Alfredo DiCostanzo

Livestock producers have an opportunity to improve sustainably through the utilization of co-products of the bio-fuel industry through cattle feeding. Crude glycerin, although less commonly fed compared to distillers grains, provides an opportunity for cattle feeders to increase the versatility of feed ingredient sources without compromising performance. The present study examined the effect of substituting modified corn distillers grains and crude soy glycerin for steam–flaked corn in beef cattle finishing diets on cattle growth performance and carcass characteristics. Growth performance was not influenced by treatment suggesting that crude glycerin and modified corn distillers grains in finishing diets were effective substitutions for steam–flaked corn when market price permits.