196 Interaction of Corn Processing Method and Sweet Bran Inclusion in Finishing Diets

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of corn processing method and wet corn gluten feed [Sweet Bran (SB); Cargill] concentration on feedlot performance and nutrient digestion. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial, consisting of two corn processing methods [steam-flaked corn (SFC) or a high-moisture corn (HMC) dry-rolled corn (DRC) blend] and 3 inclusions of SB (0, 20, or 40% of diet dry matter). In Exp. 1, yearling steers (n = 480; initial body weight = 363 ± 15.1 kg) were utilized in a randomized block design. A linear interaction was observed for average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F), and hot carcass weight (HCW; P < 0.01). At 0% SB, cattle fed SFC had greater ADG and HCW than cattle fed HMC/DRC. As SB increased, ADG and HCW increased at a greater rate for HMC/DRC cattle than SFC cattle resulting in similar ADG and HCW at 40% SB. At 0% SB, cattle fed SFC were 12.4% more efficient than cattle fed HMC/DRC, but as SB increased the improvement declined to 5.3%. In Exp. 2, 6 fistulated steers were utilized in a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Cattle fed SFC had greater starch digestibility (P < 0.01); HMC/DRC cattle tended to have greater neutral detergent fiber digestibility (P = 0.08). As SB increased, cattle fed SFC and HMC/DRC had greater dry matter intakes (DMI) in both studies (P > 0.01), and as a result, greater digestible energy (DE) intakes (P > 0.01). Increased DE intake improved ADG and G:F when feeding SB in Exp. 1 as explained by greater DMI and increased DE observed in Exp. 2. Feeding up to 40% SB in SFC diets doesn't affect feedlot performance and feeding SB in HMC/DRC based finishing diets linearly improves performance at inclusions up to 40%.