Abstract

Advantages of steam flaking grain are less with respect to growth performance and diet digestion when a portion of distillers grains is substituted for grain. Ruminal pH typically is lower in cattle fed flaked-grain diets than in cattle fed rolled-grain diets. Ruminal pH for cattle fed finishing diets based on steam-flaked corn is observed below pH 6.0. Previous research observed a 5% decrease in digestion of organic matter when 13% distillers grains (dry-matter basis) was added to steam-flaked corn finishing diets. A decline in ruminal pH below 6.2 reduces activity of ruminal fiber-digesting organisms. Furthermore, ruminal protein digestion declines with pH below 5.5. It is plausible that low ruminal pH may restrict digestion of distillers grains in flaked-grain diets. The objective of this study was to examine effects of pH on in vitro fermentative activity of ruminal contents from cattle adapted to a finishing diet containing 25% dried distillers grains (dry-matter basis).

Keywords: Cattlemen's Day, 2009, Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 1010, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution , no. 09-168-S, Beef, Cattle, Ruminal pH, Distillers grains

How to Cite:

Uwituze, S., Heidenreich, J. & Drouillard, J. S., (2009) “Higher ruminal pH increases in vitro digestion of diets containing dried distillers grains with solubles”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(1), 66-70. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1493