Utilizing 120 individually fed animals allows for 6 treatments arranged as a 2 x 3 factorial design, 2 levels of distillers grains (Hi and Lo) with SoyPass replacing 0, 30, or 60% of the distillers grains (diet DM). We propose bromegrass hay as the basal forage to make up the remainder of the diet. As distillers grains in the diet is increased, microbial production in the rumen decreases, because much of the energy in distillers grains is not ruminally available. This then reduces the amount of lysine available to the animal because most of the lysine in these growing diets comes from microbial protein. Additionally, as distillers grains in the diet is increased, ADG increases, further increasing the lysine requirement.
Research results will be distributed within the Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, a yearly publication targeting cattle producers, nutritionists, and extension specialists. Approximately 1,800 copies are distributed annually in addition to being available on the www.beef.unl.edu website for free download.
Research results will be presented at professional animal science meetings by the graduate student working on the project. Target audience would include nutritionists, industry representatives, and animal scientists.