Read the full report: Utilization of corn- and soy coproducts in feedlot diets, and evaluation of environmental factors contributing to the prevalence of E.coli 0157:H7 shedding
About:
Utilization of nutrient dense agricultural coproducts/by-products in beef rations have been implemented by producers for years. This study focused on the effect feeding two different coproducts has on beef growth performance and carcass characteristics. Two coproducts evaluated for this study included modified distillers grain (reduced oil content) and soybean hulls. These two coproducts were incorporated individually into beef rations that contained high and low levels of grain.
Outcomes:
Results indicate feeding high levels of corn or soy coproducts in feedlot heifer diets does not have an effect on carcass characteristics, drip loss, or subjective retail shelf life evaluation; however, combining all coproducts in a low grain inclusion diets impacted objective measurements of tenderness.
Conclusions:
AURI and its partners continue to look at ways to utilize coproducts from various industries, including corn, ethanol and soybean to use as a feed source, while considering meat quality, to continue to add value to Minnesota agriculture.
Partners:
University of Minnesota, Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council