Evaluation of extruded and expelled soybean meal as a partial replacement for dried distillers grains plus solubles in diets for finishing beef steers

Abstract

Objective

This study evaluated the use of extruded and expelled soybean meal (EESBM) as a partial replacement (30% or 60% replacement; DM basis) of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) in diets offered to finishing beef steers.

Materials and Methods

Steers (n = 144 steers; 399 ± 28.9 kg) were used in a 150-d finishing trial. Steers were group housed in 18 pens (n = 8 steers/pen) and allocated to one of 3 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design (n = 6 pens/treatment). Treatments included (1) finishing diet that included 15% DDGS (DM basis; CON); (2) finishing diet that included 30% replacement (DM basis) of DDGS with EESBM (EESBM30), and (3) finishing diet that included 60% replacement (DM basis) of DDGS with EESBM (EESBM60). Steers were fed twice daily and managed for maximum intake using a slick bunk management approach.

Results and Discussion

Dry matter intake increased linearly when EESBM replaced DDGS. Average daily gain and gain efficiency (both live-basis shrunk 4% and from carcass-adjusted final BW), as well as hot carcass weight, increased linearly with greater inclusion of EESBM. No other carcass trait outcomes, nor the distribution of USDA YG and QG, lung scores, or liver health outcomes were influenced by dietary treatment.

Implications and Applications

Using EESBM in replacement of DDGS results in greater intake, efficiency, and final body and carcass weight with no detriment to carcass yield or quality.