by Tamilee Nennich

Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University

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Feeding distillers grain to livestock continues to be an important topic because of the widespread availability of distillers grain and cost of alternative feed grains.  In the dairy industry, lactating cows are often the focus for feeding distillers grains, largely because of their demand for dietary protein.  However, feeding distillers grain to dairy heifers is also a viable option.

Distillers grain is a feed that contains fairly high concentrations of both energy and protein (Table 1). 

Distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) is somewhat higher in energy as a result of a higher fat content.  Although the nutrient value of distillers grain is variable, it typically contains approximately three times the protein, fat and mineral content of corn.  This concentrating of nutrients occurs because of the removal of the starch during the fermentation process.  The amount of protein and energy in distillers grain or DDGS will restrict the amount that can be fed to heifers.  Feeding high levels of these feedstuffs to dairy heifers can be a challenge since the nutritional level will often exceed animal requirements and may result in over-conditioned animals.  Modifications to how distillers grain and especially DDGS are prepared may provide opportunities for better utilization in heifer diets.

The age at which dairy heifers can begin to be fed distillers grain is a question that commonly arises.  At this time, studies have shown that feeding distillers grains as part of a calf starter at an inclusion rate of up to 20% of the starter dry matter will result in similar body weight gain and rumen development in dairy calves (Chestnut and Carr, 2007; Suarez-Mena et al., 2011).