Evaluation of corn distillers dried grains with solubles as an alternative ingredient for broilers

• Published in: Poultry science Vol. 90; no. 2; pp. 369 - 376
• Main Authors: Shim, M.Y, Pesti, G.M, Bakalli, R.I, Tillman, P.B, Payne, R.L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Poultry Science Association 01-02-2011
• Subjects: Adipose Tissue - drug effects; Animal Feed - analysis; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; animal performance; Animals; body fat; body weight; broiler chickens; broiler feeding; carcass composition; Chickens - growth & development; corn; Diet - veterinary; dietary energy sources; dietary protein; dietary supplements; distillers dried grains with solubles; distillers grains; feed grains; feed quality; Female; gender differences; hens; liveweight gain; Male; nutritive value; pelleted feeds; Sex Characteristics; Weight Gain - drug effects; Zea mays
• ISSN: 0032-5791; 1525-3171
• DOI: 10.3382/ps.2010-00727

The effects of graded levels of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were investigated as a partial replacement for sources of protein, energy, and other nutrients for broilers when the digestible amino acid balance was maintained. Zero, 8, 16, and 24% DDGS were incorporated into isonutritive diets at the expense of corn, soybean meal, and DL-Met. Poultry oil, L-Lys, and L-Thr additions increased with increasing levels of DDGS. Diets were each fed to 36 Cobb 500 straight-run broilers in 6 floor pens in 2 experiments. In experiment 1, broilers fed ≥8% DDGS showed increased BW gain compared with those fed the control diet during the 0- to 18-d starter period (P = 0.0164) but were almost identical in BW at 42 d (P = 0.9395). The only difference at 42 d was in the carcass fat composition of female broilers: percentage of fat pad decreased with increasing DDGS level (P = 0.0133). Corn DDGS reduced the pellet durability index. However, the pellet durability index was not related to growth or feed utilization. In experiment 2 at 42 d, broilers fed all levels of DDGS showed increased BW gain compared with those fed the control diet. Broilers may perform well when fed properly balanced feeds containing up to 24% DDGS despite reduced pellet quality.