Utilization of dried distillers grains for developing beef heifers

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Beef heifer development is crucial for herd productivity.
• Energy supplementation strategies impact reproductive efficiency.
• Dried distillers grains (DDG) offer a protein and energy source for livestock.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of dried distillers grains (DDG) as an energy supplement on beef heifer growth and reproductive performance.
• To compare DDG supplementation with a control diet in terms of heifer development and conception rates.

Main Methods:

• A 2-year study involved 316 crossbred beef heifers, randomly assigned to DDG or control supplements.
• Heifers received prairie hay ad libitum, with supplements formulated to be isocaloric but with differing protein degradability.
• Reproductive parameters, including puberty attainment, estrus synchronization, artificial insemination (AI) conception, and overall pregnancy rates, were monitored.

Main Results:

• Supplementation with DDG did not affect heifer growth (BW, ADG) or body condition score (BCS).
• Age at puberty and pubertal status before synchronization were similar between DDG and control groups.
• While overall pregnancy rates were not different, DDG supplementation significantly increased the proportion of heifers conceiving to AI (75.0% vs. 52.9%).

Conclusions:

• Supplementing developing beef heifers with DDG does not alter growth or pubertal onset.
• DDG supplementation significantly enhances artificial insemination conception and pregnancy rates in beef heifers.
• DDG represents a valuable feedstuff for improving reproductive outcomes in beef heifer development programs.