Utilization of dried distillers grains for developing beef heifers J. L. Martin*, A. S. Cupp, R. J. Rasby, and R. N. Funston University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Dried Distillers Grains (DDG)  An opportunity for producers  Available – supply increasing  Affordable (per unit of energy or protein)  Complementary to many forages  Energy: > 120% corn  Crude protein: 30%  UIP: approximately 50% of CP  Fat: 10-12%  High P

Objectives Determine if supplementing beef heifers with DDG as an energy source affects age at puberty, A.I. conception rate, A.I. pregnancy rate, or final pregnancy

Supplement Composition DM Basis Supplement Intake0.73 % BW0.57 % BW CONDDG DCGF73.00 Whole Corn Germ24.48 Urea2.33 Trace Mineral Vitamin ADE.03.04

Results a a,b P = 0.07 b A.I. Conception Rate A.I. Pregnancy Rate Final Pregnancy Rate

Conclusions Utilizing DDG as a supplemental source of energy and exceeding UIP requirements: – did not influence age at puberty – did not affect AI pregnancy rate or overall pregnancy rate – tended to increase A.I. conception rate