195 Interaction of Urea with Frequency and Amount of Distillers Grains Supplementation for Growing Steers on a High Forage Diet

Abstract Two studies determined the interactions of urea inclusion to a dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS; 29.4% CP, 5.48% ether extract) supplement fed at 2 amounts and frequencies steers consuming ad libitum Smooth Bromegrass hay (6.8% CP). In Exp. 1, 120 (247 kg; SD = 20) were individually for 84 d with treatments arranged in x factorial. Supplement was every day (D) or 3x/week (ALT), amount 6.36 kg/week (LO) 12.73 (HI) contained either no (-U) 1.3% (+U). 2, 8 ruminally cannulated (310 25) used an 6 row-column design 6, 14-d periods. Treatment same as except that rate 0.4% 0.8% BW daily other (ALT). ADG 0.30 kg/d greater, DMI reduced by 0.39 HI vs. LO (P < 0.01). Hay 0.54 ALT D also Rumen pH decreased on feeding 0.01) LO. A reduction situ NDF disappearance observed received between However, there difference digestibility > 0.05). Urea had effect digestion ADG, suggesting RDP not deficient. Dried can be supplemented infrequently without reducing animal performance.