Use of Corn Co-Products in Beef Cattle Diets

The ethanol industry has expanded at an amazing rate since the turn of the century. From 2000 to 2011, the US ethanol industry grew from 1.6 billion gallons to 13.9 billion gallons of ethanol produced (Renewable Fuels Association, 2013a). The renewable fuels standard mandates that should there be 20.5 billion gallons of ethanol produced annually in the US by 2015 (Renewable Fuels Association, 2013b) with no more than 15 billion coming from traditional dry milling of corn. The byproduct of ethanol production from fermentation of corn starch (distillers grains; DG) have become an important livestock feed because ethanol production now uses nearly 30% of US corn production (National Corn Growers Association, 2012). The nutrient composition of DG may make them a good fit in high forage diets or as a supplement to grazing cattle because they provide protein, energy, and minerals as well as serve as a forage substitute. However, producers considering using these byproducts must be aware of specific risks associated with their use that require special attention, but can be easily managed. Specifically, high sulfur levels may cause polioencephalomalacia or potentially tie up other minerals required by the animal.