Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Christopher D. Reinhardt / Two studies evaluated dry-rolled corn (DRC) manufacturing considerations in feedlot finishing diets. In study 1, feedlots (n = 35) participated in a survey to evaluate dry-rolled corn (DRC) processing practices, processed corn particle size distribution, and fecal starch content in finishing cattle. Average particle size of dry-processed corn, including DRC and hammermill-ground corn across all operations (n = 35) was 4,223 ± 1,265 µm with a range of 1,165 to 6,823 µm. Fecal starch content averaged 19.0 ± 6.5% with a range of 7.0 to 36.6%. Diet composition was evaluated for co-product [27.8 ± 13.4%] roughage concentration [8.9 ± 2.0%] and NDF concentration [19.3 ± 4.3%]. In study 2, cross-bred yearling steers (n = 360; initial BW = 395 ± 33.1 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of dry-rolled corn (DRC) particle size in diets containing 20% (DMB) wet distiller’s grains plus solubles (WDGS) on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and starch digestibility. Treatments were Coarse DRC (4,882 µm; COARSE), Medium DRC (3,760 µm; MEDIUM), Fine DRC (2,359 µm; FINE), and Steam-flaked corn (SFC, 0.35 kg/L). Final BW and ADG were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). Dry matter intake was greater and G:F was lower (P < 0.05) for steers fed DRC vs. SFC. There was a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in DMI in the final 5 weeks on feed with decreasing DRC particle size. Fecal starch decreased (linear, P < 0.01) as DRC particle size decreased. In situ starch disappearance was lower for DRC vs SFC (P < 0.05) and increased linearly (P < 0.05) with decreasing particle size at 8 and 24-h. The final study evaluated steam-flaked corn (SFC) manufacturing practices implemented, equipment utilized, and methods used and parameters targeted to measure flake quality from commercial feedlots (n = 17). Significant variables contributing to the final multiple linear regression model using enzymatic starch availability (Enzymatic) as the dependent variable were: SFC Moisture, cooled flake density (CoolFD), throughput, roll diameter, steam cabinet temperature (Temperature), and temper time (Enzymatic = 19.4476 - (0.6927*SFCMoisture) - (2.1664*CoolFD) - (0.5060*Throughput) + (0.6281*Roll Diameter) + (0.4312*Temperature) – (0.1963*Temper Time; P < 0.15).

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / James S. Drouillard / A trial was conducted replacing portions of steam-flaked corn with either dry-rolled corn or dried distiller’s grains with solubles to evaluate effects on performance, carcass characteristics, carcass composition, meat color stability, and meat sensory attributes. Seven hundred crossbred yearling heifers (302 ± 65 kg initial BW) were used in a randomized complete block experiment with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. All diets contained steam-flaked corn (SFC), and factors consisted of the levels of dry-rolled corn (DRC; 0 or 25%) and dried corn distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS; 0 or 25%). Results revealed no interactions between DRC and DDGS in terms of effects on feedlot performance, and only minor interactive effects were observed for carcass characteristics and meat quality attributes. Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics were not affected by the addition of DRC or DDGS (P > 0.05). Carcass composition and meat quality attributes were measured to determine if fat content of carcasses was altered by feeding DDGS. Diet had no significant effects, as carcasses from the four treatments contained similar amounts of separable portions of muscle, adipose, and bone; and similar percentages of protein, moisture, and ether extract. Compositions of both adipose and muscle tissue were evaluated to assess differences in fatty acid profile. Minimal effects were noted on the fatty acid profiles of the muscle and adipose tissue from cattle fed DDGS or DRC. Feeding cattle DDGS decreased alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) content of meat (P < 0.05). Meat quality attributes were largely unaffected by addition of DRC or DDGS to the diet, as retail color display life, lipid oxidation, sensory attributes, and heterocyclic amine concentrations were not different among treatments. Overall, DRC or DDGS can replace portions of SFC without negatively altering feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, meat composition, or meat quality attributes.