Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Praveen Vadlani / Whole stillage and thin stillage from the ethanol production process were evaluated as substrate sources for the production of [beta]-carotenes using Sporobolomyces Roseus (ATCC 28988). This product has the potential to be used as a novel feed ingredient for poultry, swine, or cattle diets. [Beta]-carotenes have been supplemented in animal diets to improve animal health, enhance meat color and quality and increase vitamin A concentrations in milk and meat. Microbial fermentations involving growth and product kinetics were performed in 500 mL baffled shake flasks and in a 5 L fermentation bioreactor. Media optimization was conducted in shake flasks to evaluate two carbon sources: glucose and glycerol, and two nitrogen sources: ammonium sulfate and urea. Final [beta]-carotene concentration of 272.57±4.34 [mu]g [beta]-carotene/g biomass was found to be highest for the whole stillage, with 10 g/L added glucose and 10 g/L nitrogen added through ammonium sulfate supplementation. Glycerol addition yielded no significant increase (P<.05) in [beta]-carotene yield, while urea addition significantly decreased (P<.05) the final [beta]-carotene concentrations. The resulting fermented product can be blended with regular feed using either whole stillage as a dry feed ingredient or thin stillage as a liquid feed additive. The fermentation of whole stillage significantly influenced the physical and flow properties of the material. Even though there was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in bulk density and increase (P<0.05) in tapped density between DDGS and fermented whole stillage, there was a less pronounced difference between the whole stillage and fermented whole stillage. The fermentation of whole stillage significantly influenced the physical and flow properties of the material. This showed that the fermentation process and resulting nutritional profile had a significant effect on the resulting fermented whole stillage. A 50 L bioreactor was specifically designed to evaluate the scalability of the process and to perform subsequent feed production trails. Pilot scale feed pelleting runs were conducted and the resultant product was put in environmental chambers to determine if [beta]-carotene concentration was reduced as a result of storage. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in [beta]-carotene levels after pelleting and after 28 d of storage at elevated temperature and humidity. These decreases were consistent with previous research.

Finding a viable method to recover oil from the corn ethanol industry's co-products has considerable economic prospects for ethanol bio-refineries. This study examined the effects of enzymes and ethanol on oil recovery from dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) and oil distribution in the whole stillage (WS). Protease and cellulase enzymes were tested either individually or in combination with the heavier fractions of DDGS and resulted in 18-20% more oil than the original DDGS. More than 90% of the oil was recovered from the heavier fraction of DDGS using ethanol at 30ºC with 30% solid loadings. Ethanol addition also improved oil partition in WS's liquid fraction by 17–20%. Overall, enzymes and ethanol treatments showed a positive effect on oil recovery from DDGS and WS. Ethanol bio-refineries may use these findings to recover oil as no significant changes are required in the ethanol plant's design.

The nutritional value of an amino acid (AA) is determined by its bioavailability, however concept of digestibility is mostly used in practical situations. Four studies were conducted to test 2 exogenous factors that were hypothesized to affect the AA digestibility in non-ruminant animals. In study 1, broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments of control and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS, 20%) diets supplemented or not with a novel mixture of carbohydrases. Results indicated the ability of carbohydrase mixture to increase energy utilization of the DDGS diet, with significant improvements in AA digestibility, consequently improving growth performance of broilers. Study 2 examined effect of the carbohydrase mixture in pigs fed a high DDGS diet. Ileal cannulated growing pigs (n = 8, 64.3 ± 0.5 kg) were allotted to 4 dietary treatments in a replicated 4 Ã 4 Latin Square design. Control and DDGS (40%) diets were supplemented or not with a mixture of carbohydrases. Numeric increases for AA digestibility, along with a decreased tendency of urinary energy output suggested a possibility for improved nutrient utilization in pigs when carbohydrases were supplemented to 40% corn DDGS diet. Collectively, carbohydrase seems less effective for swine applications due to greater water content and consequently a lower viscosity in pig digesta. Next, study 3 showed changes in AA digestibility and endogenous AA losses (EAAL) when pigs were challenged orally with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Nursery pigs (n = 48, 17.9 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly assigned to a 2 Ã 2 factorial arrangement consisting of two diets (control or N-free) and inoculation (sterile broth or 9.8 Ã 10^9 CFU of Salmonella). Measurements at 24 and 72 h post-inoculation indicated that AA digestibility of pigs is impaired through the initial phase of Salmonella infection and gradually restored, but not fully by 72 h. Finally, study 4 determined the dynamic fluctuations of EAAL and subsequent AA digestibility in response to Salmonella Typhimurium measured at multiple time points. Ileal cannulated pigs (n = 8, 76.0 ± 1.4 kg) were randomly assigned to either a control or a N-free diet and challenged orally with 1.3 Ã 10^10 CFU of Salmonella. Inflammatory diarrhea was associated with reduced AA digestibility and increased EAAL showing respective peak values at 8-16 h post-inoculation. Alterations in AA digestibility and EAAL were gradually recovered to near pre-inoculation values by 56-64 h post-inoculation, but showed impaired digestibility at 72-80 h post-inoculation. / Ph. D.

Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Leland McKinney / Three experiments were conducted to evaluate value added uses for dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and crude glycerol in swine and poultry diets. In Exp.1, crude glycerol from multiple biodiesel production facilities was evaluated for storage and variability characteristics. Part one reviewed the storage capabilities of crude glycerol at room temperature and excessive heat conditions on ferrous and stainless steel metal. There was no notable corrosion during the two-month experiment for either metal type under each condition. There was a slight discoloration observed on the ferrous metal stored under excessive heat conditions, but no pitting or sign of corrosion was noted. No changes were observed in the stainless steel under either environment condition. Part two evaluated the variability of crude glycerol from multiple biodiesel production facilities. Representative samples of the parent feedstock and resultant glycerol was collected an analyzed. There was considerable variation between samples, particularly when comparing glycerol from the different feedstocks (vegetable vs. animal). Exp. 2 and 3 took place in the Feed Processing Research Center in the Department of Grain Science at Kansas State University. Pellet quality and electrical energy consumption was evaluated by reviewing production rate, conditioning and hot pellet temperatures, motor load, and pellet durability index (PDI) as testing parameters. In Exp. 2, diets containing varying levels of crude glycerol were evaluated on pellet quality and pellet mill performance in a pilot mill and in a commercial facility. For part one, a corn-soy based swine grower diet was formulated to contain 0, 3, 6, and 9% crude glycerol. Each diet was steam conditioned to 150, 170 and 190 °F in an atmospheric conditioner and pelleted. An interaction existed between glycerol and conditioning temperature. For all diets containing glycerol, roll skid occurred and the pellet mill plugged as conditioning temperature approached 190°F. Pellet quality increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of glycerol. Part two took place at Don’s Farm Supply in Newell, IA. A corn-soy based turkey grower diet was formulated to contain 3% glycerol and pelleted. Results from part two were consistent with part one, in that there was an interaction between conditioning temperature and the addition of glycerol. Exp. 3 evaluated DDGS on pellet quality and electrical consumption. A poultry diet was formulated to contain 0, 15, or 30% DDGS and steam conditioned to 140, 160, and 180°F. As conditioning temperature increased, pellet quality in diets containing DDGS significantly improved (P>.001). Electrical consumption in diets containing DDGS compared to the control showed no significance in reduction in energy usage (P>.001). In conclusion, the production of pelleted diets containing crude glycerol is a feasible option; however, conditioning temperatures should be kept minimal and storage and variation of the material should be considered. In addition, improved pellet quality in pelleted diets containing DDGS is in part by conditioning at higher temperatures, respectively. The data suggests that the addition of crude glycerol and DDGS in animal diets can serve as a beneficial feed additive.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Joe D. Hancock / Twelve experiments were completed to evaluate corn- and sorghum-distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets for nursery and finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, corn-DDGS had 223 kcal/kg greater DE than sorghum-DDGS (P<0.02). In Exp. 2, pigs fed a corn-soy control diet had greater ADG, nutrient digestibility, HCW, and dressing percentage (P<0.02) and lower iodine value (IV) of jowl fat (P<0.001) than pigs fed diets with 40% DDGS. High-energy DDGS supported lower ADG, ADFI, and digestibility of DM (P<0.06) than moderate-energy DDGS, and sorghum-DDGS resulted in lower IV than corn-DDGS (P<0.001). In Exp. 3 and 4, addition of sodium bicarbonate to adjust dietary pH and electrolyte balance did not improve growth performance in nursery or finishing pigs (P>0.16) and adding molasses to improve palatability decreased (P<0.05) G:F for finishing gilts. In Exp. 5 and 6, enzyme additions improved nutrient digestibility in nursery (P<0.04) and finishing (P<0.01) pigs fed diets with high inclusion of DDGS. In Exp. 7, expander processing improved (P<0.02) ADG, G:F, and digestibility of DM, N, GE, and cellulose compared with standard steam conditioning of diets for nursery pigs, with the greatest response in G:F for pigs fed sorghum-DDGS (DDGS source × conditioning; P<0.02). In Exp. 8 and 9, expander conditioning improved G:F and dressing percentage (P<0.007) and digestibility of DM, N, and GE compared with standard conditioning (P<0.02), with the greatest response in digestibility of DM for the DDGS diets (diet × conditioning, P<0.01). In Exp. 10, 11, and 12, increasing tallow from 0 to 5% in diets with 40% DDGS improved (P<0.05) G:F. Dressing percentage was improved with addition of tallow and palm oil (P<0.08), but IV become worse (linear, P<0.06) as tallow was increased in the diet. Adding coconut oil improved growth performance and carcass firmness in pigs fed diets with 40% DDGS (P<0.01). In conclusion, growth performance and nutrient digestibility decreased with addition of DDGS to diets for nursery and finishing pigs. However, adding enzymes partially restored nutrient digestibility; expander conditioning improved G:F, dressing percentage, and nutrient digestibility; and adding coconut oil to diets with 40% DDGS improved G:F and carcass firmness.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Science and Industry / Jim L. Nelssen / Three experiments used 777 pigs to study the effects of fiber source; wheat middlings (midds), dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), and choice white grease (CWG), and reduction strategies for growing and finishing pigs. Also a fourth study utilizing 1,360 pigs was conducted to determine the effect of immunocastration (IC) and DDGS withdrawal on growth performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acid analysis, and iodine value (IV) of pork fat depots in growing and finishing pigs. Experiment 1 determined that the ingredient source of fiber (wheat middlings or DDGS) was more important than NDF level alone, for characterization of growth, carcass, and yield responses. Experiment 2 showed that a short (23 d) fiber reduction strategy was successful at fully recovering yield loss; however, a longer reduction (47 d) was necessary for further improvements in carcass fat quality (IV). Experiment 3 further proved that yield loss can be recovered with a short fiber reduction strategy (19 d), and that adding energy from CWG during the fiber reduction period can improve feed efficiency, but was unsuccessful at further improving carcass yield or carcass fat quality. Experiment 4 showed that carcass yield was lower for IC pigs than barrows regardless of dietary DDGS or withdrawal strategy. Also pigs fed 30% DDGS throughout had decreased carcass yield; however, withdrawing DDGS from the diet on d 74 was effective at recovering the yield loss. While DDGS withdrawal strategy was successful at lowering IV, but was unsuccessful at fully lowering IV to values of pigs fed the control diet throughout. Iodine values were somewhat variable within fat depot, showing the jowl and clear plate fat were less accurate in showing changes from the diet, most likely due to the fact they are deposited earlier and are slower to turnover. Iodine value tended to be greater for IC pigs than barrows on d 107, but by d 125 there were no differences in IV between IC and barrows. This dramatic improvement from d 107 to 125 could be caused by the dilution of unsaturated fatty acids, specifically C18:2 and C18:3, due to the rapid deposition of fat in IC pigs.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Robert Goodband / Three experiments used 1,756 pigs to evaluate the effects of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) varying in oil content on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A fourth experiment used 12 pigs and determined the energy concentration and nutrient digestibility of the DDGS sources used in the previous 3 growth studies. Lastly, a fifth experiment used 576 pigs to determine the effects of DDGS and wheat middlings (midds) withdrawal 24 d before harvest in diets without or with ractopamine HCl (RAC) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, fat quality, and organ/intestine weights. Experiment 1 determined that increasing 7.4% oil DDGS decreased (linear, P < 0.02) ADG and G:F. Also, final BW, HCW, and carcass yield decreased (linear, P < 0.03), but jowl iodine value (IV) increased (linear, P < 0.001) as DDGS increased. Experiments 2 and 3 utilized DDGS sources that contained 5.2 vs. 9.3, and 9.2 vs. 11.8% oil, respectively. In brief, results suggested that while ADG was unaffected, feeding DDGS with 5.2% oil reduced G:F. In Exp. 4, stepwise regression was used to develop prediction equations based to determine that a 1% change in oil content of DDGS will change the DE by 71 kcal/kg and NE by 118 kcal/kg. Experiment 5 determined that pigs fed corn-soy (CS) diets throughout the finishing phase had greater (P < 0.03) ADG, G:F, and carcass yield and lower (P < 0.01) IV than those fed high fiber (HF; DDGS and wheat midds) diets throughout, with pigs fed the fiber withdrawal intermediately. Pigs fed RAC had greater (P < 0.01) ADG, G:F, and carcass yield than pigs not fed RAC. Iodine values were lowest (P < 0.01) for pigs fed the CS diets, highest (P < 0.01) for those fed HF diets throughout, and intermediate for pigs fed the withdrawal diet. Withdrawal of the HF diet to a CS diet partially mitigated negative effects on carcass yield and IV, and feeding RAC, regardless of dietary fiber regimen, improved growth performance and carcass yield.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Jim Nelssen / Six experiments using 3,659 nursery and finishing pigs were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary soybean hulls and ingredient processing in corn-soybean meal or corn-soybean meal-DDGS diets on nursery and finishing performance. Experiment 1 tested increasing soybean hulls (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) and increasing soybean hulls decreased ADG and G:F. Experiment 2 evaluated increasing soybean hulls (0, 10, and 20%) in diets balanced or not for NE and showed reduced performance with increasing soybean hulls. Balancing for NE resulted in G:F similar to pigs fed the control. Experiments 3 and 4 evaluated increasing dietary soybean hulls in corn-soybean meal and corn-soybean meal-DDGS diets. Soybean hulls in either diet worsened G:F and improved caloric efficiency, suggesting current INRA (2004) values for soybean hulls underestimate their energy value. Experiment 5 evaluated 10 and 20% ground or unground soybean hulls in meal and pelleted diets. Caloric efficiency improved with high levels of soybean hulls. Pelleting improved ADG and eliminated negative effects on G:F with increasing soybean hulls, while grinding soybean hulls reduced performance. Experiment 6 tested increasing ground and unground soybean hulls (0, 7.5, and 15%). Increasing soybean hulls worsened G:F, carcass yield, and hot carcass weight. Grinding soybean hulls to finer particle sizes did not improve ADG and worsened G:F. Experiments 7 and 8 evaluated the replacement of corn with wheat and crystalline amino acids in nursery and finishing pig diets. Replacing 50% of corn with wheat did not affect growth performance in either nursery or finishing; however 100% replacement of corn with wheat reduced performance. In addition, feeding wheat improved carcass fat IV, while use of high levels of crystalline amino acids in wheat-based diets did not influence performance in either study. Experiment 9 evaluated the replacement of soybean meal with high-protein dried distiller’s grains with solubles and crystalline amino acids. High-protein DDGS and crystalline AA can replace 50% of the SBM in finishing diets without negatively affecting performance or carcass yield. Replacing 100% of SBM with high-protein DDGS reduced growth rate, but increasing crystalline AA levels can help mitigate negative effects on carcass yield and fat IV.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Joel DeRouchey / Mike Tokach / Six experiments using 3,862 pigs were conducted to evaluate effects of ractopamine HCl (RAC) feeding programs, dietary L-Carnitine and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) on growth, carcass traits, loin and jowl fat quality of pigs, and energy and protein sources in nursery diets. In Exp. 1 and 2, RAC-fed pigs had greater (P<0.05) ADG, G:F and HCW compared with the control. Within RAC treatments, there were no differences in growth. Pigs fed step-up RAC had increased (P<0.01) percentage lean, fat-free lean index and loin depth but decreased (P<0.01) backfat than the control or constant treatment. In Exp. 2, pigs fed step-up RAC program had greater (P<0.05) ADG and G:F than the constant treatment. Pigs fed constant RAC had greater (P=0.002) carcass yield than controls. There were no overall differences in other carcass traits among treatments. In Exp. 3, dietary L-Carnitine improved (P<0.02) ADG and final BW. A DDGS × L-Carnitine interaction (quadratic, P<0.01) was observed for G:F. Pigs not fed DDGS had similar G:F, but in DDGS diets pigs fed 50 ppm L-Carnitine had worse G:F than those fed 100 ppm. Pigs fed L-Carnitine had greater (P<0.02) HCW compared with those not fed L-Carnitine. Increasing L-Carnitine up to 100 ppm increased HCW (quadratic, P<0.03) and backfat (quadratic, P<0.04), with the maximum response at 50 ppm dietary L-Carnitine. Increasing L-Carnitine increased (linear, P<0.04) purge loss of loin. Feeding DDGS increased (P<0.001) linoleic acid and iodine value of jowl fat compared with feeding no DDGS. However, feeding L-Carnitine did not change jowl fatty acid composition. In Exp. 4, 5 and 6, nursery pigs fed choice white grease (CWG) had improved (P<0.02) G:F than pigs fed a control diet or an alcohol based energy source. Also, pigs fed CWG had greater (P<0.04) ADG in Exp. 4 and 6 and had reduced (P<0.01) ADFI in Exp. 5. The alcohol based energy source improved (P<0.04) ADG and ADFI with no change in G:F in Exp. 4; but did not affect growth in Exp. 5 and 6. In Exp. 6, pigs fed AV-E Digest had equal performance as nursery pigs fed other specialty proteins.

No description available.