| Nutrient profiles of distillers' grains are primarily affected by the type of grain used for ethanol production, but the feeding value of triticale-based dry distillers' grains plus solubles (TDDGS) has not been extensively studied. The first study showed that, compared to 20% corn- or wheat-based distillers' grains diets, 20% TDDGS diet increased cis-9 trans-11 linoleic acid concentration in carcass fat without affecting growth performance of lambs. In the second study, lamb growth performance was not affected by the addition of up to 60% TDDGS in the diet, but the risk of urinary calculi increased at higher inclusion levels. Lambs fed 20% TDDGS had higher cold carcass weights and grade rules than lambs fed 40 or 60% TDDGS. Increasing TDDGS decreased diet digestibility, and increased nitrogen and phosphorus excretion. In conclusion, TDDGS can be used in diets for growing ruminants, and its utilization efficiency may be optimized at 20% dietary inclusion. |
