Recommendations on the use of DDGS in dairy cattle - Fernando Díaz

What is the maximum percentage of use of Rice DDGS in the concentrate mixture of dairy cattle?

DDGS can reduce milk fat test because polyunsaturated fatty acids and biohydrogenation it can be added by limiting factor it contains fat about 9- 10 % and the fat is not protected.

As a Dairy consultant working in HOT environments, for me the DDGS is a basic complement for the formulation into a feeding plan, provide a high source of energy which is very positive specifically in recent calving cows conditions (first 30 days) and after until 100 days of lactation help to keep the BCS.Also can be use in closeup cows about 2 to 3% total formula in DM, about 7% in fresh first 30 days and up to 4 to 5% until 100 days in milking. Important point NOT all the DDGS processing are the same and need to take this factor into consideration

Mr Hazen DDGS is an interesting tool to solve the fast energy required in HOT environments and avoid decrease of the BCS of the cows. I do not use above 10% of the total ration I use (according the cases and type of DDGS) up to 7% of the total DM of the formula which is not the same. Fat test in the milk is more linked with rumination process type of forage, size,% of forage, subclinical acidosis, etc., but of course also the quality of the DDGS, I will advice to search in the different type of DDGS. At the same time; tropical conditions are not the same as sub-tropical or desert condition which influence the final result of the feeding process.

5-7% usage is the best.

Maybe is interesting to add to this topic the importance of the selection the good quality and the appropriate DDGS into the formulations of the dairy cows in hot environment. An consider to use the DDGS from yellow corn which is the best in the research, and in the practice, as well when arrive at 10% of Fat in the DDGS and take into consideration when make the formula included about 55% of forage to keep a high percent of rumination (not less then 60% of the cows) this is to avoid the reduction of the Fat into the milk. Some time keep this percent of forage into the formula is difficult in hot conditions because the lignification of the hay or the forage in general, except when make a very good hay, alfalfa haylage and corn silo.