Ohio State University Extension dairy specialists are evaluating the impacts of DGS (distillers grains with solubles) on milk fat levels in a cow's diet and seeking explanations as to why those levels vary across different diet scenarios. Researchers are specifically focusing on diets with Rumensin. Rumensin is a common feed additive that sometimes depresses milk fat yields.

"Farmers use Rumensin because it increases feed efficiency. In dairy cattle, it increases milk production and in beef cattle it improves gain," says Maurice Eastridge, an OSU Extension dairy specialist. "But Rumensin can decrease milk fat, which impacts yields and that means less in a farmer's pocket. We are concerned about that profitability."

Eastridge and his colleagues are evaluating how different diets alter the composition of milk fatty acids and trying to explain why that is happening under those specific dietary conditions. The researchers are focusing on DGS because of its high fat content. Concentrations of protein, fiber, fat, and minerals are generally about three times higher in distiller grains than in corn.

Source: American Agriculturist