ABSTRACT: Wet distillers grains contain approximately
65% moisture. A partially dried product [modifi ed
distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS)] contains about
50% moisture. However, both have similar nutrient composition
on a dry matter basis. The objective of this study
was to investigate the effects of fi nishing diets varying in
concentration of MDGS on marbling attributes, proximate
composition, and fatty acid profi le of beef. Yearling
steers (n = 268) were randomly allotted to 36 pens, which
were assigned randomly to 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%
MDGS (DM basis) and fed for 176 d before harvest. The
48-h postmortem marbling score, marbling texture, and
marbling distribution were assessed by a USDA grader
and 1 ribeye slice (longissimus thoracis) 7 mm thick was
collected from each carcass for proximate and fatty acid
analyses. Treatments did not signifi cantly alter marbling
score or marbling distribution (P ≥ 0.05). United States
Department of Agriculture Choice slices had coarser
marbling texture when compared with USDA Select.