Based on the BW gain and feed efficiencies from experiment
1, it could be concluded that 15% DDGS may be used
safely in commercial (high-density) diets. However, the
lower feed efficiency (gain:feed) observed during the first
7 d and the numeric reduction thereafter suggest that an
inclusion level of 15% DDGS may be excessive during the
starter period. These assumptions were confirmed by the
results of experiment 2, in which 12 and 18% DDGS depressed
chick performance during the starter period.
Soybean protein is known to have a more favorable
amino acid pattern for chick growth than corn. When 18%
DDGS was incorporated into the diet, the percentage protein
of corn origin doubled (4.6 to 8.6%), whereas the percentage
protein from soybean meal (SBM) decreased. It is