Simple DDGs question

[Nebrfarmr]

I background all our calves, and usually keep a little corn in the bin for this purpose.  However, with our local elevators currently paying 20-25 cents above Chicago price, instead of their usual 25-30 cents under, I am seriously considering hauling in all the corn, and feeding in distillers grain.  Normally, I topdress 4-6# corn in the bunks per head.  Would I do the same good using 3# DDGs?  I used to raise hogs, and still have a bulk bin to put it in not far from the calf pen, so storage wouldn't be a problem.  My only concern is topdressing might make it too 'hot' if a couple calves beat the others to the bunk, and get 2 or 3 times their normal amount.  Everyone I know that uses DDGs has a remix wagon.  My setup is not that big, 150 calves total, and I don't have a remix wagon, although I do have a standard feeder wagon for ground hay.  I much prefer to top dress the corn as it tames the calves down, and lets me check every one, every day, for sickness.

[klondike54]

You should be fine using DDGS instead of corn.  In fact, the calves will probably eat it quicker and sort it less than corn because of the smaller particle size and better palatability.  Also, DDGS have very low starch content compared to corn, so less chance of 'overload' or acidosis.  Because of the high energy but low starch content, it is actually a better 'fit' for starter and grower rations than corn is.  Just be sure you buy your DDGS as you sell your corn cuz DDGS prices follow the corn market very closely.  

[rightone]

Backgrounding perhaps works better with strait wdgs/ddgs vs corn.

Reason is ddgs have extra fat content which corn lacks.

Feed a balancer with em ( safest way to cut your sulfur overload risk with ddgs ).

Another nice thing with ddgs is the 28 to 30% protien level that comes along with em.

( grind some straw or or cornstalks in and sell some hay rather than feed it )  

Feed say 1 lb ddg per 100 lbs of calf weight, thus your 4 to 6# topdress plan works fine.

[Nebrfarmr]

Thanks for the replies.  I'll probably do what a guy down the road does...haul in a truckload of corn, bring home a load of DDGs.  In round numbers, the plant sells the DDGs for about 1 1/2 times the price of corn on a per pound basis, so if I can go with half the DDGs of corn for the same result, I should be saving money.  Trucking is not a big deal, as I haul corn with my own straight truck, and I could do a backhaul like the big guys do LOL. 

[Paul]

We fatten out about 200 head a year and get our feeders in around 650 to 750 weight. We have been top dressing over corn silage @ 3# DDS @ P/H/P/D and haven't had to add any corn if our yields run above 160Bu. per acre. If you do see signs of acidosis or sulfur toxicity and are feeding a supplement at the recommended rate, it could be the supplement is too high. Some of the micro nutrients that are being added to fertilizers could be showing up in the corn as higher metals. We had a problem and long story short cut back on the supplement by 20% and they did great.  Paul

[nwobcw]

   How long will DDG's keep in a hoppper wagon in the barn?