Impact of dietary supplementation with corn distillers dried grains with soluble and extruded soybeans on fermentation parameters, digestibility, and lipid metabolism in ewes fed hay-based forage

Abstract

The expansion of the biofuels industry has increased the production of co-products such as distillers dried grains (DDGS) and extruded soybeans (ESB), known for their low cost and ability to improve animal production. This study evaluated the effects of DDGS and ESB on ruminal fermentation, digestibility and lipid metabolism in sheep fed hay forage (FH). SA 4x4 Latin square experimental design was used with four rumen-cannulated ewes (62.0 ± 7.13 kg live weight) assigned to four treatments: control (FH 73% + sunflower pellet 26% + urea 1%), DDGS (FH 74% + DDGS 25% + urea 1%), ESB (FH 75% + ESB 25%) and soybean oil (SO, FH 71% + sunflower pellet 26% + SO 2% + urea 1%). Dry matter digestibility (DMD) was highest with extruded soybeans (ESB), while DDGS showed intermediate values. Both supplements improved ruminal pH stability, indicating enhanced fermentation conditions. ESB also increased the concentrations of linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) and α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3) in the rumen. In conclusion, the inclusion of DDGS and ESB in hay-based diets improved ruminal pH regulation and the fatty acid profile, contributing to better overall fermentation dynamics.