2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objectives of these cooperative research projects are to. 1)evaluate the effects of dietary roughage concentration on the feeding value of distiller's grain in steam-flaked corn based beef cattle finishing diets; and. 2)evaluate the effects of corn processing method and feeding of distiller's grains on eating quality of beef. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) In beef cattle nutrient metabolism trials, steers will be given ad libitum access to finishing diets containing various concentrations of supplemental fat or containing corn processed by two methods. Feed intake, nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism, and excretion will be determined. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a specific cooperative agreement between ARS and the Texas Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Amarillo, Texas. Additional details of the research and publications can be found in the report for the parent project 6209-31630-002-00D, Minimizing the Environmental Impact of Livestock Manures Using Integrated Management Regimens. Substantial progress has been made in preparation for this project. We have revitalized our metabolism facility which was dormant for some time. We have purchased cattle, trained them to our facility, and surgically inserted ruminal and duodenal cannula. The cattle are currently recovering from surgery. We also have all of the feedstuffs and collection materials in place to begin the study. We are in the process of hiring an assistant research scientist who will directly oversee collection and analysis of samples. We anticipate beginning to adapt the steers to a high concentrate diet in coming weeks and beginning collections in August 2007. The ADODR and lead investigator are in regular contact via e-mail, phone, and face-to-face contacts. The ADODR monitors cooperator expenditure of funds through semi-annual reports from the cooperator and via contacts with the lead investigator.