Beet pulp is the fibrous portion of the sugar beet that is mechanically pressed, dried, and pelletized. This fiber is a highly digestible, non-starch energy source for cattle. Dairy farmers use beet pulp as a structural carbohydrate for their cows. In addition to dairy cow nutrition, beet pulp pellets are also widely used as pet foods. Midwest Agri sells beet pulp pellets to dairy farmers all over the world, with the European and Asian markets representing its largest export outlets.
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Benefits of beet pulp
One study evaluated the nutritional value of beet pulp in dairy cow rations. It showed that the diets of multiparous cows supplemented with beet pulp had an increased neutral detergent insoluble crude protein content. It also decreased the concentration of acetate, butyrate, and propionate in the rumen. In addition, the milk yield of the cows supplemented with beet pulp was linearly higher than the controls. Beet pulp lowered the fat content of the milk and increased the yield of lactating cows. Its consumption is recommended for heat-stressed cows.
Using beet pulp is a great way to extend homegrown forage supplies. It is a good source of structural carbohydrates, helps reduce rumen acidosis, and improves the butterfat test. Besides being an excellent source of fermentable fiber, beet pulp is also high in energy and digestible, making it a great addition to dairy cow rations.
Common ingredients in rations
There are a variety of by-products that can be used in the production of a high-quality, formulated ration for dairy cows. By-product feeds can contain a variety of components, including undegradable or soluble protein and fiber. They may also be used to compensate for deficiencies in a dairy cow’s forage diet. By-product feeds can vary in their protein fractions and should be evaluated before being used in dairy cow rations.
Beet pulp is an excellent source of structural carbohydrates, and should not exceed 50 percent of the DM basis of a dairy cow’s diet. It can reduce intake by affecting the moisture content and bulkiness of the diet. A high percentage of beet pulp may increase the risk of rumen acidosis in the dairy cow. Beet pulp also serves as an excellent source of fermentable fiber and can increase the milk yield of dairy cows.
Availability
Beet pulp is a byproduct of sugar cane production that can be utilized to feed dairy cattle. Beet pulp is high in digestible fiber and does not cause acidosis in cattle. It is available in a variety of forms, including wet and dry pellets. Beet pulp is used for multiple purposes, including dog food, horse feed, and in dairy cattle diets. A variety of other uses include making dog food, dog treats, and pet food.
Sugar beet is a temperate climate crop grown for the production of sucrose. A co-product of beet production is beet pulp. Beet pulp is a suitable nonforage source for dairy cattle because of its high levels of digestible fiber and pectic substances. Beet pulp is high in sugar (between ten and thirteen percent dry matter), but has low levels of protein.
Cost
In Iran, beet pulp costs more per unit of available starch and effective fiber than corn or barley. The cost of beet pulp is comparable to the price of alfalfa, the main dietary forage for dairy cows. However, the value of beet pulp for dairy cows as a source of protein and energy remains questionable. For these reasons, beet pulp is unlikely to replace alfalfa as a primary feed for high-production cows.
It is the by-product of the production of sugar from sugar beets. Beet pulp is highly digestible, with a high pectin and energy content. However, unlike barley, beet pulp does not raise the level of lactic acid in milk. Hence, it is not a viable substitute for barley in dairy cow nutrition. But it is an excellent source of fiber and energy for dairy cows.
Nutritional value
In a recent study, pressed sugar beet pulp supplemented with maize silage increased the yield of milk by between 2 and 3 kg per day for each cow. Beet pulp also had the potential to reduce milk fat content while increasing milk protein, making it an attractive alternative to maize silage in winter rations. This resource can help dairy farmers increase their energy density and reduce feed costs by adding up to 10% of its total dry matter.
Although beet pulp can make a great supplement for dairy cows, it should be a small amount for dairy cows. Its high calorie content may cause an excess of body weight in your goat. You should aim to feed your goat a cup per day, but the ideal amount depends on the diet of your goat. Generally, a handful of beet pulp should comprise between 5 and 15% of the goat’s diet.
