Sugar Beets as a Feed Ingredient
The 2008 Ontario sugar beet crop is an exceptional crop with yields much
better than expected; resulting in more beets than can be reasonably processed.
Sugar beet producers are being encouraged to consider a Set Aside Program
option. A portion of the crop would be left unharvested or undelivered
for processing.
Those who are planning to participate in the Set Aside Program may be
looking for alternatives such as harvesting the whole beets for use as
a livestock feed. Several livestock producers may have had experience
with feeding the by-product of sugar beet processing - moist beet pulp,
but not with feeding whole sugar beets. The whole beets' sugar content
and their digestible fibre make them a good source of energy and have
been successfully used in feeding ruminants, such as cattle and sheep.
The feeding value of sugar beets could be considered similar to corn and
cob meal with equivalent energy levels but with slightly lower protein
than corn and cob meal.
The chart below compares the typical nutritional analysis of whole sugar
beets to beet pulp, corn silage, corn and cob meal and shelled corn on
a dry matter basis.
| |
Dry Matter
|
Crude Protein
|
Energy (TDN)
|
Ca
|
P
|
Whole Sugar Beets
|
20% |
6.8% |
81% |
24% |
24% |
Sugar Beet Pulp (moist)
|
25% |
9.0% |
72% |
72% |
20% |
Corn and Cob Meal
|
87% |
9.0% |
82% |
10% |
24% |
Corn Silage
|
35% |
8.0% |
69% |
30% |
20% |
Shelled Corn
|
87% |
9.5% |
88% |
01% |
30% |
Considerations When Feeding Whole Sugar Beets
- The high moisture levels (approximately 80%) and relatively high sugar
content of whole beets can present storage challenges.
- Industry consultants are suggesting unprocessed sugar beets may be
stored in a pile with minimal spoilage until well into February. However,
piled beets must be used up prior to warm weather in mid March as warm
temperatures will cause rapid decay and significant nuisance insect
problems will develop.
- Ensiling processed sugar beets in combination with a dry ingredient
such as straw, hay or corn stalks to achieve a final moisture level
of 35-40% can be a longer term storage option. The pile should be packed
and covered to exclude oxygen.
- The location of temporary storage piles should be considered carefully
in order to minimize the potential for environmental contamination and
offensive smells. Monitor and prevent any potential runoff from reaching
surface water bodies like streams, ditches and ponds.
- Mixing processed sugar beets with straw at a ratio of four or five
beets to one of straw has been shown to be an effective ensiling mixture.
- The sugar content of beets provides an excellent source of fermentable
carbohydrate needed for successful fermentation.
- Whole beets can be processed by various methods such as feeding them
through a forage harvester; in a tub grinder; extended agitation in
TMR mixer; driving over them or putting them through an industrial wood
chipper.
- Cattle and sheep can consume unprocessed whole sugar beets. To reduce
the risk of smaller beets becoming lodged in animal's throats and to
facilitate a more uniform mixing with other ingredients it is recommended
that sugar beets be broken or processed prior to feeding.
- Suggested ration inclusion rates are up to 20% of the dry matter intake
for backgrounding/growing cattle and up to 50% of a beef cow's dry matter
intake.
- The beet tops can also be fed but because the majority of the feed
value is contained within the beet, it may be better to focus efforts
on preserving and utilizing the beet itself.
- It is important to determine which fungicide and herbicide was used
with the sugar beet crop as there may be label restrictions regarding
the use of sugar beets as a feed ingredient. For example, the label
on Tilt™ states "Do not graze or feed sugar beet tops treated
with propiconazole to livestock" while there are no restrictions
on feeding the beet itself. The label on Senator 70W™ displays
the warning -"No sugar beets or parts of sugar beets are to be
used as fodder or feed in Canada." Headline™ does not appear
to have any feeding restrictions. The bottomline -check the label!
Livestock producers who decide to take advantage of this opportunity
to feed sugar beets should work with a qualified livestock nutritionist
to ensure the rations are properly balanced for optimal animal health
and performance.
For more information of feeding sugar beets, contact::
Ron Lackey
Feed Ingredients and Byproducts Feeding Specialist
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
581 Huron Street,
Stratford,ON N5A 5T8
Tel: 519-271-7407
ron.lackey@ontario.ca
