Roots, Tubers and By-Products

Characteristics

Turnip and swede are related brassicas. They have good nutritive value, and typically a low dry matter and crude protein concentration. However, their protein tends to be very degradable.

	DM (%)	ME (MJ/kg DM)	CP (g/kg DM)
Turnip	9	11.2	120
Swede	12	12.8	110

Associated Problems

Excess intakes associated with milk taint in dairy cows. Nitrate and sulphur toxicity.

Mangel, Fodderbeet and Sugarbeet

Characteristics

These beets are very generally classified according to their DM content. Mangel < Fodderbeet < Sugarbeet. They are low in crude protein. Sugarbeets are primarily grown for sugar production, not feeding.

	DM (%)	ME (MJ/kg DM)	CP (g/kg DM)
Mangel	12	12.4	80
Fodderbeet	18	11.9	70

Associated Problems

Mangels have a high nitrate concentration if fresh (need to store for a few weeks). High intakes of fodderbeet can cause GI tract disturbances, hypocalcaemia and in rare cases death.

Sugarbeet Pulp

Characteristics

Sugarbeet pulp is the residue following sugar extraction from sugarbeet root. It has a high dry matter and digestible fibre content, but a relatively low protein and phosphorus concentration. It is available in pellets or shreds, molassed or unmolassed. Can also be ensiled with distillers/brewers grains (draff) to form Grainbeet.

	DM (%)	ME (MJ/kg DM)	CP (g/kg DM)
SB pulp (unmolassed)	90	12.7	100
SB pulp (molassed)	87	12.5	110

Associated Problems

Choke, especially in horses (can increase it’s volume up to 6x; recommended to soak (ca. 1 litre per 200g) for 24 hours prior to feeding to horses).

Molasses

Characteristics

Molasses is the residue following sugar extraction from sugarbeet root (also get molasses from sugarcane). It involves crystallisation and separation of sugar from water extract. Molasses is a thick, black liquid that is very low in protein concentration but very high in soluble sugars. It is often added to sugarbeet pulp, proprietary feeds, mineral licks, and TMR rations.

	DM (%)	ME (MJ/kg DM)	CP (g/kg DM)
Molasses	75	12.9	50

Associated Problems

Can be laxative. Acidosis at high intakes.