Feed derived from sugar beet processing – current analytical data and integration into modern systems for evaluating energy and protein content for ruminants

As part of a joint project by the German Sugar Industry Association (VdZ), feed materials derived from sugar beet processing at 18 German sugar factories were comprehensively analyzed. The goal was to update the data set for press pulp, dried pulp, molasses pulp, molasses, and vinasse, as well as to classify them within the current system for evaluating energy and protein content for dairy cows. In addition to the traditional Weender crude nutrients, fiber fractions (aNDFom, ADFom), macronutrients and trace elements, amino acids, and gas production were determined using the Hohenheim feed value test. Based on the analytical data, the feed values were calculated according to both the previous and current German energy and protein evaluation systems for ruminants. The results confirm the high consistency of the composition and the high nutritional value of feedstuffs derived from sugar beet processing. In particular, the high fermentability of the pulp products, as well as their characteristic energy, protein, and mineral contents, underscore their importance for modern ruminant feeding. At the same time, the studies show that the introduction of the current evaluation system does not lead to a fundamental reassessment of these feeds, but rather enables a more precise description of their energy and protein supply. The updated analytical data thus provide a reliable basis for feed value tables, feed evaluation, advisory services, and feeding practices, and confirm the importance of feed derived from sugar beet processing as high-quality and sustainable components of modern ruminant rations.