The net energy content of dried sugar-beet pulp and of sucrose when fed to lactating cows.

Abstract

Three energy balance experiments were performed, each with 6 lactating cows. In the first experiment in two trials the net energy contents of dried sugar-beet pulp and barley when used in a mixed ration were compared. This was repeated in the second experiment using maize instead of barley. In both cases about half of the dry matter of the ration consisted of hay, the other half was a concentrate mixture containing some 40/o barley, maize or sugar-beet pulp. There was no significant proof or in dication that the digested energy of barley or maize was utilized better or worse for maintenance and production than the digested energy of pulp. The results suggest that in the starch equivalent system the same value number should be used for pulp, bar ley and maize. In the third experiment 8% sucrose in the concentrates of a mixed ration was exchanged for 8% starch. Here also the digested energy of the two rations was utilized equally efficiently.