The composition and nutritive value of sugar beet pulp

The object of the investigation which has been described in the present communication has been to secure information concerning the feeding value of sugar beet pulp as produced at the present time in this country. Data have been obtained respecting: (1) The composition and digestibility of wet sugar beet pulp. (2) The composition of dried sugar beet pulp and the digestibility of this feeding stuff when fed to ruminants (a) in the dry condition, and (b) after preliminary soaking in water. (3) The composition of molasses-sugar beet pulp. Data have been given showing the amounts of sugar beet by-products which are becoming available for use on the farm. The commercial processes of drying wet sugar beet pulp, and the method of manufacture of molasses-sugar beet pulp, have been described. It has been shown that crude fibre (20.3 per cent.) and N-free extractives (65.7 per cent.) constitute together more than four-fifths of the dry matter of sugar beet pulp, the latter being deficient in respect of protein, ash and oil. The carbohydrate of sugar beet pulp is invested with, special interest, being mainly in the form of pectose. A short account of the chemistry of the pectic substances has been given.