Sugar beet pulp with higher DM-contents shows a good silage quality

Currently, pressed sugar-beet pulp is delivered with a DM content of around 25 %. In future, sugar refineries hope to press the pulp even harder, with a view to reducing transported quantities. In the present study, we investigated the influence of higher DM content on silage quality and aerobic stability in various silage methods. To this end, pressed pulp with 25 % and 34 % DM was ensiled in large bales, in a large plastic bag, and in a bunker silo. Several samples were taken during feed-out. The crude nutrients of the standard pulp and of the pressed pulp with the higher DM content were practically identical in both the basic raw material and in the silages. Small differences were observed in the raw material of the two sugar refineries. The pulp that was pressed harder exhibited higher DM density and better aerobic stability than the standard pulp. All silages were characterised by both good fermentation quality and good microbiological quality.