Ensiling, preservation losses and effluent binding of sugar beet tops

Authors

• Maija-Liisa Salo Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Helsinki, 00710 Helsinki 71

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.71981

Abstract

Sugar beet tops harvested with a mower chopper make a good silage, without additives, but the losses through effluent are great. A low silo model — flat silo or stack— reduces the losses. Effluent losses can also be decreased by ensiling dry straw with tops. Straw binds the effluent 3 5,5 kg/kg. corresponding to 150 —200 g dry matter/kg, of which about 60 g is crude protein. About 20—25 kg long straw/tn beet tops is suitable in the feeding of cattle.