Effects of concentrated separator dried beet pulp on nutrient digestibility, milk production, and preference of...

Concentrated separator by-product was fed to cattle to determine TDN, milk production, and feed preference. The TDN content of concentrated separator by-product was determined using a substitution method involving a basal diet of alfalfa and grass hay and a treatment diet of alfalfa and grass hay plus 10% added concentrated separator by-product. Four ruminally cannulated cows in a replicated 2 x 2 Latin square design were used. The estimated TDN content of concentrated separator by-product was 59.3%. Twenty midlactation dairy cows were fed either a control ration containing 20% molasses dried beet pulp or a treatment ration containing 20% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp. Cows in the treatment group produced significantly less daily milk and 3.5% FCM than the control group. Percentages of milk fat, protein, lactose, and SNF were not different between treatments. Eight Holstein heifers were used to determine feed preference. Heifers were given a choice among 20% molasses dried beet pulp (control) or 10, 15, or 30% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp. Heifers showed no preference between 10 or 15% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp and control, but preferred the control over the 30% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp.