Feeding value and fermentation characteristics of ensiled sugar beet wet distillers for fattening Holstein steers

Abstract

Sugar beet wet distillers juice with solubles (SBWDJS) are disposed to aerobic spoilage when stored for a prolonged period. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the fermentation characteristics of ensiled SBWDJS, as well as their feeding impact on the metabolic profiles and the growth performance in fattening Holstein steers. Ensiled blends containing SBWDJS were prepared either with Amylomyces rouxii inoculation (AS) or without (US). The silos were analysed on days 0, 7, 14, 28 and 42. As expected, silage lactic acid (LA) concentrations were elevated in the AS treatment compared with the US treatment. Daily gain and final bodyweight values were similar between treatments. Statistically, blood lactic acid concentrations were lowest from AS-based diet-fed steers and highest from control-fed steers. Collectively, SBWDJS can be effectively ensiled with or without A. rouxii and used as feedstuff for fattening Holstein steers.