Chopped Sugar Beets as a Component of Beef Cow Diets

Sugar beets not accepted for human consumption were evaluated as an energy source in a limit fed ration for confined beef cows. Initial and final body weight and body condition score were not different between wheat straw based diets containing wet distillers grains and either chopped sugar beets or corn. Body condition score change tended to be greater for the diet containing corn. However, cows on both treatments finished the study with a body condition score of 5.7. Chopped sugar beets mixed with wheat straw and stored in an agricultural bag underwent ensiling and did not result in choking issues. Sugar beets appear to be similar to corn and are an acceptable energy source for maintaining gestating beef cows