Sugar beet pulp pellets: differences in size and their application
Sugar beet pulp is a valuable feedstuff that is mainly used in animal nutrition. These shreds are obtained from the remains of sugar beet after the sugar has been extracted. They are rich in fiber and provide a good source of energy, especially for ruminants such as cows, sheep and goats. To facilitate storage and handling, sugar beet pulp is often pressed into pellets. These pellets come in different sizes, which can be selected depending on the intended use and animal species. In this article, we look at the differences between the most common pellet sizes: 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm.
6 mm pellets
The 6 mm pellets are the smallest of the common sizes. They have the advantage that they swell particularly quickly when soaked in water. This can be particularly beneficial if the pellets are used to feed animals that have difficulty chewing, such as older horses or animals with dental problems. As they swell up more quickly, there is also less risk of the animals ingesting too much dry feed, which could lead to digestive problems.
Areas of application:
- Ideal for animals with chewing problems (e.g. older horses)
- Suitable for smaller animals or those with a sensitive digestive system
- Quick preparation due to rapid swelling
8 mm pellets
The 8 mm pellets are a versatile size that is used in many areas of animal nutrition. They offer a good balance between fast swelling and easy handling. These pellets are slightly larger than the 6 mm variant, but still offer good distribution in the feed trough and are easy to process.
Areas of application:
- Widely used in the feeding of cattle, sheep and goats
- Suitable for horses, especially in combination with other feeds
- Good option for animals that are used to finer food
10 mm pellets
The 10 mm pellets are a compromise between the smaller and larger sizes. They swell a little more slowly than the smaller versions, but offer greater stability and are less susceptible to dust formation, which makes them easier to store and handle. These pellets are particularly suitable for larger animals or for those that require a longer feeding time.
Areas of application:
- Ideal size for larger ruminants such as cattle
- Suitable for animals that prefer a slower feed intake
- Less dust generation and therefore advantageous for storage
12 mm pellets
The 12 mm pellets are the largest of the common sizes and are mainly used for animals that prefer a long eating time or tend to consume their food too quickly. Due to the larger surface area, these pellets require more time to swell, which reduces the risk of rapid absorption and therefore reduces the risk of digestive problems. This size is particularly suitable for animals with a larger eating apparatus, such as cows or larger horses.
Areas of application:
- Perfect for large ruminants such as cows
- Suitable for horses with a large feeding apparatus
- Reduces the risk of food cravings and eating too quickly
Conclusion
The choice of the right pellet size depends heavily on the specific needs of the animals and the desired feeding goal. While smaller pellets swell faster and are ideal for animals with chewing problems or sensitive digestive systems, larger pellets offer the advantage of slower feed intake and less dust formation. It is important to consider the individual needs of the animals as well as the storage and handling conditions in order to select the optimum pellet size.