The Horse: Possible Beet Pulp Shortage Reported in Eastern U.S.

The Horse: Possible Beet Pulp Shortage Reported in Eastern U.S.

A lack of plain beet pulp in several East Coast feed stores is fueling some speculation that a shortage could be in the works.

Beet pulp is a byproduct from the process of extracting simple sugars from sugar beets for the manufacture of table sugar. The pulp, which has 8-10% crude protein and 18% crude fiber, is often used as a livestock feed or equine supplement.

"We're in decent shape on beet pulp shreds, but many feed suppliers in the area are out," said Larry Drennen, of Oxford Feed & Lumber in Oxford, Penn. "It seems that last year's harvest hasn't made it through the full year."

While outages of plain beet pulp have been reported, the pulp with molasses seems to be readily available.

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