| Fodder Beet. |
| Introduction |
| Fodder beet has a potentially higher yield
of digestible nutrients than any other forage crop. The
best crops may give 18 tonnes of dry matter per hectare.
However, it is a crop which demands 'arable expertise and
there can be problems with late harvesting, cleaning and
the feeding process. Specialist equipment for cleaning
and chopping is now available and may help to increase
the interest in fodder beet on many farms. Sown May/June
for harvesting Oct. Dec. |
| Origin |
| UK, Ireland, Denmark, Netherlands. |
| Nutritional Information |
| Can produce more dry matter/acre than
cereal grains. A sugar rich energy feed for ruminants but
the composition can vary. Soil contamination must be
avoided to prevent digestive upsets as should excessive
feeding; in severe cases, this can cause hypocalcaemia
and even death. The digestive upsets are due to excess
sugar in the rumen, and/or mineral imbalance. Chopping
enhances intake in ruminants and cattle relish the root
due to its succulence and sugar content. |
| Colour/Texture |
| Grey white fleshy tuber. |
| Palatability |
| Excellent. |
| Limits on Usage |
| Fodder beet should be well cleaned,
preferably at harvesting but certainly before feeding.
Fodder beet tops can also be fed and are of a lower dry
matter (12%) and energy (10 MJ/kg DM) but higher protein
(16%). Tops should be wilted to avoid metabolic and
digestive upsets. Root tops can be associated with milk
taint in dairy cows. High FME may limit inclusion. |
| Recommended Maximum Inclusion Rates % |
| Calf |
10 |
Creep |
0 |
Chick |
0 |
| Dairy |
20 |
Weaner |
0 |
Broiler |
0 |
| Beef |
20 |
Grower |
0 |
Breeder |
0 |
| Lamb |
15 |
Finisher |
0 |
Layer |
0 |
| Ewe |
20 |
Sow |
0 |
|
|
|
| Handling/Storage |
| Store on a dry, concrete apron if possible. |