Description
High sugar content, good leaf fodder characteristics, high nutritive value, and large yields compared to other forage crops, fodder beets are an energy feed used to replace cereal grains as a source of energy in ruminants. Excelling as a winter food source, fill values can be comparable to grass, silage, hay, or concentrate feed. Fodder beets are the highest-yielding crop in temperate climates with high organic matter digestibility resulting in lactation values similar to or higher than cereal grains. Fodder beets have increased the fat and protein content of milk while maintaining yields and energy output. While fiber content is low, it is higher than wheat or maize grain. Fodder beets are deficient in calcium, and animals will require supplemental calcium. Alternate planting strips between brassicas high in calcium with fodder beet strips to alleviate calcium deficiency issues.
Fodder beets utilized in organic farming assist with energy supply, nitrogen balance, and reducing the amount of potential human food used in animal feeding. Providing forage at the end of a dry summer when most species have succumbed to drought conditions, it is also possible to curb aggressive behavior in sows by using fodder beets for feed and reducing feeding rates by 20%. When fed in appropriate quantities, fodder beets maintain healthy livestock digestive systems, promote growth in young stock, and stimulate milk production without imparting flavors.
Adaptation
Soil salinity tolerance is moderate for fodder beets, and irrigation with saline water is possible. Well-adapted to colder, moist climates, fodder beets are less sensitive to weather variations than other rooted crops. Frost’s below 27°F will damage seedlings.
Establishment
Management
Considerations
Fodder beets will require annual seeding.
Please Note:
All information provided is the result of research, our own experience, or the experiences shared by our customers.
We strongly encourage consulting additional resources before planting to ensure the best fit for your location and needs.