Feeding fodder beet to cattle can be a cost-effective and useful addition to the diet of growing and finishing cattle. However, fodder beet must be managed carefully to ensure its success. In addition to weed suppression, it should be mowed regularly and harvested only when the plants have finished flowering.
Feeding sugar beet to suckler cows
Sugar beet should be fed to suckler cows in stages. A ration for a 300-400kg growing animal should contain a maximum of five to six kilograms of beet per day. This should be balanced by the inclusion of other forages and protein. In addition, sugar beet should not exceed 20 per cent of the dry matter of a dry cow. It is best to feed less than this amount, since it can reduce the formation of cheese eye in the milk.
Sugar beets are highly nutritious and can be fed to beef cattle in many forms. They can be fed whole or processed through a forage harvester or tub grinder. They can also be broken prior to feeding. Feeding them unprocessed can be an excellent choice. Cattle can digest up to 20 per cent of their daily dry matter requirement with this feed, depending on the type.
Sugar beet feed is rich in digestible fibre and is extremely palatable for beef cattle. It also improves the milk butterfat percentage. Dairy cows can also benefit from using sugar beet feed instead of cereal-based concentrates.
Sugar beet is a good source of energy and is an excellent partial cereal substitute. It has the same nutrient composition as fodder beet, but contains slightly more sugar and DM.
Feeding sugar beet to weanlings
Sugar beet is a suitable choice for feeding to weanling cattle. It provides an excellent source of energy and is highly palatable. However, it lacks calcium, phosphorus and protein. Hence, careful consideration is needed in the diet formulation. Moreover, feeding beet should be managed properly to prevent digestive upsets and fatalities.
Among the state’s top producers of sugar beet, Minnesota is one of the leading states in the nation. The byproducts produced by sugar beet processing plants are valuable feed ingredients for beef cattle producers. However, producers need to choose beet concentrates that are low in sugar and contain digestible fibre sources. The beet must also be thoroughly washed to remove soil. In addition, the beet should be chopped before feeding. Feeding partially washed beet is not recommended as this can affect the functioning of the rumen and the availability of minerals in the feed. Also, feed beets with high nitrate levels should be deferred for at least four days.
Feeding sugar beet to weaner cattle is safe and effective when it comes to adding more energy and protein to the diet. Weanling cattle are capable of consuming about 15 kg of chopped beet per day. However, it is best to feed sugar beet only at a rate that is adequate for their growth rate.
Feeding sugar beet to sheep
Sugar beet is an excellent source of nutrients for sheep. However, it comes with a number of risks. However, with careful management, sugar beet can be an effective part of a sheep’s diet. Here are some important considerations to make before starting a sugar beet program in your sheep’s diet.
Sugar beets can be crushed or ground up and then fed to livestock. Sugar beet pulp is a byproduct of sugar beet processing, and it provides nutritious feed to sheep during the winter. Sheep can be fed beet pulp in pellet or shred form, but it is best to feed rehydrated beet pulp.
Sugar beet byproducts are rich in fiber and energy. With drought conditions and rising livestock feed costs, producers have been searching for alternative sources of forage. The byproducts from sugar beets are an ideal solution for this purpose, according to Alison Crane, a graduate student in the Animal Sciences Department at North Dakota State University.
Feeding sugar beet to sheep should only be done after weighing and measuring sheep’s body condition. Sheep need a good supply of fibrous forage and a healthy run-back area. This will enhance the welfare of the sheep by providing a dry surface for loafing and foraging. This crop is an economic option, but must be managed carefully.
