Fodder beet

Fodder beet can be a useful spring sown forage crop, providing high fresh and dry matter yields. With a typical crude protein content of 12-13%, and 13 Mj/kg DM, it delivers a balanced feed of protein and energy.

Whilst fodder beet is a good feed, it also has the flexibility  to either be grazed in the field or harvested and stored. With the ability of growing in most locations, except heavy or waterlogged soils.

Figure 1 – Source Limagrain

Ideally drilled in March or April, ready to be utilised in October or November.

As with other grazing forage crops, a transition period will be required, as well as a run back area to provide fibre.

From Figure 1, there is a direct link between dry matter content of the root and the amount of root in the ground.

These deeper rooting varieties (with more than 70% of the root in the ground) are more suited to being harvested and lifted. This maximises feed value.

The shallower rooting varieties (with a 50-60% of the root in the ground) can be used for either lifting or grazing in the field. Varieties with the high dry matter yields tend to have the ‘dirtier’ roots, whereas the lower dry matter variers, such as Robbos and blaze are cleaner.

Key points for key varieties:

Feldherr:

·         Ideal for young stock

·         Bold leaves

·         Orange roots

Blaze:

·         Clean red roots

·         Low dirt contamination for high intakes

·         Can be fed whole or chopped.

Robbos:

·         Consistent performance

·         Clean yellow root

·         Easy to harvest.

Tarine:

·         Clean pink roots

·         Can be harvested later.

·         Rhizomania tolerant

Magnum:

·         Can be lifted or grazed.

·         Consistent root size

·         Some frost tolerance

Enermax:

·         Clean white root

·         Easy to lift.

·         Rhizomania tolerant

Blizzard:

·         White roots

·         Ideal for harvesting

·         Best for dairy or beef cattle

Tadorne:

·         Can be stored for long periods of time.

·         ‘Sugar beet type’

·         White root

Brick:

·         High quality and high DM yield

·         Rhizomania tolerant

·         Clean white root

If you want to speak to one of our seed experts, then call 01243 755620, or email seed@bartholomews.co.uk