“This makes it an attractive option for farmers but because of the high sugar content careful transitioning onto the crop is critical,” DairyNZ senior scientist Dawn Dalley said.
The Sustainable Use of Fodder Beet research project confirms the crop can be a key part of dairy farm systems.
“But fodder beet should not make up more than 30% of lactating cows’ diet and 60% for non-lactating cows.”
The project looked at nutrient and mineral interactions and impacts on long-term animal health and welfare.
A literature review confirmed the crop’s benefits and challenges.
“Fodder beet will continue to be a key part of New Zealand dairy systems but it should not be seen as a complete diet,” Dalley said.
Its use has increased significantly over the past 10 years with about 55,000 hectares estimated to be planted annually.
Most is grown in the South Island with 79% of Canterbury-North Otago farms and 58% of south Otago-Southland dairy farms feeding it to cows.
In recent years some farmers have become concerned about potential health effects on herds.
Cows can develop ruminal acidosis, milk fever or nutrient deficiencies if fodder beet is grazed for long periods without appropriate alternative feed and mineral supplementation.
The recent research and nutritional modelling reinforces recommendations portion control is key for consistent herd performance and to minimise nutrient deficiencies.
Many farmers are successfully combining fodder beet with other feeds to provide cows with a diet that meets nutritional requirements and is cost-effective.
“By using feed testing which includes mineral composition analysis of fodder beet and other feed, farmers can tailor cow diets to address any nutrient deficiencies.
“Using this approach fodder beet can be a valuable feed option which contributes to a productive dairy system,” Dalley said.
Fodder beet is a hardy autumn and winter crop with environmental benefits.
The beet’s low nitrogen content results in reduced urine nitrogen concentrations, leading to less nitrate leaching from animals grazing the crop, compared to kale.
It is also an important break crop in winter rotations that use kale and swedes.
Regular communication and good planning are needed between dairy farmers and graziers to develop winter feeding plans that are affordable, easy to implement and meet environmental and animal welfare regulations.
The survey sampled 285 farmers in Canterbury and North Otago and 223 farmers in Southland and south Otago.
