FODDER BEET FOR CATTLE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27410, 24 July 1954, Page 5

FODDER BEET FOR CATTLE

CARE NEEDED WITH FEEDING

Fodder beet which is becoming more widely used in New Zealand for feeding cattle, as it is overseas, to replace mangolds, has a much higher dry matter content than mangolds, and because of this can cause digestive upsets and consequent loss in cattle. In this article, Mr A. G. Brash, of the Department of Agriculture, Christchurch, discusses a recent Canterbury case and makes suggestions for the proper use of fodder beet.

Fodder beet has been used for many years in Denmark for feeding both pigs and cattle, says Mr Brash. It is only in recent years that it has been used in New Zealand, first mainly as a pig feed,* but it is now being used especially by town supply dairy-men for feeding cows. It is generally regarded as a fairly safe feed for cattle and is extremely palatable to cattle of all ages. However, a recent case in the Christchurch district in which a number of cows showed digestive disturbances and one died, shows that some care is needed in feeding it. The affected cows showed diarrhoea and depression and a drastic reduction in milk yield. The main advantage of fodder beet over mangolds is that it can be fed out without storing. It also has a higher dry matter content, 17 to 20 per cent, as against 10 per cent, for mangolds. This last point is important, as it is obvious that it need not be fed in such large amounts as mangolds to provide the same feed value. In the herd mentioned it was being fed at the rate of about 501bs a day and on the (Jay when most of the trouble occurred the cows accidentally ate some of the following day’s ration so that some probably consumed 60 or 701 b of fodder beet. A more normal ration would be about 25 to 301 b.

It is emphasised by the Danish authorities that the greatest care should be taken in feeding fodder beet of the highest dry matter content—that is, more than 20 per cent. The higher the dry matter the greater the risks of digestive upsets or milk fever. It is regarded as most important that there should be no sudden change in the feeding routine. Experience overseas indicates that most of the dangers arise from errors in feeding practice and in particular from the sudden replacement on a fresh-weight basis of another root food by fodder beet.

There is no knowledge of the actual cause of the digestive disturbance, but it is not believed to be due to oxalate or nitrite poisoning. Analysis of the beet in the Christchurch case did not show toxic amounts of nitrate or any changes in the blood due to nitrite poisoning. Most of the trouble on post mortem will be found in the rumen where there is usually impaction, hemorrhage and separation of the lining. Storing the beet will not cause any improvement. By increasing the dry matter content, this procedure may increase the tendency to cause digestive upset. But it is probably worth while allowing the beet to wilt for a day or two before feeding to reduce any danger of oxalic acid poisoning from the tops. It is worth repeating that fodder beet has been used most successfully for years in Denmark and for shorter periods in Great Britain and is to be regarded as useful food for cattle. It is important, however, particularly when fodder beet is being introduced, to ensure that it is fed correctly. It is not dangerous if used properly, but it may be if the husbandry is at fault.

WOOL SALE DATES The full roster for the new season’s main sales is:— October 27.—Dunedin. November I.—Christchurch. November 10 and 12.—Auckland. November 17 and 19. —Napier. November 24. —Wanganui. November 29.—Wellington. December 6.—Christchurch. December 10. — Timaru. December 15.—Invercargill. December 20.—Dunedin. January 12.—Wanganui. January 17 and 19.—Auckland. January 24 and 26.—Napier. January 31 and February 2.—Wellington. February 14 and 16.— Christchurch. February 21 and 23.—Invercargill. February 28.—Dunedin. March 4.— Timaru. March 21.—Auckland. March 25.—Wanganui. March 30 and April I.—Napier. April 6.—Wellington. April 22.—Invercargill. April 27.—Dunedin. May 2.— Christchurch. May 13.—Auckland. May 18.—Napier. May 21. —Wanganui. May 25.—Wellington.