Fodder beet types, for sheep

[Bones]

Can anyone tell me the different types of beet out there , and the best type for sheep ,this beet will be tiped up in the yard and feed whole , not growing it myself.thanks.

 

[Al R]

Ask the varieties they can supply, the wetter beet are better for sheep as they don’t lose teeth but your more likely to get frosted beet/frost damage from them which causes them to rot, fast!
Anything under 19% DM I would consider “wet”. High DM varieties like blizzard (23% DM) are far more frost tolerant and are very closely genetic wise to sugar beet so their a far better beet but unless broken up sheep will lose teeth quick!

 

[Bones]

How would magnum rate

 

[Al R]

How would magnum rate

I grew 30acres a few times as a trial, I’m pretty sure it’s around 19-20%, white beet so it’s genetics are similar to sugar beet, google magnum beet and you should get specifications on its DM etc, DLF is the breeder I think?
I’d rather feed that than most varieties as you’ve got some frost tolerance, a clean root (it doesn’t have to many cracks) but it isn’t as hard as the likes of blizzard so shouldn’t take out too many teeth on old ewes.

If your going to chop it make sure it’s cleaned/washed well and quite stone free as it’s a bottom lifting variety and bottom lifters love stones

 

[Bones]

I grew 30acres a few times as a trial, I’m pretty sure it’s around 19-20%, white beet so it’s genetics are similar to sugar beet, google magnum beet and you should get specifications on its DM etc, DLF is the breeder I think?
I’d rather feed that than most varieties as you’ve got some frost tolerance, a clean root (it doesn’t have to many cracks) but it isn’t as hard as the likes of blizzard so shouldn’t take out too many teeth on old ewes.

If your going to chop it make sure it’s cleaned/washed well and quite stone free as it’s a bottom lifting variety and bottom lifters love stones

Thanks, all will be feed whole,

 

[spin cycle]

you're a bit restricted if buying in surely?.....google the seed houses and you'll get the low down on varieties

 

[neilo]

As above, softer/lower DM is better for sheep, but it also means that you’re buying more water in each load.

Personally, I wouldn’t grow a 20% DM beet for my sheep for fear of it being as hard as bullets. Mine is Geronimo which (IIRC) is around 16%. I also have a small field of Brigadier (c.12%?) which stands right up out of the ground. I’ve grazed a bit of it, and was aiming to get on it properly in a couple of weeks. I haven’t dare look to see how it stood -12 on it the other night, but hoping the snow cover will have saved it.......