Dairynz Tech Series: Dairy Science In Action

Does fodder beet have a positive future as a feed for cows in New Zealand? What are some key things to consider when feeding beet through winter? And how do you put systems in place to maximise cow performance and animal health, while also minimising fodder beet’s risks? Here to answer those questions, and more, are DairyNZ scientist Dr Roshean Woods and veterinarian Dr Charlotte Westwood. Roshean and Charlotte have been involved in a three-year research project on fodder beet and they share the results with us.Notes:Feed Checker calculatorDownload the Feed Checker calculatorPublished article: ‘A survey of fodder beet use and feeding practices on dairy farms in Canterbury, Otago and Southland’DairyNZ fodder beet webpagesChapters:2:50 - Fodder beet background and current use3:55 - Motivations for the latest fodder beet project and research5:08 - Value of fodder beet to farm businesses7:00 - Results of fodder beet farmer survey8:16 - Key concerns to consider with fodder beet10:37 - Measuring fodder beet for fee