Fodder Beet Research Articles

A comprehensive review of the proline mimic azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (A2C).

The imino acid azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (A2C), a proline homologue, was first identified in liliaceous plants in 1955. Its ability to exchange for proline in protein synthesis is responsible for its teratogenic effects and has made it a very useful tool for generating non-native proteins to study proteotoxic stress and ER stress. The tRNA synthetases from some A2C-producing plants can discriminate between proline and A2C, but for most plants and for mammalian cells, A2C is mistakenly used in protein synthesis in place of proline and can avoid cell proof-reading mechanisms. Human exposure to A2C would be very limited had it not been for the development of sugar beets as an alternative source of dietary sucrose to sugar cane, and the widespread use of the plentiful byproducts as livestock fodder. Fodder beets, a very high yielding forage crop, are also used as livestock fodder particularly for lactating cows. It is therefore possible for A2C to enter the human food chain and impact human health. It was hypothesised that its ability to replace proline in protein synthesis generates immunogenic neo-epitopes in myelin basic protein and could therefore be a causative factor for multiple sclerosis. In this review we discuss the distribution of A2C in nature, what is known about its toxicity, and the impact of the proline to A2C exchange on protein structure and function and in particular the proteins collagen and myelin basic protein. We summarise analytical approaches that can be used to quantify A2C in complex biological samples and the adaptations made by some organisms to avoid its toxic effects. We summarise the evidence for human exposure to A2C and the geographical and temporal links to higher incidences of MS. Finally, we highlight gaps in our knowledge that require addressing before we can determine if this non-protein amino acid is a threat to human health.

Impacts of winter crop choice and ewe body condition score change on whole farm profitability and production

Variations in body condition score (BCS) in ewes influences lamb survival, ewe survival and ewe lactation performance. Feeding a low protein diet such as fodder beet to ewes in mid-to-late pregnancy increases lamb losses and reduces lamb weaning weight even further. However, using high yielding forages such as fodder beet can reduce the area of winter crop required, introducing potential whole-farm benefits which may alter profitability. We analysed the effects of winter crop choice (brassica or fodder beet) and BCS (maintaining or reducing) on whole-farm production and profitability, using a targeted supplement to offset the impacts of fodder beet feeding. Eight farms were selected to represent low or high rainfall (590 and 1090 mm/annum respectively) regions of the South Island. Impacts of changing BCS on ewe and lamb survival at lambing, and lamb liveweight gain to weaning were calculated when fed either adequate (brassica) or low protein (fodder beet) diets in mid-to-late pregnancy. Production statistics and profitability were calculated using Farmax. Whole farm profitability was analysed using BCS change and winter forage crop as main treatments, blocked by low or high rainfall. Applying the effects of BCS and low protein diets on reproductive performance from prior published studies resulted in variation of 102 to 141 lambs weaned per 100 ewes mated, with the lowest value when the low protein, fodder beet only diet was used. Greatest number of lambs weaned was achieved when BCS was maintained through winter through provision of a balanced supplement, regardless of winter forage diet (P<0.05). Lamb sale dates were later when fodder beet was used, due to lower lamb weaning weights, resulting in marginally higher prices due to changes in pricing schedule. Farm profitability was increased by 25% when BCS was maintained though winter (P<0.05) irrespective of the diet used. Use of fodder beet must be accompanied by targeted supplementation to avoid ewe BCS loss increased lamb losses and the negative effects on wastage and animal welfare. Extra profitability could only be generated by opportunities to sell surplus feed during the summer. These responses were similar in both high and low rainfall environments. This study is unique in testing measured responses of BCS and targeted nutritional supplementation under specific physiological conditions on whole-farm profitability. Farmer decisions on feed utilisation and sale also have a significant influence on the potential to mitigate the effects of variations in winter forage choice.

Genetic architecture of Cercospora leaf spot response in table beet with implications for other Beta vulgaris crop types

AbstractTable beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) production is threatened by the fungal disease Cercospora leaf spot (CLS). Infections are common across table beet's closest relatives, including Swiss chard, sugar beet, and fodder beet (all B. v. subsp. vulgaris). This study was conducted to characterize the genetic architecture underlying CLS response in table beet. A secondary objective was to test whether CLS‐associated loci in table beet perform similarly across B. vulgaris crops. A diversity panel comprised of 168 table beet accessions and with an additional 70 accessions from all close relatives of table beet was screened for CLS response in replicated and inoculated field trials. Results from a genome‐wide association study of additive effects revealed seven quantitative trait loci mapped to chromosomes 1, 3, 7, and 9 to explain 30% of the phenotypic variation for CLS response in table beet. When the performance of these loci was compared between a table beet background and a background of Swiss chard, sugar beet, and fodder beet, two loci exhibited significantly different responses. Among the B. vulgaris crops, these loci may be unique to table beet germplasm and could be useful for the improvement of CLS resistance in other crop types. For the improvement of CLS resistance in table beet, this study identified the cultivar Winter Keeper as a potentially valuable source of resistance. The architecture of CLS response points to recurrent selection and backcross methods as effective strategies for the improvement of CLS resistance in table beet.

The intrauterine effects of a maternal winter diet of either kale or fodder beet on measures of calf stature and bone morphology at birth

ABSTRACT Fodder beet and kale are commonly used winter crops in New Zealand dairy and dairy support farm systems. Fodder beet (FB) is known to have lower crude protein, phosphorus and calcium content compared to kale. The intrauterine effects of feeding FB during late pregnancy on bone growth and development in calves requires attention. This study aimed to examine the intrauterine effects of a maternal diet of either kale or FB on measures of calf stature and bone morphology at birth. In winters 2019 and 2020, two herds of pregnant Friesian × Jersey cows were fed either kale (2019, 2020 n = 20) or FB (2019, 2020 n = 20) supplemented with pasture baleage. Calves born from these mobs were euthanised within ten days of birth and a forelimb and section of rib including the costochondral junction were harvested for peripheral quantitative computed tomography and histological analysis. Calves from the FB treatment had reduced bone density and strength compared to calves from the kale treatment (p < .05). The effect of a nutritional deficit on bone morphology at birth emphasises the importance of sufficient nutrition in pre-calving diets. Future research is required to examine the long-term impact of dam undernutrition on calf growth and production.

Fodder beet in peasant farms in the forest zone

Fodder beet in peasant farms in the forest zone

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance lenacil.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Belgium, and co-rapporteur Member State, Austria, for the pesticide active substance lenacil are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of lenacil as a herbicide on sugar and fodder beet (field use). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are reported where identified.

The formation of a crop of fodder and semi-sugar beet under irrigation in conditions of global warming

Relevanse. To reduce the negative impact of drought on the production process of agrocenoses of field crops, the entire complex of agrotechnical and reclamation measures should be used to ensure increased drought resistance of crops in the structure of crop rotations for various purposes.The purpose of our research was to study the dynamics of the growth of the raw mass of root crops and the collection of dry matter by the periods of growth and development of fodder and semi-sugar beet at different moisture levels of the root layer of the soil.Material and methodology. The research was carried out in a specially built arid zone, which is a 3x20 m plot, isolated from soil moisture to a depth of 1.5 m by a clay castle along the periphery and a dense reinforced polyethylene film between the variants. The arid area was divided into four plots, each with an area of 15 m2 (3x5 m), in which a different level of moisture supply was maintained throughout the growing season. The variety of fodder beet Eckendorf yellow and semi–sugar beet – Semi-sugar pink variety were used as the object of research.Results. It has been established that at all values of humidity, the maximum accumulation of the raw mass of root crops in both varieties was noted in the second period of growth and development of plants, which lasts an average of 60 days and lasts from the beginning of closing of crops in rows to the beginning of opening in row spacing. Among the studied irrigation regimes, the option should be recognized as optimal, where during the growing season the relative humidity of the root layer at a depth of 1 m is maintained at the level of 70-75% of the WPV. With such moisture, the yield of root crops for fodder beet is 855 centners/ha, for semi-sugar beet – 679 centners/ha, and the collection of dry matter – 120.54 and 156.33 centners/ha, respectively. With a further increase in humidity to 75-80% of the FPV, the increase in yield and collection of dry matter per 1 ha of crops for both beet varieties is within the statistical error of the experiment, however, the cost of irrigation water for the formation of 1 q of dry matter increases by an average of 2.2 times, which negatively affects the cost of grown products. It has been proven that the optimal regime of soil moisture is provided by the irrigation scheme according to the periods of growth and development of plants 1 3 1; irrigation rate – 400 m3/ha, irrigation rate – 2000 m3/ha.

Determination of Yield and Quality Characteristics of Some Fodder Beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. rapa) Varieties in Sakarya Ecological Conditions

This research; it was established under the Sakarya ecological conditions and carried out for 2 years between 2021 and 2023 to determine the yield and quality characteristics of some fodder beet varieties. The experiment was set up with four replications in a randomized blocks trial design. Rekord, Rota, Ursus and Zentaur varieties were used in this research. In the study; in tubers; length (cm), diameter (cm), aboveground length ratio (%), yield (kg/da), dry matter content (%), dry matter yield (kg/da), crude protein ratio (%), sugar ratio (%) and weight loss in storage (%) and in leaves; yield (kg/da), length (cm), width (cm), dry matter ratio (%), dry matter yield (kg/da) and crude protein ratio (%) properties were investigated. The most positive data in the study were obtained from the Ursus variety (In tuber: length; 29.1 cm, yield; 19.309 kg/da, dry matter content; 15.9%, crude protein ratio; 9.30%, sugar ratio; 6.35%, and in leaves; length; 61.0 cm, yield; 2.585 kg/da, dry matter content; 14.0%, crude protein ratio; 23.5%).

Performance Evaluation and Adaptability Study of Fodder Beet (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Beta vulgaris L&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;.) Cultivars in Highlands of Bale Zone South East Ethiopia

Shortage animal feed interims of quality and quantity is the major bottle neck in livestock production through the year in Ethiopia particularly in the highlands of Bale Zone. A study was conducted at Sinana Agricultural Research Center (SARC), South East Ethiopia for three consecutive cropping season (2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23) in two locations (Sinana on station and Agarfa subsite) to evaluate the adaptability of four Cultivars of Fodder beet (namely Bircks, Kulumsa, Magnum and Robbos). Experimental plots were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. All cultivars were performed well. However, there is significant variation among the Cultivars. The combined result over locations over years indicated that, Kulumsa cultivars gives the highest shoot fresh biomass yield (41.88 t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;), root fresh biomass yield (86.49 t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) and shoot Dry biomass yield (4.52 t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;). The remaining cultivars have not statistically significant different. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that the Fodder beet Kulumsa cultivars was found a promising in terms of grain and biomass yield, than others that could be demonstrated and popularized as an alternative feed resources under smallholder conditions in the study areas and with similar climatic and edaphic conditions.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effects of Essential Oil, Fatty Acids and Bioactive Compounds of Beta vulgaris var. crassa (Fodder Beet).

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-024-01269-8.

Nutrient status and production of fodder beet irrigated with saline-sodic water in Mediterranean calcareous soils

ABSTRACT The impact of drip irrigation with saline-sodic water on the nutrient status and productivity of fodder beet (Beta vulgaris) was evaluated in rainy and dry Mediterranean cropping seasons. Two field experiments were conducted during two growing seasons (winter and summer) in calcareous soil (31% CaCO3) of Sais area, Northwestern Morocco. The rainfall was 337 mm for winter and 53 mm for summer. Four salinity levels of irrigation water (ECi) were investigated: control (1ds m−1), 4, 6, and 10 ds m−1. The ECi levels were prepared by adding sodium chloride (NaCl, laboratory grade, 99.5%) to water. The results showed that the soil salinity (ECs) was related to the growing season and the irrigation water salinity (ECi). The depressive effect of salinity on the whole plant dry biomass (−25% as average) was observed only in the summer crop cycle at different ECi ≥ 4 ds m−1 compared to control. The plant NaCl uptake for both seasons could be predicted by a linear model: Y (kg ha−1 of NaCl) = 36.3 ECi + 23.6 Q − 101.3 (adjusted R2 = 0.88) where Q = total dry biomass (t ha−1). Saline-sodic irrigation water reduced the contents of boron, calcium, and magnesium in the plants. The exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) in the soil exceeded 41% at ECi ≥ 4 ds m−1 for both seasons. The study demonstrated that fodder beet escapes the negative impact of salt stress in the rainy season. However, the high ESP recorded at harvest did not reveal the efficacy of fodder beet in NaCl removal from the soil.

The influence of different fertilizer standards on the quality of agricultural products in short rotation crop rotation

Goal. Study of the influence of different rates of fertilization of agricultural crops in short-rotational crop rotation on the quality of agricultural products and their yield on radioactively contaminated lands.&#x0D; Methods. Scientifically recommended agricultural crops for this region were selected for research in grain-row crop rotation: Oats — variety Chernihivskyi 27; Triticale — Aist Kharkiv variety; Corn — variety Kharkivska 195 MV; Fodder beets — Eckendorf yellow variety; Lupine is an Industrial variety. The chemical composition of feed was determined according to generally accepted methods. In plant products, the following were determined: crude protein — by total nitrogen using the classic Kjeldahl method; raw fiber — by acid-alkaline hydrolysis; raw ash — by burning samples in a muffle furnace at a temperature of 500—600°C; raw fat — by the Ruzhkosky method in a Soxhlet apparatus.&#x0D; Results. As a result of research in 2015—2017, it was established that the studied agricultural products in 2, 3 versions of fertilizer have a higher content of crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber. The content of crude protein in lupine seeds was in the range of 25.54—31.01%, in oat grain — 10.37—12.21%, in triticale grain — 10.08—12.25%, in corn grain — 9.40—11.78%, in fodder beets — 2.03—2.65%. The raw ash content varied over the years of research from 2.68 to 2.86% in oat grain; from 2.74 to 3.01% in lupine seeds; from 2.19 to 2.41% in triticale grain; from 1.37 to 1.68% in beets and from 1.57 to 1.72% in corn grains. The crude fat content for the studied period was from 3.72 to 3.97% in oat grains; from 4.46 to 5.55% in lupine seeds; from 1.40 to 1.74% in triticale grain; from 0.12 to 0.16% in fodder beet and from 4.40 to 4.81% in corn grain. The content of crude fiber during the years of research was from 10.21 to 10.60% in oat grain; from 13.29 to 14.38% in lupine seeds; from 1.69 to 2.74% in triticale grain; from 0.93 to 1.05% in fodder beets and from 2.20 to 2.75% in corn grain. The average yield of oats over the years of research on fertilizer options was 27.12—35.01 t/ha, while it is monitored increase in yield by fertilizer options compared to the control by 15—46%. The yield of triticale was in the range of 39.75—48.97 t/ha, subject to an increase in yield in 2 and 3 fertilizer options by 3—7%. The yield of lupine over the years of research was 17.80—26.69 c/ha, while the yield of lupine in 2 and 3 fertilizer options was 4.8—17.2 higher than in the control. The grain yield of corn and fodder beet in 2 and 3 fertilizer variants also exceeded the control index. The yield of fodder beet was 297.09—394.74 t/ha. The yield of corn was in the range of 48.85—87.15 c/ha.&#x0D; Conclusions. It was established that the studied agricultural products in 2, 3 versions of fertilizer have a higher content of crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber. The average yield of oats over the years of research on fertilizer options was 27.12—35.01 t/ha, the yield of triticale was in the range of 39.75—48.97 t/ha, the yield of lupine over the years of research was 17.80—26.69 t/ha, fodder beet yield was 297.09—394.74 t/ha, and corn yield was 48.85—87.15 t/ha.

Effects of Complex Fertilizers on the Properties of Grey Forest Heavy Loamy Soil.

The study's main aim was to evaluate the effects of complex mineral fertilizers on the complex properties of heavy loam soils in the grey forests of Russia in terms of applying individual soil nutrition components from experiments with fodder beets. This study employed a rigorous and systematic approach to accomplish the defined goal. Specifically, the research was conducted within a seven-field crop rotation system, with fodder beets serving as the primary experimental crop. In addition, a model experiment resembling a vegetation trial was undertaken, incorporating seven distinct schemes involving various types of fertilizers. This design facilitated the evaluation of the effectiveness of each fertilizer type. The study results demonstrate that complex fertilizers impact the soil's chemical and biophysical parameters. Soil acidity decreases through the use of complex, high-nitrogen fertilizers. Major chemical nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in plant biomass and soil also have a high degree of transition. It is explained by the effects of combining elements on the destruction intensity of the crystalline lattice in the basic structures of potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. There is also evidence that complex fertilizers can improve humus quality and replenish its reserves. All the aforementioned impacts of complex fertilizers on the crop contribute to the high productivity and yield of forage beet. The results of the study may help optimize the fertilization process, improve the quality and quantity of agricultural products, as well as increase soil fertility, and reduce the negative impact of agrochemicals on the environment.

Effects of feeding different dietary rates of mixed fodder beet tops-wheat straw silage on the performance of Holstein lactating cows.

Rations containing different rates of the mixed fodder beet tops-wheat straw silage (BS), instead of corn silage (CS), were given to 30 mid-lactation Holstein cows (all in parity 2) to measure the effects on feed consumption, milk production efficiency, milk chemistry, urinary purine derivatives (PD), blood chemistry, antioxidant levels, and in vitro methane (CH4) emission. The BS was prepared by mixing the fodder beet tops with wheat straw at a ratio of 9:1 based on fresh weight. The experimental design was completely randomized (one 28-d period with 21-d adaptation) using 30 cows (10 animals/treatment) and 3 treatments. The treatments were 1) a diet containing CS only (25g/100g DM) (CSD), 2) a diet containing 50% CS (12.5g/100g DM) and 50% BS (12.5g/100g DM) (CBSD), and 3) diet containing BS only (25g/100g DM) (BSD). Each animal (as an experimental unit) was housed individually in the tie stall and had ad libitum access to its diet. Dietary replacing 50% of CS with BS showed no significant differences in milk production, fat-corrected milk, fat and protein yields, feed efficiency, and apparent digestibility, however, these variables were less (P < 0.05) in the cows fed with BSD. Cows fed on BSD had less intakes of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber but greater oxalic acid intake and blood urea-N, as compared to the other cows. Milk percentages of fat, protein, lactose, urea N, blood serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, Ca, and P, as well as in vitro ruminal pH, were not affected by the diets. Saturated fatty acids concentration was less and monounsaturated FA and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) was greater in the milk of cows receiving CBSD, compared to the other groups. The inclusion of both BS rates in the diet decreased the in vitro gas production, protozoa number, and CH4 emission in comparison to the control. Cows fed BSD had decreased levels of urinary allantoin, PD excreted or absorbed, and estimated microbial-N synthesis than the control and CBSD-fed groups. The milk and blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the animals fed CBSD was the maximum among the cows. Overall, under the current experimental conditions, replacing 50% of dietary CS with BS did not affect milk production, but increased milk PUFA, as well as blood and milk TAC, and decreased in vitro CH4 emission, so it's feeding to lactating Holstein cows is recommended.

The influence of liquid mineral fertilizers on the productivity of fodder beet in the conditions of the Republic of Bashkortostan

The paper presents data on the study of the effect of liquid mineral fertilizers on the productivity of fodder beet in the Republic of Bashkortostan on gray forest soils. The object of research was the Saharnaya rounded 0143 variety, zoned in the Ural region, its predecessor being winter wheat. An analysis was carried out of the dynamics of yield, dry matter content, crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat and ash under the influence of liquid mineral fertilizers -Isagri Vita and Izagri Bor. Results for the collection of feed units, digestible protein and feed protein units are shown. The yield and prospects for growing fodder beet using liquid mineral fertilizers in the Republic of Bashkortostan are assessed and the profitability of cultivation is calculated.

The Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature on the Characteristics of Fodder Beet Biochar

The Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature on the Characteristics of Fodder Beet Biochar

ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY AND SUITABILITY OF DAIRY PRODUCTS FOR PRODUCTION OF HARD CHEESE

Some aspects of feeding dairy cows and factors affecting the production of high-quality milk suitable for the production of cheeses are considered, in particular, the study of the possibility of full or partial replacement of corn silage with silage from one-year forage crops in the rations. The study was conducted on cows of the Ukrainian black and spotted dairy breed using the method of periods. In the first period (duration 36 days), in addition to the main diet, the animals were fed 25 kg of corn silage, in the second (29 days) - 17 kg of hay from one-year forage crops, and in the third (35 days) - 12 kg of corn silage + 10 kg hay one-year forage crops. The main ration consisted of cereal and legume hay, winter wheat straw, fodder beets, a mixture of grain concentrates and premix. Density, content of dry matter, fat, total protein and casein and its fractional composition, lactose, degree of bacterial contamination, coagulation time of milk under the action of rennet enzyme were determined in milk.&#x0D; At the end of each period, batches of cheese were produced, the acidity, content of dry matter, fat, protein, degree of maturity were determined in the samples, and their expert evaluation was carried out. Since for the production of high-quality cheeses, milk must meet certain organoleptic parameters, chemical composition, bacterial contamination, the article provides requirements for its quality, as well as recommended rations and composition of premixes. It has been established that for feeding cows in cheese-making areas during the stall period, it is possible to recommend partial or complete replacement of corn silage (as it contains little calcium, which causes slow rennet coagulation of milk) with hay from one-year forage crops, which will lead to improvement of the technological properties of milk (reduction of time coagulation with rennet enzyme for 4-5 minutes, increasing the yield of mature cheese by 7-8%) and will contribute to increasing the casein content in cheese (by 0.12-0.15%), k-fraction of casein (by 1.6-2.1%) and calcium, which are he main indicators of milk suitability for cheese production.

Influence of sowing dates on the biometric parameters formation of cold-resistant plants of sugar beet seeds using the direct method (no-planting method)

The influence of sowing dates on the formation of biometric indicators of cold-resistant sugar beet seed plants in the autumn-winter period was studied using the direct method (non-planting method) under conditions of unstable moisture in the Right Bank Forest-Steppe. The purpose of the study was to determine the biometric indicators of the root crops of sugar beet seeds, which contribute to the formation of cold-resistant plants and their preservation in the autumn-winter period using the direct method (no-seeding method) of growing at different sowing times. The research was conducted during 2021–2023 at the Bila Tserkva Research and Selection Station, Bila Tserkva District, Kyiv region, in conditions of unstable moisture in the Right Bank Forest Steppe. The experiment was carried out in accordance with the methodological requirements for field assessment of seed crops of sugar, fodder beets, methods of field experiment and the methods of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. It was found out that the formation of biometric indicators of roots of sugar beet seeds, which correspond to the indicators of cold-resistant plants, were optimal during the first period of sowing and had higher preservation. In 2021–2022, the preservation of non-emergent seeds of the first sowing period was 71.7 % of the emergency component, 38.0 % of the multi-seeded pollinator, which is quite enough to obtain seeds of the second season, respectively, 64.9 and 35.8 %. In 2022–2023 the survival rate of non-emergent seed plants of the first sowing period was 76.4 % of the component emergency, multi-seeded pollinators – 73.9 %, the second term – the component emergency was 71 %, of the multi-seeded pollinator – 38.4 %. The research results show the prospects of using the direct method (no-planting method) of growing sugar beet seeds in the conditions of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Key words: biometric indicators, cold resistance parameters, plant growth and development, sugar beet seeds, plant preservation.

Fodder beet: know what you are feeding for a nutritionally balanced diet for dairy cattle

Fodder beet’s (FB) high soluble sugar and low crude protein content provide environmental benefits but also nutritional challenges, making it a unique crop in New Zealand dairy systems. Knowledge of dietary nutrient content is important to inform both mineralsupplementation and type of supplementary feed to offer. This will help ensure nutritional requirements for dairy cows are met, maximising the likelihood of positive outcomes for animal health and production. A database containing 694 samples of FB leaf andbulb tissue was compiled from monitor farm data, research projects, and cultivar evaluation trials with the objective of determining the variability in nutritional content. Descriptive statistics were used to highlight the range and variability in FB leaf and bulb nutritional composition between regions and cultivars. Our results reinforce that FB bulbs (which usually make up 70- 90% of the crop DM) are typically low in crude protein, fibre, phosphorus, calcium, and sulphur, but are high in soluble sugars. The variation in nutrient content between cultivars, and within cultivars both between and within regions shown in this study highlights the importance of paddock-specific feed analyses, and the limitations of textbook values, particularly whole crop values which do not differentiate between bulb and the more nutritionally valuable leaf.

Variation in kale and fodder beet yield and quality over winter affects nutrient supply to non-lactating dairy cows at the Southern Dairy Hub

Estimating crop quality and quantity is important for feed budgeting and nutritional balancing of diets for winter grazing. Commonly, farmers measure crop dry matter (DM) yield in autumn, but few complete quality tests. We assessed the DM yield and quality oflate spring sown kale and fodder beet (FB) from early autumn to late winter over five years at the Southern Dairy Hub, Southland, New Zealand. Yield and quality parameters were analysed over time since sowing, using polynomial data fitting. We hypothesised thatcrop yields would remain stable during winter grazing, but that the supply of nutrients would vary, driven by a decline in the leaf proportion. Overall, crops showed rapid growth prior to winter but stable yields during winter grazing, but there was year to year variation in apparent growth trends and yields. The proportion of FB bulb increased over winter relative to the total crop yield for all cultivars and years. Fodder beet leaf was numerically higher in multiple nutrient concentrations (crude protein, Ca, Mg, P, S) compared to the bulb. For both crops, nutrients had only small fluctuations in concentration over time. Completing yield assessments in late autumn would give farmers a useful baseline yield indication for winter. Crop quality tests are recommended to identify any nutritional deficiencies that need addressing to ensure good animal health and performance.