The feeding value of fodder beet (beta vulgaris var.crassa)‎ versus fodder sorghum abu sabein (sorghum bicolor l. moench)‎ under Sudan conditions

Abstract EN

The feeding value of fodder beet (Beta vulgaris var.Crassa) was compared to fodder sorghum Abu 70 (Sorghum bicolor L.

moench) in the two successive seasons (2008 and 2009), at the milk farm of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and animal Production (Kuku), Sudan University of Science and Technology.

Both fodders were fed to two separate groups of cross-bred (Frisian X Kenana) milking cows and their impact on feed intake, milk yield, milk composition and economics of feeding was examined.

Neither milk yield (8.65Kg vrsus8.67) nor its composition [fat (3.55% versus3.45%), lactose (4.52% versus 4.56%) and solids-non fat(8.54% versus8.57%)] showed significant differences (p>0.05) between cows fed on beet and those fed on Abu 70.

The nutritive value of beet forage was better than Abu70 in terms of low CF content, high amounts of NFE (carbohydrates), CP and ME.

The feeding value of beet forage was by far superior to Abu 70 as reflected in the lower DM intake and equal or superior yields of milk by cows fed on beet without any adverse effects on milk quality.

Feeding costs decreased significantly along the two seasons by > 30% when cows fed on fodder beet.