Evaluation of fodder beet Under Different Spacing and Nitrogen Levels

Fodder beet(Beta vulgaris),a member of Chenopodiaceae,is a higher productive forage crop,used in farm animals.it is succulent,palatable,digestble and is of high nutritional value(12 M J/Kg D M,NFE =72% DM).It is not common in the Sudan and there is no scientific research concerning its production.Thus an experiment to evaluate the performance of three beet cultivars for their growth,yield,quality under 0.0,40,80,120 Kg N/ha and 15,20,25 plant spacing,was carried out at the Demonstration farm-College of Agricultural Studies (Shambat)-Sudan University of Science and Technology(2007-2009).The feeding value of beet(feed intake,milk yield and composition)compared to fodder sorghum(CV Abu70),the existing popular grass forage,was carried at the Milk Farm-Animal Production College-Sudan University.80 Kg N/ha and 15cm result in better growth,higher yield(60 Green,7 Dry t/ha) and good quality.The nutritive, feeding value of beet is better than Abu70 ,it reduced cost of feeding by <30%and increased profits.So beet proved its success in sub-tropical areas as a winter fodder crop.This work is useful for researchers,postgraduates in plant and Animal production and for meat and milk producers.