An introduction to feeding Speedi-Beet
DO NOT FEED DRY - Refer to mixing and preparation guide for
more information.
Unlike other sugar beet products, Speedi-Beet will absorb up to
5 times its own weight as water. The bulking capacity, however, is
mediated by its *patented production process and will improve the
inherent digestion in the horse.
It is therefore recommended that concentrate allowances should
be reviewed after a few days to ensure the animal does not gain
weight too fast.
Additional advice can be found in our "frequently asked
questions" section where our equine nutritionist, Dr. Tom Shurlock
provides answers to the most common questions.
Example feeding recommendations
The following recommendations are for guidance only. If
replacing conventional sugar beet with Speedi-Beet® direct
substitution can be carried out. Because of improved nutrient
availability it will be necessary to adjust current feeding regime
accordingly.
Where Speedi-Beet® is introduced care should be taken to offer
in increasing amounts, initially, to achieve recommended levels. As
Speedi-Beet® is highly palatable beware of overfeeding.
Feeding Guide
As a guide horses require ~2% of body weight as feed per day. At
least 25% must be fed as forage, or high fibre alternatives.
Speedi-Beet can be fed up to 30% of the daily feed, depending on
the circumstances.
As a forage replacer
When forage is unavailable, mix Speedi-Beet and chaff in a ratio
of 1:3, soak prior to feeding and feed at the following rates:
| Exercise |
Approx. Size (hh) |
Body Weight (kg) |
"Chop 'n' Chaff" (kg) |
| Light |
9.0 - 10.0 |
200 |
2.0 - 2.5 |
| 13.0 - 14.0 |
400 |
4.0 - 4.5 |
| 15.0 - 16.5 |
600 |
6.0 - 6.5 |
| Medium |
9.0 - 10.0 |
200 |
2.5 - 3.5 |
| 13.0 - 14.0 |
400 |
6.0 - 6.5 |
| 15.0 - 16.5 |
600 |
8.5 - 9.5 |
As a feedstuff
Up to 20% of concentrate allowance, either as commercial feed or
cereals, can be substituted with Speedi-Beet. Adjust feed
allowances accordingly.
As a palatant
Up to 5% of concentrate allowance as a top dressing for hard
feeds or where palatability is a problem.
As a conditioner
Use 10% of concentrate allowance, mixed into the concentrate to
maintain optimum condition in roughed off horses or to fill
out-of-condition horses.
In cases where early grass growth leads to conditions of hind
gut acidity, Speedi-Beet can be fed prior to grazing to reduce
grass intake. Speedi-Beet is high in pectins and low in starch,
allowing correct microbial fermentation and reducing the effect of
acidosis related problems.
| Exercise |
Approx. Size (hh) |
Body Weight (kg) |
Hard Feed* (kg) |
Speedi-Beet(kg) |
| Light |
9.0 - 10.0 |
200 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
| 13.0 - 14.0 |
400 |
1.5 |
0.50 |
| 15.0 - 16.5 |
600 |
2.5 |
1.25 |
| Medium |
9.0 - 10.0 |
200 |
1.5 |
0.75 |
| 13.0 - 14.0 |
400 |
2.5 |
1.25 |
| 15.0 - 16.5 |
600 |
4.25 |
1.75 |
* Either a branded horse feed or combination of suitable
feedstuffs
Feeding horses at high risk of Laminitis
Spesific advice from the Scientific Committee of the Laminitis
Trust can be found in the Laminitis Trust section.