More Details
What is Speedi-Beet and how does it work?
Speedi-Beet is made from pure unmolassed sugar beet pulp which is a by-product of the sugar beet industry. Sugar beet is grown in Europe and North America as an alternative to sugar cane which is grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is mainly grown as a source of table sugar for human consumption.
The sugar beet harvest in the UK usually takes place from September onwards with the beet being delivered into one of several sugar beet factories situated throughout eastern England. After cleaning, the beet is sliced into cossettes by a machine that resembles a kitchen grater and as much surface area is presented to maximise the sugar extraction process as possible. The sliced sugar beet is mixed with hot water and the sugar is extracted.
After the water has been squeezed out, the pulp is dried and usually molasses is added back where upon the pulp is either used in its shredded form or it is pelleted. Speedi-Beet is manufactured from beet pulp which has not had molasses added to it and is therefore around 95% sugar free. The beet pulp then undergoes a further patented process and is then cooked utilising our process, micronization. This involves heating the dried beet pulp at relatively low temperatures for a short time using infra-red heat and prevents the protein from denaturing allowing for quicker release of nutrients into the horses digestive system. The micronizing process also imparts flavour into the beet pulp so the product does not require the use of added molasses i.e. sugar for palatability.
The beet pulp is then flaked to increase surface area to aid rapid water absorption. Thats why Speedi-Beet can be prepared in under 10 minutes instead of the usual 24 hours for traditional sugar beet pulp.
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
Mixing & Preparation of Speedi-Beet
Do not Feed Dry!
Preparing Speedi-Beet couldn't be easier. Simply mix 5 parts of water to 1 part of Speedi-Beet by weight. Leave to soak for 9 minutes using cold water or 5 minutes using hot water (fantastic in the winter to warm your horse!). Once Speedi-Beet has been soaked it can be fed straight away or it can be left for up to 24 hours in a cool environment, enabling you to still prepare in advance if you wish.
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