What type of beets can be grown for animal feed?

[VT Chicklit]

I have heard that there are large beets that are grown for feed for animals. These large beets can be used to supplement chicken feed in the winter. You would hang one of these beets in the coop or run and the chickens would peck at it. Does anyone know what type of large beets these are?

 

[Rosalind]

Mangel beets. There are a few online sources I believe. However, I think the chickens won't eat it unless it is ground up with their feed so they can't avoid it or unless they get really hungry. Well, maybe yours like beets more than mine. I gave my chooks some failed beet experiments and they ate the greens off but were otherwise unimpressed. Nor were they interested in leftover candied beets, but I have a picky, spoiled gang.

From what I understand they are more useful for feeding goats, cows, etc.

 

[meriruka1]

We call them sugar beets here. We grew some this season. The chickens wont touch 'em but the deer & the cows ate them up.