Effects of maturity at harvest and cultivar on agronomic performance of forage sorghum and the nutritive value of selected sorghum silages (1991)

Abstract

. Brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Effects of maturity at harvest and cultivar on agronomic performance of forage sorghum and the nutritive value of selected sorghum silages AbstractThese studies examined the agronomic performance of 20 forage sorghum cultivars, each harvested at three stages of maturity in 1990. Whole-plant dry matter (DM) yields were highest at the late-dough stage of kernel maturity, whereas DM content and grain yields steadily increased as maturity advanced. A voluntary intake and digestion trial was conducted with 12 grain and forage sorghum silages harvested at the late-dough stage in 1989. The highest silage DM intakes and digestibilities were obtained with the high-grain yielding hybrids. SummaryThese studies examined the agronomic performance of 20 forage sorghum cultivars, each harvested at three stages of maturity in 1990. Whole-plant dry matter (DM) yields were highest at the late-dough stage of kernel maturity, whereas DM content and grain yields steadily increased as maturity advanced. A voluntary intake and digestion trial was conducted with 12 grain and forage sorghum silages harvested at the late-dough stage in 1989. The highest silage DM intakes and digestibilities were obtained with the high-grain yielding hybrids.

The Effect of a Formic Acid-Based Preservative on Structural Carbohydrates and Nutritive Value of Low Dry Matter Sweet Sorghum Silages

“…When the literature and the results of this research are considered, it might be discussed that the phenotypic traits of forage sorghum cultivars (e.g., hybrids and varieties) vary greatly, and the wide ranges in season length, plant height, DM concentration, and the whole-plant DM and grain yields contribute to large differences in nutritional values among cultivars (Bolsen et al, 1991). Also, both the agronomic performance and nutritive value of grain and forage sorghums are influenced by the stage of maturity at harvest (Dickerson et al, 1986;Sonon et al, 1991) The soluble and structural carbohydrate contents of sorghum silages are presented in Table 2. After 90 days of ensiling, structural carbohydrates reduced with the increasing application rate of FAP.…”