Comparison of Agronomic Characteristics, Forage Production and Quality of Kenaf (Hongma 300), Maize (Kwangpyeongok) and Sorghum × Sudangrass Hybrids (Jumbo) in Middle Region of Korea

Abstract

Tae-Young Hwang*, Hee Chung Ji, Ki Yong Kim, Sang-Hoon Lee, Ki-Won Lee and Gi Jun ChoiNational Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Chenonan, Chungcheongnamdo 331-801, KoreaABSTRACTThis study was conducted from 2013 to 2014 in the middle region of Korea to compare the agronomic characteristics, forage production, and quality of kenaf, maize, and a sorghum×sudangrass hybrid. The three crops used in this study were kenaf “Hongma 300,” maize “Kwangpyeongok,” and the sorghum×sudangrass hybrid “Jumbo”(headless type). The sugar contents of the kenaf, maize, and sorghum×sudangrass hybrid were 5.4%, 4.4%, and 2.5%, respectively. The emergence rates and lodgings of the three crops were sound, as they were more than 80% and 1.5, respectively. The fresh yields of kenaf, maize, and the sorghum× sudangrass hybrid were 117,521 kg/ha, 73,336kg/ha, and 133,334 kg/ha, respectively, and the dry matter(DM) yields were 28,598kg/ha, 19,951 kg/ha and 20,083 kg/ha, respectively. The DM yield of kenaf was significantly the highest among the three crops(p 0.05). However, the total digestible nutrients(TDN) contents of the kenaf, corn, and sorghum×sudangrass hybrid were 43.3 %, 72.0 %, and 54.8 %, respectively, and the in vitro digestible dry matter(IVDDM) yields were 44.4%, 73.7%, and 59.6 %, respectively; therefore, the TDN yield of the corn was 13 % significantly higher than that of the kenaf(p0.05). The TDN yields of the kenaf, corn, and sorghum×sudangrass hybrid were 12,472kg/ha, 14,350kg/ha, and 11,001kg/ha, respectively. Among the three crops, the content of neutral detergent fiber(NDF) and acid detergent fiber(ADF) were highest in the kenaf. This study shows that the kenaf had a good forage productivity but a low forage quality.(Key words :Kenaf, Dry matter, Forage production, Total digestible nutrients yield, Quality)