Abstract
The objective was to evaluate agronomically nine sorghum-sudangrass hybrids (Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum sudanense) and the nutritive value of their respective hays. The experimental design used was randomized blocks in a 3 × 9 factorial scheme, with three replications. Three cuts were made: 42 days after germination, 29 days after regrowth, and 28 days after the second regrowth. All hybrids showed a higher number of plants ha–1 (P < 0.05) in the second cut. For the green matter and dry matter production of the hays, the values ranged from 49.16 to 62.07 t ha–1 and 9.07 to 11.43 t ha–1, respectively. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in dry matter, mineral matter, or ether extract. The hybrids 1013020, BRS 810, 1013016, and 1624F016 showed higher values of crude protein (CP) of 16.49, 16.17, 16.08, and 15.88%, respectively. Differences were observed (P < 0.05) in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content. The hybrids 1013020, BRS 802, 1013021, 1013016, BRS 810, and 1624F006 presented lower levels of NDF (60.57, 60.74, 62.15, 62.37, 62.58, and 64.70%, respectively). The hybrids BRS 802, 1013016, BRS 810, and 1624F006, stood out above the others, presenting high forage yield and adequate nutritive value (CP content >13% and NDF content <65%).
Highlights
The production of ruminant animals in regions with a tropical climate is characterized by the use of tropical grasses, this feed source being available predominantly in the form of pastures
During the dry season there is a shortage of feed, contributing to the reduction of the productivity of herds and causing financial losses for a livestock activity (Ben Salem, 2010; Hoffmann et al, 2014)
The continuity of milk and meat products based on the availability of supplementary bulky feed, “deferred pasture, hay and silage” of quantity and quality, as the main component of the diets has been a challenge in tropical regions, especially during the dry season
Summary
The production of ruminant animals in regions with a tropical climate is characterized by the use of tropical grasses, this feed source being available predominantly in the form of pastures. The continuity of milk and meat products based on the availability of supplementary bulky feed, “deferred pasture, hay and silage” of quantity and quality, as the main component of the diets has been a challenge in tropical regions, especially during the dry season. In this sense, feed strategies that aim to minimize production costs and address the lack of bulky strategic feeds (Souza, et al, 2014; Ferreira, et al, 2015; Lima, et al, 2017). The sorghum crop is a C4 grass belonging to the Poaceae family; originating from a tropical climate, it stands out due to its high versatility and economic importance It presents high biomass production, resistance to salinity and water deficit and grows satisfactorily in soils of medium-to-low fertility. It has several uses and can be used for human and animal feed, ethanol production, and biomass, among others (Getachew, et al, 2016)
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