Abstract
The objective of this study was to select sorghum genotypes for silage production. The study was carried out at Embrapa Maize & Sorghum’s experimental field. Planting was performed in randomized blocks, with three replicates and the Scott-Knott test at a 5% probability level. The material was ensilaged in laboratory silos opened after 56 days for analysis concerning fermentation and bromatological composition. Only crude protein showed no significant difference (p > 0.05), with an overall mean of 8.88%. The other variables presented significant differences (p < 0.05): pH (3.34 to 3.94); Aw (0.93 to 0.98); N-NH 3/TN (1.61 to 6.56%); green matter yield (12.05 to 34.14 t ha-1); dry matter yield (6.19 to 11.42 t ha-1); dry matter (26.89 to 49.95%); ashes (4.08 to 6.88%); neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (47.67 to 65.79%); acid detergent fiber (16.62 to 35.89%); hemicellulose:cellulose (1.07 to 2.71%); lignin (2.03 to 6.52%), digestible dry matter yield (3.70 to 7.41 t ha-1) and dry matter digestibility (56.36 to 72.67%). Based on digestible dry matter yield, the genotypes: male 201191 and hybrids 2012F47484, 2012F47515 and 2012F47525 stood out in relation to the others for showing good yielding, adequate nutritional value, with low dry matter and NDF levels coupled with high digestibility values and good fermentation patterns of the silages.
Highlights
The process of preserving chopped organic matter in anaerobic environment – ensilage – undergoes physical-chemical and organoleptic changes derived from microbial fermentation
Seventeen sorghum genotypes were used, which belonged to Embrapa Maize & Sorghum’s genetic enhancement program, being: 3 male forage genotypes: 201191, Santa Elisa and 201187025; 3 female grain genotypes: BRS008B, BR007B and
When compared to values obtained in the literature, Ribeiro et al (2007) determined the fermentation pattern of the silage of five sorghum genotypes and found potential of hydrogen (pH) values varying between 3.69 and 4.58
Summary
The process of preserving chopped organic matter in anaerobic environment – ensilage – undergoes physical-chemical and organoleptic changes derived from microbial fermentation. The use of silage can contribute to increasing animal productivity and, the profitability of production systems (Simon et al, 2008). To reduce the negative seasonal effects of forage production on performance of the herd, the excess of forage produced in the rainy season needs to be preserved in order to be used in the dry season, guaranteeing good quality and quantity of bulk food throughout the year. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) stands out as a species for food preservation because it is resistant to adverse environmental factors, such as low water availability, high dry matter yield and soluble carbohydrate concentration.
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