Brown Midrib Sorghum Research Articles

Evaluation of brown midrib (bmr) sorghum stover as potential renewable biomass feedstock for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production employing Paraburkholderia Sacchari and Cupriavidus necator

Evaluation of brown midrib (bmr) sorghum stover as potential renewable biomass feedstock for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production employing Paraburkholderia Sacchari and Cupriavidus necator

Effects of probiotic on growth and production of brown midrib sorghum mutant line (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in ultisol

This study aims to observe the efficiency of probiotic inoculants on growth, soil fertility, and production of brown midrib (BMR) sorghum mutant lines. The experimental using a Randomized Block Design of four treatments and four blocks, P0: manure + (N, K, 0% P) + probiotic; P1: manure + (N, K, 50% P) + probiotic; P2: manure + (N, K, 75% P) + probiotic; P3: manure + (N, K, 100% P) without a probiotic (control). The dose of cow manure fertilizer is 10 tons/ha, and the doses of N, P, and K fertilizers are 120 kg/ha, 90 kg/ha, and 60 kg/ha, respectively, from urea, triple superphosphate (TSP), and potassium chloride (KCl). Parameters observed were plant morphology, biomass production, nutrient and fiber fraction content, and soil fertility. The treatment had no significant effect (P>0.05) on stem diameter, leaf length, and width, soil pH, fresh and DM production, the number of leaves, plant height, stem:leaf: panicle ratio, colony PSB, soil P-available, fiber and nutrient fractions of sorghum whole plant. The conclusion is that applying probiotics with lower phosphate fertilizer in sorghum cultivation produces growth, forage production, nutrition and fiber fraction content, and P-available and colony PSB, like 100% P fertilizer application. Probiotic bacteria could be applied as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and reduce the application of P fertilizer on BMR sorghum in ultisol.

PSXII-16 Intercropped Sorghum Sudan Grass and Cowpea for Improved Summer Pasture

Abstract Pastures in the southeastern United States are dominated primarily by warm season perennials such as bermudagrass which can be low in energy. Assessment of stocker cattle performance on bermudagrass pastures overseeded with alternative warm-season forages, such as sorghum Sudan grass and cowpea, are scarce. A study was conducted during the summer of 2021 with crossbred steers (n = 72; 305 ± 2.8 kg initial BW) to investigate growth performance when grazing sorghum Sudan grass and sorghum Sudan grass intercropped with cowpea as alternatives to bermudagrass. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with 3 treatments and 3 replicates (2 ha each) per treatment. Treatments were bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers) (CON), CON overseeded with brown mid-rib sorghum Sudan grass (Sorghum bicolor L.) (SS), and SS with cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) (SSCP) planted in alternate planting passes. Forage samples were collected from 3, 0.25m2 quadrats placed randomly in the next available paddock just prior to grazing. The SSCP pastures had 3 additional randomly placed quadrats, 3 in SS and 3 in CP. Forage crude protein and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) did not differ (P >0.96 and 0.19, respectively) among treatments and averaged 9.1% and 65.6%. Pre-grazing forage mass was greater in SS and SSCP (P< 0.01) averaging 4,925, 3,460, and 1,590, in SS, SSCP, and CON, respectively. Animal gains were 1.04 in SSCP and 0.96 in SS, greater than 0.78 in CON (P< 0.01). Grazing days were greatest (P< 0.01) in CON (91 d) followed by SS (68 d), with the fewest grazing days in SSCP (60 d). Despite differences in grazing days, gain per ha, did not differ (P=0.39) among treatments, and averaged 261 kg/ha. Although SSCP and SS had fewer grazing days, gain per ha were similar among treatments due to greater ADG on SS and SSCP pastures.

Effects of season, variety type, and trait on dry matter yield, nutrient composition, and predicted intake and milk yield of whole-plant sorghum forage

Sorghum forage is an important alternative to high-quality forage in regions where climatic and soil conditions are less desirable for corn production for silage and producing comparable nutritive value is challenging. The objective of this experiment was to assess the effects of season (spring vs. summer), sorghum variety type (forage sorghum vs. sorghum-sudangrass), and trait [brown midrib (BMR) vs. non-BMR] on dry matter (DM) yield, nutrient composition, and predicted intake and milk yield of whole-plant sorghum forage grown in Florida from 2008 to 2019. Whole-plant sorghum forage was harvested at a targeted 32% of DM, and each year, spring (April) and summer (July) trials were established. A total of 300 forage sorghum and 137 sorghum-sudangrass hybrids were tested for a total of 437 hybrids, of which 199 hybrids contained the BMR trait and 238 were non-BMR. An interaction between season and sorghum variety type was observed for DM yield. Dry matter yield was greater for the spring season than the summer season, with sorghum-sudangrass outperforming forage sorghum only during the spring season. In addition, BMR hybrids had a lower DM yield than non-BMR hybrids, regardless of season and variety type. An interaction between season and trait was observed for predicted neutral detergent fiber digestibility after 30 h of incubation in rumen fluid (NDFD30h). Predicted NDFD30h was greater for BMR sorghum in comparison to non-BMR sorghum, but BMR sorghum had slightly greater predicted NDFD30h when grown in the spring than summer, whereas no seasonal differences were found for predicted NDFD30h across non-BMR sorghum. An interaction between season, variety type, and trait was observed for predicted dry matter intake at 45 (DMI45), 55 (DMI55), and 65 (DMI65) kg of milk/d. Predicted DMI45 and DMI55 were greater for spring BMR forage sorghum than for spring and summer non-BMR sorghum-sudangrass and were greater for spring BMR forage sorghum than for summer BMR sorghum-sudangrass. Predicted DMI65 was greater for BMR forage sorghum in comparison to all non-BMR hybrids in the spring. Additionally, spring BMR forage sorghum was greater than summer sorghum-sudangrass regardless of trait. An interaction between season and sorghum variety type was observed for milk yield per megagram of forage. Milk yield per megagram of forage was greatest for spring forage sorghum. Sorghum variety type and trait selection are crucial to minimize differences in forage nutritive value of sorghum forage between seasons and improve the performance of high-producing dairy cows.

Nutrients, Fiber Fraction, and In Vitro Fiber Digestibility of Brown-Midrib Sorghum Mutant Lines Affected by The Maturity Stages

The mutant line of Brown-midrib sorghum has lower lignin content than conventional sorghum. The objectives of this research were to investigate the effects of plant maturity stages at harvest times on nutrient, fiber fraction, tannin content, volatile fatty acids (VFA) production, and in vitro fiber digestibility of mutant lines of Brown Midrib (BMR) sorghum. This research was arranged into a complete block design with a factorial arrangement in three replications. The first factor was a line of BMR sorghum consisted of 3 levels, i.e., Patir 3.1 (non-BMR line/control), Patir 3.2 (BMR line), and Patir 3.7 (BMR line). The second factor was the generative stages of sorghum consisted of 3 levels, i.e., flowering stage, soft-dough stage, and hard-dough stage. The observed variables were nutrient, fiber fraction, tannin content, in vitro rumen fluid characteristics, VFA proportion, acetate: propionate (A:P) ratio, and in vitro fiber-fraction digestibility (IVFFD). Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). No interaction between sorghum-mutant lines and harvest time on nutrient contents, except on total digestible nutrients (TDN), tannin, and VFA. The factor of sorghum-mutant line affected (p<0.01) crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD), NH3, butyrate, isovalerate, and valerate. Maturity stages affected dry matter (DM), CF, ash, crude fat, fiber, and fraction, except hemicellulose, acid detergent fiber digestibility (ADFD), and NDFD, NH3, isovalerate, and valerate. Patir 3.7 at the hard-dough stage produced the highest TDN, but the highest VFA was produced by Patir 3.1 at flowering stages. BMR sorghum-mutant lines produced higher ADF digestibility than non-BMR sorghum-mutant lines. The increasing NDF digestibility was significantly influenced by both sorghum-mutant lines and maturity stages (p<0.01). It is concluded that BMR sorghum-mutant lines at the hard-dough stage produce better nutrient and in vitro digestibility, but the butyric acid is higher in non-BMR sorghum-mutant lines.

White Midrib (WMR) vs Brown Midrib (BMR) sorghum: perspective of nutrient value for ruminant forage

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars can be classified as white midrib (WMR) and brown midrib (BMR). The BMR cultivar is the most potentially to be used as ruminant forage. However, the WMR, as conventional sorghum, has fairly good nutrient characteristics as roughage. The objective of our study was to evaluate the nutrient composition, fiber characteristics and nutrient value predictions of stem, leaf and panicle of Numbu variety (WMR type) and G5 mutant lines (BMR type). Five replication of two cultivars made up a randomized block design during 115 days cultivation in South Jakarta. Nutrient composition, fiber compounds and nutrient value predictions of stem, leaf and panicle were measured. There was no difference on crude protein (CP) content on stem, leaf and panicle between Numbu and G5. Numbu, as WMR type, has higher stem and leaf acid detergent fiber (ADF) and cellulose content (p<0.05) than G5. This study also proved that, G5, as BMR sorghum, had lower stem acid detergent ligin (ADL) level (p<0.05) than WMR. In panicle part, G5 had higher non fiber carbohydrate (NFC) (p<0.01) than Numbu. The stem relative feed value (RFV) represented by G5 is 136.37 and include in premium class. Conversely, Numbu included in good class, with a value of 109.83. Nutrient value characteristics of each part of sorghum is expected to be used as reference in preparing the ingredients for rations based on sorghum forage.

The Effect of Sorghum Varieties on Digestibility and Nitrogen Balance of Complete Feed in Goats

This study aimed to determine the effect of sorghum varieties (Brown Midrib Resistance and Super-2) on digestibility and nitrogen balance. Twelve female Bligon goats with an average body weight of 24.33±2.83 kg were divided into 3 groups of treatments with 4 replications, following a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) one-way pattern, T1 = complete feed based on fresh of Pennisetum purpureum as a control, T2 = complete feed based on silage of sorghum Brown Midrib Resistance (BMR), and T3 = complete feed based on silage of sorghum super-2. The observed parameters were nutrient feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance. Data were processed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Data were analyzed by one-way of variance analysis and significantly different treatments, further tested with Duncan's New Multiple Range Tests (DMRT). The results showed that feeding use of a complete feed of sorghum BMR silage on Bligon goats reduced nutrient feed intake (P&lt;0.05) compared to complete feed of sorghum super-2, while nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance showed the same results for both sorghum varieties (P&gt;0.05). Therefore we concluded that sorghum BMR was better than sorghum super-2.

Sorghum Brown Midrib19 (Bmr19) Gene Links Lignin Biosynthesis to Folate Metabolism.

Genetic analysis of brown midrib sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) mutant lines assembled in our program has previously shown that the mutations fall into four allelic groups, bmr2, bmr6, bmr12 or bmr19. Causal genes for allelic groups bmr2, bmr6 and bmr12, have since been identified. In this report, we provide evidence for the nature of the bmr19 mutation. This was accomplished by introgressing each of the four bmr alleles into nine different genetic backgrounds. Polymorphisms from four resequenced bulks of sorghum introgression lines containing either mutation, relative to those of a resequenced bulk of the nine normal midrib recurrent parent lines, were used to locate their respective causal mutations. The analysis confirmed the previously reported causal mutations for bmr2 and bmr6 but failed in the case of bmr12-bulk due to a mixture of mutant alleles at the locus among members of that mutant bulk. In the bmr19-bulk, a common G → A mutation was found among all members in Sobic.001G535500. This gene encodes a putative folylpolyglutamate synthase with high homology to maize Bm4. The brown midrib phenotype co-segregated with this point mutation in two separate F2 populations. Furthermore, an additional variant allele at this locus obtained from a TILLING population also showed a brown midrib phenotype, confirming this locus as Bmr19.

Pengaruh tingkat kepadatan tanaman terhadap pertumbuhan Sorgum Brown Mid Rib (BMR) yang diberi pupuk bokashi kotoran ayam pada kondisi ternaung

THE IMPACT OF PLANT’S DENSITY ON THE GROWTH OF SORGHUM BROWN MID RIB WITH CHICKEN MANURE FERTILIZER IN AN ELEVATED STATE. The purpose of this research was determines growth of sorghum BMR with different population density use chicken manure fertilizer in an elevated state. This experiment was conducted using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatment consisted of four planting density, (P1=(1 plant/Polybag) P2=(2 plants/polybag) P3=(3 plants/polybag) P4=(4 plants/polibag), each treatment had seven replications. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and HSD test. The variables measured were growth that are plant’s height, leaf length, and number of leaves. The results showed that different planting population were significant different (P&lt;0.01) on plant’s height, leaf length, and number of leaves. HSD test showed that planting population P1=(1 plant/Polybag) were significant (P&lt;0.01) have higher plant’s height, leaf length, and number of leaves than P3=(3 plants/polybag) and P4=(4 plants/polybag). It can be concluded that planting density P1=(1 plant/Polybag) have the highest growth of sorghum BMR that were highest plant’s height, leaf length, and number of leaves.

Exploring Feeding Potential of Stovers from Novel Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Cultivars by In vitro Fermentation Pattern, Gas Production, Microbial Abundance and Ruminal Enzyme Production in Buffalo

Background: Crop residues play a central role in ruminant’s diet in developing countries. Due to low in nutritional quality, there is limitation in ruminant production through feeding of these residues. Therefore, production of quality crop residues through plant breeding programme without conceding grain yield is of prime importance. The present experiment envisaged the feeding value of stovers from three different novel sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) cultivars by in vitro fermentation pattern, gas production, microbial abundance and ruminal enzyme production in buffalo. Methods: Stovers from three different genotypes of sorghum cultivars viz. normal sorghum (CSV-27), brown midrib (bmr) sorghum (SPV-2018) and sweet sorghum (CSH 22SS) were analyzed for proximate principles and fibre fractions. Each stover sample was incubated (200 ± 5 mg) with 30 ml buffered rumen fluid in 100 ml calibrated glass syringes at 39ºC for 24 h following in vitro gas production system using rumen liquor from Murrah buffaloes. The gas production in each syringe was recorded during incubation at 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 h intervals. Incubations were terminated at 24 h and methane concentration in the head space gas from syringes incubated with each stover sample was analyzed. Supernatant of each syringe contents was analyzed for volatile fatty acids (VFA) estimation. Truly degradable dry matter (TDDM) was determined and microbial biomass production (MBP) and portioning factor (PF) was calculated. Ruminal fibrolytic enzyme production and microbial abundance in each syringe content was estimated. Result: The stover of bmr sorghum showed highest organic matter, followed by normal sorghum and lowest in sweet sorghum. The neural detergent fibre (NDF) ranges between 69.22 to 74.65%, with highest in bmr sorghum and lowest in sweet sorghum. The stover sample of bmr sorghum contained lowest (P less than 0.05) acid detergent fibre (ADF) among the three cultivars examined, which resulted with highest (P less than 0.05) hemicellulose (37.72%) content. Lowest acid detergent lignin (ADL) was found in stovers of bmr cultivar (1.27%) and highest in sweet sorghum (8.36%). The fermentation pattern of bmr sorghum stovers exhibited higher (P less than 0.05) total gas production, dry matter degradability, VFA production, ruminal enzymes (CMCase, xylanase, acetyl esterase) and abundance of total ruminal bacterial population than normal and sweet sorghum stovers. Therefore, this study establishes the enhanced feeding value of stovers from bmr sorghum cultivar compared to normal and sweet sorghum cultivars for ruminant production.

Effect of deficit irrigation on physiology and forage yield of forage sorghum, pearl millet, and corn

AbstractThe declining Ogallala aquifer in the Texas High Plains may no longer meet the irrigation requirement to produce high water‐demanding forage crops like silage corn (Zea mays L.) to support a large number of beef and dairy enterprises. Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) can be viable alternatives to silage corn due to their relative drought tolerance than silage corn. A field experiment was conducted at New Deal, TX to assess and compare the physiology, forage yield, and nutrient composition of the brown midrib (BMR) forage sorghum, BMR pearl millet, and corn under deficit irrigation in 2018 and 2019. The experiment was conducted in a split‐plot design with three irrigation levels (I0 [50 mm], I1 [200 mm], and I2 [350 mm]) as main‐plot and five cultivars (P1498AM [corn], AF7401 and Silo700D [BMR sorghum], and Epic and Exceed [BMR pearl millet]) as sub‐plot with four replications. The higher leaf water potential (LWP), stomatal conductance, and leaf area index resulted in greater biomass assimilation in I2 compared to I1 and I0 irrigation treatments in both years. Sorghum and pearl millet cultivars showed lower water status through lower LWP and canopy‐air temperature difference compared to corn cultivar. However, sorghum cultivars yielded greater fresh biomass than pearl millet and corn in both years. Lower lignin concentration and higher digestible energy were observed in corn, followed by pearl millet and sorghum. These results suggest that under water‐stress conditions BMR sorghum can produce higher forage yield with acceptable nutritive value.

Content of Prussic Acid and Production of Sorghum Brown Midrib by Adding Urea Fertilizer and Extending Harvesting Time

Abstract. The aimed of this study to determine the effect of adding urea fertilizer (0, 50, and 100 kg/ha) and harvesting time (50, 80 and days) on prussic acid content and production of the brown midrib (BMR) sorghum plants. This study design was completely randomized factorial 3 x 3. The variables measured were prussic acid content, fresh yield, the production of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM). The results showed that content of prussic acid increased and highly significant with the addition of urea. The fresh yield of BMR sorghum is highest in the fertilization of 50 kg/ha and at the harvesting time 80 days. The highest DM production at fertilization 0 kg/ha and harvesting time 110 day. OM production of the highest is the addition of fertilizer 0 kg/ ha and at the harvesting time on 80 days. From the results of this study concluded that on harvesting time 80 day sorghum BMR have produces optimum and addition of urea to a level of 100 kg/ha did not affect the content of prussic acid, fresh yield, DM and OM.

Nutritional potential, in vitro ruminal fermentation kinetics and methanogenesis of stover from newer cultivars of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in buffalo

Context In developing countries of south Asia and Africa, cereal crop residues provide important fodder resources for ruminants. Genetic improvement through plant breeding for high-quality crop residues as well as for grain yield is gaining in demand among mixed crop–livestock farmers. Aims The present study investigated the potential nutritional quality, in vitro ruminal fermentation kinetics, gas production, enzyme activities and methane production of stover of newly developed brown midrib cultivars of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) compared with other cultivars in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Methods Stover from seven sorghum cultivars – brown midrib sorghum (SPV-2017, SPV-2018), normal grain sorghum (CSV-27), forage sorghum (SSG-59-3, CSV-32F) and sweet sorghum (CSH 22SS, CSV 24SS) – was analysed for chemical composition. Stover samples (200 ± 5 mg dry matter) from each cultivar were incubated with buffered rumen fluid (30 mL) in 100-mL calibrated glass syringes at 39°C for 72 h following a standard in vitro gas-production protocol for gas production and fermentation kinetics. Key results Stover chemical composition varied significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) among cultivars, with highest organic matter in forage sorghum SSG-59-3 and lowest in sweet sorghum CSV-24SS. Acid detergent lignin was lowest in stover of the brown midrib cultivars (1.27% in SPV-2018 and 1.67% in SPV-2017) and highest in forage sorghum SSG-59-3 (9.42%). The brown midrib cultivars showed highest (P &amp;lt; 0.001) total gas production, truly degradable dry matter, organic matter digestibility and metabolisable energy content. The brown midrib cultivars and forage sorghum CSV-32F had highest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) production of volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate) and activity of ruminal enzymes (carboxymethyl cellulase and xylanase) during fermentation. Conclusions This study demonstrates that stover from brown midrib sorghum cultivars (SPV-2017 and SPV-2018) and forage sorghum CSV-32F could be preferred over stover of other cultivars for animal feed owing to their potential for enhanced utilisation. Implications This study provides information on nutritional quality of stover from newly developed sorghum cultivars for large-scale utilisation as animal feed in smallholder production systems of developing countries.

Evaluation of Alkali and Acid Pretreatments on Brown Mid Rib Sorghum Varieties for Maximum Cellulose Yield

Evaluation of Alkali and Acid Pretreatments on Brown Mid Rib Sorghum Varieties for Maximum Cellulose Yield

Warm-season annual forages in forage-finishing beef systems: II. Animal performance and carcass characteristics.

More information on expected animal performance and carcass traits of forage-finished steers grazing warm-season annual forages is needed. To achieve this objective, a grazing trial was conducted in 2014, 2015, and 2016 (70, 63, and 56 d, respectively), with variation in length of grazing based on forage availability. Sixteen pastures (0.81 ha) were assigned to 1 of 4 forage treatments in a randomized complete block design. Forage treatments were brown midrib sorghum × sudangrass (BMR; Sorghum bicolor var. bicolor*bicolor var. sudanense), sorghum × sudangrass (SS), pearl millet [PM; Pennisetum glaucum (L.)R.Br.], or pearl millet planted with crabgrass [PMCG; Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.]. Each year, British-cross beef steers (n = 32; 3 y average: 429 ± 22 kg) were stratified by weight and randomly assigned to 1 of the 16 pastures for forage finishing. Each pasture was subdivided into two 0.405-ha paddocks for rotational stocking and a put-and-take stocking method was used to maintain a forage allowance of 116 kg forage dry matter/100 kg body weight (BW). Shrunk body weight and ultrasonically measured carcass composition were recorded at the initiation, middle, and end of each grazing season. Steers were harvested once forage availability became limited and chilled carcasses (24 h) were evaluated for yield grade and quality grade attributes. Statistical analysis was conducted using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) with main effects of treatment, year, and the interaction. Pasture and block were considered random effects while date was assessed as a main effect when applicable. Daily stocking densities were greater (P < 0.04) for SS than PMCG in the first 20 d of 2014 and 2015. Forage treatment did not affect (P > 0.17) total gain, total average daily gain, or body weight at any time point. Ultrasound composition traits of loin muscle area, 12th rib fat thickness, intramuscular fat, and rump fat were impacted (P < 0.01) by scanning date. No differences (P > 0.08) in forage treatments were observed for carcass characteristics associated with yield grade or quality grade. The findings suggest that forage-finished cattle during the summer months on BMR, SS, PM, and PMCG perform similarly, giving producers the option to use the most economical or practical forage type for their production system.

Growth and Productivity of Brown Midrib Sorghum Mutant Line Patir 3.7 (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Treated with Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizer

The study aimed to determine the best of nitrogen fertilizer level based on growth and biomass production of brown midrib sorghum mutant line Patir 3.7. This research was conducted at the Field Laboratory in the Faculty of Animal Science, Andalas University, Padang. The experiment was assigned in a completely randomized block design with 4 levels of nitrogen fertilizer application and 3 replications. The treatments consisted of N0= 0 kg N ha-1 as a control; N1= 50 kg N ha-1; N2= 100 kg N ha-1; and N3= 150 kg N ha-1. Agronomic and production variables measured were plant height, stem diameter, leaf width length, leaf stem panicle ratio, stem Brix sugar content, as well as fresh biomass and nutrient production. Analysis of variance followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was conducted. The results showed that the addition of nitrogen fertilizer produced the highest stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, leaf ratio, and stem ratio (p 0.05) by the level of nitrogen fertilizer. The fresh biomass, dry matter, crude protein, ash, NFE, and TDN production increased significantly (p<0.05) with the increased level of nitrogen fertilizer. Based on those findings, it can be concluded that nitrogen fertilizer application at the level of 50 kg N ha-1 produces better growth, fresh biomass, dry matter, and nutrients production.

Nitrogen Management of Brachytic Dwarf Brown Midrib Forage Sorghum in New York

Core Ideas Forage sorghum is a viable alternative to corn silage in the northeastern United States. Brachytic dwarf BMR sorghum can yield nearly 20 Mg DM ha–1 in the Northeast. Forage sorghum requires approximately 10 kg N per 1 Mg DM for optimum performance. Forage sorghum following manure or legume histories may not need additional N. ABSTRACTForage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] can be an alternative to corn silage (Zea mays L.) in the northeastern United States due to its drought tolerance and later planting date. Our objective was to determine the most economic rate of N (MERN) for a brachytic dwarf brown midrib (BMR) forage sorghum cultivar based on 13 N‐rate trials in New York from 2013 to 2017. Trials fell into one of three groups based on yield response to N: Group 1, no response (MERN = 0; n = 2); Group 2, no yield plateau (n = 4); and Group 3, yield plateau between the lowest and highest N rates (n = 7). Group 1 dry matter (DM) yields averaged 18.7 Mg DM ha−1 and included trials with manure or legume histories. Trials in Group 2 averaged 17.6 Mg DM ha−1 at the highest N rate with an increase of 38 kg DM per kg of N. Group 3 trial MERNs averaged 203 kg N ha−1 with a yield at the MERN of 19.9 Mg DM ha−1. Nitrogen use efficiency, apparent N recovery, and crude protein at the MERN of the Group 3 trials averaged 46 kg DM kg−1 N, 63%, and 80 g kg−1, respectively. Nitrogen did not greatly influence other nutritive value indicators. We conclude that the MERN of BMR forage sorghum is ∼10 kg N per 1 Mg DM yield. Additional trials are needed to confirm that fields with recent manure or legume histories may not require additional N.

Warm-season annual forages in forage-finishing beef systems: I. Forage yield and quality.

The demand for a year-round supply of fresh, locally grown, forage-finished beef products has created a need for forage-finishing strategies during the summer months in the southeast. A 3-yr study was conducted to evaluate four warm-season annual forages in a southeastern forage-finishing beef production system. Treatments were four forage species and included brown-midrib sorghum × sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor var. bicolor*bicolor var. sudanense; BMR), sorghum × sudangrass (SS), pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.; PM], or pearl millet planted with crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.; PMCG]. Treatments were distributed in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Pastures (0.81 ha, experimental unit) were assigned to one of four forage treatments, subdivided, and rotationally stocked with a variable stocking density. British-cross beef steers (n = 32; 3-yr average: 429 ± 22 kg) grazed for 70, 63, and 56 d in 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. Put-and-take animals were used to maintain a forage allowance of 116 kg forage dry matter /100 kg body weight. Forage mass was measured by clipping a 4.3-m2 area in triplicate on d 0 and on 14-d intervals. Hand grab samples for forage nutritive value determination and quadrat clippings for species compositions were measured on d 0 and on 34-d intervals until termination of the trial. Forage mass was lowest (P < 0.01) for PMCG at the initiation of the grazing trial, whereas BMR was greater (P < 0.01) than SS at wk 6. Total digestible nutrients in 2014 were greater for SS compared to BMR and PM at the middle harvest (P < 0.01) and BMR, PM, and PMCG at the final harvest (P < 0.01). At the middle and final harvests in both 2015 and 2016, PM and PMCG contained greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of crude protein than SS. These results suggest that BMR, SS, PM, and PMCG may all be used in southeastern forage-finishing beef production systems, as long as the producer strategically accounts for the slight growth and nutritive value differences throughout the season.

Composition and growth of sorghum biomass genotypes for ethanol production

Sorghum bicolor (L.) (Moench), which stands out for dry matter yield per hectare, has been considered as potential raw material for biofuels and electricity generation. It has a production cycle of six months, possibility of mechanization of cultivation and harvest and good adaptation to most regions of Brazil. Sorghum genotypes were evaluated for agronomic potential and chemical composition favorable to the production of second-generation ethanol. Three brown midrib (bmr) sorghum mutant hybrids were compared to three conventional hybrids. The bmr sorghum mutant hybrids are associated with reduced lignin content, making these genotypes more promising to the enzymatic conversion processes of the biomass. Sorghum biomass showed a high potential in terms of biomass production, with an average dry matter yield of 26.57 Mg ha−1. Brown midrib sorghum hybrids showed significantly lower lignin contents than conventional hybrids and demonstrated the potential for cellulosic ethanol production.

Effects of Lactat Acid Bacteria Inoculan and Additive on Quality and Characteristics of Brown Midrib Sorghum Mutant Line Silage (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Effects of Lactat Acid Bacteria Inoculan and Additive on Quality and Characteristics of Brown Midrib Sorghum Mutant Line Silage (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)