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Yield and Quality Changes with Maturity of Silage-Type Sorghum Fodder¹

Maturity at harvest is a major factor in determining the quality of silage-type sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and there is evidence of quality differences among hybrids at equivalent growth stages. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of maturity in four height classes of sorghum hybrids and their interactions on dry forage yields and its composition, and to determine quality of heads, leaves, and stalks in terms of in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Four hybrids, representing height classes of 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5 m, were grown under conventional production practices and harvested at the late milk, early dough, dough, and hard dough stages of grain maturity. Dry matter accumulation in all hybrids remained similar after reaching 24.6%. The shorter hybrids had maximum head percentage earlier in maturity than the taller hybrids. The tallest hybrid had higher stalk percentage later in maturity than did the shorter hybrids. Head IVDMD of the short hybrids with high head percentage remained constant or increased with advancing maturity, while that of the tall hybrid with lower head percentage decreased later in maturity. Stalk IVDMD of the tallest hybrid increased with maturity while the other hybrids decreased with maturity. Stalk ADF of the tallest hybrid decreased with maturity, while that of the other hybrids remained relatively constant. Stalk IVDMD and ADF were negatively correlated (r = –0.63**). These results show the potential for improvement in quality of silage-type sorghum hybrids through selection of breeding lines that maintain high stalk quality late into maturity.

Key Words: Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench • In vitro dry matter digestibility • Acid detergent fiber • Genetic improvement

² Professor of agronomy.

Received for publication March 28, 1980.