November 14, 2026

Evaluation of Sorghum Varieties for Quality Silage Production | IJB 2024

Silage, Proximate, Sorghum, Crude protein, Crude fiber, Crude fat

Michael M. Uy, from the institute of the Philippines. wrote a research article about, Evaluation of Sorghum Varieties for Quality Silage Production. Entitled, Development and evaluation of three sorghum varieties under different fermentation period for silage production. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal Biosciences.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Silage is a crucial source of nourishment for livestock, especially during dry periods or poor-quality grass. The simple random and ranking technique was used, and it was conducted at Cagayan State -University at Piat Campus to investigate the nutritional value of three sorghum cultivars when turned into silage with varying fermentation durations. Generally, the study aimed to determine the most suitable sorghum variety for optimal silage production based on nutritional quality. The results showed that all three sorghum varieties exhibited an increase in crude protein content from 14 to 21 days of fermentation. Additionally, higher fiber content was observed after 28 days of fermentation. Extended fermentation led to a reduction in moisture content due to microbial activity during the ensiling process. The presence of calcium and phosphorus in the fermentation substrate influenced the proliferation and activity of fermentative microorganisms. Based on the study, the 21-day fermentation period for sorghum silage is recommended for local livestock farmers. Furthermore, considering their nutritional content, the SV2 and SV3 sorghum varieties are suitable for silage production. It is recommended that a wider range of sorghum cultivars and varying fermentation durations be considered to identify the best options for high-quality silage production.

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Introduction

The demand for needs like food, clothing, and housing is rising as a result of the planet's ongoing rapid population growth. Regrettably, the amount of land accessible for crop production has significantly decreased as a result of this demand, which is negatively affecting the agricultural sector. The livestock business also faces difficulties as a result of the loss of pasture lands and natural vegetation brought on by the conversion of land for commercial use.

Because they have few resources, livestock farmers in the surrounding farming villages feed their animals by using naturally occurring weeds and agricultural waste materials. However, the lack of sufficient nourishment from these sources frequently results in low animal productivity.

The Department of Agriculture is trying to address this problem by introducing new technology and ways to give cattle greater nutrition. Planting sorghum, a significant fodder crop that does well in a range of environmental circumstances, is one such alternative. Because of its morphophysiological responses to water stress, sorghum can thrive in arid and semi-arid environments and produce high dry matter yields while adjusting to variable rainfall patterns.

Because of their high nutritional value, limited buffering capacity, and high concentration of soluble carbohydrates, sorghum plants are also good for making silage. In tropical areas, silage production is a vital technique for conserving fodder and is frequently employed to keep livestock fed during dry spells.

Crop health and productivity are also influenced by the methods used in their upbringing, care, and nursing. Due to its environmental adaptability, sorghum is a significant feed crop that is utilized in livestock systems in many parts of the world (Sanchez et al., 2002). Due to its morpho-physiological responses to water stress, which result in a high dry matter yield (DMY) and resilience in places with irregular rainfall distribution, sorghum is a significant source of roughage in arid and semi-arid regions (Sankarapandian et al., 2013).

 In addition to these traits, sorghum plants are good for making silage (Brocke et al., 2014). This is due to their high soluble carbohydrate content (Sankarapandian et al., 2013), low buffering capacity, and high nutritional value (Kumar et al., 2015), all of which are necessary for sufficient lactic acid fermentation (Santos et al., 2013).

It is significant because, in tropical countries, silage production is a primary means of conserving fodder, which gives animals something to eat during dry spells.

Sorghum leaves and stalks can be used as silage, green feed, or fodder for animals, especially cattle and ruminants. Silage is made by fermentation and gives animals a high-quality diet at times when feed is in short supply. However, several variables, including the crop's age, the length of the fermented period, and the crop itself, might impact the nutrient composition of sorghum silage. Consequently, a study was carried out to ascertain the nutrient composition of sorghum silage by counting the number of days throughout the fermentation process. Generally, the study aimed to develop and evaluate the three sorghum cultivars for silage as affected by the number of days in the fermentation period. Specifically, it aimed to: (1) evaluate the nutritional quality of the silage produced from the three sorghum varieties under different fermentation periods and (2) identify the most suitable sorghum variety for optimal silage production based on nutritional quality.

Reference

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Brocke KV, Trouche G, Weltzien E, Barro CPK, Sidibé A, Zougmoré R. 2014. Helping farmers adapt to climate and cropping system change through increased access to sorghum genetic resources adapted to prevalent sorghum cropping systems in burkina faso. Experimental Agriculture 50, 284–305.

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Sankarapandian R, Audilakshmi S, Sharma V, Ganesamurthy K, Talwar HS, Patil JV. 2013. Effect of morpho-physiological traits on grain yield of sorghum grown under stress at different growth stages, and stability analysis. The Journal of Agricultural Science 151, 630–647.

Santos EM, Silva TC, Macedo CHO, Campos F. S. 2013. “Lactic acid bacteria in tropical grass silages,” in Lactic Acid Bacteria: R, D for Food, Health and Livestock Purposes, ed M. Kongo (Rijeka: InTech), 335–362.

Santos MM, Galvão JCC, Silva IR, Miranda GV, Finger FL. 2010. Application times nitrogen in top dressing in corn crops in direct planting, and allocation of nitrogen (15n) in the plant. Brazilian Journal of Soil Science 34(4), 1185-1194.

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