Determination of the chemical composition and degradability of sorghum silage at two growth stages, using nylon bags method

This experiment carried out to determination of the chemical composition and degradability of sorghum silage at two maturity stage. Sorghum forage harvested at two maturity stage being vegetative and bloom. The chopped forages were ensiled in mini- silo for 81 days. The silages were tested for chemical composition and degradation characteristics of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber. The nylon bags method was used for determination of the sorghum silage degradability. The results showed, with increasing maturity, content of crude protein (8.54 to 6.90 %DM), total tannins (1.48 to 0.18 %DM), water soluble carbohydrates (19.72 to 11.35 g/kg) and calcium (0.059 to 0.049 %DM) of sorghum silage significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The amount of neutral detergent fiber content (NDF), acid detergent fiber content (ADF), ether extract, ash, condensed tannins, sodium, phosphorus and potassium were not significantly different amongtreatments. The degradability of dry matter, crude protein and NDF increased with advancing maturity stage, but degradation parameters (section of quickly and slowly degradation) were not significantly different at two maturity stage. It is concluded, sorghum forage harvested at vegetative stage was more beneficial than the bloom stage for ensiling.