Chemical composition of silage sorghum hybrids grown at different densities

Abstract

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the nutritive value of silages from two sorghum hybrids, AG-2005 (double purpose) and VOLUMAX (forage) cultivated with different row spacings (0.50 m; 0.75 m and 1.00 m), resulting in 140,000; 186,666 e 280,000 plants per ha, respectively. Dry matter content of AG-2005 silage was higher for 1 m row spacing, and was higher than for VOLUMAX silage in all row spacings. Crude protein increased as the row spacing was reduced (6.6; 6.8 and 8%, respectively), with higher average value for AG-2005 (7.7 vs 6.5%). Neutral detergent fiber was lower for AG-2005 (59.25 vs 62.3%) and for .75 m spacing. Acid detergent fiber differed between hybrids in .5 m row spacing, being 33.5 and 39.3%, respectively, for AG-2005 and VOLUMAX. Ether extract was significantly different between hybrids in .5 m row spacing, being higher for AG-2005 (2.05 vs 1.61%). The use of AG-2005 is recommended for silage production due to its better qualitative characteristics than the VOLUMAX. The .5 m row spacing is recommended for both hybrids, since it improves the chemical composition of the silages.