Some Fermentation Characteristics of Silage Made With Sweet Sorghum Bagasse Grown In GAP Condition

Abstract

The search for different roughage sources continues in order to close the quality roughage gap needed by livestock. The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of sweet sorghum bagasse as an alternative feed resource for livestock. In the research, 21 sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor var. saccharatum (L.) Mohlenbr.) genotypes obtained from abroad and domestically were used as material. Field trials were carried out  in Akcakale/Sanlıurfa  second crop conditions in 2016 and 2017 according to randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Harvest was performed between milk and soft dough stages. After the leaves and panicle of the plant were stripped, sap-extracted plants (bagasse) were ensiled and silage quality attributes were also determined. Statistically significant differences were found in sweet sorghum genotypes in terms of all silage quality characteristics except pH. Depending on two-year averages; Ash content, pH, dry matter  ratio, lactic acid, asetic acid, propiyonic acid ve butyric acid were ranged from 44.86-70.13 g kg-1 DM, 3.20-3.83, 23.72-34.27%, 22.42-53.45 g kg-1 DM, 5.54-15.78 g kg-1 DM, 0.173-1.751 g kg-1 DM, and 0.200-1.942 g kg-1 DM respectively. It is concluded that the silages of sweet sorghum bagasse which were grown the 2nd production conditions in GAP region can be considered as roughage.