Abstract

Results from two trials indicate that grain sorghums can produce high, whole-crop dry matter yields in a short time. Although grain sorghum whole-crop silage may yield less tonnage than forage sorghum, its higher crude protein and grain-to-forage ratio could more than compensate for the difference. Maximum yields, both whole-crop and grain, were obtained at late-dough maturity in both years. However, since high quality silages were made at each harvest stage, grain sorghums had a relatively long harvest season. Grain sorghums had a dry matter content suitable for ensiling over the range of maturities studied. In addition, their yield and nutrient content reached a plateau at the late-dough and hard-grain stages.

Keywords: Cattlemen's Day, 1986, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 86-320-S, Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 494, Beef, Maturity, Yield, Hybrid grain, Forage sorghum silages

How to Cite:

Smith, R., Bolsen, K., Walter, T. & Kirch, B., (1986) “Effect of maturity at harvest on yield and composition of hybrid grain and forage sorghum silages”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(1), 130-134. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2424