Cultivation

Feed Value of Grain Sorghum

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. bicolor

Grain sorghum is used as a high-energy concentrated feed comparable in nutritional value to maize, yet it differs in its protein and starch structure, which require mechanical or thermal processing to improve digestibility.

In the reference 68 varieties crop Sorghum, where this is mentioned in the description.

Grain sorghum is valued in animal husbandry as an energy source that exceeds many crops in protein content. Its biological value is determined by its high drought adaptability and reduced susceptibility to pathogens, which minimizes the risks of mycotoxin accumulation. Modern varieties have been bred to be free of tannins, which limit the nutritional value of feed.

Starch and proteins in sorghum grain are characterized by slow fermentation in the rumen of ruminants, which requires dietary adjustments. To fully utilize its feed properties, it is necessary to perform milling to 1.8 mm, rolling, or steam processing. Green mass and silage harvested at the waxy ripeness stage of the grain are complete dietary components capable of replacing maize equivalents.

General information about the subject — on the page Forage purpose.

Sources8

Varieties of Sorghum mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.