Assesment of Biochemical Forage Quality of Sweet Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. saccharatum]

In this study, it was aimed to determine some forage quality characteristics of sweet sorghum genotypes in semi-arid climatic conditions. The experiment was set up in randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Research was carried out in 2016 and 2017 under Harran Plain second crop conditions, Sanliurfa, Turkey. In the study 21 genotypes of sweet sorghum were used. Crude protein content, crude ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), dry matter digestibility, dry matter consumption, were determined in the study. Significant differences were found between the genotypes for tested characteristics (P≤0.01). According to average of two years, crude protein content ranged from 4.20% (Tracy) to 5.90% (USDA S.Africa), crude ash from 4.44% (Theis) to 6.90% (Topper 76), acid detergent fiber (ADF) from 27.84% (Nebraska sugar) to 36.30% (USDA-Zaire). The highest NDF value was obtained from USDA-Zaire genotype (56.49%) whereas the lowest values were seen at N98 genotype (43.11%). Dry matter digestibility values were between 60.62% (USDA-Zaire) and 67.21% (Nebraska sugar), dry matter consumption between 2.14% and 2.85%. The highest relative feed value was obtained from N98 genotype (148.95) whereas the lowest values were seen at USDA-Zaire genotype (101.00). Net energy values ranged from 1.38 Mcal kg-1 (USDA-Zaire) to 1.50 Mcal kg-1 (Nebraska sugar). Considering the properties examined in terms of feed quality, it was seen that the crude protein content and net energy value was low. But ADF, NDF, digestible dry matter, dry matter consumption and relative feed values were within acceptable levels. Nebraska sugar, Topper 76, N98, Roma, M81E, Tracy and Corina genotypes were found as the best for forage quality in sweet sorghum. It was determined that sweet sorghum can be used as a forage source.