Comparative Analysis of Forage Sorghum for Best Cutting Time

Abstract

Forage sorghum was evaluated at different growth stages at Shambat, Sudan, to establish a proper cutting time for optimum yield and nutritive value. The fresh forage yield increased with the crop age till the maturity, but the difference was not significant for the late growth stages. Per cent crude protein decreased with age and the differences were significantly higher for vegetative and ear initiation than late stages of growth. The interception between crude protein yield and fresh forage yield, at the milk stage, showed the best indication for economically equating quantity and quality. The tenth week cutting was the best compensation. Crude protein yield reached the maximum at this stage. Similarly, the highest per cent of reducing sugars and total sugars were obtained at the tenth week (milk stage).