Evaluation of Fermentation Qualities and Digestibilities of Silages Made From Sorghum and Sunflower Alone and the Mixtures of Sorghum-Sunflower

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate fermentation qualities and digestibilities of silages prepared om sorghum (S) and sunflower (SF) alone and the mixtures of sorghum and sunflower at differing rates 75% sorghum+25% sunflower (75S25SF), 50% sorghum+50% sunflower (50S50SF) and 2% 5sorghum+75 sunflower (25S75SF)] ensiled in 120 L plastic barrel for 90 days. pH values of sorghum and the mixtures were significantly lower than that of sunflower silage (p<0.05). Concentrations of lactic, acetic, propionic and butyric acids were significantly greater in sunflower silage compared with sorghum silage (p<0.05). Silage acid concentration tended to decrease with increasing levels of sorghum in the mixtures. While concentrations of DM, OM and NDF were lower, concentrations of CP and EE were higher in sunflower than sorghum silage (p<0.05). Sunflower had greater DM, CP and EE but lower ADF and NDF digestibilities compared with sorghum silage (p<0.05). As percentage of sunflower increased, DM, CP and EE digestibilities increased but ADF and NDF digestibilities decreased in the mixtures. It has been concluded that better quality silages could be obtained by mixing sorghum and sunflower at 50% ratio. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.