Determination of the Chemical Composition and Digestible Dry Matter Yields of Some Grain Sorghum Varieties

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine sorghum varieties that are suitable for north Anatolian conditions and possess high nutrient yields. Eight grain sorghum varieties, namely, Ogretmenoglu, Akdari, Aldari, Beydari, Ramada, A-298, DK-64 and KS-397, were utilized as plant material in the experiment. When the grains were mature, they were harvested first, and then residues were harvested by hand. Samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and in vitro DM digestibility. Digestible DM yields were also calculated. The DM content of residues ranged from 26.64% to 35.36% (P < 0.05). Concentrations of OM in residues were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in Ramada and Aldari compared with the other varieties. While NDF and ADF concentrations in residues were highest in Beydari, they were lowest in DK-64 (P < 0.05). Residues of DK-64 and Aldari had the highest in vitro digestibilities, DM yields and digestible DM yields (P < 0.05). Ogretmentoglu grain had the highest CP, whereas Beydari had the lowest in vitro digestibility (P < 0.05). Ramada grain had the highest DM and digestible DM yields (P < 0.05). Total (forage + grain) DM yield, digestible DM yield and CP yield were significantly higher in Ramada and A-298 compared with the other varieties (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that, of the sorghum varieties grown, Ramada had the highest yield and adaptation for north Anatoilan conditions, followed by A-298, based on digestible DM and CP yields, respectively.