Today, atmospheric changes have made forage sorghum one of the best options for feeding livestock, poultry and pigs on farms, because it adapts easily to different soil types and short growing seasons.
In addition, it is one of the main feedstuffs for cattle and horses in the world, since its nutritional values increase milk production and meat quality. I invite you to learn about the most important aspects of this product, as well as the benefits it provides.
Main contributions of forage sorghum for your animals
From a better and quicker digestion to a considerable nutritional increase, these are just some of the main benefits that forage sorghum offers to the animals that consume it, no matter if they are breeding or adult cattle.
Fodder sorghum stands out due to its adaptability to a specific species, offering the necessary amount of proteins according to the age and weight of the animal.
A curious aspect of sorghum, as well as corn, is the opportunity of being able to store the product without modifying its nutritional levels, being able to buy by the ton at a lower cost.
Different types of forage sorghum: which is the best?
There are more and more variations of sorghum known in the market, which offer specific characteristics related to the quality and behavior of the forage. Four of the most important types are:
- Silage: offers a limited protein and energy content to animals.
- Deferred: during the winter season, it is usually the ideal feed for the large number of animals that a farm may have.
- Green: it has a large amount of regrowth during its growth, so it is usually the most interesting species of all and with the highest productivity.
- Grain sorghum: also known as Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, it is one of the sorghums with the highest production and benefits known, used for intensive fattening of poultry and balanced feed for other animals. It can also be used in human food.
Duration of cultivation of forage sorghum
Sorghum can have an early, intermediate and long cultivation process, which will be differentiated by the length of its cycle:
- Early: it has a duration of 100 days, of which 68 to 75 days it takes until flowering.
- Intermediate: it lasts 120 days, of which it takes approximately 68 to 80 days to flower.
- Long: it has a duration of 120 days, the same as the intermediate, but it differs in that it takes 72 to 82 days for the crop to flower.
After 30 days of flowering, the grain achieves the necessary physiological maturation, leaving aside the need for water and nutrients needed for its growth. During this period, the plant has 30% to 35% humidity, decreasing little by little over the next 25 to 30 days.
When the grain reaches 14% moisture, it is the ideal moment for harvesting and storage.
Benefits of using forage sorghum and grain sorghum
- It is a stable and yielding crop, which does not need a large amount of nutrients for its growth.
- It is resistant to pests, predators and diseases.
- It has a high photosynthetic yield during extremely hot or cold seasons.
- Early ripening.
- During drought seasons, sorghum has greater tolerance.
- High fiber and iron content.
Main animals that can feed on fodder sorghum
Contribution of sorghum to livestock
- Facilitates the animal’s digestion, due to the short time spent chewing and swallowing.
- Higher protein and energy levels.
Contribution of sorghum for pigs
- Sorghum provides phosphorus, amino acids and fatty acids ideal for pigs’ diet, especially during their growth period.
- Higher energy concentration.
Sorghum for horses
- It offers a great amount of protein in each of the rations given to the horse, but without causing any type of disorder or health problem.
- It contains a high percentage of starch, so it must be fed with great care.
Contribution of sorghum to the hen
- Due to its low level of xanthophyll, birds fed sorghum tend to have more yellow meat.
- Important source of protein and energy for laying hens, waterfowl, broilers and turkeys.
Approximate protein levels of sorghum
As we said before, sorghum has become an important element in the diet of many animals, due to its ease of digestion and the nutritional level it possesses.
Sorghum has 8% to 12% protein, of which 82% in the endosperm and 73% in the whole grain are kafirins, a protein that facilitates digestion and increases the quality of sorghum.
Price per ton of forage sorghum
Each country and company dedicated to the cultivation and sale of sorghum in the world has a determined price for this product. If we compare the different presentations that exist in the market, the price per ton of forage sorghum turns out to be the most economical option for farmers.
Conclusion
Fodder sorghum has become one of the best options for feeding farm animals, not only because of its cost, but also because of the great nutritional contribution, ease of digestion and energy it provides to horses, pigs, poultry and cattle.
I hope this information helps you to learn more about this product, and I invite you to contact our team to answer any questions you may have.
