Evaluation of silages of hybrids of napier grass and sorghum in the low country wet zone of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Silages of hybrids of napier grass (CO-3 or CO-4) and sorghum and their combinations (50% napier grass hybrid + 50% of sorghum) were tested under three cutting intervals (4, 6 and 8 weeks). Sorghum silage had a leafy and soft texture with a fruity smell, which proved its desirable character with normal lactic acid fermentation. As such, it was with its comparatively higher dry matter content at the 6 or 8 weeks cutting interval, more suitable for ensiling. The crude protein concentration was not modified by the ensiling process, which was proved by the low ammoniacal nitrogen content. Sorghum silage had lower pH values at all three cutting intervals. On the basis of the NH3-N/TN content (3% could be obtained at the 6-week cutting interval.

Keywords

• ammonia nitrogen
• cutting interval
• lactic acid
• soluble carbohydrates
• ammoniakstickstoff
• schnittfrequenz
• milchsäure
• lösliche kohlenhydrate