Effects of different harvesting times on yield and quality of sorghum silage (Sorghum bicolor L.)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different harvesting times on yield and quality of sorghum silage. To achieve this aim, the Rox variety of sorghum was planted in randomized complete block design with three replications in two years at the Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute in Antalya. The plants were harvested during five physiological growth stages. In this study, the effects of different harvesting times on fresh weight, proportion of leaf, stem and panicle, proportions and yields of dry matter, and crude protein, the proportions of leaf, stem and panicle crude protein were determined. The results showed that from panicle initiation to the hard dough stages, fresh weight, proportion and yield of dry matter, yield of crude protein and proportion of panicle increased but the proportion of leaf and stem, proportion of crude protein and proportions of leaf, stem and panicle decreased. It was concluded that the best harvesting time for sorghum silage in the Antalya province is during the dough stage of the plant.