The present study conducted during kharif 2022 on sandy loam soil of ARI, AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept with factor (A) as six varieties (four fodder maize varieties: African tall, J-1006, TSFM 15-5 and DHM-117 and two sweet sorghum varieties: CSH-22SS and CSV-49SS) and factor (B) as three phenophases/harvest stages (milky stage, soft dough stage and dent stage for maize/hard dough stage for sorghum) with three replications. The test crops were sown on 25th July 2022 adopting spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm. In terms of silage quality, fodder maize variety (J-1006) recorded significantly higher moisture content, lactic acid concentration and desirable pH. On the other hand, crude protein content of silage across varieties was on par with each other. While, crude protein yield was higher for African tall variety. Sweet sorghum variety (CSH-22SS) recorded higher TSS and African tall recorded higher ADF and NDF content. The silage quality parameters (pH and crude protein yield) increased as the crop advanced towards maturity. On the other hand, crude protein content, moisture content and TSS of silage decreased from milky stage to dent stage. ADF and NDF content in silage were higher in the crop ensiled at dent stage. It can be concluded that, among six fodder varieties tested, fodder maize variety (J-1006) registered significantly superior silage quality parameters.

Silage, Forage Maize, Sweet Sorghum, pH, lactic acid

Based on the research results of the present study it can be concluded that, fodder maize variety J-1006 recorded significantly superior quality parameters like higher lactic acid concentration (3.2%), crude protein (5.6%), optimum ADF (44.3%), NDF (63.7%) and desirable pH (3.9) ensiled at milky stage of harvest.

E. Poojasree, R.V.T. Balazzii Naaiik, T. Sukruth Kumar and K. Bhanu Rekha (2023). Quality Properties of Forage Maize and Sweet Sorghum Silage at Different Harvest Stages. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(12): 232-235.