Sorghum – the crop of the future

Sorghum – the crop of the future 

Sorghum silage and sudangrass are increasingly recognized as valuable crops thanks to their excellent fiber digestibility and versatile nutritional properties. Modern hybrids of these species combine drought tolerance with high yield potential, making them reliable and efficient options for both animal feed and bioenergy production. Their favorable feed quality is reflected in strong digestibility indicators, with UFL values typically ranging from 0.85 to 0.95 and NDFd48 often reaching 60–70%. This means that the neutral detergent fiber fraction is not only present in an optimal amount but is also highly degradable, providing a slow and stable source of energy for ruminants. 

The high sugar content and good cell wall breakdown promote rapid and stable fermentation, resulting in silage that is both palatable and rich in energy. From a feeding perspective, sorghum and sudangrass are well suited for dairy and beef cattle as well as sheep, offering a balanced ratio of energy and fiber that enhances feed intake and digestibility. In dry years, sorghum often outperforms maize in terms of yield stability while maintaining a favorable crude protein content of 8–11%. Sudangrass, on the other hand, is an excellent green forage crop, regenerating quickly after cutting and supporting multiple harvests throughout the season. Beyond their use in livestock nutrition, these crops also hold significant potential as bioenergy feedstocks. 

With dry matter yields of 40–60 tons per hectare and a favorable carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, they are ideal substrates for biogas production. Their hemicellulose and cellulose components ferment efficiently, ensuring strong methane yields in anaerobic digestion systems. The dual-purpose nature of sorghum and sudangrass makes them particularly attractive for sustainable farming systems, as they contribute to both feed security and renewable energy generation. Their combination of high fiber digestibility, solid energy content, and resilience under challenging climatic conditions positions them as key crops for the future of integrated agricultural production.

👉 Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s discover the power of sorghum forages together!