Five sorghum genotypes, two comercial hibrids (Volumax and BR 700) and three experimental hibrids developed by Embrapa Milho e Sorgo (0249341, 0249317 and 0249339), were used in order to determine in both the genotypes and their silages after seven different opening times the contents of dry matter, crude protein, amoniacal nitrogen, pH and alcohol soluble carbohydrates. The dry matter values were not modified during the ensilage. The dry matter values of the silages ranged from 26.03 to 41.13%, with an average of 32.65%. The crude protein values were smaller after the 56th day of ensilage than the original genotype. The soluble carbohydrates degradation was intensed on the 5th day of silage fermentation. The amoniacal nitrogen values were small and estabilized on the 28th day after ensilage, with a small increase on the 56th day. The pH values ranged from 3.69 to 4.52, stabilizating on the 5th day after ensilage. According to the results, the hybrids showed high potential for silage use.
sorghum; silage; fermentation profile
