Agronomic and chemical characteristics of six cultivars of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) harvested at 95 and 110 days after sowing, were evaluated for silage production. The hybrids Cargill C 11, Braskallb DK 180, Braskallb DK 4040, Morgon M 92007, Morgon M 742 and the variety V 2000 of EMBRAPA were studied. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block with four replications, in 2 x 6 factorial arrangement, being considered as factors cutting age and cultivars. Plants were mechanically chopped to reach 2.0 to 3.0 cm of particle size and ensiled for 30 days in PVC silos with ten centimeters of diameter and forty centimeters of length. Dry matter (DM) yield and content of moisture, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), values of "in vitro'' dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and pH of silages were measured. The highest dry matter production was 11.27 t/ha, and the lowest 4.88 t/ha, respectively, for the cultivars M-92007 and V2000. Based on analyzed characteristics of silages, a significant difference was observed between the two cutting ages tested. Cultivars showed different performance at each cutting age. In general, based on results it may be concluded that chemical differences in silages were related to the sunflower cultivars and cutting ages.
Helianthus annuus; maturation; quality; dry matter yield
