The objective of this study was to compare the nutritional value of sorghum-sudangrass hybrids to roughages collected in differed pastures, reserves of forage for using in cutting regime and conserved forage as hays or silages. The sorghum-sudangrass hybrids AG2501C and BRS800 showed similar bromatological composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Compared to other roughages, theses hybrids presented a higher protein level and intermediary values of cell wall contents. The coefficients of IVDMD observed for sorghum-sudangrass hybrids were not statistically different to the results of corn silage, elephantgrass and sugarcane managed in cutting regime. However, IVDMD of those hybrids was significantly higher than of coast-cross and tifton 85 hays, sorghum silage and differed pastures of Brachiaria brizantha and signal grass. The results indicated that sorghum-sudangrass hybrids may be used as roughage of high nutritional value during the drought.

Avaliou-se o comportamento forrageiro de 23 genótipos experimentais e dois cultivares controle (AG2501C e BRS800) de híbridos de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor cv. Bicolor) com capim-sudão (Sorghum bicolor cv. Sudanense), utilizados em regime de corte. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com três repetições por tratamento e a comparação das médias foi feita pelo teste de Scott-Knott. A produção de matéria verde colhida 57 dias após o plantio variou de 24,8 a 37,8 t/ha, e a produção de matéria seca de 3,5 a 5,8 t/ha, mas não houve diferença significativa entre híbridos. Houve grande variação quanto à relação folha/colmo, com diferença significativa entre os híbridos. A altura das plantas apresentou variações (P<0,05) entre híbridos e foi positivamente correlacionada (P<0,01) com as características de produção. A produtividade observada revela o potencial dos híbridos de sorgo com capim-sudão como alternativa para a produção de forragem. A diferença na relação colmo/folha pode servir como critério de seleção dos genótipos.

The objective of this study was to evaluated the forage potential of 23 experimental genotypes and two check cultivars (AG2501C and BRS800) obtained by crossing sorghum (Sorghum bicolor cv. Bicolor) with sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor cv. Sudanense), managed in a cutting regime. The experimental procedure followed a completely randomized block design, including three replications per treatment and the mean values were compared by Scott-Knott test. Fifty seven days after sowing, the fresh matter production varied from 24.8 up to 37.8 t/ha, and dry matter production from 3.5 up to 5.8 t/ha, both results were not statistically different. It was observed great variation to leaf/stem ratio, and difference (P<0.05) among treatments. The height of the plants presented variation (P<0.05) among hybrids and was positively correlated (P<0.01) with the production characteristics. The productivity demonstrated the potential of these hybrids for forage production in central area of Brazil in the beginning of drought period. The significant difference in leaf/stem ratio could be used as a criterion for genotype selection.

Avaliaram-se algumas características agronômicas relevantes de 12 híbridos e uma variedade de girassol (Helianthus annuus L.), participantes do ensaio nacional de girassol, no ano agrícola 1996/97, destinados à produção de silagem. O experimento foi conduzido de fevereiro a junho, utilizando-se delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso e comparação das médias pelo teste Student-Newman-Keuls. Foram obtidas diferenças significativas entre os híbridos para as produções de matéria verde e de matéria seca, porcentagens de folha, de caule e de capítulo, circunferência do caule próximo ao capítulo, porcentagem de plantas quebradas e altura das plantas. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas para circunferência do caule próximo ao solo, diâmetro do capítulo e porcentagem de plantas acamadas. As características agronômicas avaliadas indicaram que alguns híbridos de girassol apresentam potencial para serem utilizadas como recurso forrageiro para a produção de silagem na safrinha, ou durante o período seco do ano.

The objective of this study was to evaluate some important agronomic traits for silage production of 12 hybrids and a variety of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) participant of the national assay of sunflower, in the agricultural year of 1996/97. The experiment was conducted from February to June 1997. The experimental procedure followed a randomized block design and the means values were compared by Student-Newman-Keuls test. Significant differences among hybrids for fresh and dry matter productions, leaf, head and stem percentages, stem's circumference close the head, broken plants percentage and height of the plants were observed. No significant differences among hybrids for stem's circumference close the ground, diameter of the head and laying plants percentage were found. The agronomic traits indicated that some hybrids of sunflower present potential to be used for silage production in double-cropping system, or during the drought.