Research Progress Report 258 July, 1966
A Comparison of Sudangrass and a Sorghum-Sudangrass Hybrid For Milk Producing Ability in Grazing Dairy Cows
W. W. Ragland, M. D. Cunningham, C. H. Noller, and C. L. Rhykerd
Departments of Animal Sciences and Agronomy

Summary
Sorghum-sudangrass hybrids (SX-11) and Greenleaf sudangrass were compared as a summer supplemental pasture for lactating dairy cows. No significant difference in milk production nor persistency of production was observed.

Chemical analyses of the pastured forages on a dry-matter basis showed the forages to be relatively high in crude protein and relatively low in crude fiber. This is indicative of a high quality forage. However, the high moisture content of the forages would make it difficult for cows to consume adequate dry-matter for sustaining high levels of milk production. Crude protein content decreased while crude fiber increased as the forages increased in height and maturity.
A
lthough the prussic acid content of the sorghum-sudangrass hybrid sometimes exceeded suggested toxic levels, no indications of prussic acid poisoning were observed during the experiment.

Introduction
During the months of July, August, and September many of the permanent pasture species tend to go dormant. During these months the dairyman is often faced with the need for a supplemental green forage. In recent years, the development of rapid growing sorghum-sudangrass hybrids has created a great deal of interest in these hybrids as supplemental forage during the summer months. This has stimulated research in cultural practices and methods of utilization of these hybrids.

Efforts to preserve sorghum-sudangrass forage as silage or hay have not been very satisfactory. The high moisture content, size of stalk, and slow rate of drying limits the utilization of the forage as hay and makes it a doubtful forage for high quality silage. Research has indicated that relatively high yields of green forage can be obtained when sorghum-sudangrass hybrids are harvested under simulated grazing conditions. This has stimulated interest in the use of this forage as a supplemental pasture for dairy cattle.
1/ This research was financed in part from a trust agreement between Purdue University and Normandy Farm, New Agusta, Indiana; Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Krannert, owners.

PURDUE UNIVERSITY • Agricultural Experiment Station • Lafayette, Indiana