Ensiled sorghum and soybean as ruminant feed in the tropics, with emphasis on Cuba

Abstract

The concept is presented of combined cultivation of legumes and sorghum–maize and their use as conserved ruminant feed in tropical regions, with special reference to Cuba. Good yields are obtained during the rainy season through intercropping (alternate rows of either sorghum or maize and soybean). When followed by ensiling, this provides high‐quality ruminant feed for the tropical dry season. Soybean compensates for the low crude protein content of sorghum, whereas sorghum allows good silage quality in combination with legumes. The paper reviews and updates recent studies assessing combined sorghum–soybean cultivation and ensiling as well as determination of their feed value. The high nutritive quality and forage potential when these crops are intercropped demonstrate that silage from these plants can be used successfully in ruminant diets in Cuba and other tropical areas. Perspectives for new studies in this field are suggested, particularly with legume species that are more adapted to specific tropical regions and/or with higher forage yield. In addition, it is suggested that there is a need to assess the supplementation impact on meat and milk production at the farm level, as well as its environmental impact, when ruminants are fed combined silages from whole plants of sorghum–legumes.

<b>Silage quality of <i>Urochloa brizantha</i> cultivars with levels of campo grande Stylosanthes

“…It is recognized that legume silages stabilize at higher pH, as reported by Lima Orozco, Castro-Alegría and Fievez (2013). This is because legumes have higher buffering capacity over the grasses, tending to stabilize at higher pH with values greater than 4.5 for legume silages (Dewhurst, Fisher, Tweed, & Wilkins, 2003).…”

Silage fermentation profile, chemical composition and economic evaluation of millet and soya bean grown in monocultures and as intercrops

“…Forage and grain cultivars of soya bean ( Glycine max Merr.) have been considered to be promising legumes for intercropping with grasses (Lima‐Orozco et al ., ). Legumes and grasses differ in their feed quality constituents, and several studies of intercropping have shown the importance of identifying the optimum balance of species in the mixture.…”

“…Silage additives, such as molasses, have been shown to enhance fermentation and help to ensure acceptable silage quality, including that of silages of legume intercrops (Sibanda et al ., ). The addition of molasses to forage at the ensiling process, as a source of water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC), could decrease pH and effluent losses and improve fermentation (Lima‐Orozco et al ., ). For example, Denek et al .…”

Production and nutritional value of sorghum and black oat forages under nitrogen fertilization

“…According to Garcia et al . (), this deficit of forage in the autumn and beginning of winter is usually overcome by the use of a complementary imported feed, such as silage (Lima‐Rozco et al ., ), but this practice increases the costs of production.…”