News

Sorghum can benefit many dairy herds

A dairy management specialist says sorghum provides several benefits as a forage for some dairy cows.

Dr. Matt Akins

Dr. Matt Akins with the University of Wisconsin says sorghum is a low-cost low-energy forage that fits with low-need diets for dry cows and heifers.  “It works really well in pregnant heifers.  Corn silage is typically too high in energy for these pregnant heifers so we’ve found that if we can dilute the energy, and also feed a higher fiber diet, we can control the energy intakes of heifers.”

Akins tells Brownfield there are two things to pay attention to when growing sorghum.  “Being patient with letting soil warm up adequately in the spring, you don’t want to get it in too early or you’re likely not going to get good germination.  Probably the biggest thing and the other part is planting depth, as planting too deep often causes problems with germination.”

Akins says farmers can usually double crop with a rye or triticale harvest in spring followed by sorghum, which also gives farmers another opportunity to spread manure between crops.  He says the yields are as good as or better than corn silage, and sorghum requires less nitrogen and irrigation.  Akins says optimum planting depth is usually about one inch.

Akins spoke to Brownfield at the recent Four State Dairy Nutrition & Management Conference in Dubuque, Iowa.

 

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!