Evaluating biomass sorghum genotypes for ensiling purposes: agronomic traits, silage fermentation, and nutritive value

Biomass sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) genotypes, although typically selected for bioenergy production, are increasingly considered suitable for producing high-quality silage, and supporting more sustainable forage systems in semiarid regions.This study compared seven genotypes (7500, 7101, B015, 7100, 7502, AGRI002E, and BRS 716) to identify the most optimal for ensiling using a randomised complete block design with three replicates.Genotypes 7500 and 7502 had the lowest dry matter yield (DMY) (14.34 and 11.35 t/ha, respectively), but their silages reached the highest in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) values (506.9 and 528.3 g/kg).The lacticto-acetic (LA) acid ratios ranged from 1.9 to 3.5, suggesting differences in the relative contribution of homolactic and heterolactic fermentation pathways.While genotype 7500 silage showed the highest ratio (3.5), indicating predominant homolactic fermentation, all silages had suitable pH and ammonia nitrogen levels.Genotype BRS 716 produced the highest DMY (24.50 t/ha) and silage digestible dry matter yield (DDMY) (9.24 t/ha).The first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) accounted for 54.29% of the total variation.BRS 716 was positioned in the upper-right quadrant of the scatter plot, consistent with its superior agronomic performance, with the highest values for fresh matter yield (FMY), DMY, and DDMY.Genotypes 7502 and 7500 were positioned on the left side of the plot and were associated with high silage digestibility, while 7502 was also associated with high silage temperature, and 7500 with high ethanol production.BRS 716 is recommended for ensiling due to its high yield of digestible nutrients per area, suitable fermentation, and potential for large-scale silage production.