Nutrient Composition, in vitro Methane Production and Digestibility of Commercial Sorghum Varieties Stovers Using Goat Rumen Fluid

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) stovers of five commercial varieties viz. Hari Chari, Mega Sweet, Dairy Green, Sugar Gold and Fodder Gold were evaluated for nutrient composition, in vitro methane production and digestibility. Crude protein content varied from 3.01 (Mega Sweet) to 4.05% (Dairy Green). Magnesium, iron and manganese contents were significantly (P<0.001) higher in Dairy Green (0.31%, 2621.09 ppm and 86.49 ppm) as compared to other varieties. In vitro methane production (ml/g DM) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Mega Sweet (14.47) and Fodder Gold (13.99) varieties as compared to Hari Chari (9.04), Sugar Gold (10.01) and Dairy Green (9.08). In vitro true digestibility (IVTD %) was significantly higher in Sugar Gold (32.72) and lowest in Dairy Green (19.23). It was concluded that Sugar Gold variety of sorghum stovers produced less methane and was more digestible than other varieties in goat rumen fluid.