Ensilage performance of sorghum hybrids varying in extractable sugars

Renewable feedstock resources require novel storage technologies to optimize industrial use. Solid state fermentation of biomass feedstock may provide organic chemicals and fibers while reducing the risk of current dry-storage procedures. Here, we compare the chemical composition and fermentation of six sorghum hybrids (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) following 1, 7, and 21 days of storage. Ensilage of 7 days resulted in a pH of 3.8 and declined further to 3.75 at day 21. Lactate increased during ensilage from 2.0 to 3.9 g 100 g−1. Acetic acid increased between 1 and 7 days of ensiling but did not change until the end of the ensiling period. Total organic acids averaged 2.5 g 100 g−1 after day 1 and increased to 4.2 and 4.7 g `100 g−1 after days 7 and 21, respectively. Neutral detergent fiber ranged from 38 to 50 g 100 g−1 among hybrids and total non-structural carbohydrates varied from 18 to 32 g 100 g−1. Hemicellulose and cellulose ranged from 13 to 19 g 100 g−1 and 20 and 28 g 100 g−1, respectively. Genotypic variation in sorghum may offer designing dual-purpose hybrids for production of biomass and economically valuable byproducts.