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From: Anibal J. Pordomingo
Category: Cattle
Date: 08 May 2006
Time: 15:21:25 -0700
Forage sorghums are suitable for finishing. Quality of the brown midrib ones looks improved over the traditional ones. In general, these sorghums help in the finishing phase to complete the finishing process. I would not rely on them for a long finishing period because of the change in quality at the end of summer. The carrying capacity is going to be greatest (compared to other resources) and animals than are already gaining well will maintain rates of gain but I would to expect top gains. Stockers and young weaners do very well on them. The key is not to graze to short but to avoid excessive stem development. Mowing after grazing would help tremendously to maintain quality forage. Keep also in mind that forage sorghums are very sensitive to first frost. If possible, search for the brown midrib shugar-rich sorghums. Avoid excesive fertilization (may want to check soil nitrates). If soil soluble nitrogen is high, production is going to excell but gains could drop some.