Evaluation of forage sorghum management and use in dairy heifer diet in central Wisconsin

Current diets including corn silage that are fed to dairy heifers often results in excess weight gain and problems during lactation. In addition, corn is expensive to grow and requires higher amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and water than sorghum. Excess fertilizer or use of irrigation water can negatively impact environment. This project will evaluate production and nutrient values of new sorghum types compared to corn in Wisconsin under varying cutting schedules, irrigation, and fertilizer rates. A feeding trial will evaluate the use of sorghum silage to replace corn silage in dairy heifer diets to have adequate instead of excess weight gains. This project aims to improve the management knowledge of sorghums in Wisconsin and allow dairy producers to make informed decisions on appropriate forages for heifers. The use of sorghums in place or corn would benefit the producer by reducing forage production costs (lower cost seed, less fertilizer, less irrigation if needed) and reducing impacts on the environment.