Nutrifeed

The Nutrifeed sorghum hybrid is a high-yielding forage crop designed for hay, silage, and pasture use. This variety is distinguished by its high drought tolerance and adaptability, enabling successful cultivation in arid regions of Russia and on poor soils with varying pH levels, including saline soils. Plants reach a height of 120-150 cm, exhibit strong bushiness with 10-14 stems, and have succulent stems with anthocyanic node coloring. Leaves are elongated, hairy, 45-50 cm long and 1.7-2.3 cm wide, and the panicle is cylindrical and very dense, about 15 cm long. Seeds are round, white, and membranous. Nutrifeed has a short vegetative period: approximately 55 days until the first cut, and 45 days between the first and second cut. Under optimal conditions, up to three cuts can be obtained with potential green mass yields of up to 800 c/ha. The average green mass yield over two cuts is 373-390 c/ha, with dry matter yield reaching 108-112 c/ha. Protein content in dry matter ranges from 14.5 to 15.4%, and fiber content from 58.2 to 58.6%. In green mass, protein content can reach 16%, and fiber content up to 29.4%. The optimal cutting phase for maximum protein content occurs at 30-40 days after emergence, while maximum yield occurs at 60-75 days with plant height of 60-70 cm. For successful cultivation, Nutrifeed requires warm soil with temperature not below 14-18 °C and sowing depth of 3-5 cm. The crop does not tolerate waterlogging and requires well-drained, light soils. Emergence occurs within 2-4 days under optimal conditions. Although capable of growing with minimal rainfall (40-60 mm during vegetation), maximum biomass is achieved with adequate moisture. To promote rapid regrowth after cutting, leave a height of at least 15 cm. Sowing rate is 4-6 kg/ha. Due to its characteristics and high forage value, the Nutrifeed hybrid is suitable for feeding various livestock, including horses, and can be used to produce hay of first class according to GOST.