Sudan grass (Sorghum Drummondi) — an annual cereal grass of the Poaceae family, cultivated as a feed crop for cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs. The plant is characterized by a mild taste and pleasant aroma, as well as a high content of nutrients: sugars, proteins, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6), minerals (Fe, Mg, Zn, Mn, K), and carotene. Due to these properties, the green mass of Sudan grass provides livestock with complete nutrition and high energy value.
Sudan grass is characterized by high yield and resistance to unfavorable climatic conditions. At stable positive temperatures and warm soil (9–11 °C), the plant develops rapidly, reaching a height of up to 250 cm. The vegetation period lasts up to 120 days, allowing for two to four cuts per season: the first after 65–70 days from sowing, the second after 40–45 days, and the third after 30 days. A recommended cutting height of 6–8 cm ensures the optimal ratio of protein and carbohydrates.
Sudan grass is used in various forms: fresh green mass, hay (up to 9 tons/ha), silage, and seeds. When harvesting more than 1000 centners of grass per hectare during the summer, up to five cuts can be obtained. Sudan grass hay leads among cereals in protein content, and its energy value is comparable to that of young corn silage: 100 kg of green mass yields about 18 MJ, while 1 c of hay yields 52 MJ. High productivity and nutritional value make Sudan grass a sought-after feed for various livestock.
