Sudan grass Sorghum Drummondi is an annual grass plant up to 250 cm tall with a deeply penetrating root system. It is distinguished by high drought resistance, indifference to weather conditions, and the ability to quickly recover after mowing, allowing for two to four harvests per season. Soil warming to 9–11 °C is required for sowing; the vegetative period can reach 120 days, with the first cut made 65–70 days after growth begins, the second 40–45 days later, and the third 30 days after that. The recommended mowing height is 6–8 cm.
The fodder properties of Sudan grass make it a valuable food source for livestock, especially pigs. The green mass contains about 11% protein and 70% carbohydrates, while hay yields up to 9 t/ha with a green mass yield of up to 40 t/ha. Sudan grass hay surpasses many other grain crops in protein content; 100 kg of hay is equivalent to 17 GE, and 1 c of hay is 52 GE. The vitamin profile includes vitamins A and B (B1, B2, B6), β-carotene, as well as trace elements Fe, Mg, Zn, Mn, and K.
The 'Golubovskaya 25' variety features better seed germination, high bushiness with 6–12 thin-walled stems, and resistance to lodging, shattering, drought, and major diseases. Green mass yield reaches 35–60 t/ha, and seed yield is 1.5–2.5 t/ha. Sudan grass also serves as a cover crop: its rapid growth outcompetes weeds, improves soil drainage, and enriches the soil with nitrogen and humus, reducing salinity. When used as hay, a recommended application rate is 120–150 g/100 sq. m.
Thus, Sudan grass represents a highly effective fodder crop, combining excellent agronomic characteristics, a rich nutritional composition, and versatility in application for both hay production and as a cover crop.
