Evaluation of New Sorghum-Sudangrass and Pearl Millet Hybrids As Feedstock for the Oklahoma Beef Production System.

New varieties of Sorghum-Sudangrass and Pearl millet which are capable of producing high forage quantity and quality have not been fully investigated as part of Oklahoma forage system production.  The forages in evaluation are: Medium Early Maturity Brachytic Dwarf Sorghum-Sudangrass hybrid, Brown Midrib Sorghum-Sudangrass hybrid, Photoperiod Sensitive Brown Midrib Sorgum-Sudangrass hybrid, Hybrid Pearl Millet, Brown Midrib Pearl Millet. The research field was established early summer 2016 at Chickasha, OK which were arranged in a split-plot design. The main plots are the five described forages and the sub-plots are two different hay cut regimes: 7.5 and 15 cm. Data collection will include: hay yield, conditioning period, forage moisture at cut and after bailing and biomass quality after bailing. In addition, possible nitrate and prussic acid (sorghum-sudangrass only) test will be performed if dry period followed by rain occurs during the season. The results will have discussion focused in the applicability of the evaluated forages as potential feedstock for the Oklahoma beef production system.