Effect of Moringa oleifera mixed with Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese hybrids

Moringa oleifera is rich in protein, vitamins, mineral elements, and unsaturated fatty acids, whereas Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese have a high sugar content and high biological yield. Both are nutrient-rich forage resources. In this study, M. oleifera leaves (Y), M. oleifera branches (Z), and M. oleifera branches and leaves (ZY) were mixed with Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese(G) in the following six proportions: 0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. After 40 days of silage, the sensory quality (odor, color, texture), fermentation quality (organic acid content), and nutritional composition of crude protein, crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), nitrogen-free extract (NFE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber, crude ash, and water-soluble carbohydrates of the silage forage were evaluated. The appropriate proportion of different M. oleifera tissue (Y, Z, ZY) and Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese in mixed silage was explored. The results showed that single storage of Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese was the best, followed by mixed storage of Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese and M. oleifera leaves. Single storage of M. oleifera branches and leaves was the lowest. The CF and NDF contents were significantly decreased in the mixture of 80% M. oleifera leaves and 20% Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese, and the CF and NFE contents were significantly decreased in the mixture of 40% M. oleifera branch and 60% Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese. The CF content was significantly decreased, and EE content was significantly increased in the mixture of 60% M. oleifera branches and leaves and 40% Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese. These results show that silage quality can be improved by mixing with Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese. The optimal mixing ratio of M. oleifera leaves, branches, branches and leaves were 80%, 40%, and 60%, respectively, with optimal results obtained for the 80% M. oleifera leaves and 20% Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese mixture. This study provides a foundation for efficient utilization of M. oleifera and Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanese resources to facilitate sustainable development of ecological animal husbandry in Yunnan.