Effect of Supplementation of Sorghum Silage in Weanling Fillies During the Dry Period in Brazil.
Authors: da Silva Inácio Diogo Felipe, de Rezende Adalgiza Souza Carneiro, Melo Marilia Martins, Quintão Lana Ângela Maria, Prado Silva Rafael Henrique, de Jesus Mendes Laydiane, de Paula Gonçalves Reis Lilian, Maruch Suzana, Ralston Sarah Lucille
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Sorghum Silage for Weanling Development Weanling fillies require optimised nutrition during their first year to maximise growth potential, yet forage availability during dry seasons often constrains feeding programmes in tropical regions. This Brazilian trial compared sorghum silage against grass hay as the primary forage source for 14 Mangalarga Marchador fillies (aged 6–9 months) over 84 days, with both groups receiving 1.5% bodyweight of a 17% crude protein concentrate daily; researchers monitored growth metrics (withers and croup height, body length, girth, cannon circumference), health indicators (rectal temperature, mucous membrane colour, body condition score), and serum biochemistry (electrolytes, liver and kidney function markers, glucose). Although hay-fed fillies consumed significantly more dry matter and crude protein overall, sorghum silage proved nutritionally equivalent, producing no differences in skeletal development, clinical health parameters, or blood values across the 84-day period. For practitioners managing weanlings during forage scarcity, sorghum silage emerges as a viable substitute when combined with adequate mineral-balanced concentrate, reducing reliance on hay whilst maintaining normal growth trajectories and metabolic health.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Sorghum silage can be safely used as a forage source for weanling horses during periods of limited pasture availability without compromising growth or health
- •When using sorghum silage, ensure concurrent provision of a quality commercial concentrate balanced for growth to support optimal development during this critical growth phase
- •Regular monitoring of weight, body condition, and morphometric measurements remains important, but sorghum silage itself does not require special precautions compared to traditional hay sources
Key Findings
- •Sorghum silage supplementation had no negative effects on body development or health parameters in 6-9 month old weanling fillies over 84 days
- •Despite lower dry matter and crude protein intakes in the silage group compared to hay group, all morphometric measurements and serum biochemical values remained unaffected
- •Sorghum silage is a viable forage alternative during the dry season when combined with appropriate concentrate supplementation (1.5% BW) for young growing horses