DOUBLE CUTTING SORGHUM BICOLOR(L.) MOENCH AS A PROFITABLE FORAGE PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN NIGER

Feed shortage has been identified to be one of the main constraints limiting animal production for milk and meat in Niger. Stover from cereal crops has been a significant source of feed during the long and dry season with producers showing preference for sorghum stover. Sorghum brown midrib (bmr) genes are well known for improving forage quality around the world; however, farmers in Niger do not have access to sorghum cultivars enriched with bmr genes. To address this limitation, a new forage sorghum breeding program has been initiated in 2016 in Niger to introgressbmr genes into elite Nigerien sorghum varieties. Agronomic studies were performed to determine the most efficient forage production system using split plot design for three treatments: TRT 1, TRT 2 and TRT 3. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey HSD multiple range test was used to separate treatment means.NIRSanalysis revealed the good nutritional qualities of the TRT-1 and TRT-2and significant (P<0.05) differences were observed among treatments for CP, and ADL contents. The stover from the TRT-1 expressed high nutrients content levels. The double cutting technicopens new opportunities for alleviating feed shortage facing improved livestock productivity in Niger.