A Comparison study of different grasses on agronomic performance and chemical composition across three altitudes and harvesting dates in Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract One of the major limiting factors of livestock production in Ethiopia is the very low quantity and quality of livestock feeds supplied in the country. This calls for seeking forages that complement poor quality feeds in the country. Hence, this research project was accomplished to comparatively evaluate and find compatible forages among three types of grass. The target of this paper was to compare three types of grass agronomic performance and chemical composition under three different agro-ecologies and three harvesting dates (60, 90, and 120 days). Field experiments were carried out in Tach Gayint (low altitude), Fogera (mid-altitude, and Debre Tabor (high altitude) Districts in 2017/2018. The treatments were laid out in a factorial RCBD (randomized complete block design) with three replications. The treatments contain combinations of 3 altitudes and 3 harvesting dates. Agronomic, yield, and chemical composition data were collected from all treatments in all locations. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance procedures with a P 0.05 significance test. Altitudes and harvesting dates showed significant effects on the agronomical performance and chemical composition of those 3 types of grass The highest plant height (PH) and dry matter yield (DMY) by Napier and the number of tillers per plant (NTPP) by Mulato II were recorded at all altitudes. Similarly, harvesting dates showed a significant difference (P 0.05) in DMY and CP for all grasses in all studied areas. The significant difference in DMY was increasing as the harvesting date increased, but CP was contrariwise. Although all Napier grass recorded the highest biomass yield in all studied areas and showed high potential as an alternative livestock feed in Ethiopia, the highest crude protein value and the least value of NDF and ADF (best forage quality parameters) were recorded by Mulato II. Thus, the results of this study revealed that Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato II has great potential to fulfil the demands for quality feeds for livestock production, especially at low altitudes However, the current result alone might not lead to a final valid conclusion, hence it is recommended to follow up with a further study about feed value experimental using suitable animals.