Evaluation of Oats (Avena sativa) Varieties for Agronomic Performance, Nutritional Quality and Dry Matter Yield in Essera Woreda, Dawro Zone, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted with the objectives to evaluate agronomic performance, nutritional quality and dry matter yield of five oats (Avena sativa) varieties at two locations of the woreda. Five Oats (Avena sativa) varieties (CI-1506, SRCPX80Ab2291, SRCPX80Ab2596, SRCPX80Ab2806 and CI-8251) were used and arranged in RCBD with three replications. Agronomic performances, biomass yield, nutritional qualities and dry matter yield data were collected and the collected data were analyzed using SAS computer software version 9.3. The analysis of the results of the combined data indicated significance (P< 0.001) difference in the days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of tillers per plant, number of leaves per tiller, green forage yield, dry matter yield, seed yield, crude protein, crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber and dry matter content (P<0.01). There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in crude protein yield, ash, ether extract, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin and in vitro organic matter digestibility among oats varieties.