Research Article
Evaluation of Herbage Yield and Nutritive Value of Desho Grass Integrated with Alfalfa at Different Seeding Rates in Shashemene District, Ethiopia
Nebi Husein*
,
Meseret Tilahun
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
19-25
Received:
22 July 2026
Accepted:
6 August 2026
Published:
9 September 2026
Abstract: The experiment was conducted in Shashsssamene district with the objective to evaluate the optimal seeding rates of Alfalfa integrated with Desho grass for better biomass yield and quality forage production. The study conducted by randomized complete block design with three replications and six treatments with four integration levels of Alfalfa seed rates (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%) and two sole (Desho and Alfalfa). Alfalfa FG-10-09 cultivar and Desho grass Areka-DZF #590 variety were used for the experiment. Alfalfa was sown between rows of Desho grass established via root splits. Important agronomic data collected included dry matter yield, plant height, tiller number and leaf-to-stem ratio. Integration of Alfalfa and Desho grass significantly (P < 0.005) affect Desho grass plant height, number of tillers per plant, leaf number per plant, leaf-to-stem ratio, and total dry matter yield. Integrating Desho with Alfalfa at 50% and 75% seed rates resulted in significantly taller Desho plants (88-94.81 cm), higher tiller numbers (29.57-31.60), and greater dry matter yield compared to the sole Desho. Forage quality was significantly influenced by integrating (P < 0.001). Crude protein content increased in integrated treatments and the highest value (21.10%) was observed in sole Alfalfa, and intermediate values (15.5-15.38%) in 75% and 50% Desho grass integrated with Alfalfa. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents were lower in integrated plots, indicating improved digestibility and palatability of the forage. Overall, the 50% and 75% Alfalfa seed rates provided optimal balance between yield and nutritional quality. This finding indicates the integration these forage considered as a sustainable strategy for improving both productivity and feed quality in forage-based livestock systems. Further demonstrations of Desho grass integrated with alfalfa at 50 and 75% seed rates are recommended to maximize both biomass yield and forage quality in the study area and similar agroecology
Abstract: The experiment was conducted in Shashsssamene district with the objective to evaluate the optimal seeding rates of Alfalfa integrated with Desho grass for better biomass yield and quality forage production. The study conducted by randomized complete block design with three replications and six treatments with four integration levels of Alfalfa seed...
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