Evaluation of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Varieties in Sankura Woreda, SNNR, Ethiopia

Kamil Temam; Dinku Getu

Abstract

The potential of progressed forage such alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in upgrading animals feed accessibility is profoundly recognized basically in intensively cultivated mid lands. Therefore, the study was conducted to select adaptive, productive and qualitative alfalfa varieties in Werabe Agricultural Center (WARC). The design of the study was randomized complete block with three replications. The analysis showed that checked varieties significantly (p < 0.05) different for plant height and dry matter yield at 50% flowering stage. Accordingly, the highest dry matter yield was recorded for FGI-8091 (3.098) ton/ha followed by FGI-3054 (2.968) ton/ha, Hunter river DZF NO 410 (2.96 t/ha), FGI-9-09 (2.9) ton/ha and FGI–5282 (2.77) ton/ha genotypes. Similarly, FGI-9-09, FGI-8091 and FGI–5282 genotypes produced 74.03 cm, 62.6 cm, and 66.97 cm plant height at forage harvesting age respectively. FGI-8091 gave the highest crude protein (16.69%) followed by FGI-3054 genotype, which produced 15.89% and FGI–5282 genotype had 15.19% contents. Similarly, the highest NDF (48.3), ADF (37.8%), ADL (6.7%) contents were recorded for Hunter river DZF, FGI-10-11, and Pioneer (1995) DZF respectively. Genotype FGI-8091 showed relatively good feed quality; highest CP, near to threshold level ADF (31%), NDF (40.1%), and ADL (5.97%) Generally, alfalfa genotypes showed variations in terms of biomass yield potential and nutritional quality. Based on qualitative value and herbage dry matter yield, varieties FG-9-09, FGI-8091, FGI–5282 and FGI 9001 could be recommended to the study area.

Abstract

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