Demonstration and Participatory Evaluation of Different Improved Forage Grass Species in Danan District of Shabele Zone, Somali, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted at Danan district with the objective of introducing and participatory farm evaluation of improved forage for three improved forage varieties; Sudan grass, Rhodes grass and Panicum maximum were evaluated in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data on growth yield and yield related parameters were collected and analyzed using SAS software. The result indicated that the number of tillers per plant, height biomass yield (qt/ha) were significantly different (P<0.05) among this forage species. The highest plant height was recorded from Sudan grass (200.00cm) followed by Rhodes grass (84.67cm) and the shortest plant height was recorded from Panicum maximum (70cm) grass. Moreover, Sudan grass and Rhodes grass produced significantly (P<0.05) higher branches per plant than Panicum maximum grass. Furthermore, the Sudan grass had significantly (p<0.01) higher biomass yield than Rhodes and Panicum grass. On the other hand, Rhodes grass had higher (P<0.05) biomass yield than Panicum maximum grass variety. According to the amount of forage product they produce in the areas, biomass, easy management, and palatability, Sudan grass was ranked as first, followed by Rhodes grass, by all the farmers. In conclusion all forage grass was adapted in the areas therefore it is recommendable to scale up this technology in Danan districts and other areas with same agro ecology and based farmer’s preferences Sudan grass is highly recommended for scaling up due to its productivity, adaptability and easy management. Further demonstration trials across different agro-ecological zones are highly appreciated.