There is a distinct seasonality in the availability of feeds in the highlands of Ethiopia, reaching a peak and low levels towards the end of the rainy and dry season, respectively. Consequently, this trial was conducted to assess the yield performance and nutritive value of nine perennial grasses accessions from seven grass species under supplementary irrigation to produce feed year-round. The evaluated grasses species were two Urochloa (U. decumbens cv. ILRI-10871 and ILRI-13205), two Setaria (S. sphacelata cv. ILRI-143 and ILRI-6543), one Phalaris (Phalaris aquatica cv. Sirrosa), coloured Guinea (Panicum coloratum cv. Coloratum), Desho (Pennisetum glaucifolium cv. Kindu kosha), Napier (Pennisetum purpureum cv, ILRI-16791), and Rhodes (Chloris gayana cv. Massaba) variety. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design. The chemical compositions of the grasses were scanned by, the near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Results indicated that the plant height, dry matter, and crude protein yield were significantly affected by year, species ( P < 0.001 ), and their interaction ( P < 0.05 ). Moreover, species were significantly influenced in vitro dry matter digestible yield, relative feed value, and nutrient content (DM, CP, NDF, ADF, ADL, and IVDMD). Napier grass had superior in dry matter, crude protein, and in vitro dry matter digestible yield than the other perennial grasses species tested together. Thus, among the tested grasses species, Napier grass showed outstanding potential as a forage plant followed by Phalaris and Desho grass under supplementary irrigation in the central highland of Ethiopia.

Highlights Supplementation of sole neem leaf meal instead of concentrate mix and pigeon pea leaf meal resulted in similar performance of goats. Neem and pigeon pea leaf supplementation has a significant effect on dressing percentage on the basis of slaughter weight and empty body weight was higher. Based on economic benefit the use of sole neem leaf meal instead of concentrate mix and pigeon pea leaf meal was displayed reduction of feed cost and increase of net return.

This study explores different socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the adoption of improved forage technologies in Assosa and Bambasi districts of Benishangul-Gumuz, Western Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire survey was applied to collect information from 120 farm households, and a binary logistic regression model was used to quantify the factors determining farmers' decisions to adopt improved forages. The analysis revealed that access to agricultural extension services, participation in forage training sessions and higher cash income had the greatest positive influence (P<0.05) on adoption of forage technologies, while higher numbers of male adult labor units and use of fertilizers had a lesser effect (P<0.10). In contrast, farmers remote from offices of development agents and possessing greater numbers of equines were less likely to adopt improved forage technologies. We suggest that adoption of improved forage technologies could be enhanced by providing farmers with training sessions, raising household income and providing greater access to extension services and that these factors should be considered by planning bodies.Keywords: Assosa, Bambasi, binary logistic regression, odds ratio. ResumenEste estudio explora diferentes factores socioeconómicos e institucionales que influyen en la adopción de tecnologías de forrajes mejorados en fincas de los distritos de Assosa y Bambasi en Benishangul-Gumuz, Etiopía Occidental. Se aplicaron encuestas con cuestionario estructurado para recopilar información de 120 hogares de campesinos, y se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística binaria para cuantificar los factores que determinan las decisiones de los campesinos respecto a la adopción de forrajes mejorados. El análisis mostró que el acceso a servicios de extensión agrícola, la participación en jornadas de capacitación en cultivo y manejo de forrajes y mayores ingresos de los productores tuvieron el mayor efecto positivo (P<0.05) en la adopción de tecnologías de forrajes mejorados, mientras que una mayor disponibilidad de mano de obra masculina adulta y el uso de fertilizantes tuvieron menos efecto (P<0.10). Por el otro lado, aquellos campesinos que vivían distantes de las oficinas de agencias de desarrollo y los que poseían un mayor número de equinos tenían menos probabilidades de adoptar estas tecnologías. Sugerimos que los factores acceso a servicios de extensión agrícola, capacitación y aumento de ingresos de los productores deberían ser considerados por los organismos de planificación de desarrollo rural.Palabras clave: Assosa, Bambasi, cociente de probabilidades relativas, regresión logística binaria.

A study was carried out to evaluate 10 perennial forage grass accessions from 4 species for herbage dry matter yield and nutritional quality at Holetta Agricultural Research Center. The evaluated grasses species and varieties were one Desho grass (Pennisetum) variety Kulumsa, four Urochloa decumbens (ILRI-14721, ILRI-14720, ILRI-13205 and ILRI-10871), three Urochloa ruziziensis (ILRI-14813, ILRI-14774 and ILRI-13332) and two Setaria sphacelata (ILRI-143 and ILRI-6543) accessions. Plant height and forage dry matter yield were significantly affected by accession over years, during the establishment and production phases. Combined analysis indicated that the tested accessions varied significantly for plant height with the Setaria accessions taller than the other tested species. Combined data analysis revealed that forage dry matter yield significantly varied according to species and Desho grass (variety Kulumsa) was higher in dry matter yield than the other grasses tested. Fiber contents (NDF, ADF and ADL) were significantly influenced by accession. Crude protein yield differed among the accessions and Desho grass had higher crude protein, followed by U. decumbens (accession ILRI-13205), U. decumbens (accession ILRI-14721) and S. sphacelata (accession ILRI-6543). Based on dry matter yield and crude protein U. decumbens (accession ILRI-13205), U. ruziziensis (accession ILRI-13332), S. sphacelata (accession 6543) and Desho grass (var. Kulumsa) are recommended as alternative forage grasses for the study area and similar agro-ecologies.

Brewers’ spent grain (BSG) is the amplest by-product of the brewing process. The fresh BSG is currently used as low-cost cattle feed due to its microbiological instability and high perishability. While recent research looked at the effects of storage time and temperature on the characteristics of wet brewers grains (WBG) as ruminant feeds. Three storage temperatures (15, 20, and 25 °C) and periods (2, 4 and 6 days) were arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial design. Surface spoilage was not apparent at 15 °C throughout the storage periods. Deterioration was not also observed at 20 °C until the fourth day of storage where slight mold growth was apparent. Extensive mold growth was detected late in the sixth day at 20 °C and continued manifestations up until the last day of storage at 25 °C. Changes in major nutrients, DM losses, and yeast and mold colony count were significantly affected by the interaction of storage temperatures and durations (P < 0.05). Except for samples stored at 15 °C, nutrients contents decreased concomitantly (exceptions are ADF, lignin, and loss in DM) with prolonged storage times (p < 0.05) and increasing temperatures (p < 0.05). Contrast analysis indicated that it would be safe to store under aerobic storage conditions and feed the WBG for dairy cattle.