Livestocks fed with high-quality forage deliver better milk and meat, which could benefit the nutritional health of their keepers and consumers. Six alfalfa genotypes were assessed across four locations, Arba Minch, Areka Mante Dubo, Bonga and Hawassa Dilla, for adaptability, forage dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP) concentration, nutrient composition and digestibility characteristics from August 2016 to January 2019. The genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Plant height at forage harvest was significantly (P < 0.001) varied across the environment among genotypes. Nutrient components, such as neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and lignin, hemicelluloses, in vitro DM digestibility and relative feed value, were significantly (P < 0.01) different for genotype variations. The highest mean DM yield was recorded for FGI-9001 followed by FGI-3054. The highest plant height was recorded for FGI-8091 (60.13 cm), while the shortest genotype was FGI-1011. CP yield was recorded above the threshold level for all genotypes in the test. Highest in vitro DM digestibility and relative feed value with the lowest neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin and cellulose contents were recorded for FGI-9001. Tested alfalfa genotypes varied in terms of forage yield and nutritional quality at different locations. Thus, the result indicates the potential of genotypes, indicating the promotion to advanced varietal evaluation stages including animal test and release as better alternatives for use in the farming system in rain fed condition and irrigation.

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Grasslands in the Ethiopian highlands have been degrading with grazing loads. Fertilizers like nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur improves the soil fertility and species composition of the grazing lands. This study justifies, evaluation of top dressing nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on biomass yield of grass lands for market-oriented livestock production studied at Chosha kebele, Southern Ethiopia in 2017. Three fertilizer levels ((T1), 150 kg ha−1 urea (T2) and combination of 110 kg ha−1 urea and 100 kg ha−1 NPS (T3)) were laid out in randomized complete block design with 6 replications in summer and winter cropping seasons. Dry matter yield was significantly (P<0.001) different among treatments and higher results were obtained for combination of urea and NPS, followed by urea and the control one. Higher grasses species composition between application of combination of urea and NPS than urea alone. Net revenue is higher in nitrogen alone application than nitrogen and phosphorus. Therefore, better marginal rate of return (MRR=828%) recorded in Urea application for grazing land improvement in Gamo highland areas. It is recommendable to apply 150 kg/ha urea fertilizer to bring optimum yield of grazing land in Southern Ethiopian Highlands.

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Producing improved legume forages may contribute to the improvement of the quality supply of the livestock feeding system in Ethiopia. Dry matter and seed yield evaluation and aphid infestation scoring of cowpea genotypes were undertaken for three production seasons (2018-2019). The treatment of five cowpea accessions (ILRI_9333, ILRI_9334, ILRI_11114, ILRI_12668, and ILRI_12713) and one recently released variety as a standard check (Temesgen) at three locations (Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center (AMARC), Bonga Agricultural Research Center (BARC) and Hawassa Agricultural Research Center (HARC) was laid out at the field in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Growth, yield, and aphid scoring parameters were collected to present the comparison of genotypes. Vine length and branch number of ILRI_3334 followed by ILRI_12173 was significantly taller in all locations than the standard check and other genotypes in the test. Dry matter yield production was significantly (P<0.05) higher for ILRI_12713 (8.87 t/ha) followed by ILRI_9334 (8.44 t/ha) and ILRI_11114 (8.4 t/ha) while in seed yield variety ILRI_11114>ILRI_12668>ILRI_12713 than Temegen and others in the experiment. Aphid infestation in the cowpea field significantly influenced dry matter yield and seed yield. Dry matter yield was positively correlated with branch number and vine length. Seed yield was positively and significantly (P= 0.047 and 0.015) correlated with seed per pod and harvest index. Hence, ILRI_12713, ILRI_9334, and ILRI_11114 are to be considered for further cowpea breeding programs for dry matter and seed yield under aphid-infested conditions. Quality of the materials under irrigated and other agronomic conditions might be the future assignment.

Fodder production competition increased due to ever-increasing human pressure on land for the production of food crops and hydroponic fodder production could be the one option to commit the problem. Five crops (maize, oats, cowpea, lablab, and common bean) seeds with and without fertigation evaluated for fodder yield laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications at Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center during May-August 2019. Shoot length, seed sprouting ability, and duration, green fodder yield were measured. Cereal grains took longer days to be sprouted than pulses. Pulses especially common beans weighed others in the experiment. All crops in the experiment were found to be suitable for hydroponic fodder production. Partial budget analysis showed that hydroponic fodder production could benefit by 30.8% more than grain production. Hydroponic fodder production could be the option for city agriculture, especially in the smallholder poultry business for young entrepreneurs, less land holding farmers, elders and women, and even other interested groups in urban agriculture. Thus, it is ideal for small business groups and the nutritional aspect may be considered by animal nutritionists further.