Biomass production, growth performance and character relationship of six varieties of Napier (Pennisetum purpureum L schumach.) grass at Teppi south west Ethiopia

The production and productivity of livestock are hindered by the availability in quantity and quality of forage technologies in Ethiopia. Production of ample amounts of feed in small areas of land is the implication of resolving feed issues and contributing to environmental conservation further to the resilience of climate. The present study aimed to evaluate the bio-mass yield and yield attribute relationship of six Napier grass varieties. The study was conducted in the 2022 and 2023 production years. The experiment arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The yield and most yield attributed traits showed significant (p < 0.001) differences. The variety, Backo 1 followed by Backo 4 recorded higher 20.93 t/ha and 15.73 t/ha dry matter yield respectively at three months of age after planting in the first cut, while the lower recorded by 14,984 (10.83 t/ha). The source of variation for the yield and its attributes were influenced primarily by variety (65.28 %) followed by their interaction (Variety × year) (12.90 %), and year (3.27 %). The yield and yield attribute traits showed a strong and positive correlation with the dry matter yield. This is recommended to demonstrate and multiply these high-yielder varieties, and further studies are needed on live animal performance feeding trials and greenhouse gas contributions of the improved forage technologies.