Effects of different mixing ratios of common vetch and oats on forage yield and quality

This study investigates the optimal mixing ratios of common vetch (Vicia sativa L., CV) and oats (Avena sativa L., O) for enhanced forage yield and quality in the ecological conditions of Erzurum Province. The research was conducted over two growing seasons with three replications in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Specifically, three common vetch cultivars (Gülhan, Albayrak, Kubilay) and one oat cultivar (Kupa) were evaluated by sowing as sole crops and in different ratios (25% vetch + 75% oat, 50% vetch + 50% oat, 75% vetch + 25% oat). The analyzed parameters included hay forage yield (HFY), dry matter yield (DMY), crude protein yield (CPY), digestible dry matter yield (DDMY), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), digestible dry matter (DDM), total digestible nutrients (TDN), dry matter intake (DMI), and relative feed value (RFV). The highest hay forage yield (93.24 t ha–1) was obtained from the 75% CV + 25% O mixture using the Kubilay vetch cultivar, while the highest crude protein ratio (18.65%) was achieved by the Albayrak vetch variety when planted as a sole crop. The best fiber quality (lowest ADF and NDF ratios) was determined in the mixtures with high common vetch ratios. Among all the treatments, the 75% CV + 25% O mixture exhibited superior performance in terms of digestibility and feed intake, along with a high crude protein content. It was concluded from the study that mixtures of vetch and oat produce forage diets with high nutritional value, yield, and quality. In Erzurum and locations with similar ecological conditions, a 75% CV + 25% O mixture is recommended as the most effective combination, providing balanced nutrient content and high forage quality.