Evaluation of Different Brachiaria Cultivars for Forage Yield and Agronomic Performance in Sub-humid Climate of Ethiopia

A major reason for the inadequate quantity and quality of feed is the shortage of improved, adapted forages. The growing interest in livestock development, fueled by the rising demand for animal products, underscores the necessity for high-quality, productive forages to address the feed shortage. This study was conducted in 2023 and 2024 at the Bako, Boneya Boshe, and Gute sites to identify the most adaptable and high-yielding cultivars of Brachiaria. The treatment consists of four Brachiaria cultivars (Brachiaria brizantha (DZF-13379), Brachiaria humidicola (DZF-9222), Brachiaria mutica (var. DZF-483) and Brachiaria decumbens (DZF-10871) arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. This study showed that the Brachiaria cultivars*year*location interaction was significantly varied (P <.05) across all the sites for most of the measured parameters. The highest and the lowest plant heights were recorded for Brachiaria mutica (var. DZF-483) and Brachiaria humidicola (DZF-9222), respectively. The highest DMY was obtained from Brachiaria mutica (var. DZF-483), followed by Brachiaria decumbens (DZF-10871), Brachiaria brizantha (DZF-13379), and Brachiaria humidicola (DZF-9222). Even though there were some differences in some of the measured parameters, Brachiaria mutica (var. DZF-483) and Brachiaria decumbens (DZF-10871) are recommended based on their maximum forage DMY production and distinct growth habits. Thus, it is recommended to be demonstrated and familiarized with the farming community to utilize the potential of these cultivars.