ASSESSMENT AND UTILIZATION PRACTICES OF OAT (Avena sativa) AS FEED AND FOOD RESOURCES, AND CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF ITS SILAGE IN KIMBIBIT WEREDA OF NORTH SHEWA ZONE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

A study with the objectives of assessing on the utilization practice of oat as feed and food resources and chemical evaluation of its silage was carried out in Kimbibit Wereda situated in North Shewa Zone of the Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A total of 219 farmers were randomly selected for interview. Primary data were collected from smallholder farmers in a single visit interview by semi-structured questionnaire. The data collected through interview were also supported by focus group discussion, key informant interview and field observations. Sample of oats seed were collected from the three study kebeles sow in different beds and grown using irrigations.The oats harvested at 105 days and chopped at 2mm size for silage preparation. The silage experiment was prepared in plastic container with the capacity of 2 kilogram. The treatments were combinations of nine additives (without additive, 0.5% U (urea), 1% U, 2% molasses (M), 4% M, (0.5% U+2% M), (0.5% U + 4%M), (1% U + 2% M), and (1% U +4% M) on fresh weight basis of oat crops with three replications four ensiling periods (21, 28,42 and 56 days). The collected survey data was managed, organized and analyzed using the statistical package of social science (SPSS) version 23. Software, whereas, the experimental data were subjected to analysis of variance using the General Liner Model (GLM) procedure of Statistical Analysis System Version (SAS), 2004 program. Results of the survey indicated that in the study kebeles cattle population were the largest position which was followed by sheep and goat population. The main challenge of local oats production in the study area was the competition of feed, food and wastage for roofing of house and firewood. There was no attention given for management and seed improvement practice of oats at wereda and zonal level. The main reasons for the production of local oats in the study area were because of its frost resistance capability and less production cost requirement. The competition between feed, food and other purpose affects animal productivity. Out of 219 interviewed participants only 85.8 % of the respondents know local oats were registered as animals feed by the ministry of agriculture. The laboratory result illustrated that the dry matter (DM) of treated local oats silage was different from the control sample in the level of molasses treated. Dry matter of XXII U at 0.5 and 1 % treated silage were also showed significant (P < 0.05) differences. The crude protein (CP) contents of oats silage treated without U (9.8%) was lower than 1% U treated (17%). The laboratory result depicted that oat silage made with the inclusion of molasses and 56 days ensiling period had lower CP content. Molasses treatement and ensiled dates difference had less effect to increase the CP content. Both M and ensiled date defference decreased the nutral detergent fiber (NDF) percentage. The U treated local oats silage had less effects to decrease the NDF content on prepared silage. In conclusion, silage making with a combination of 2% M and 1% U could improve the nutritive qualities and the efficiency of utilization of silage by ruminant animals in the highlands of Ethiopia.