High Forage Yield Research Articles

Genetic gain from selection and potential for improving alfalfa phosphorus uptake and removal from soils heavily amended with poultry litter

Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) is increasingly adopted in the southeastern USA as a companion crop in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) pastures, where poultry litter is excessively used as source of N fertilizer. This research explores the extent of genetic variation in phosphorus (P) accumulation and uptake in alfalfa germplasm grown in a soil heavily amended with poultry waste, and the expected genetic gain from selection for P accumulation and uptake. Eighteen commercial and experimental populations of alfalfa were evaluated in a soil, heavily amended with chicken litter. The soil pH was 6.8 and Mehlich-1 P content was 1039.7 kg ha−1. Significant genetic variation was observed in P accumulation, forage yield, and P uptake and removal (p < 0.01). Harvest dates effect was significant (p < 0.01), but little interaction of genotypes x harvest date. Narrow sense heritability estimates based on family-means were 0.50 for P concentration, 0.25 for biomass yield, and 0.74 for P uptake. Genetic gain from selection for forage yield based on family means was much higher than that of selection based on individual pots (40 vs. 16 %). For P uptake, gain from selection was 7 % higher using selection based on family means compared to individual pot basis (46 vs. 53 %, respectively). The data suggests that it is possible to make reasonable progress in improving P uptake in alfalfa by selection methods that take advantage of the additive genetic variation such as family selection, whether selecting indirectly for high forage yield or concurrently for P concentration and yield.

Brachiaria decumbens intraspecific hybrids: characterization and selection for seed production

Abstract: Brachiaria decumbens has great importance in the national beef cattle scenario due to its high forage yield potential and high adaptability to acid soils and low fertility. In order to obtain new cultivars, intraspecific hybrids, previously selected by the Brachiaria breeding program, were evaluated in 2013 and 2014 for phenological characteristics and seed production potential through their production components, aiming to obtain cultivars with satisfactory production agronomic characteristics and forage yield, resistant to 'cigarrinhas-das-pastagens'(Tomaspia sp.) and good seed production. Estimates of phenotypic correlation and analysis of variance were performed using the SAS 9.3 software. From the results obtained in both consecutive years, it was observed that there was a correlation between the reproductive tiller number (RT) and the pure seeds (PS) weight in the seedbeds of the second year of production around 70% (p &lt; 0.01), which can be considered as a parameter to estimate the production of pure seeds before the start of flowering.

Environmental conditions and crop density as the limiting factors of forage maize production

In rain-fed cropping, defining the best combination of practices could achieve high forage yield and silage quality. The aim of this study was to compare energetic quality of produced silage with productive characteristics of forage maize cultivated on alluvium and hydromorphous black soil in rain-fed conditions at four plant densities (68-74,000 plants ha-1) during the period 2005- 2010. Yield and energy parameters were increased to some extent at higher crop densities indicating that higher densities (74,000 plants ha-1) were potentially better for high forage and DM yields, while lower densities (70,000 plants ha-1) were better for the increase of energy parameters of produced silage.

Evaluation of Agronomic Characteristics and Forage Production of Domestic and Foreign Italian Ryegrass Cultivar in Korea

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the agronomic characteristics and forage production of Italian ryegrass cultivars at three locations (Gurae, Sungju and Cheonan) from 2013 to 2014. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design with three replications. The seven cultivars used in this experiment were 'Korwinearly', 'Florida80', 'YounbongI', 'YounbongII', 'YounbongIII', 'KeimyungI' and 'KeimyungII' varieties. Italian ryegrass varieties were seeded on October 4 at Gurae, October 8 at Seongju and October 3 at Cheonan in 2013. The Italian ryegrass varieties were harvested on April 26 at Gurae and Seongju, and on April 24 at Cheonan in 2014. Although the seven cultivars had resistance to foliar diseases and insects and high winter survival, they has little lodging resistance. The heading dates for 'Younbong I', 'Younbong II' and 'Keimyung I' were earlier than for other varieties at the three locations. Dry matter (DM) content and plant height in the early maturing cultivars were higher than in other cultivars at the three locations. The fresh and DM yields of the early maturing cultivars were also higher than others at the three locations. The results of this experiment indicate that the heading date for early maturing cultivars is earlier, and the plant height is higher than for other cultivars. Early maturing cultivars had higher DM content as well as fresh and DM yields of Italian ryegrass. Therefore, early maturing cultivars should be recommended as high-yield forage in double-cropping systems because of their superior production of forage and early heading date.

Yield and economic return response of silage maize to different levels of irrigation water in a sub-humid zone

Field studies were conducted during the summers of 2007 and 2008 to determine the response of silage maize (Zea mays L.) to different levels of irrigation water to guide programs for the development of improved irrigation management practices for sub-humid zones. The experiments were carried out in Bursa, Marmara region, Turkey. Silage maize plants (cv. ‘Ada-523’) were subjected to different levels of irrigation using a drip system in the field on a clay-loam soil. Fully irrigated (FI = 100%) plants were irrigated at 100% pan evaporation (Epan) replenishment with 7-day intervals. In other treatments, irrigation was applied as excessive (EI = 125% Epan) and deficit (DI-75 = 75% Epan, DI-50 = 50% Epan, DI-25 = 25% Epan, NI – no irrigation). Plant height, first ear height, stem diameter, number of ears per plant and net income decreased with decreases in the amount of irrigation, but the effect of soil water deficit on the number of leaves per plant and ear ratio in forage was minor. The highest forage yields were obtained with EI (125% Epan), FI (100% Epan) and DI-75 (75% Epan) treatments. FI treatment produced the highest net income based forage yield. Severe soil water deficit substantially reduced forage yields and net income in both years. The results showed that full irrigation during the whole growing season is preferable for higher forage yield and net income. However, in regions of water scarcity, farmers should adopt the deficit irrigation (DI75 = 75%, DI-50 = 50% and DI-25 = 25% Epan) approach to achieve economically sustainable crop production. As an alternative to full irrigation during the entire growing season, the irrigation at a rate of DI-75% Epan can be recommended as optimal level because it achieved irrigation water savings of 25%, an increase of 16% in forage yield irrigation water use efficiency, satisfactory crop morphological characters and an acceptable net income with a yield loss of only approximately 7% compared with full irrigation.

Registration of ‘Hidden Valley’ Meadow Fescue

‘Hidden Valley’ (Reg. No. CV-100, PI 674472) meadow fescue [Schedonorus pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv.; syn. Festuca pratensis Huds.; syn. Lolium pratense (Huds.) Darbysh.] is a synthetic population originating from 561 parental genotypes. The original germplasm is of unknown central or northern European origin, but is thought to have become naturalized to the Driftless Area of the Upper Mississippi River Valley over approximately 100 yr. Hidden Valley has forage yield approximately 9% lower than orchardgrass and tall fescue, but neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) approximately 9% higher than for these two species. Compared to the only other existing meadow fescue cultivar within this region, Hidden Valley has 2% higher forage yield and 1.4% higher NDFD. Hidden Valley is adapted to a wide range of pasture managements and conditions in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 5, especially the northern portions of this range.

Registration of ‘NF402’ Forage Oat

‘NF402’ (Reg. No. CV-379, PI 674467), a facultative winter-type forage oat (Avena sativa L.), was developed by the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc., Ardmore, OK, and released in 2013. NF402 was tested under the experimental designation NF27. It is an early-maturing, high-yielding forage cultivar with greater potential for early-fall forage. NF402 was developed from a single cross between ‘833’/NF170. NF402 was developed through individual plant selections in early generations followed by head-row and progeny-row schemes. The line was designated as NF27 and evaluated in preliminary, advanced, and statewide forage trials. Each generation was advanced by bulk selfing in the field with roguing of off-type variants. During evaluation and seed increase, the cultivar was observed to be stable and uniform. NF402 possess a prostrate growth habit, and the plants are about 111 cm tall. The leaves are large (21.36 cm × 13.2 mm), dark green, and glabrous. The panicles are 16.95 cm long with an average of 5.5 seed whorls. Forage quality of NF402 is either superior or similar to other commonly grown oat cultivars in the region. Average fall-winter and total forage yield of NF402 was 22 and 19% higher than ‘Dallas’, respectively, in the southern Oklahoma trials. NF402 has broad environmental adaptability and performed well in trials conducted in southern Oklahoma, north Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia.

Multitraits evaluation of Pakistani ecotypes of berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) under full-irrigation and water restriction conditions

Summary Berseem clover ( Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is an important forage crop in Pakistan and many ecotypes are grown across the country. Its yield is however frequently affected by insufficient irrigation due to unavailability of water. In the present study, twenty Pakistani ecotypes of berseem clover have been evaluated in lysimeters under full irrigation and water restriction conditions. In the full irrigation treatment soil humidity was maintained at field capacity, while in the water restriction treatment water was only supplied after severe wilting and to maintain humidity in the deep profile of the soil. Assessed traits included forage yield, calculated as the sum of the biomass harvested at 70 and 110 DA days after emergence, and morpho-physiological traits. Significant effects of water restriction were noted on yield, leaf gas exchange parameters, canopy temperature and osmotic adjustment. Most morpho-physiological traits had higher broad sense heritability than forage yield, both under full irrigation and water restriction conditions. Water restriction increased genetic and phenotypic variability and heritability of most traits under study. Under these conditions forage yield was positively associated to leaf temperature and recovery rate index and, under full irrigation, to net photosynthetic rate, canopy depression temperature and leaf area. The possible use of these traits as indirect selection criteria in berseem clover breeding programs is discussed. Some ecotypes with favorable traits such as high forage yield potential, good adaptation to water restriction and aptitude to multiple harvesting have also been identified.

Response of Berseem Clover (Trifolium Alexandrinum L.) to Chemical, Biological and Integrated Use of Fertilizers

Abstract To evaluate the effect of different fertilizer types on the vegetative growth characteristics, yield and forage quality of berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), the present experiment was conducted in Mahidasht Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Station (Kermanshah, Iran), during 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. The experimental treatments consisted of control (no fertilizer), chemical fertilizer, biological fertilizer and different combinations of chemical and biological fertilizing systems. A complete randomized block design with three replicates was employed for analysis of the data for each year. A combined analysis of variance was conducted to compare the data from the two years of the experiment. The results showed that the highest forage yield (172.1 g/m2) was produced in integrated fertilizer application (urea chemical fertilizer + mycorrhiza treatment). The highest crude protein content of 25% was obtained from integrated biological fertilizer treatment (nitrogen-fixing bacteria + phosphorussolubilizing bacteria treatment). The superiority of integrated fertilizer application for higher forage production and biological fertilizer application for higher forage quality in berseem clover could be recommended by the results of this experiment. Application of integrated fertilizing treatments not only optimized the chemical fertilizer application (consequently reducing the environmental pollutions), but it also enhanced forage quality in terms of higher macro a micronutrients concentrations. According to the results of this study it could be concluded that integrated fertilizing treatments may be accounted more efficient in dry farming than in irrigated agroecosystems.

Interactive Effect of Forage Mixing Rates and Organic Fertilizers on the Yield and Nutritive Value of Berseem Clover (&lt;i&gt;Trifolium alexandrinum&lt;/i&gt; L.) and Annual Ryegrass (&lt;i&gt;Lolium multiflorum&lt;/i&gt; Lam.)

Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is the main winter forage legume in Egypt. Despite that the yield and protein content of berseem clover are high, it is characterized by low dry matter content especially in the 1st cut. Intercropping berseem clover with forage grasses, especially annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is a recommended technique to produce higher forage yield with better balanced nutritional quality. However, little is known about the performance of these proposed mixtures under the arising organic farming system in Egypt. Organic farming and the application of organic fertilizers (compost and poultry manure) are receiving increased attention in the last few years. Thus, the current study was carried out on the winter season of two successive years (2012 and 2013) in the experimental station of SEKEM organic farm, Egypt. Main aim was to investigate the variation in 1st cut forage yield and nutritive value of berseem clover and annual ryegrass, grown in pure stands and with three mixing rates, under three organic fertilization regimes (compost, poultry litter, and no fertilization). Nutritive value was judged through investigating the crude protein (CP), total carbohydrates (TC), and fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, and ADL). Results revealed significant two-way interaction between the forage treatments and the fertilization regimes for all the studied parameters. In general, mixing berseem clover with annual ryegrass, fertilized by compost or poultry litter resulted in significantly higher forage yield, dry matter content, and balanced CP, TC, and fiber fractions, compared to the pure stands.

Feeding Rabbits in Traditional System With Improved Forage Legumes in South-Kivu. D. R. Congo

To investigate for an efficient feeding of rabbits in the traditional system essentially with some improved high yield forage legumes. Two animal nutrition trials were conducted from September 2011 to February 2012 in Mugwahi farm in Nyangezi, South-Kivu, D. R. Congo. Five female rabbits replicated three times were fed essentially in traditional system with supplements of improved forage legumes; first with Leucaena diversifolia from the selection of CIAT in Colombia and second with Desmodium intortum. Five others as local controls were fed only on local forages. The palatability evaluation showed that Calliandra calothyrsus was most appreciated by rabbits; Desmodium intortum and Leucaena diversifolia had a moderate palatability. The weight gain showed that rabbits which received a supplement of Leucaena diversifolia grew better than those fed on local forages. In term of palatability, the various forages supplied to female rabbits only C. calothyrsus performed significantly with a high RIP during the first trial and the improved forages D. intortum and L. diversifolia had a moderate one during the second trial. Regarding the weight gain of rabbits, the introduced forages; L. diversifolia performed better than the local ones. The cropping of improved legumes constitutes an alternative to avoid long walks to collect fodder which is scarce in villages. These good forages on farm could remain available even in the dry season. Studies to determine the constraints of adoption of forage crops by the farmers will improve forage production.

Evaluation of yield and some physiological changes in corn and sorghum under irrigation regimes and application of barley residue, zeolite and superabsorbent polymer

In order to investigate the changes in chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll, relative water content (RWC) and forage yield of corn and sorghum under various irrigation regimes and combination treatments of barley residue, zeolite and superabsorbent polymer, an experiment was conducted over 2 years in Kerman, Iran. A randomized complete block design arranged in a factorial split was used with three replications. Two irrigation regimes of normal and drought stress based on 70 and 140 mm cumulative pan evaporation, respectively, and two plant species (corn and sorghum) as factorial combinations were compared in the main plots. Five treatments, (1) 10 t ha−1 zeolite + 4.5 t ha−1 residue, (2) 60 kg ha−1 superabsorbent + 4.5 t ha−1 residue, (3) 5 t ha−1 zeolite + 30 kg ha−1 superabsorbent + 4.5 t ha−1 residue, (4) 4.5 t ha−1 residue and (5) – control, were compared in subplots. In both plants, forage yield, potential quantum yield (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased significantly under drought stress. Chlorophyll a content, SPAD index and Fv/Fm were higher in corn than in sorghum, but RWC was higher in sorghum. Corn produced higher forage yield (62.8 t ha−1) than sorghum (49.3 t ha−1). The application of 10 t ha−1 zeolite with 4.5 t ha−1 residue increased most traits more than any of the other treatments, but the superabsorbent had no significant effect on the studied traits.

한국의 가축 생산성 향상을 위한 유기조사료 생산체계에 관한 연구

Organic forage production system is one of the most important aspects in organic livestock production. Animals in the organic farming system are also essential for manure to be used for organic forage production. Both organic forage and animals are essential to maintain the cycle of organic agriculture system. In this paper we introduce the organic forage production system in Korea. Summer and winter crops are getting popular in Korea because of their high forage yield and cultivation in double cropping systems. Common cropping system for forage production in Korea is the double cropping system with legume and grass mixture. Forage sorghum and sudangrass are the most popular ones of annual summer forage corps because of their high production with low cost in the double cropping systems. In the mixture of forage crops, inter cropping is more suitable in the corn and sorghum cropping system because of high lodging resistance and forage yield, and low weed population. Forage sorghum and sudangrass are difficult to preserve as direct-cut silage due to the fact that its high moisture content causes excessive fermentation during ensiling. Corn grain addition to sorghum silage could be recommended as the most effective treatment for increasing quality and reducing production cost. It is recommended that corn grain could be added up to 10% of total amount of silage. And agriculture by-products also can be added at the time of ensiling to minimize losses of effluent and have the additional advantage of increasing quality. Agriculture by-products as silage supplements increased DM content and quality, and decreased the production cost of sorghum silage. Field pre-wilting treatment of forage crops also increased DM content and quality of the silage. Wilting sorghum×sudangrass hybrid before ensiling was the effective method for reducing effluent and increasing pH and forage quality more than direct cut silage. Optimum prewilting period of sudangrass silage was 1 or 2 days. In organic forage, the most important factor is the enhancement of organic forage sufficiency in relation to the environmental-friendly and organic livestock. Consequently, there are many possibilities for animal production and organic forage production in Korea. No forages no cattle concept should be emphasized in organic farming system.

Growth, Yield and Quality Performance of Pearl Millet (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pennisetum americanum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.)

Livestock industry of Pakistan is expanding day by day. To meet its growing demand high fodder yielding and nutritious varieties of fodder crops are needed. Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) is an excellent choice for this purpose. In order to explore the possibility of the better yield potential varieties of pearl millet performed in a good manner under agro ecological conditions of Faisalabad during the year 2012. A field experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Randomized complete block design was used with three replications; the net plot size was 1.8 m × 6 m. The experiment was comprised of nine millet varieties named Cholistani Bajra, Barani Bajra, MB-87, Sargodha Bajra 2011, 18-BY, Super Bajra-1, PARC-MS-2, 86-M-52 and FB-822. All other agronomic practices were kept normal and constant. Data on yield and yield components were recorded by standard procedure. Significant results were recorded among the varieties for forage growth and yield. The variety 86-M-52 produced maximum forage and dry matter yield because of more number of leaves (14), leaf area (3540.1 cm2) followed by Sargodha Bajra-2011. All cultivars have statistically significant differences in respect of quality characteristics. However, non-significant differences were observed among cultivars regarding ash contents. The cultivar Sargodha Bajra-2011 has the highest crude protein (10.347%) and the cultivar FB-822 has the minimum crude protein percentage (6.733%). While PARC-MS-2 has the highest crude fiber percentage (34.667%) but variety MB-87 has the minimum crude fiber (24.333%). Variety 86-M-52 proved better for getting higher forage yield followed by Sargodha Bajra-2011 than all other varieties. Sargodha Bajra-2011 is the best cultivar that performed well in respect of quality parameters under irrigated conditions of Faisalabad.

Forage Yield And Quality of Common Vetch Mixtures with Triticale and Annual Ryegrass

The objective of this research was to determine the forage yield, quality and physiological properties of mixtures of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) with triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) and annual ryegrass (Lolium moltiflorum) grown as intermediate winter crop system under the conditions of Southern Marmara Region. Forage yield, light interception, leaf area index, crude protein content, crude protein yield, ADF and NDF contents were measured. The highest forage yield (15.21 t ha-1) was obtained from 50% common vetch + 50% triticale mixture which was followed by 75% common vetch + 25% triticale, 25% common vetch + 75% triticale, 25% common vetch + 75% annual ryegrass mixtures.The results of two-year averages indicated that the 75% common vetch + 25 % triticale mixturewas the best one for good quality and higher forage yield, and its suitability wasrecommended for the experimental ecology

Evaluation of Some Promising Berseem Clover Populations for Yield , Quality , Genetic Variability and Pathcoefficient Analysis

The present study was conducted to evaluate seven berseem populations (selected for high auto-fertility and forage yield for several generations) with five check varieties and to estimate the relationships between dry yield and some characters in the experimental research station at Sids location across two growing seasons 2010/11 and 2011/12 The results could be summarized from the combined analysis of two seasons which indicated that the promising entry new Khadarawy recorded the highest yield for total fresh yield (72.50 ton/fed) and exceeded significantly the highest check variety Giza 6 (67.5 ton/fed) by 7.4 %. Same genotype (Khadarawy) gave the highest yield for total dry yield (9.79 ton/fed) and exceeded significantly the highest check variety Giza 6 (9.43 ton/fed) by 5.72 %. Percentage of crude protein and carbohydrate over cuts for the seven promising populations were higher than the check varieties. While Percentage of crude fiber and ash over cuts for the seven promising populations were lower than the check varieties. The estimates of heritability in broad sense (H 2 b) ranged from low to medium. Heritability (H 2 b) was high value for fresh yield (68.43%). Significant positive correlation values were detected between dry yield and each of the fresh yield and leaf/stem ratio. According to path analysis, Leaf /stem ratio through fresh yield proved to have the highest indirect effect to dry yield (25.09%) followed by direct effect of fresh yield (23.72%), indirect effect of crud protein % through fresh yield (11.46%), direct effect of leaf /stem ratio (9.85%) and indirect effect of crud protein% through leaf/stem ratio (9.29%).

Yield and quality of alfalfa in mixture with grasses in agroecological conditions of Vojvodina

Alfalfa is the most important forage crop in agroecological conditions of Serbia and it could be establish as a pure stand as well as in the mixture with grasses. The aim of field trial was to analyse forage yield and quality of pure stand of alfalfa, orchard grass and tall fescue and their mixtures in agroecological conditions of Vojvodina province. In both full harvest years annual yield of alfalfa pure stand was on the level as mixture with grasses, while pure stand of grasses achieved lower forage yield. This is a result of lower adaptation of grasses on weather conditions (precipitation and temperature), in particular weed invasion during the summer months. Apart from selection of adequate grass species and varieties in mixture with alfalfa it is also important to determine grass/legume ratio in order to achieve high forage yield and quality.

AAC Meadowview alfalfa

Acharya, S. N. 2014. AAC Meadowview alfalfa. Can J. Plant Sci. 94: 187–189. AAC Meadowview alfalfa (Medicago sativa) was developed by the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta. This cultivar, tested as AT05 in Western Forage Trials, is derived from parental clones selected for high forage yield under low pH conditions and resistance to both bacterial wilt (BW) (caused by Corynebacterium insidiosum) or Verticillium Wilt (VW) (caused by Verticillium albo-atrum Reinke &amp; Berthold). When grown under irrigated and rainfed conditions of western Canada AT05 out yielded Beaver (check) by 5%. AAC Meadowview is well suited to forage and seed production in western Canada where VW and acidic soil conditions may be of concern. AAC Meadowview received Canadian Food Inspection Agency's registration number 7402 on 2013 Jun. 06. Breeder seed for the cultivar will be produced by AAFC and the multiplication and distribution rights were awarded to Northstar Seeds through a competitive process.

پیشاهنگ، رقم جدید ارزن معمولی برای تولید علوفه قصیل در دوره زمانی کوتاه

Research was conducted during 1999 to 2009 to develop and introduce a new common millet (Panicum miliaceum) cultivar suitable for areas with short growing seasons in Iran. Several common millet populations collected from different locations of Iran were evaluated in research farm of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute in Karaj and based on yield, agronomic traits and tolerance to abiotic stresses such loding, 21 superior lines were selected. During years 2000 to 2009, these lines were evaluated in different research experiments in Karaj, Gorgan and Dezful and also in farmers fields in Yazd, Kerman and Zabol, finally a superior line coded as KCM7 was selected. Based on the results of these experiments, the new line was early maturing with high and stable fresh forage yield of 35.5 tha-1 and dry forage yield of 7.6 tha-1. The panicle length of KCM7 is 26.87 cm, its 1000 seed weight is 4.2 g with yellow color seeds and yield of 1.69 tha-1. Line KCM7 was officially introduced in 2009 by Seed and Plant Improvement Institute after approval of Seed Registration Committee of Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization with name of Pishahang as the first common millet cultivar in Iran.

Combining ability study in oat (Avena sativa L.) for physiological, quality traits, forage and grain yield

The experimental material comprised of ten oats (Avena sativa L.) genotypes and their 45 F1 crosses evaluated for physiological parameters, forage quality, green fodder yield plant-1 (g) and grain yield plant-1(g). The highest crude protein content was recorded in SKO-208. The lowest Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was observed in SKO-213. Lowest Acid detergent fiber (ADF) was observed in SKO-204. Lowest crude fiber was observed in SKO-213. Highest ash content was observed in SKO-209. The highest chlorophyll content was recorded in SKO-211. The highest leaf area index (LAI) was recorded in SKO-211. The cross combination SKO-212 × SKO-213 recorded for the highest crude protein content. The cross combination SKO-205 x SKO-207 had lower range of NDF. The lowest range of ADF was observed in cross combination SKO-204 × SKO-211. The cross combination SKO-207 × SKO-212 recorded the lowest crude fibre. For ash content SKO-205 × SKO-212 were found to be superior. The highest chlorophyll content was recorded in genotypes SKO-211 and SKO-208. The cross combination SKO-211 × SKO-212 recorded the highest chlorophyll content. The highest LAI was recorded in genotypes SKO-211 and SKO-208. The highest LAI of cross combination SKO-207 × SKO-211 were found to be superior. The highest forage yield and grain yield observed in SKO-205 and SKO-SKO-208. The cross combinations SKO-211 × SKO-212 and SKO-207 × SKO-211 were found to be superior for forage and grain yield. Key words: Avena sativa L., quality parameters, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF).