Protein Supplementation Research Articles (Page 1)

Effect of moderate to high salinity in drinking water and protein supplementation on water and feed intake, digestion, energy metabolism, blood constituents, and mineral balances in yearling meat goats

Associations of plasma inosine with lipid parameters in a biracial community cohort.

Proteins are essential for numerous physiological processes. While traditional animal-derived proteins are nutritionally superior, their production has significant environmental burdens. Plant-based alternatives, though more sustainable, face challenges such as incomplete amino acid profiles, poor digestibility, and undesirable sensory attributes. Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern that is symbiotically associated with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, has emerged as a potential sustainable protein source. This review explores the nutritional profile, digestibility, and amino acid composition of four Azolla species commonly found in India. Crude protein levels ranged from 19% to 42%, with promising essential amino acid content. The review also compares Azolla’s potential with existing plant protein supplements such as soy, pea, chickpea, and potato, highlighting both benefits and limitations. Notably, Azolla has demonstrated efficacy as an economical feed supplement in poultry, livestock, and aquaculture sectors, improving growth performance and reducing production costs. Preliminary studies on Azolla protein hydrolysates suggest favourable digestibility and bioactivity, including antioxidant and antihypertensive effects, however its direct application in human nutrition remains underexplored.

Background/Objectives: Long-term alternate-day fasting (ADF) effectively combats obesity, but its short-term effects are less clear. Like other diets, ADF-induced weight loss often includes muscle loss, and whether protein supplementation mitigates this is uncertain. This study examined the effects of short-term ADF on body composition and health and whether protein supplementation preserves muscle mass during weight loss in young Asian men with an unhealthy BMI (≥23.0 kg/m2). Methods: Twenty participants were recruited for a single-arm trial to address the first objective, and twenty-six participants were randomly assigned to a control (C) or protein group (P) in a follow-up trial to address the second objective. The participants alternated between feeding (ad libitum) and fasting (400–600 kcal consumed between 12 and 2 PM) days for four weeks. The participants in P consumed 25 g of whey protein as part of the fasting-day meal. Pre–post body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Anthropometry, fasting blood glucose (FG), and resting blood pressure (BP) were measured weekly. Results: Since interaction effects were absent, data from all three groups were combined for analyses. Four weeks of ADF significantly (p < 0.001) reduced body (2.4 kg), fat (1.6 kg), and fat-free (0.8 kg) mass. BP and FG levels remained unchanged (p = 0.753–0.919). No significant differences were detected between the C and P groups for any of the measures. Conclusions: Short-term ADF effectively reduced body and fat mass, but it also reduced muscle mass, and this reduction was not attenuated by low-dose protein supplementation (25 g) during fasting days. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of protein or leucine supplementation, throughout the feeding and fasting days, in terms of preserving muscle during weight loss.

Background/Objectives: Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) counsel patients regarding diet and exercise behaviors and serve as role models for health promotion and prevention of chronic disease. This study evaluated personal diet and exercise behaviors of APNs and their association with body mass index (BMI) as a biomarker of obesity and disease risk. Methods: APNs (N = 1268) self-reported height and weight, and answered four questions regarding personal diet and exercise. Based on BMI, they were grouped as normal weight (≤24.9 kg/m2) and overweight/obese (≥25.0 kg/m2). Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 55%. The majority of APNs engaged in muscle strengthening exercises (53%) and consumed fruits and vegetables (62%), and protein foods and/or supplements (94%), while less than half engaged in moderate–vigorous physical activity (46%). Exercise behaviors (moderate–vigorous physical activity and muscle strengthening exercises) had a statistically significant impact on BMI. The predicted decrease in BMI due to participation in moderate–vigorous physical activity was 2.06 kg/m2 and the predicted decrease due to muscle strengthening exercises was 1.35 kg/m2. Diet behaviors (consumption of fruit, vegetables, and protein) were not found to have a significant impact on BMI. Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight/obesity among APNs in the United States is less than what is reported for the general adult population. Exercise behaviors, especially moderate–vigorous physical activity, significantly impact BMI and are associated with clinically meaningful differences. By comparison, healthy diet behaviors, including consumption of fruits, vegetables, and protein, are relatively widespread among advanced practice nurses but do not appear to significantly impact BMI.

Feed Supplementation is important for productivity and reproductive effectiveness improvement in native cattle. Kosali cows are a resilient Chhattisgarh breed that is traditionally kept but where adoption of nutritional intervention is patchy. What the farmer thinks matters in understanding how they can be targeted with supplementation programs effectively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate feed supplementation perceptions among Raipur Division Kosali cattle farmers and its perceived effect on milk production, body condition, weight gain, and reproduction efficiency. A questionnaire of 10 questions in a structured format was used for 200 farmers respondents from five districts (Dhamtari, Baloda Bazar, Raipur, Gariyaband, Mahasamund). Demographic information, educational status, occupation, and experience in farming were gathered. Mean score, standard deviation, coefficient of variance, and t-tests were used for analyzing responses to identify significant perceptions regarding supplementation impacts. Among all 200 respondents, 12 were middle-aged, and 30 had an education level below high school. All respondents were from rural areas and had more than 10 years of experience. Mean perception scores ranged from 2.44 ± 0.39 (Raipur) to 2.85 ± 0.45 (Dhamtari), indicating moderate awareness and spatial variation, with Dhamtari farmers perceiving greater benefits in milk yield and lactation efficiency. Feed supplementation was found to greatly enhance conception rates and reproductive cycle in all districts. Milk yield and body condition considerably improved in Raipur, Baloda Bazar, and Mahasamund. District-wise variation mirrored differences in feed quality, availability, experience of farmers, and exposure to extension services. Farmers’ perceptions remained below neutral, showing a weak and statistically insignificant correlation between perceived and actual benefits for productivity (r = −0.347, p = 0.568) and reproductive efficiency (r = 0.399, p = 0.506). Economic perception of supplementation was positive in Raipur and Mahasamund, which affected willingness to adopt. Farmers identify feed supplementation as valuable for reproductive and productive performance in Kosali cows. Extension programs focused on protein, energy, and mineral supplementation can raise adoption, assist breed conservation, and enhance livelihood.

BackgroundEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive therapy for early gastrointestinal neoplasms, but patients may experience reduced functional capacity and delayed recovery post-procedure. Prehabilitation, has shown benefits in major surgery by improving physical fitness and recovery. We hypothesized that a structured prehabilitation regimen before ESD would enhance postoperative functional recovery and patient outcomes compared to standard care.MethodsSingle-center, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial of 100 adults undergoing elective ESD, randomized to 4-week prehabilitation (supervised aerobic/resistance training 3×/week, individualized nutrition with protein supplementation, and psychological support) or usual care (standard instructions without structured exercise or nutrition). The primary outcome was change in six-minute walk distance (6MWD) from baseline to 1 month. Secondary outcomes included handgrip strength, quality of life (SF-36), psychological health (HADS), postoperative complications, length of stay, and 90-day readmissions.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar between groups. At 1-month post-ESD, six-minute walk distance had decreased in both groups with no significant between-group difference (mean change from baseline − 40.9 m in prehabilitation vs. − 53.3 m in controls, p = 0.439). By 3 months, the prehabilitation group surpassed their baseline walking distance (18.9 m), whereas controls remained below baseline (− 14.1 m), indicating superior functional recovery with prehabilitation (p = 0.022). Prehabilitation also led to greater improvements in early postoperative strength and patient-reported outcomes. At 1 month, handgrip strength increased more in the prehabilitation group (mean 5.6 kg vs. 4.1 kg, p = 0.001). Anxiety symptoms improved significantly with prehabilitation (HADS anxiety score change − 1.17 vs. − 0.22, p = 0.003), with a parallel significant reduction in depression scores (p = 0.002). Prehabilitation patients reported higher gains in mental quality-of-life by 3 months (SF-36 mental component + 15.4 vs. + 11.4 points, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in perioperative safety outcomes, average hospital stay, and 90-day readmission rates.ConclusionsA 4-week multimodal prehabilitation program for ESD patients significantly improved postoperative functional capacity and psychological well-being without increasing complication rates or hospital stay. Prehabilitation is a safe and effective strategy to enhance recovery and patient-centered outcomes in ESD.Clinical trial registrationThis trial was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) (registration number: ChiCTR2500103062) on May 23, 2025.Level of evidenceLevel I (Randomized Controlled Trial).Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-025-04418-5.

This study aimed to investigate how pre-meal whey protein (WP) supplementation throughout the third trimester of pregnancy affects glycaemic and metabolic outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The hypothesis was that WP, when administered as a pre-meal 30 min before breakfast daily, lowers glycaemic variability (primary outcome: CV%). In a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel trial, 62 women with GDM were randomised to receive 20 g WP isolate/day or placebo 30 min before breakfast throughout the third trimester. Participants were randomly assigned ( www.randomiser.org ) to WP or placebo using a computer-generated list. Allocation was concealed with sealed strips. Participants, caregivers, investigators and outcome assessors were masked, except the dietitian providing dietary guidance. Eligibility criteria included GDM, normotension and age ≥18 years. Exclusion criteria included special dietary regimens ≥1 month, daily protein supplements, food allergies, glucose-metabolism-affecting drugs, twin pregnancies, polycystic ovary syndrome, severe comorbidity, hyperemesis or non-breakfast eaters. The study included laboratory visits, home-based measurements under controlled-living and free-living conditions during the early and late third trimester, and follow-up at delivery. Glucose levels were assessed using continuous glucose monitoring. A total of 29 women were randomised to placebo and 33 were randomised to WP, with 25 in the placebo group and 30 women in the WP group completing the study. In the WP group, the 1 h postprandial glucose following breakfast was -20% (95% CI -28%, -11%) lower in the early and -15% (95% CI -24%, -5%) lower in the late third trimester compared with the placebo group under controlled conditions. Similarly, the 1 h postprandial glucose was -14% (95% CI -23%, -4%) lower in the early and -8% (95% CI -18%, 3%) lower in the late third trimester under free-living conditions. Glycaemic variability was lower in the WP group under controlled-living conditions. The mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions (MAGE) was lower during both the early and late third trimester, and the SD and CV% were lower during the early third trimester (all p<0.05). Time in range (proportion of time spent with glucose levels 3.5-7.8 mmol/l) was lower during free-living in the late third trimester (p=0.05). Pre-meal WP improves glycaemic management and reduces glucose variability in women with GDM under controlled-living and free-living conditions. Future research should evaluate whether WP can delay or prevent pharmacological treatments such as insulin initiation. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04767880 FUNDING: Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S (Agr-2020-731-12107).

Dairy goats are an important source of nutritious milk for humans. Goat milk has nutritional and therapeutic properties beneficial to humans, usually from polyunsaturated fatty acids. The main basal feed for dairy goats in Kenya is Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach), but it is low in nutrients, and, therefore, it needs energy and protein supplementation to enhance milk production. Dairy meal is widely used by most small-scale farmers as the main protein and energy supplement for dairy animals, especially dairy cattle. However, the relevant information on the appropriate amount of dairy meal to supplement the basal diet to feed dairy goats, and the effect of the supplement on beneficial fatty acids in milk, is scarce in Kenya and therefore presents a critical knowledge gap. Therefore, a concentrate with a crude protein content of 160 gkg-1 DM and metabolizable energy content of 10 MJkg-1 DM was constituted to represent a standard dairy meal, and fed to lactating Toggenburg dairy goats fed on Napier grass basal diet, at supplementation levels of 0, 150, 300 and 450 g/goat day-1 in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. The basal and total dry matter intake by the goats were 0.864-0.985 and 0.985-1.307 kg DM/goat day-1, respectively, with a milk production of 306.8-476.9 mL/goat day-1. The milk produced had a lower concentration of saturated fatty acids, ω-6: ω-3 ratio, atherogenecity index and thrombogenecity index; and a higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids than milk from unsupplemented goats. It was concluded that farmers feed the energy and protein concentrate at 300 g/goat day-1, as it resulted in the highest daily milk production, and the milk produced is healthier for the human consumer.

Background: Nutrition is a vital component of recovery for critically ill cardiac patients. However, there is a substantial lack of evidence, consensus, and guidelines regarding optimal nutrition strategies for critically ill cardiac patients, particular those presenting with cardiogenic shock. Methods: The Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) is an international multicenter research network consisting of advanced cardiac intensive care units (CICUs). A nutrition-based survey was distributed to CCCTN sites in 2024-2025. Results: A total of 43 sites responded to the survey. ASPEN nutrition guidelines are most commonly used to inform local protocols and nutrition practice (86%) however a large portion of sites also follow individual institutional protocols (65%). For malnourished patients, 49% of sites initiate nutrition 24-48 hours after admission, compared with 44% for non-malnourished patients. Most sites initiate enteral nutrition at a low rate and advance to goal hourly rates, reported at 88% of sites for malnourished and 93% for non-malnourished patients. Severity of cardiogenic shock influences the decision to initiate tube feeding at 91% of sites, with SCAI D and E very frequently delaying tube feeding. Elevated protein targets (1.5–2.0 g/kg/day) are prescribed at 47% of sites for malnourished patients and 12% of sites for non-malnourished patients. Supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) is sparsely used for malnourished patients, or when reaching EN is challenging with 7% of sites starting SPN at baseline and 49% starting SPN if energy and protein targets cannot be achieved. The PN formula used varies with 30% of sites using mixed oil intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) without fish oil, 74% using Mixed oil ILE with fish oil, and 28% using 100% soybean oil ILE . Conclusions: There is significant variability in nutrition practices across contemporary North American CICUs. The severity of cardiogenic shock (SCAI D/E) prompted sites to delay initiation of nutrition. Despite recent data suggesting harm from high dose protein supplementation and benefit from a mixed oil/fish oil ILE for critically ill patients, &gt; 45% of sites employed high protein targets and over a quarter of sites employed 100% soybean oil ILE.

Sarcopenia is highly prevalent and associated with poor outcomes in cirrhotic patients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of exercise, protein supplementation, and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation in treating cirrhotic sarcopenia. PubMed, Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials of exercise, protein supplementation, and/or BCAA supplementation on improving at least one of the sarcopenia features: muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance. Differences in post- and pre-intervention changes between intervention and control arms were calculated as a standardized mean difference (SMD), with 95% confidence interval (CI). A network meta-analysis (NMA), component NMA, pairwise meta-analysis (PW-MA) of 23 trials comprising 1525 participants were performed. By NMA, combined exercise with protein and BCAA supplementations had the greatest effect on increasing muscle mass (SMD 2.12; 95%CI: 0.59-3.65). Exercise alone or with BCAA/protein supplementation also significantly increased muscle mass, but protein or BCAA supplementation alone did not increase muscle mass. By PW-MA, exercise significantly improved physical performance versus control (SMD 1.43; 95%CI: 0.63-2.17; p < 0.01; I² = 59%) and exercise plus protein supplementation was superior to protein alone (SMD 0.66; 95%CI: 0.26-1.06; p = 0.001; I² = 0%). In the systematic review of effects of BCAA supplementation on muscle strength, its impact was inconclusive. Exercise is the mainstay of sarcopenia treatment in cirrhosis and is most effective at improving muscle mass when combined with protein and BCAA supplementation. Nutritional supplementation alone does not enhance muscle mass. Further well-designed studies are needed to identify the most effective type of exercise.

The relationship between protein intake and body composition after bariatric surgery: Influence of sex and type of surgery.

To identify patients who may or may not benefit from use of new drugs for weight loss and to aid in minimizing loss of lean mass through proactive nutrition and exercise interventions. Choices and interventions are evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. Quality varies widely and is documented in multiple tables. Semaglutide and tirzepatide should be used in patients living with obesity or with overweight accompanied by weight-related comorbidity. Long-term use may be necessary. Use in children and adolescents has proven effective for weight reduction, but long-term consequences are unknown. Use in elderly patients may be harmful. Because weight loss by any means is accompanied by loss of lean mass, specifically muscle and bone, particular attention must be paid to nutrition and exercise. Protein supplementation is effective to preserve muscle mass. Resistance training is effective in mitigation of both muscle and bone loss. Both resistance and aerobic training are beneficial in preventing osteopenia in weight loss, which may contribute to premature mortality. There is observational evidence that weight cycling may be harmful in that weight regain can be composed primarily of fat, multiple cycles of which may actually increase obesity in individuals. This is of particular concern because of the cost and limited availability of new weight loss drugs leading to large rates of discontinuation. Similarly, patients using drugs for small amounts of weight loss are likely to regain or overshoot if they discontinue. Patient selection for use of new anti-obesity drugs should match those included in clinical trials and be paired with dietary and exercise interventions used in those trials. Use at the extremes of age is problematic because of lack of long-term data. Intermittent use for small amounts of weight loss may be harmful. More ongoing data are needed.

23. Evaluation of single cell protein supplementation on growth performance and health in weaner pigs

Single-cell proteins polyhydroxyalkanoates-rich microbial biomass from municipal and winery waste as potential additive for aquafeeds.

Background/Objectives: To date, few studies have investigated the therapeutic effects of soy versus whey protein supplementation on obesity and insulin resistance (IR), yielding inconsistent findings. The aim of the present study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of soy versus whey protein on obesity and IR and to elucidate their potential molecular mechanisms. Methods: Forty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups and fed either a normal diet (n = 8) or a high-fat diet (HFD, n = 32) for 16 weeks to induce obesity. After 16 weeks, HFD-induced obese mice were further randomized into three groups: HFD control, HFD + 20% whey protein isolate (WPI), and HFD + 20% soy protein isolate (SPI) for 6 weeks (n = 8). Results: Body weight, weight gain, body mass index, and Lee index showed no significant differences between the WPI and SPI groups. Compared with the WPI group, serum concentrations of insulin and leptin and the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) were significantly lower, and thymus wet weight, fetal total cholesterol level, and serum glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide concentration were significantly higher in the SPI group. Compared with the WPI group, the protein levels of GLUT4 and p-PI3K/PI3K were significantly higher in the SPI group. Metabolomics analysis showed that hepatic phosphocholine levels were significantly higher in the SPI group than in the WPI group. Moreover, hepatic differentially abundant metabolites of SPI- and WPI-fed mice were primarily enriched in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway. Conclusions: Soy protein was more effective than whey protein in ameliorating IR in HFD-induced obese mice, probably by modulating the PI3K-GLUT4 pathway and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Moreover, soy protein and whey protein showed comparable anti-obesity efficacy.

Background: β-lactoglobulin (BLG) is a protein found within whey protein (WP) that is rich in essential amino acids, most notably, leucine (LEU). LEU is considered the most potent EAA in the postprandial stimulation of muscle protein synthesis (MPS), such that suboptimal protein/essential amino acid (EAA) doses containing higher LEU content elicit muscle anabolism comparable to larger protein doses. Our objective was to test the effects of naturally LEU-rich BLG (~10 g protein) versus isonitrogenous whey protein isolate (WPI, ~10 g) on MPS. Methods: Ten healthy young men (26 ± 2 y; 179 ± 2 cm; 81 ± 3 kg) received BLG (1.57 g LEU) or WPI (1.02 g LEU) in a randomised double-blind cross-over fashion. A primed constant intravenous infusion of [1,2 13C2] LEU was used to determine MPS (isotope ratio mass spectrometry) at baseline and in response to feeding (FED) and feeding-plus-exercise (FED-EX; 6 × 8 unilateral leg extensions; 75% 1-RM). Plasma insulin and EAA’s were quantified. Results: Plasma EAA, branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), and LEU concentrations increased rapidly following both protein supplements but exhibited a significantly greater EAA/BCAA/leucinemia following BLG (p < 0.05 for all). MPS increased significantly in both FED (~52%) and FED-EX (~58%) states, with no significant differences between supplements. Conclusions: Both BLG and WPI effectively stimulated MPS doses in young healthy males, with BLG offering an advantage in EAA/BCAA/LEU bioavailability. It follows that future research should explore the potential of BLG in populations exhibiting anabolic resistance and exercise anabolism deficiency, such as older adults as well as frail and clinical populations, to assess its utility in preserving muscle mass under conditions of suboptimal protein intake.

ABSTRACT Animal protein and plant protein make the protein supplement more comprehensive and further optimize the nutritional structure of the national diet. In this study, a “dual protein” Lueyang black‐boned chicken and black bean soup (FS) was prepared. In addition, the nutritive values, flavor, and the impact on the acute healing of skin wounds were detected. Results showed that the FS contained high protein and abundant nutrients such as terpenes, alcohols, and aromatics. Amino acid composition analysis revealed that arginine, proline, and lysine were enriched in FS. In vivo tests showed that FS intervention could significantly promote the recovery of skin trauma and elevate serum lysozyme and growth factors such as FGF‐2, TGF‐β, and EGF in mice with skin wounds. Overall, a soup prepared with Lueyang black‐boned chicken and black bean with good nutritive values, flavor, and skin wound healing improvement effects was discovered. This study aims to supply a scientific foundation for the industrial application of the product and clinical healing.

ABSTRACTStunting remains a major global malnutrition problem in children. A protocol for stunting prevention and management in Indonesia is needed to achieve the WHO's stunting reduction target by 40% in 2025. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a tiered referral system across different healthcare levels and the importance of animal proteins and food for special medical purposes (FSMP) in preventing and managing stunting in Indonesia. This one‐group pre–post experimental study involved children under 5 years old from 14 regencies in Indonesia. All subjects initially received education about breastfeeding and animal proteins. Eligible subjects were then given daily animal protein (milk and/or egg) supplementation. Subjects with weight faltering, underweight, or wasting were referred and given nutritional intervention for 2 weeks. If treatments failed to normalize undernutrition, subjects were referred to regional hospitals. Those confirmed as stunted or with low birth weight were directly referred for treatment and FSMP as indicated. A total of 1841 subjects received egg and/or milk supplementation. In 6 months, animal protein supplementation prevented weight faltering in 1320/1841 subjects (71.7%; 95% CI 69.6%–73.8%). Red flags management successfully prevented stunting in 536/709 subjects (75.6%; 95% CI 72.4%–78.8%) in 2 weeks. FSMP prescription for catch‐up growth in regional hospitals led to stunting recovery in 166/381 subjects (43.6%; 95% CI 38.6%–48.5%) in ±14 weeks. A tiered referral system with well‐defined treatment guidelines is crucial to address stunting in Indonesia. Timely referral and FSMP prescription for catch‐up growth can effectively treat stunting. Animal proteins and education are keys to preventing stunting in children.

This study was conducted to identify the best performing soybean varieties for biomass yield, chemical composition, haulm and seed yield, and other agronomic characteristics under rain-fed conditions in the lowland areas of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia. The experiment took place at three locations: Jari, Chefa, and Sirinka. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed. Twelve released soybean varieties “Afgat”, “Belesa-95”, “Boshe”, “Cheri”, “Dhidhessa”, “Gishama”, “Gizo”, “Korme”, “Pawe-03”, “Katta”, “Wegayen”, and “Wollo” served as treatments. Seeds were sown with a spacing of 40 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants. Each plot measured 3.2 m × 4 m, with 0.5 m and 1 m separating plots and blocks, respectively. Combined analyses across Jari and Sirinka indicated that the varieties “Afgat”, “Gishama”, “Gizo”, “Pawe-03”, “Wegayen”, and “Wollo” produced higher dry matter yields than others. “Gishama”, “Gizo”, “Pawe-03”, and “Wegayen” also had superior haulm yields. For seed yield, “Pawe-03”, “Gizo”, “Afgat”, “Gishama”, “Wollo”, and “Wegayen” outperformed the other varieties. Notably, the “Wollo” variety exhibited the highest protein content at both Jari and Sirinka. Based on these results, “Afgat”, “Pawe-03”, and “Wollo” are recommended for cultivation in the Jari, Chefa, and Sirinka zones. These varieties demonstrate strong potential for delivering high dry matter, haulm, and seed yields, as well as providing a valuable protein supplement for ruminants. Further research is recommended to investigate their optimal application in livestock feeding systems.