Optimizing varietal selection and cutting intervals for enhanced fodder productivity quality and energy content in multi-cut oats

Résumé fourni par la source

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2021–22 at ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, to assess the effects of oat (Avena sativa L.) varietal selection and cutting management on fodder yield, nutritional quality, and energy parameters. Four oat varieties (HFO-114, HFO-607, JHO-851, and Kent) were evaluated under four cutting schedules- single cut at 45, 55, and 65 days after sowing (DAS) and no cut—in a split-plot design with three replications. Varietal choice and cutting time significantly influenced green fodder yield (GFY), straw yield, and quality traits. Kent recorded highest GFY (24.37 t ha⁻¹), achieving a 13.9% increase over JHO-851, while HFO-114 produced maximum straw yield (82.85 t ha⁻¹), which was 27.9% higher than JHO-851. In contrast, JHO-851 exhibited superior fodder quality, with higher crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) contents and lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations. Early cutting at 45 DAS significantly improved dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), and total digestible nutrients (TDN), whereas cutting at 65 DAS increased GFY and straw yield by 35.1% and 23.3%, respectively, over 45 DAS. Overall, JHO-851 harvested at 45 DAS is recommended for high-quality fodder production under irrigated rabi conditions, with applicability to regions having similar agro-climatic and management conditions.

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