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<p>Natural pastures constitute the principal feed resource for livestock in Ethiopia, yet information on their species composition, biomass productivity, and nutritive value remains limited for many agro-ecological zones. This study aimed to (i) identify herbaceous plant species, (ii) quantify dry matter (DM) biomass yield, and (iii) evaluate the nutritive value of dominant forage species in natural pastures of South Ari District, Southern Ethiopia. The study area was stratified into highland, midland, and lowland agro-ecologies and two land-use types (communal and private grazing lands). Herbaceous species composition was assessed using 1&#xa0;m² quadrats, biomass yield was estimated through destructive sampling, and nutritive value was determined for selected dominant species using standard laboratory procedures. A total of 23 herbaceous species belonging to Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae were identified, with grasses accounting for 45.5% of the species. Dry matter yield ranged from 1.11 to 1.27 t DM ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in communal grazing lands and 1.73 to 2.12 t DM ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in private grazing lands, with significantly higher yields recorded in lowland areas (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05). Crude protein content of selected species ranged from 5.95% (Cymbopogon citratus) to 14.35% (Calopogonium mucunoides), while neutral detergent fiber values ranged from 37.67% to 74.42%, indicating variable forage quality.In conclusion, natural pastures in South Ari District are dominated by grass species with moderate biomass yield and variable nutritive value, with private grazing lands outperforming communal areas. Improved grazing management, protection of communal pastures, and strategic introduction of forage legumes are recommended to enhance pasture productivity and nutritional quality.</p>

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Herbaceous species composition, biomass yield, and forage value of natural pastures in South Ari District, Southern Ethiopia

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月26日

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  • Yilkal Tadele,
  • Kuratu Kuke,
  • Tekle Olbamo

摘要

Natural pastures constitute the principal feed resource for livestock in Ethiopia, yet information on their species composition, biomass productivity, and nutritive value remains limited for many agro-ecological zones. This study aimed to (i) identify herbaceous plant species, (ii) quantify dry matter (DM) biomass yield, and (iii) evaluate the nutritive value of dominant forage species in natural pastures of South Ari District, Southern Ethiopia. The study area was stratified into highland, midland, and lowland agro-ecologies and two land-use types (communal and private grazing lands). Herbaceous species composition was assessed using 1 m² quadrats, biomass yield was estimated through destructive sampling, and nutritive value was determined for selected dominant species using standard laboratory procedures. A total of 23 herbaceous species belonging to Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae were identified, with grasses accounting for 45.5% of the species. Dry matter yield ranged from 1.11 to 1.27 t DM ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in communal grazing lands and 1.73 to 2.12 t DM ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in private grazing lands, with significantly higher yields recorded in lowland areas (P < 0.05). Crude protein content of selected species ranged from 5.95% (Cymbopogon citratus) to 14.35% (Calopogonium mucunoides), while neutral detergent fiber values ranged from 37.67% to 74.42%, indicating variable forage quality.In conclusion, natural pastures in South Ari District are dominated by grass species with moderate biomass yield and variable nutritive value, with private grazing lands outperforming communal areas. Improved grazing management, protection of communal pastures, and strategic introduction of forage legumes are recommended to enhance pasture productivity and nutritional quality.