Abstract:
Fodder species play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and
sustaining the cattle industry. However, water availability tends to impact
fodder production. The objective of this research was to compare the growth
and yield attributes of selected fodder varieties under varied water
conditions. The experiment was conducted in semi-automated polytunnel
facilities. Four fodder varieties (Factor 1) were utilized: CO3 (V1), CO4
(V2), Super Napier (V3), and Brachiaria brizantha (V4), with different water
levels (Factor 2): 100% (25.0 l/day), 40% (10.0 l/day), and 25% (5.0 l/day)
supplied throughout the growing season, each with thirty-six replicates. Each
polytunnel was divided into four beds (12’x8’) with four fodder species.
Photosynthetic, growth, and yield data were analyzed. Results indicated that,
among the fodder varieties, when supplemented with 40% water, CO3
exhibited the highest leaf length of 120cm, followed by CO4 (106.2cm), and
Super Napier (76cm), respectively. Regarding photosynthetic traits, although
not statistically significant, the 25% water-supplemented plots exhibited an
increase in quantum yield efficiencies of photosynthesis (0.73) in CO4 grass,
followed by Super Napier and CO3 (0.72). Similarly, stomatal conductance
increased in CO3 (382 mmol mol), followed by Super Napier (372.0) and
CO4 (300), while chlorophyll content was higher in the 100% water-treated
plots in Super Napier fodder (47.7). The highest fresh and dry weights were
produced in the 40% water-treated plots. Accordingly, Super Napier
produced the highest (1756 g), followed by CO4 (1421g) and CO3 (906g)
species, respectively. Overall, the 40% water supply (10 l/day) proved
sufficient for producing increased biomass among the tested fodder grasses
