Academic Journal of Nutrition 4 (3): 99-105, 2015 ISSN 2309-8902 © IDOSI Publications, 2015 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.ajn.2015.4.3.96130 Corresponding Author: Kassahun Desalegn, Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia. E-mail: kassudes@gmail.com. 99 Evaluation of Biomass Yield and Nutritional Value of Different Species of Vetch (Vicia) Kassahun Desalegn and Wasihun Hassen Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Science, Jimma, Ethiopia Abstract: The study was conducted to determine the biomass and seed yield, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin, ash contents and In vitro dry matter digestibility of the four vetch (Vicia) species(Vicia dasycarpa, Vicia villosa, Vicia atropurpurea and Vicia sativa) which grows (planted) at the agricultural research Centre of Jimma University. The fresh and dry forage yield, plant height and grain yield had significant difference at p (0.05) with the highest and lowest fresh and dry forage yield of 16331±11.62kgha & 3643±6.89 in Vicia villosa and14833 ±14.57kgha & 2799±9.95in Vicia 1 c 1 sativa respectively. The longest height was recorded in Vicia dasycarpa 130±1.76cm and the shortest one was Vicia sativa 81±1.76cm. The average grain yields were varied ranging from 12.16±0.10 tha to 14.29±0.16 tha 1 1 in Vicia atropurpurea and Vicia sativa respectively. On the other hand the highest crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents were recorded in Vicia dasycarpa, 18.9%DM, 37.3%DM and 10.76%DM respectively. The maximum neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 49.4%DM and ash 12%DM were found in Vicia villosa. Concerning In vitro dry matter digestibility the best one was Vicia atropurpurea 75%DM followed by Vicia villosa 71%DM, Vicia sativa 67%DM and the minimum was 64%DM in Vicia dasycarpa. Generally the vetch (vicia) species were well adapted and being productive regarding the biomass yield, seed yield and nutritional value of each species, which is hopeful to fill the gap of low quantity and quality ruminant feed supply of the country. Key words: Grain Yield Height Chemical Composition and In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility INTRODUCTION most important and economical animal feed resource [7]. The country has an enormous livestock population succulent form for feeding domestic animals [8]. estimated to be 53.99 million cattle, 25.5 million sheep, Human population of the country, similar to other 24.06 million goats, 6.75million donkeys, 1.91 horses, sub Saharan African countries, is increasing alarmingly. 0.35milion mules and 0.92 camels [1]. However it is These increase demands for more arable land to produce constrained by low quality and quantity of feed resources more food for humans and urbanization (Housing and [2, 3]. Because of this, animals hardly meet their nutritional recreation areas, industrial development, various requirement and the productivity, in terms of milk, meat as development investments), which constantly reduces well as draught power from theses animal is very low the amount of land available for grazing and browsing. thereby influence food crop production under mixed Development interventions encouraging adoption of crop/livestock farming system [4]. To obtain high levels forage legumes will achieve a double advantage of of Productivity it is essential to provide an adequate enhancing the livelihoods of rural households and well- balanced ration [5]. Feed stuffs play a vital role in at the same time prevent or mitigate land degradation ensuring the good productivity of livestock especially [9]. Therefore development of forage production dairy animals [6]. Thus application of supplementation and productivity strategies are mandatory in order and improved forage production should place to solve the to improve the countries animal production and problem of livestock production because Forages are the productivity. The term forage entails the utilization of plants in green