American-Eurasian J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 18 (5): 239-245 2018 ISSN 1818-6769 © IDOSI Publications, 2018 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.aejaes.2018.239.245 Corresponding Author: Diriba Diba, Wollega University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Sciences, Nekemte, Ethiopia. 239 Forage Yield, Compatibility and Nutrient Content of Panicum antidotale and Desmodium uncinatum Mixed Pasture under Rainfed Conditions in Jigjiga District, Somali Regional State Ethiopia Kefyalew Gebeyew, Diriba Diba, Kibru Beriso, Sisay Fikiru and Abshir Omer 1 2 1 1 1 Jigjiga University, College of Dryland Agriculture, Jigjiga, Ethiopia 1 Wollega University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Sciences, Nekemte, Ethiopia 2 Abstract: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different seed proportions of Panicum antidotale and Desmodium uncinatum mixtures on forage biomass yield, compatibility and the nutrient content of the mixed pasture at Jigjiga District, Somali region, Ethiopia. Mixture of P. antidotale and D. uncinatum seed were planted on different proportion arranged in randomized complete block design where each treatment was replicated three times with plots size of 4 ×3 m. The treatments were T (0% P. antidotale + 100% 1 D. uncinatum), T (25% P. antidotale + 75 % D. uncinatum), T (50% P. antidotale + 50 % D. uncinatum), 2 3 T (75% P. antidotale + 25 % D. uncinatum) and T (100% P. antidotale + 0% D. uncinatum). The total dry 4 5 matter yield (DMY) of the mixed pasture was highest (P=0.0014) for the dominant seed proportion of the legume. Intercropping of D. uncinatum with P. antidotale did not enhance (P = 0.07) DMY of the grass component. The intercropping of P. antidotale and D. uncinatum at 75% legume during establishment year has yield advantage 7% more than mono-cropping of individual forage species according to this experiment. P. antidotale and D. uncinatum intercropping has less favor to the legume than when the land is used for individual/sole planting. At this establishment phase, D. uncinatum intercropping with P. antidotale did not result in significant change in the crude protein content of the grass. Key words: Amiablity Biomass yield Grass-legume mixture Nutritive value INTRODUCTION Most plants do have their own habitat preferences such Livestock are important back bone in Ethiopian antidotale, with common name blue panic grass, was Economy. The country has the largest livestock known as a potential crop for hot and saline regions [3] population in Africa [1]. Livestock in Ethiopia contribute such as Fafan areas of Sumale regional states of considerably to the national economy and the livelihood Ethiopia. However, most grasses in the tropical conditions of the citizens. This is because about 85% of the have poor nutritive values especially with regard to population of the country was engaged in agricultural protein content. farming for their livelihood [1] and oxen are the main Introduction of forage legumes is one of the sources of traction power. The subsector also contributes strategies for improvement of grassland productivity at 15 to 17% of national gross domestic product (GDP) and low cost. Grass-legume mixtures have long been preferred 35 to 49% of agricultural GDP and 37 to 87% of the over pure-grass forage stands because they often household incomes [2]. increase the total yields of herbage and protein and offer In contrary to this, the livestock system in Ethiopia is balanced nutrition [4]. Akinyemi and Onayinka [5] not free of production challenges. Inadequate nutrition in reported higher live weight gains of animals from grass- terms of quality and quantity is a major constraint to legume mixtures than from pure grass stands because of realizing increased ruminant production in the country. better forage quality. Growing of grass species in mixture as soil conditions. Accordingly, the grass Panicum