Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the biomass yield and quality of crop residues at different harvesting stages used for animal feed. A longitudinal trend study was conducted to assess changes in crop residue availability across districts over time. A total of 135 feed samples (45 sub-samples were taken in each district) were collected, from Dembya, Gondar Zuria and Mecha at three harvesting phases. Phase 1 (side-by-side cutting with grain harvest), Phase 2 (during threshing, the amount of residue remaining after grain separation) and Phase 3 (from storage or feeding troughs). Samples were collected between December 2023 and February 2024, focusing on residues from teff, sorghum, maize, finger millet and vetch. The result in Dembya, teff straw showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) dry matter (93.38%), crude protein (5.93%), neutral detergent fibre (71.99%), in vitro dry matter digestibility (57.84%) and ash content (11.47%). Finger millet quality varied significantly (p < 0.05) in DM, CP, NDF, ash and IVDMD, except for ADF, HEM and ADL in certain districts. Dembya had higher CP and IVDMD contents compared to other districts. Teff straw was a primary feed resource, yielding 4.0, 3.8 and 2.96 tons per hectare in Dembya, Gondar Zuria and Mecha, respectively, while vetch straw yields were 3.45, 1.33 and 0.6 tons per hectare. Farmers prioritized feeding plowing oxen and lactating cows during the first and third quarters of the year. In conclusion, harvesting crop residues early improves their nutritional quality, especially when paired with better storage and ensiling methods. In the study area, crop residues are more suitable as supplementary rather than primary feed. Future research should assess animal performance, such as productivity and weight gain, when fed various crop residues.