Morphologic, yield and quality parameters of some annual forages as sole crops and intercropping mixtures in dry conditions for livestock

Sole annual legumes, cereals and intercropping mixture of annual legumes and cereals are intensively cultivated in the world for forage production. An experiment was carried out to compare morphological, yield and quality parameters of sole Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz.), sole oat (Avena sativa L.), sole rye (Secale cereale L.), Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz.) + oat (Avena sativa L.), Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz.) + rye (Secale cereale L.), Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz.) + barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz.) + wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) intercropping mixture in Kelkit Aydin Doǧan Vocational Training School at Gümüşhane University of Turkey in dry and manure conditions during 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 years. Sole rye and Hungarian vetch + rye intercropping mixture had the highest stem density. The highest cereal flag leaf lengths were in wheat in intercropping mixture, sole oat and oat in intercropping mixture. Rye in intercropping mixture and sole rye had the highest cereal length. The highest legume ratio was found in Hungarian vetch + oat intercropping mixture. Sole rye and Hungarian vetch + rye intercropping mixture had the highest fresh and hay yield. The highest crude protein yield was obtained in Hungarian vetch + oat intercropping mixture. Sole Hungarian vetch and Hungarian vetch + barley intercropping mixture had the highest crude protein content. The lowest acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents were gained in sole Hungarian vetch. Farmers in terms of yield may choose cultivation of sole rye and Hungarian vetch + rye intercropping mixture. Also in terms of quality, they may choose cultivation of sole Hungarian vetch and Hungarian vetch + oat intercropping mixture in dry and manure conditions.