Changes in the hay production and the harvest index of Australian oat varieties

Abstract

The hay and grain yields of oat varieties currently widely grown in Australia have been compared with the old standard variety Algerian. The increased yield of the newer varieties is due almost entirely to increased grain : hay ratios (harvest index) and not to any increase in dry matter production. Only one variety in the study showed a significant improvement in dry matter production and, in this, the grain : hay ratio (harvest index) was not significantly altered.