Selection and evaluation of multiple cropping oats for suitable varieties in a farming–pastoral ecotone in northern China

To select multiple oat varieties suitable for cultivation in the Hulunbuir region of China, we conducted a systematic analysis focusing on six aspects: Germination characteristics, phenological period, production performance, stem-to-leaf ratio, growth rate, and nutritional quality. To determine the selected varieties and screen the variety of resources suitable for production in experiments, we performed a grey correlation analysis of comprehensive yield and quality parameters. The results revealed that ‘Oat line 3’ was characterized by the best germination rate and germination potential. We identified certain differences in the growth periods of the different oat varieties. For example, ‘Oat line 1’ and ‘Xiangyan No.8’ matured later than the other assessed varieties. In terms of production performance, ‘Xiangyan No.13’ was found to have the best performance with respect to plant height, growth rate, and hay yield, whereas ‘Xiaoyanmai’ has the highest fresh grass yield, and ‘Xiangyan No.8’ has the lowest stem-to-leaf ratio, crude protein content, and relative feeding value, as well as the lowest yield. Comprehensive evaluation based on grey correlation statistical analysis revealed that ‘Oat line 3’, ‘Oat line 2’, ‘Xiaoyanmai’, and ‘Xiangyan No.13’ are more suitable for cultivation as multiple oat varieties. By intercropping oats, higher yields, and high-quality forage can be obtained, which can overcome the bottleneck of shortages in local livestock winter forage and shortages of high-quality forage in the development of animal husbandry. These findings are of particular significance with respect to ensuring the healthy development of animal husbandry and food security in the experimental area.