Oats "Avena sativa",
domesticated cereal grass (family
Poaceae) grown
primarily for its edible starchy grains. Oats are widely
cultivated in the
temperate regions of the world and are second only to
rye in their
ability to survive in poor soils. Although
oats are used chiefly as livestock feed, some
are processed for human consumption,
especially as breakfast foods. The plants provide good hay and,
under proper conditions, furnish excellent grazing and make good
silage (stalk feed preserved by fermentation)
