Girma Abebe

SMALL RUMINANT PRODUCTION IN TWO MIXED-FARMING SYSTEMS OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: STATUS AND PROSPECTS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Small ruminants are an integral part of mixed-farming systems throughout southern Ethiopia. Yet, they have received little research attention or institutional support. Characterizing the existing small ruminant production systems and analysing their production constraints are important tools to diagnose the status and trends of the systems, and thus to identify areas for future interventions. A survey was conducted between April and July 2004 in the Adilo and Kofele areas of the southern mixed-farming systems of Ethiopia to explore reasons for keeping small ruminants and to evaluate the existing status of and the prospects for the small ruminant sector. Additional information was obtained during discussions with key informants who had experience of small ruminant keeping. Small ruminants fill several roles in the study area. However, the principal purpose of keeping sheep and goats was to generate cash income. Sheep milk consumption was widespread around Kofele unlike most agricultural systems in the country. Nearly all respondents in Adilo reported fattening their sheep before sale, while such a practice was uncommon in Kofele. Informal insurance schemes were evolving among the sheep keepers in Adilo, and these can be considered as entry points for future interventions. The common problem identified from both individual interviews and group discussions was feed shortage. The identification of alternative feed resources and strategic feeding management might be options for development. Small ruminant disease was the major constraint in Kofele, where marshy areas are increasingly assigned for grazing in the rainy season as suitable land is more and more used for cropping. The growing demand for meat from small ruminants, the improving transportation infrastructure and the experience of farmers in small ruminant keeping are providing opportunities to enhance the contribution of the sector. A thorough monitoring of the productive and economic performance of small ruminants is required to capture the full picture of their contribution thereby directing possible intervention areas to maximize benefits to the farmers.

Economic performance of small ruminants in mixed-farming systems of Southern Ethiopia

This study evaluates the household income contribution and the profitability of traditional small ruminant enterprises in two mixed-farming systems of southern Ethiopia (viz. Adilo and Kofele). Small ruminant production is an integral part of mixed systems in the Ethiopian highlands. The assessment of the current economic performance of small ruminants indicates production-related opportunities and constraints and provides baseline data against which the success of future interventions can be measured. Detailed information on economic parameters was gathered through a 1-year period of flock and household monitoring (155 households) between September 2005 and August 2006. Structured surveys were conducted with the participating households to elicit information on income-expense details of small ruminant and other agricultural enterprises. Small ruminants contributed considerably to cash income and to a limited extent to human nutrition especially when other sources were in short supply. The annual profit per animal ranged from 20 to 37 Ethiopian Birr. The return to capital was 17% in Kofele and 29% in Adilo, with both values vastly exceeding the national interest rate. The sale of small ruminants contributed to 39% and 23% of total farm cash income among small ruminant keepers in Adilo and Kofele, respectively. Sale prices are highest before holidays. Researches should target at how to use available feed resources in a timely and cost-effective fashion to make use of the seasonal market opportunities.

Effects and Interactions of Origin of Sheep in Ethiopia (Highland vs Lowland Areas), Feeding and Lengths of Rest and Feeding on Harvest Measures

Abstract Merera, C., Abebe, G., Sebsibe, A. and Goetsch, A.L. 2010. Effects and interactions of origin of sheep in Ethiopia (Highland vs Lowland areas), feeding and lengths of rest and feeding on harvest measures. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 37: 33–42. Yearling sheep from Highland (Arsi-Bale, H) and Lowland (Black Head Ogaden, L) areas of Ethiopia were used to determine effects and interactions of animal origin, feeding and lengths of rest and feeding on harvest measures. Ten sheep of each origin were rested for 1, 2 or 3 d after arrival at the abattoir and before slaughter with ad libitum availability of grass hay and water and an overnight fast preceding slaughter. Eighteen to 20 sheep of each origin were fed for 2, 4 or 6 weeks in length with ad libitum grass hay and a concentrate supplement at 220 g/day per animal. There was an interaction (P<0.05) between origin and the linear effect of feeding period length in average daily gain, with a much greater value for H-F2 compared with other treatments (209, 120, 125, 118, 90 and 113 g/day for H-F2, H-F4, H-F6, L-F2, L-F4 and L-F6, respectively). Hot carcass weight increased linearly with increasing length of rest (P<0.05), with a tendency (P<0.09) for greater change for H vs L animals and the effect (P<0.05) of feeding vs rest (8.09, 8.34, 8.73, 7.88, 8.19, 8.02, 9.08, 8.54, 9.13, 8.17, 8.03 and 8.57 kg for H-R1, H-R2, H-R3, L-R1, L-R2, L-R3, H-F2, H-F4, H-F6, L-F2, L-F4 and L-F6, respectively). Carcass pH or instrumental color did not change due to treatment. In conclusion, there is considerable opportunity to increase carcass weight of H by manipulating periods of rest after arrival at the abattoir and before slaughter longer than 1 day. Moreover, 2 weeks of feeding H sheep markedly increased carcass weight.

Performance and Harvest Measures of Somali and Arsi-Bale Goats Managed Under Three Feeding Systems in Ethiopia

Abstract Legesse, G., Abebe, G. and Goetsch, A.L. 2006. Performance and harvest measures of Somali and Arsi-Bale goats managed under three feeding systems in Ethiopia. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 5–12. Forty-eight intact male goats, approximately 9 months of age, were used in an 84-day experiment to determine effects and interactions of genotype [27 Arsi-Bale and 21 Somali, with mean initial body weight (BW) of 14.1 and 15.9 kg, respectively (SE=0.39)] and feeding system (intensive, semi-intensive and extensive) on growth performance and harvest measures. Goats on the intensive (I) treatment were confined in individual pens and fed Rhodesgrass hay supplemented with 300 g/day (air-dry) of a concentrate mixture; semi-intensive (S) goats grazed grass pasture for 7 h/day and were supplemented with 300 g/day of concentrate; and goats on the extensive (E) treatment grazed grass pasture for 8 h daily. There were no significant interactions between genotype and feeding system. Average daily gain (ADG) ranked (P<0.05) S > I > E (54, 32, and 5 g) and was greater (P<0.06) for Somali than for Arsi-Bale goats (34 vs 27 g). Hot carcass dressing percentage among feeding systems was lowest (P<0.05) for E (42.6, 43.3 and 38.8% for I, S and E, respectively). Carcasses of Somali goats were lower (P<0.05) in separable lean tissue (55.3 vs 58.9%) and higher in fat (P<0.05; 14.0 vs 11.0%) compared with Arsi-Bale carcasses. Carcass separable lean concentration ranked (P<0.05) S (62.2%) > I (57.5%) > E (51.6%), fat among feeding systems was greatest (P<0.05) for I (15.3, 11.2 and 10.9% for I, S and E, respectively) and bone was greatest (P<0.05) for E (27.3, 26.6 and 37.5% for I, S and E, respectively). In conclusion, ADG of male Somali and Arsi-Bale goats was similarly affected by the different feeding systems, with Somali goats yielding greater final BW than Arsi-Bale as a function of both greater initial BW and ADG during the experiment. Feeding system can impact not only growth performance but also carcass characteristics that may influence consumer appeal.

Prevalence of mastitis and brucellosis in cattle in Awassa and the peri-urban areas of two smaller towns.

The prevalence of mastitis and brucellosis in urban and peri‐urban settings was studied in Awassa and two smaller nearby towns in southern Ethiopia, because milk‐born diseases are causing a risk for human health, besides direct impacts on animal production. Mastitis was investigated by examining 80 cows (320 udder quarters) using California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC). The prevalence of brucellosis was assessed by sampling 177 cattle in Awassa and its peri‐urban areas using serological methods. Logistic regression was used to analyse risk factors associated with mastitis. Prevalence of clinical mastitis on quarter level was 0.9%, and 1.9% of quarters were non‐functional or blocked. Prevalence of sub‐clinical mastitis at quarter level in urban and peri‐urban areas was significantly different (P < 0.05). Cows in large herds and at advanced lactation number were associated with higher risk of infection. The percentage of quarters positive on CMT (42.5%) was close to the percentage‐positive detected by SCC (41.2%). Prevalence of brucellosis was 3.9% in the peri‐urban area, while no brucellosis cases were detected in Awassa. More frequent use of artificial insemination in the urban than in peri‐urban area might have contributed to the absence of brucellosis in the urban location. The extent of mastitis is, however, a threat to the dairy enterprise in and around Awassa. Pasteurization of milk and milk products is indicated in some parts of the area because of the danger of brucellosis.

Influences of non-genetic factors on early growth of Adilo lambs under smallholder management systems, southern Ethiopia

Stagnant early growth and mortality are the major impediments for sheep production in southern Ethiopia. We evaluated the effects of non-genetic factors on early growth performance of lambs in Halaba district with 467 lambs owned by 60 households. Body weights (kilograms) of lambs at birth, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days were 2.30 ± 0.03, 4.45 ± 0.11, 6.94 ± 0.13, 10.4 ± 0.19, 13.3 ± 0.19, and 15.7 ± 0.20, respectively. The average daily gain (ADG; gram) from birth to 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days were 71.18 ± 8.18, 77.18 ± 2.19, 89.20 ± 1.98, 91.18 ± 1.51, and 90.68 ± 1.27, respectively. Season effect was significant (p < 0.05) for weight at birth, 30, and 120 days. Similarly, season of birth influenced (p < 0.05) ADG (gram) at all ages except from birth to 60 days. Single-born lambs were heavier over multiple births (p < 0.01), 90 (p < 0.001) and 120 days (p < 0.05) and higher (p < 0.001) ADG from birth to 90 days. There were significant interaction effects of parity by sex at birth (p < 0.01) and parity by type of birth (p < 0.001) and 90 days (p < 0.01). From the non-genetic factors estimated in this study, season and type of birth, and their interaction had a more profound effect at early growth of lambs, and they need to be considered in the improvement plan of sheep under Halaba arid to semi-arid environments. Efforts geared towards planned breeding, improved nutrition, and health would assist farmers to exploit these indigenous and adaptable sheep resources efficiently.

Constraints and challenges of meeting the water requirements of livestock in Ethiopia: cases of Lume and Siraro districts

Compared to the total water use in livestock production systems, water for livestock drinking is small in amount but is an important requirement for health and productivity of animals. This study was carried out to assess constraints and challenges of meeting drinking water requirements of livestock in rural mixed smallholder crop–livestock farming districts in the Ethiopian Rift Valley area. Data was collected by individual interviews with randomly selected respondents and farmer group discussions. Farmers ranked feed and water scarcity as the two most important constraints for livestock husbandry, although the ranking order differed between districts and villages. Poor quality water was a concern for the communities in proximity to urban settlements or industrial establishments. Water provision for livestock was challenging during the dry season, since alternative water sources dried up or were polluted. Though rainwater harvesting by dugout constructions was practiced to cope with water scarcity, farmers indicated that mismanagement of the harvested water was posing health risks on both livestock and people. A sustainable water provision for livestock in the area, thus, depends on use of different water sources (intermittent or perennial) that should be properly managed. Industrial establishments should adopt an environment-friendly production to minimize pollution of water resources used for livestock consumption. Technical support to farmers is required in proper design and use of existing rainwater harvesting systems. Further investigations are recommended on effect of poor quality water (perceived by farmers) on performance of livestock.

Early growth of Adilo kids under smallholder management systems, southern Ethiopia: influences of non-genetic factors.

| Sluggish early growth and mortality are the major constraints for goat production in Ethiopia. We evaluated the effects of non–genetic factors on early growth performance of kids in Adilo district of southern Ethiopia with 587 kids owned by 60 households. Body weight (kilograms) of kids at birth, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days were 2.34+0.03, 4.39+0.10, 6.61+0.14, 9.85+0.29, 11.8+0.24 and 13.7+0.24, respectively, while the average daily gain (ADG; gram) from birth to 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days were 68.3+3.02, 70.4+2.16, 82.3+3.18, 78.3+1.93 and 75.0+1.54, respectively. Season had profound effect on body weights of kids at all ages (except at 120 days) and ADG. There was significant sex effect (P<0.05) on body weights at 30 to 120 days. Except at weaning age (90 days), parity effect was important on body weights of kids. Type of birth influenced pre–weaning body weights (P<0.05) and ADG from birth to 30, 60 days (P<0.01), and birth to 90 days (P<0.05). There were significant (P<0.05) effects of parity by sex and parity by type of birth on body weights and ADG at weaning. The non–genetic factors evaluated in this study are important sources of variation and need to be taken into account in the improvement plan of Adilo goats under semi–arid tropical conditions. Efforts geared towards improved prolificacy (through dam age management), improved nutrition and healthcare would help farmers to exploit these huge indigenous goat genetic resources efficiently. Deribe Gemiyo Talore1*, Girma abebe2, azaGe TeGeGne3 Early Growth of Adilo Kids under Smallholder Management Systems, Southern Ethiopia: Influences of Non–Genetic Factors Editor | Kuldeep Dhama, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh, India. Received | May 09, 2014; Revised | September 04, 2014; Accepted | September 06, 2014; Published | September 30, 2014 *Correspondence | Deribe Gemiyo Talore, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Ethiopia; Email: deribeg2000@yahoo.com Citation | Talore DG, Abebe G, Tegegne A (2014). Early growth of Adilo kids under smallholder management systems, Southern Ethiopia: Influences of non– genetic factors. Adv. Anim. Vet. Sci. 2 (8): 468-476 DOI | http://dx.doi.org/10.14737/journal.aavs/2014/2.8.468.476 ISSN (Online) | 2307-8316; ISSN (Print) | 2309-3331 Copyright

Performance of 4-way cross-bred Ethiopian and exotic chicken breeds in two management systems in Southern Ethiopia

Two indigenous chicken breeds: naked neck (N) and local white (W) feathered chicken called Netch as sire lines and two exotic chicken breeds: Fayoumi (F) and Rhode Island Red (R) as dam lines were crossed with the objective of producing 4-way cross-bred chicken population, which will later be used as base population to produce synthetic chickens. They were tested under on-station conditions in a college farm and under on-farm conditions at several typical village farms. Mortality during brooding period was lower under on-farm than on-station conditions, which may be owing to housing of the chicks in hay box-brooder on-farm and the coccidiosis infection on-station. However, higher on-farm mortality was observed during the laying period than on-station; mainly because of predation. There was a significant difference between the two systems in recorded body weight from early age to maturity. Age at first egg was lower on-farm than on-station. Average number of eggs produced was not significantly different; although chickens on-station laid more eggs than those on-farm. Hen-housed egg production was lower on-farm than on-station owing to higher mortality in the on-farm system.