Browsing by Author "Gebeyehu Goshu"

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    Assessment of Sheep and Goat Production in Yabello and Cause of Organ Condemnation and Food Safety in Retail Meat Shops and Export Abattoirs in Modjo Town, Ethiopia
    (2019-06) Teshale Fekadu; Gebeyehu Goshu
    A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2018 to May 2019, using semi-structured questionnaire from Yabello woreda in purposively selected kebeles. All participants respond that sheep and goats were used natural pasture freely available at winter and summer, watering available in winter and summer is available once in 2 days and once in 3 days respectively. The average of marketing sheep and goat were 7-12 months, Farmers reason for typically marketing animals the majority of respondents rank that 1st for purpose immediate cash, 2nd family health care, 3rd children schooling and closing. Infectious disease outbreak were the major cause of mortality for production area. Most liver, lungs, heart, kidney, tongue, and carcasses were condemned in case of infectious, noninfectious and parasites, additionally abscess, pericarditis, nephritis, pneumonia, calcification, emphysema, hydatid cyst and discoloration were the major Couse for organs and carcass condemnation. Frequently rejected organs were lung 165 (55.3%), liver 138 (46.3%), kidney 55 (18.5%), heart 42 (14.1%), and tongue 43 (14.4%) in both species. Estimated annual financial loss was computed based on the annual slaughter rate of both species, average cost of condemned organ and carcass during the study period and condemnation rate of the slaughter house. The annual financial loss in both sheep and goat was estimated to be 765,154.29 USD from domestic and international markets. Among 164 meat handlers were interviewed by using structured questionnaire to determine the food safety knowledge, attitude and practices in export abattoirs and retail meat shops of Modjo Town. Majority of the meat handlers in retail meat shops were illiterate 34.4% and primary school level 28.1%. And only two respondents (3.2%) are attained college education all participants’ duty of the meat handlers has 100.0% butchers in retail meat shop. The most of the respondents export abattoir meat handlers are butchers 69.0%, and followed by 20.0% of Meat inspectors and 3.3% of each production manager and sanitary. The knowledge of hand wash before handling meat reduce risk of contamination with age of respondents was significant.
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    Assessment of Smallholder Dairy Production Systems and Major Reproductive Health Disorders of Dairy Cattle in East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia
    (2015-06) Misgana Duguma; Gebeyehu Goshu
    A combination of cross-sectional, longitudinal and retrospective study was conducted in Guto Gida (Urban and Peri-Urban) and Leka Dullacha (rural) districts, East Wollega zone from December 2014 to March 2015 with the objectives to assess smallholder dairy cattle production systems, identify major reproductive health disorders and estimate milk production performance of dairy cows in smallholder dairy farms in and around Nekemte town. A total of 105 households were individually interviewed with follow up of 36 pregnant and 56 milking dairy cows. The chemical composition and nutritive value of four different hulls of pulse crops were analyzed. An average family size, land holding and herd size of the respondents were 6.07±2.11persons, 2.34±1.9 hectare and 12.19± 7.6 heads of cattle per household respectively. Land shortage, seasonal feed scarcity, ineffective crossbreeding and disease prevalence were among the major constraints of smallholder dairy cattle production in the study area. Trypanosomosis, Lumpy skin disease, Black leg, Pasteurellosis, Anthrax, Foot and Mouth Disease and ecto-parasite were the prevalent diseases and parasite of cattle in the study area. Out of 36 reproductive cases, 23(63.88%) of the cases was normal parturition with no history of reproductive health problem. The other, 13 cases were reproductive health disorders. From a total of 129 dairy cows (36 terminated pregnancy) 13(36.1%) were having at least one of the reproductive health disorders. Retained fetal membrane was frequently observed with the magnitude of 7(19.44%) among the cases, followed by abortion (8.33%) and dystocia (5.55%). A retrospective clinical case based prevalence of reproductive health problems at Guto Gida and Getema vet clinics were 56(2.1%) and 164(7.13%) respectively. The average daily milk yield of local Horro, HF cross and Jersey cross cows was 3.1±0.88, 8.7±0.55 and 5.8±1.68 liters per day. Both management system and herd size significantly affect lactation length and milk yield (P <0.05). The average crude protein and organic matter digestibility content of pulse crops hulls showed 12.43% and 73.59%. Generally the status of smallholder dairy cattle production in the study area was poor and constrained by feed scarcity and lack of improved breeding system. Interventions with improved dairy extension packages may minimize the constraints and improve milk production.
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    Camel Production Practices, Processing and Marketing Along with its Blended Cheese with Bovine Milk in Borena and Guji Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023) Abebe Gemechu; Gebeyehu Goshu
    The current study was conducted on camel milk production practices, processing and marketing along with it blended cheese with bovine milk with the objective of assessing camel milk handling, utilization, processing practice, marketing in selected districts of Borena, East Guji, and West Guji Zone, and evaluating the impact of milk blend on physico- chemical composition of milk and cheese, sensory attributes, time of coagulation and cheese yield. For the purpose of gathering data, 160 respondents from four Zones districts were chosen. The administration of a cross-sectional survey design was used to acquire primary data using deliberate sampling strategies. The majority of participants in the data collection were between the ages of 40 and 50 (41.2%), with a mean family size of five person and camel ownership (13head of the camel). Male respondents made up 45% of the total respondents, while female respondents made up 55% of the group. The majority of respondents (51.3%) could not read or write. In the current study, the overall ranges of milk production (4-13 liters per day), caving interval (12-68 months), milking duration per day (2-4), and lactation length (6-24 months). The traditional methods of preservation utilized by the Borana and Guji communities were washing and smoking the vessels (100%), storing milk in a frigid/cold/ environment (78.75%), and boiling (27.5%). nother activity they have been performing is combining camel milk with cow or goat milk (15.00%) and turning it into sour milk (chuuchee) (94.36%). The traditional containers used for milking and storage by smoking with various plant components include the sorora, gorfa, okole, and plastic jug. Camel milk has been utilized in the areas to cure coughing (60.6), uterine contractions in women (65.5%), malaria (73.1%), and constipation (68.1%). A major obstacle and problem in the districts, meanwhile, has been the spread of understanding about camel dairy processing and development. To reduce the effect of lactation stage on milk composition, a sample of milk was Obtained from pastoral communities of Gomole district in the Borena zone using stratified sampling rocedures. The cheese was made using a starter culture (Thermophilic culture STI- 12) and camel chymosin with a blend of camel and cow milk. Prior to the creation of the cheese, the chemical composition of the milk used was examined. Cheese's physicochemical characteristics were also assessed. When compared to the other milk a sample, the yield of cheese made from 100% camel milk (T1) was considerably lower (P <0.05). Higher values were seen in treatments that combined 25% camel milk with 75% cow milk and 100% cow milk, significantly (P<0.05). When compared to the other milk samples under treatments T2, T3, T4, and T5, pure camel milk (T1) coagulated in significantly longer (P<0.05) time (210 minutes), but pure cow milk (T5) coagulated in significantly shorter (P<0.05) time (95.67 minutes). In all of the study's treatments, there were significant variations in the physico-chemical composition of raw milk (p 0.05), in TS, TA, Fat and Ash. Cheese may demonstrate the effects of the camel blend if protein, fat, totals solids, and ash content improved significantly (p<0.05). The significance (p<0.05) boost in cheese's protein, fat, total solids, and ash content could indicate how camel milk has influenced cheese production. Diseases, occasionally appearances of dough and bush encroachment are the critical problems in camel milk production in the area. The combination of camel milk with cow milk brought the significant improvement in physicochemical properties of cheese, coagulation time and efficiency cheese recovery from camel milk. Also the present of cow milk in blend made the cheese to have a great sound in overall acceptances of the cheese. However, to obtain a cheese of camel milk with a good curd, fifty and more percentages of cow milk should be mixed.
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    Characterization of Cattle Fattening and Marketing Systems and Nutritional Quality of Sorghum Stover Ensiled with Effective Micoorganisms (Em) And Urea in West Hararghe, Ethiopia
    (2018-03) Daniel Taddesse; Gebeyehu Goshu
    The study was carried out in Chiro, Gemechis, Habro and Tullo woredas of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia from 12 March, 2015 upto 25 March, 2016. The objective of the study was to characterize the cattle fattening and marketing systems and investigate the nutritional quality of sorghum stover treated and ensiled with Effective microorganisms (EM) and urea. To obtain quantitative and qualitative data, survey questionnaire, focus group discussion, key informant interview, personal observations and secondary data collection were done. A total of 160 household respondents; 81 from four highland and 79 from four mid-altitude rural kebeles each respondent having at least one fattening cattle at the time of study were interviewed. The survey result indicated that crop and livestock production was the major source of income in the study woredas. Feeding and watering, cleaning the shelter, health care and marketing were the routine cattle fattening activities performed primarily by husband and wife; wife and children; and husbands, respectively. Thinning of maize and sorghum, grass and weeds in wet season and maize and sorghum stover in the dry season were the major feed resources. Storing crop residues were the main coping mechanism during the critical feed shortage months. Feed shortage, shortage of grazing land, water shortage, low selling price and diseases were ranked as major constraints of cattle fattening practices in the study areas. Dried and chopped sorghum stover each weighing 5kg was treated with urea, EM (Effective microorganism) and urea and EM mixture solutions and ensiled in plastic bags for 21 days. Each treatment was replicated 3 times. The ensiling, in-vitro and in-sacco experiments were conducted using completely randomized design (CRD). The nutritive quality analysis of sorghum stover showed that the pH values of the treated stover were 4.17, 4.30 and 4.27 for EM treated (T2), Urea treated (T3) and EM plus urea treated sorghum stover (T4), respectively. In all treated stover, fungus development was not observed. The organic matter (OM) and NDF values of all treatment types decreased (90.83, 91.7 and 91.67%) and (73.83, 72.23 and 75.00%), respectively but the CP (5.33, 12.97 and 8.73%) and Ash (9.17, 8.30 and 8.33%) increased for T2, T3 and T4, respectively compared to control sorghum stover (T1). The in vitro DMD values showed that treatments T2, T3 and T4 had significant variation with the control, however, T3 showed the highest in vitro DMD value. Ensiling sorghum stover with these additives generally improved the nutritive value. However, T3 had significantly increased CP and in vitro DMD values. The in sacco DM degradability parameters increased by the additives treatment as compared to T1. Urea treatment showed the highest soluble (36.53%), insoluble but potentially soluble (49.51%), potential degradability (86.04%) and effective degradability (63.39%) fractions than the other treatments. The DM degradation increased with increasing the incubation time across all treatments. The rate of degradation decreased in the order of T3 > T4 > T2 > T1. All the treatments had improved the nutritive value of the sorghum stover. However, the urea treatment was more effective in improving the chemical composition and degradability of sorghum stover. In general, legal protection, technical support and credit facility should be available to the major market participants at woreda level. In addition, treatment of sorghum stover with urea for dry season feeding of cattle is recommended.
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    Characterization of Smallholder Dairy Production and Cow Milk Quality in Kombolcha District, South Wolo, Ethiopia
    (2020-06) Merema Siber; Gebeyehu Goshu
    A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and peri-urban area of north eastern Ethiopia from November 2019 to April 2020 with the objectives to characterize smallholder dairy cattle production systems and to assess the quality of milk at farm gate and milk collection centers in Kombolcha districts. Totally, 158 randomly selected smallholder farmers from urban and peri-urban areas were included in the study. Data were collected through questionnaire, observation and milk quality analysis. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyze the data. Sixty milk samples were collected and the analysis of microbiological and physical property was analysis. In peri-urban areas, the majority 10 (20.4%) of the respondents keep cattle for milk sale and in urban area the majority 15 (30.6%) keep cattle for asset. About 41.8 % of the farmers use both AI and bull service whereas 30.6 % use natural mating and 27.6 % of them artificial insemination. Mastitis, Blackleg, Bovine-Pasteurellosis, bloat were the prevalent diseases of cattle in the study area. All of the farmers (51.1%) were using separate house type barn for their cows and milking in their house. More of dairy producers (88.8%) washed their hands before milking while the rest 11.2% did not wash their hands. The overall mean microbiological count of log (TBC cfu/ml), log (CC cfu/ml) and log (SCC/ml) of raw milk was 6.88±0.17, 4.85±0.10 and 5.84 ±0.18, respectively. The pH of all the milk samples collected from MP, MC was found to be 6.65±0.04, 6.67±0.05, respectively. The mean specific gravity of raw milk samples collected from milk producers and milk collection center was 1.029±0.002 and 1.028±0.002, respectively. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) within the specific gravity of milk collected from milk producer and milk collection center.
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    Comparative Study of Production and Reproductive Performance of Parent Stock and Commercial Layer Chickens Under Different Management Conditions in Ethiopia
    (2019-08) Dawud Ibrahim; Gebeyehu Goshu
    A total of 6 parent stocks (PS) bred by European companies, and 1 local PS, females and males of 7 commercial (ComL) and 3 experimental (ExpCr) crossbreeds were evaluated under Ethiopian condition for their production and reproductive performance. The ExpCr obtained by crossing one parental line with another here in referred to as experimental Crosses were compared with progenies of parents ComL and evaluated for their (females' eggs and males' meat) production performances. The study was conducted in two locations; Debre Zeit research center and Hawassa University. The imported PS and ComL were Lohmann-Brown Classic (LB), Lohmann-Dual (LD), NOVOgen-Brown (NB), NOVOgen-Color (NC), Dominant-Sussex (DS), Dominant-Red-Barred (DR); Koekoek (KK) was obtained locally. The ExpCr were Dominant red Barred female × Koekoek male (DR×KK), Dominant Sussex female × Dominant red Barred male (DS×DR) and Koekoek female × Dominant Sussex male (KK×DS). Females and males of both the PSs and ComL and ExpCr were evaluated for feed intake, body weight, egg production, fertility and hatchability, males‟ relative organ weights in percent and their primal cuts and mortality. Additionally, three ExpCr, ♀DR×♂KK, ♀DS×♂DR, and ♀KK×♂DS were evaluated for fertility and hatchability. In total, 1810 females and 261 males parents were arranged in a randomized blocks design in DZARC, whereas a total of 600 females and 75 males parents at HU arranged in a completely randomized design, in females' eggs and males' meat used a total of 621 females and 516 males using a completely randomized design for on-station trials and a total of 4200 females and males using in a completely randomized design for on-farm trials. There were differences among PS in body weight (BW), feed intake, age of sexual maturity, egg production,fertility and hatchability in DZARC. Among females, DR and DS had the higher BW, whereas LB, NB and NC had the lower BW. Final mean BW of the meat-type males of NC and LD, were the higher (5027g and 3660g, respectively) whereas other males ranged from 2585g to 2955g. Fertility and hatchability of DR, DS and KK, where females and males have the same genetics, was improved by 6.3% in the crosses of these hens with males from different PS. The LD hens exhibited the higher overall laying rate (64.2%), and with AI, LD hatchability of set eggs (66.6%) was the higher, making it the best chick producer. There were significant (P<0.05) effects of PS, age and PS by age interactions at all stages of the laying phases in terms of feed intake, fertility, hatchability, body weight of females and males, and egg production at HU. Significantly highest average female body weight was recorded in DR, followed by DS and KK. Among the average male body weight of LD was significantly higher than other PS, followed by DR, KK and DS, the lower average male body weights were recorded in LB. The average egg production of LB and LD were significantly higher than the rest, followed by KK, DS and DR. DR, DS, KK and LB were higher in egg fertility and hatchability per set eggs, followed by LD. LB exhibited the potential to produce more total number of eggs (about 181.8), followed by KKDS (about 162.3), While others were intermediates; however, the lower total numbers of eggs per hen was recorded in DS and LD under on station condition. Significantly higher BW-M and % dressed was recorded in NC and making NC the best males‟ meat producer or meatiness, followed by NB. For an on-farm trial, the analysis was done with 50% in females‟ production and 76.2% in male meat production of the participant farmers due to dropped out circumstances. The NB was the best in egg production, lower in feed intake, higher in egg mass and better in FCR, followed by LB and NC, while DS was the least in egg production, body weight and with other parameters. Significantly higher body weight of males and average body weight gain were recorded DR, KK and NB, followed by NC; while LB and DS was intermediate in these on-farm trials. Thus, despite its high total feed intake (but similar to those PS of DR, DS and KK), LD was the best PS in this study (followed by DR) under floor pen management in Ethiopia. In case of their progeny, LB and KKDS performed well in egg productions, while NC was the best male meat producer or meatiness, followed by NB.
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    Comparative Study of Reproductive and Productive Performance of Holstein Friesian Dairy Cows at Holeta Bull Dam Station and Genesis Farms
    (AAU, 2014-06) Alewya Heyredin; Gebeyehu Goshu
    The study was conducted at Holeta Bull Dam tation and G nesis Farm with the objective of evaluating age at first effective service (AF ) age at first calving (AF ), days open (DO), number of service per conception (N ), calving interval (CI), lactation milk yield (LMY) and lactation length (LL). Data recorded in the Holeta Bull Dam Station from 1997 to 2003 and in Genesis arms from1996 to 2005was used for this study. the independent variables considered included location, birth year and season calving year and season and parity while AF , AF , DO cr, N , LMY and LL were the dependent variables. Data were analyzed using The General Linear Models procedure (GLM) of the Statistical Analy is System (A 2002). The results indicated that the overall least squares means (± standard error) of AF , AFC, D , cr, N C, LMY and LL were 733 ±16 days, 1001 ± 17days, 202 ± 13 days, 470 ±12day , 2 ± 1, 4097± 1491liters and 301±91days, respcctively. Location had highly significant (p
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    Dairy Feed Resources and Mineral Assessment in Selected Districts of East Shoa Zone Effects of Dicalcium Phosphate Supplementation on Milk Yield and Composition in Crossbred Dairy Cows
    (2020-06) Wondewsen Bekele; Gebeyehu Goshu
    The present study conducted to assess dairy feed resources mineral composition and dairy cow blood mineral profiles in selected districts of East Shoa Zone, and assess the effects of dicalcium phosphate supplementation on milk yield and composition in Crossbred Dairy Cows. The whole work was conducted in two major parts with sub-activities in each part. The first activity of part one was surveyed to assess the socioeconomic status of dairy farmers and feed resources available with feeding patterns in the urban and peri-urban production system of Ada’a and Adama district. The second activity of part one was minerals profile assessment both from dairy feeds resources and from dairy cow serum at different physiological status. The assessment was performed in a wet and dry season of the year. Part two was on-station mineral supplementation experimental trial to investigate the effect of mineral supplementation on blood, feed, milk, urine and feces mineral profile, feed intake, milk yield and composition of crossbred dairy cows. For part one, the sampling frame comprises farmers keeping crossbred dairy cows and a total of 250 households were purposively selected. The study districts and the production systems (urban and peri-urban) were selected purposively based on the availability of dairy farms, having crossbreed dairy cows. A total of 240 blood samples (120 at dry and 120 at wet season) and 140 feed samples were collected from the dairy farms where blood was taken. Feed samples were categorized based on the production system and seasons and were dried and grounded. The grounded feed samples and serum were stored at -200C until to be analyzed. The serum and feed samples were analyzed for Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and Cobalt (Co). The mean value of calcium ranges from (0.13 to 0.55 %); (0.14 to 0.64 %); (0.34 to 0.69 %) respectively, in roughage, Cereal grain & oilseed cakes and non-conventional. Out of the total feeds analyzed 26.92%, roughage (natural grass hay, sugar cane tops, and silage) and 66.15% cereal grain & oilseed cakes, showed deficiency in Ca. The mean magnesium and Iron values were not deficient in analyzed feeds. The mean Copper concentrations were ranges from in (6.99 to 10.65 ppm); (6.67 to 8.78 ppm); (6.31 to 9.72 ppm) respectively, roughages, Cereal grain & oilseed cakes and non-conventional. When the Cu concentration values are compared to the critical value (<8ppm) of feeds analyzed, 19.23%, 79.92% and 65.22% for roughage concentrate and non-conventional feeds respectively, were found to be deficient in Cu. The mean Iron concentrations varied in roughages (68.5 to 176.80 ppm); concentrate (73.94 to 174.81 ppm) and non-conventional (65.92 to 157.93 ppm) DM, respectively. When those values are compared to the critical value of (50 ppm) of feeds analyzed only 48.1% and 34.8% for roughage (natural pasture, Pennisetumpurpureum), sugar cane top) and non-conventional feeds (brewery by-products industrial), respectively, were found to be deficient in Zn. The interaction effect of dairy feeds, for most analyzed feed samples, were significantly different (P<0.05) for all Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Fe, and Zn within the study districts. Similarly, the interaction effect between feed types and production systems were significantly different (P<0.05) for Ca, P, Mg, Cu, and Zn. Moreover, the interaction xxi effect of feed and sampling season was significantly different (P<0.05) for Ca, P, Mg, and Zn. Therefore, in this study minerals most widely present in inadequate amounts were Ca, P, Cu Zn and Co indifferent proportion based on seasons. Likewise, the overall mean blood serum concentration result was 0.080,0.082g/L for lactating and 0.090, 0.081g/L for dry dairy cows in the dry and wet season, respectively for Ada’a and Adama district. In lactating and dry cows, in both districts mean serum calcium concentration was very close to a critical level (CL) or close to borderline to develop clinical signs of hypocalcemia. The overall percentage of Ca deficiency based on the critical level (23.34, 29.32%); (23.34, 18.54%) for lactating cows and (7.12, 8.32%); (11.13, 6.34%) for dry cow were deficient in Ca in urban and peri-urban Ada’a and Adama districts, respectively. Likewise, seasonally Ca deficiency was (26.67, 21.67%); (31.67, 27.67%) for the dry season and (11.67, 26.67%); (34.67, 16.67%) wet season in urban and peri-urban Ada’a and Adama districts, respectively. Moreover, Ca in serum P, Cu, and Co were deficient from collected samples during the study period. Whereas, based on the mean value serum concentration of Mg, Zn, Fe was sufficient in the production system and season. Likewise, overall mean serum phosphorus was (0.037, 0.039 g/L) for lactating cows during dry and wet season whereas, (0.038, 0.037 g/L) for dry dairy cows in the dry and wet season, respectively. The difference in mean serum magnesium was significant (P<0.05) within the production system, the physiological state of dairy cows and seasons. Similarly, the difference in serum copper, Fe, and Zn level was statistically significant (p<0.05) based on the physiology of cows, production system and season. In Part II dicalcium phosphate-18% was supplemented for 120 days of feeding trial period classified into four periods which consists of 30 days each (16 days of adaptation and 14days of data collection) and at different levels (0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9%) in lactating cows in their 1st- 4th lactation stage using 4X4 Latin square design. The effect of mineral supplementation was evaluated by taking blood, milk, urine, feces, feed refusals for laboratory analysis. Results of the present study revealed that supplementation of 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9% dicalcium phosphate with the concentrate mix was improving dry matter intake, digestibility of nutrients in lactating dairy cows compared to the controls. However, increasing the level of supplementation affect milk production, and composition compared to non-supplemented groups except SNF. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between treatment groups in serum phosphorus. No difference between treatment groups was observed for serum calcium. Finally, from the current finding, it could be concluded.Ca, P, Cu, Zn, and Co was found deficient in dairy feed. Similarly, serum samples showed Ca, P, Cu, and Co to be below the critical level or close to lower borderline. While, the levels of Mg, Fe and Zn were sufficient to meet estimated nutritional requirements for dairy cows. The level of Co concentration was even not detected both on feed and blood samples, which indicate Co was below the critical level. The amount of minerals in analyzed feed significantly varies by study districts and season. Supplementation of 0.3% of 0.6%, 0.9% dicalcium phosphate with the concentrate mix was improving dry matter and nutrient intake. Supplementation of DCP-18% significantly increase milk production, and composition compared.Therefore, supplementation regimes of these mineral elements are very likely to improve production, and reproduction efficiency. However, research that covers a wider area and that asses the effect of other mineral supplementation should be conducted.
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    Estimation of Heterosis, Combining Ability and Reciprocal Effects for Production, Reproduction, Carcass Characteristics and Egg Quality Traits in four Genetic Groups of Chicken from a Full Diallel Cross
    (Addis Abeba University, 2026) Philimon Teshome; Gebeyehu Goshu
    Crossbreeding is an effective strategy for improving productivity and adaptability of chickens under diverse production environments. This study evaluated heterotic effects (He ), general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), reciprocal effects (RE), and maternal effects (Me ) for production, reproduction, carcass characteristics, and egg quality traits in a 4×4 full diallel cross involving four chicken breeds: Improved Horro (H), Commercial Sasso (S), Potchefstroom Koekoek (K), and Dzwhite feathered (D). The experiment was conducted at the poultry research farm of Werer Agricultural Research Center (WARC), located in Amibara Woreda of the Afar Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 960 purebred and F1 hybrid chickens representing sixteen genetic groups were reared in a completely randomized design to evaluate growth performance, with body weight (BW) recorded from hatch to 14 weeks of age. At 24 weeks, 288 chickens (144 males and 144 females), comprising 18 birds per genotype (9 males and 9 females), were used for carcass component analysis. Fertility and hatchability traits were monitored throughout the incubation period. Egg production data were collected from 672 hens, with eggs recorded twice daily from the onset of lay until 40 weeks of age to determine egg production. Egg quality traits were evaluated using 480 eggs (30 eggs per genetic group) randomly sampled at peak production (32 weeks of age). Heterosis estimates revealed that crosses between S males and K or D females (including reciprocals) exhibited the strongest positive He for BW throughout the growth period, whereas K×D crosses showed negative H , and H×K crosses displayed low and showed decreasing trend after WK 10. The GCA effects were highly significant (P < 0.0001), underscoring the importance of additive gene effects on BW, while SCA significantly influenced early-age BW (hatch, WK 2, 4, and 10), highlighting non-additive genetic contributions. The RE was significant only at hatch, WK 2, and WK 10, suggesting transient maternal or paternal influences. These findings suggest prioritizing parental GCA for consistent BW gains and developing broiler lines from S sires crossed with K or D dams and H sires with S dams. Carcass traits showed moderate to high heterosis in several crosses, particularly H×S, S×K, S×D, and H×K, with strongerresponses in males. The S breed exhibited the highest positive GCA for slaughter, dressed, and eviscerated weights, while H showed negative GCA effects. Favorable SCA estimates were observed mainly in H×S, S×K, and K×D, and significant reciprocal effects indicated important maternal influences. Reproductive traits showed generally positive heterosis, with H×K and H×S crosses exhibiting superior fertility and hatchability. Genotype K showed the highest positive GCA for fertility and hatchability traits, whereas H showed negative GCA effects. The H×K cross demonstrated the best SCA for reproductive performance, and significant reciprocal effects confirmed the importance of cross direction. For egg production traits, 800 chickens were evaluated over 40 WK, with significant genotypic variations (P < 0.0001) in age at first egg (AFE), body weight at sexual maturity (BWSM), egg weight at first egg (EWAFE), egg number (EN), hen-housed egg production (HHEP), hen-day egg production (HDEP), and egg mass (EM). Heterosis varied widely: BWSM and EM showed positive He in most crosses, while AFE consistently exhibited negative He . Notably, the K×H cross demonstrated the highest He for HHEP (26.85%), HDEP (29.44%), EM (40.88%), and EN (28.27%), while D×H and K×S crosses also displayed strong heterosis for key traits. Reciprocal crosses generally showed positive H e for all traits except AFE. Both GCA and SCA were highly significant (P < 0.0001), with GCA/SCA ratios indicating non-additive dominance for AFE, additive influence for EWAFE, and balanced additive/non-additive effects for HHEP, HDEP, EM, and EN. RE and Me further modulated trait expression, supporting optimized crossbreeding strategies such as using K sires with H/S dams and D sires with H dams to enhance egg production. Egg quality traits were assessed using 480 eggs from purebreds and crossbreds, evaluating egg weight (EWT), egg length (EL), egg width (EW), shell weight (SWT), shell thickness (ST), shell ratio (SR), albumen height (AH), albumen width (AW), yolk height (YH), yolk width (YW), yolk weight (YWT), yolk ratio (YR), and Haugh unit (HU). Positive He was observed for most traits, with significant GCA effects (P < 0.001) for EWT, EL, EW, AW, YW, YWT, and YR, while SCA influenced all traits (P < 0.001). The K×S cross showed positive RE for EWT and AW, whereas D×S had the highest RE for ST. Additive effects primarily governed EWT and YWT, while non-additive effects dominated EL, EW, ST, and YR. Maternal effects significantly varied across genotypes, emphasizing their role in egg quality. In conclusion, these findings underscore the importance of tailored breedingstrategies based on trait-specific genetic architectures. For growth, leveraging high-GCA parents is critical, while crossbreeding programs should prioritize synergistic heterotic combinations like S×K/D for broilers and K×H/S for layers. Egg quality improvement requires balancing additive and non-additive selection, supported by molecular tools for precision. This integrated approach enhances genetic gains across production traits in poultry breeding.
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    Evaluation of Productive and Reproductive Performances of Different Strains of Chickens under Varied Management Systems in Western Ethiopia
    (2020-06) Demissu Hundie; Gebeyehu Goshu
    A cross sectional survey, follow-up and evaluation, and on-farm and on-station performance evaluation were employed to study the productive and reproductive performances of three improved and one unimproved chicken strains. Improved Horro chicken, a synthetic Debre-zeyit (DZ) White-feathered and the exotic Potchefstroom Koekoek chickens were used for the on-station and on-farm evaluation study where as an assessment on poultry production system of unimproved Horro chickens was undertaken on-farm. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Statistical Analysis system (SAS) were used for statistical analysis based on the appropriatness of statistical softwares. The mean age at first egg of hens at the highland, mid-altitude and lowland were 28.44±0.43, 25.49±0.52 and 23.63±0.46 weeks, respectively that the variation was significant (P<0.05) among the agro-ecologies. The difference among egg per clutch and length of days in lay per clutch were also significant (P<0.05) where as variation in clutch per year was highly significant (P<0.001) among the three agro-ecologies. Concerning the mean chicks’ age at weaning and male chicken at marketing, the overall mean age at weaning was (9.72±0.21) (in weeks) where as the mean age at marketing for male chicken (7.72±0.23) (in months). The on-station study revealed that breed of chicken, age in weeks and interaction of chicken breed with age in weeks had significant effect (P <0.001) on growth performances of chicks before their eight weeks age. The highest overall mean daily feed consumption (53.89±14.37) was recorded for the Potchefstroom Koekoek chicken breed and the lowest for DZ White-feathered chickens (50.28±10.50) though the variation among the chicken breeds was statistically non significant (P > 0.05). The mean feed conversion efficiency (17.47±2.79) of DZ White-feathered chickens was higher than the feed conversion efficiency (13.56±2.74) reported for Improved indigenous Horro chickens, though the difference was statistically non significant. In all the three breeds of chickens, males grew significantly (P < 0.001) faster than females. Significant effects of agro-ecology on the performance of chicken breeds also showed the presence of genetic-environment interactions among the three ecologic locations of the study areas. The internal and external egg quality characteristics of unimproved Horro chickens’ egg collected from the three agro-ecologies was determined and the mean internal egg quality traits (albumen weight, yolk weight, yolk-albumen ratio and yolk diameter) was significantly (P<0.001) affected by agro-ecology. The external egg quality traits were also significantly (P<0.001) affected by agro-ecologic variation where the lowland chickens’ egg scored higher value in egg quality. The low performance of Improved Horro chickens both in weight gain at their starter and growing phase and low younger (growing) age survival rate leads to a recommendation that these birds in addition to their productive performance need to be selected for their better adaptability.
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    Evaluation of Reciprocal Crosses of Improved Horro Chicken with Koekoek and Kuroiler Chicken Breeds
    (Addis Ababa University, 2021) Shambel Taye; Gebeyehu Goshu
    The study was designed to evaluate the performance of exotic dual purpose chicken breed (Koekoek and Kurioler) crosses with an improved Horro chicken under reciprocal mating. The experiment was carried on seven genotypes, including three pure lines (H), (K), (Ku) and their direct (KxH), (Ku x H) and reciprocal crosses (H x K) and (H x Ku). A total of 446-day-old chicks from the seven genotypes were distributed randomly between pens with three replications using a completely randomized design. Data on body weight at hatch (DO), 4, 8,12,16 and 20 weeks of age, body weight gains, feed conversion ratio, egg fertility and hatchability in %, age at first egg (AFE), body weight at first egg, egg production until 40 weeks of age, egg quality and mortality were observed during the experimental period. Crossbreeding effects were estimated using the information on mode of inheritance of chosen traits to select potential cross combination for development of a synthetic breed. The result showed that highest (P< 0.05) mean body weight and body weight gain was recorded in crossbred chicken HxKu followed by Ku×H, and purebred Kuroiler at 8- and 12-weeks age. Moreover, genotype had significant effect on most egg production traits studied. Older age at first egg was recorded in improved Horro (156) followed by crossbred Hx K (150.33) whereas the lowest number of days for AFE was recorded for crossbred HxKu (135) followed by KxH (136.67) and Ku x H (139.33). In comparing crossbred, the heaviest body weight at first egg was registered for crossbred pullet Hx Ku (2448 g) followed by Ku x H (2372.33 g) whereas the lowest body weight was recorded for K x H (1726.33 g) followed by Hx K (1777.78 g) crossbred pullet. In comparing all the genotypes, HxKu crossbred hen showed superior (P<0.05) performance in HHEP, HDEP, egg number except egg mass. However, egg weight was higher for Kuroiler, Ku×H and H×K with comparable values but lowest egg weight was registered for improved Horro chickens. The estimates of the direct additive (Ae) and heterosis effects (He) for body weight were significantly (P<0.05) positive at most of studied age for both crosses. The present study showed that exotic gene of the Kuroiler and Koekoek chicken breeds had attributed a significant role in the improvement of improved Horro chicken. From this study it can be recommended that crossbred hens sired by improved Horro (H x Ku) for growth and egg production potential in the forthcoming synthetic breed development program. However, more research is needed in the areas of morphometric traits characterization, carcass characteristics evaluation, alertness score trait examination, and genotype adaptation.
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    Food Quality and Safety Risks Along the Commercial Broiler Chicken Value Chain in Bishoftu and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (2019-06) Alemayehu Amare; Gebeyehu Goshu
    Food quality and safety are unaddressed issues in the production, processing, and marketing of broiler chicken in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting the quality and safety of broiler meat production along the value chain. Production, processing and marketing chains were considered and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and supported by laboratory analysis. Survey and observation data were collected from 81 respondents; 27 respondents from every value chain component. Besides, 120 faecal samples from broiler farms, 60 carcass swabs from slaughtering sites and 24 carcass swabs from retail markets were collected. Furthermore, a total of 72 carcasses; 48 and 24 carcasses from slaughtering sites and retail markets were collected, respectively and physicochemical meat quality was conducted. The majority (77.8%) of the farms were located in residential areas either in the same or separate compound by sharing with the resident people which makes difficult to implement strict biosecurity. Broiler chicken rearing households who did not follow the day-old chicks’ suppliers’ vaccination program and provide antibiotic treatment without veterinary experts’ prescription were 88.2% and 45.5%, respectively. All broiler processors did not off-feed birds for the required duration before slaughtering. Besides, all broiler chicken slaughtering processes were carried out in the same compound near the house wherein birds were grown-out. Furthermore, all slaughtering processes which causes carcass cross-contamination such as bleeding, scalding, defeathering, and evisceration were carried out at the same place. Almost all retail markets did not check the meat from backyard slaughtering sites against temperature and cold chain transportation. Out of 120 faecal samples, 14.2% and 27.5% were positive for Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli, respectively. Besides, out of the 60 carcass swab samples from backyard slaughtering sites 15% and 46.7% were positive for Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli, respectively. Furthermore, out of the 24 carcass swab samples from the retail markets, 70.8% and 79.2% were positive for Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli, respectively. The contamination of both Salmonella spp. and E. coli were significantly (P<0.001) higher at retail markets. Of the breast meat fillets subjected to CIE L*, a* and b* color test, 72.9% were normal. A significantly (P<0.001) higher drip loss and shear force were observed in the pale breast meat group. Besides, a significantly (P<0.001) higher pH24h was observed in the dark breast meat fillets whereas a significantly (P<0.05) low moisture was observed in the pale breast meat group. The biosecurity of broiler chicken rearing farms was poor and broiler processing at backyard slaughtering sites was unhygienic. But, the proximate chemical composition of the breast, thigh and drumstick meat cuts were in the range of the expected nutritional value. The physical qualities of broiler breast meat fillets were comparable with the findings of other studies. To ensure the quality and safety of the broiler meat, multifaceted intervention approaches are required at broiler chicken rearing farms, backyard slaughtering sites, and retail markets.
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    Genetic Studies On Replacement Rate and First Lactation Traits in Holstein Friesian Cattle at Holeta Bull Dam Station, Ethiopia
    (2014-03) Gebeyehu Goshu; Harpal Singh
    The study was conducted on 901 Holstein Friesian cows maintained at Holeta Bull Dam Station from 1976 to 2003 with the objectives of estimating demographic parameters, genetic of replacement rates and first lactation traits. The lactation specific parameters viz. loss rate, survival rate, stayability, expected herd life, female calf births and reproductive value at first lactation were estimated at 0.2619, 0.7381, 0.7373, 2.4573, 0.4808 and 1.0488, respectively. Overall lifetime parameter values for mean lactations of cows present, mean lactations of cows lost, mean rate of loss per cow per lactation, average life expectancy at birth, net reproductive rate and generation interval were computed as 3.4949 lactations, 4.3548 lactations, 0.3204, 1.2825 lactations, 1.4984 female calves per cow and 3.5451 years, respectively. The overall averages for abnormal and normal births, malefemale sex ratios, mortality and culling rate in females up to age at first calving and female replacement rates based on female births and total pregnancies were 12% and 88%, 52.5% and 47.5%,23% and 7% and 70% and 29%, respectively. The effects of parity and year of calving on above traits were found to be significant, except parity effects on culling rate and replacement rate based on total pregnancies, which were non-significant. The season effects for all traits were non-significant. Sire affected significantly the type of birth, calf loss, replacement rate and coefficient of gene replication. About 1/3rd of cows calved only once and similar proportion of the cows experienced abnormal calving during first lactation. The overall means for longevity, productive herd life, total calves, female calves, selective values and coefficient of gene replication were 2864±63 days, 1638±58 days, 3.55±0.12, 1.68±0.07, 1.12±0.06 and 0.56±0.03. Cows calved at early age and low producers had short herd life, less number of total and female calves. Heritability for abnormal birth, sex ratio, mortality, culling, and replacement rate from total calves produced and total pregnancy were 0.16±0.009, 0.10±0.019, 0.18±0.029, 0.71±0.029, 0.00±00 and 0.66±0.029, respectively. The repeatability for the above traits were 0.964±0.012, 0.038±0.017, 0.060±0.028, 0.0895±0.029, 0.780±0.019 and -0.2403±0.022, respectively. The heritability estimates for longevity, productive herd life, total calves born, total normal calves born, total female calves born, coefficient of gene replication and selective value were 0.31±0.085, 0.32±0.088, 0.11±0.018, 0.12±0.018, 0.10±0.019, - 0.08±0.029 and 0.66±0.029, respectively. The heritability for age at first calving (AFC), first service period (FSP), first dry period (FDP), fist lactation period (FLP), 305 day milk (305DMY), first lactation milk yield (FLMY) and first calving interval (FCI) were 0.53±0.116, 0.26±0.113, 0.24±0.1170, 0.23±0.102, 0.23±0.106, 0.28±0.124 and 0.28±0.141, respectively. The phenotypic correlations of AFC with FLMY, 305DMY, FLP, FSP and FCL were very small. High phenotypic, genetic and environmental correlations existed between FLMY and 305DMY. All correlations among FSP, FDP and FCL were high and positive. Sire affected the additive genetic variances for abnormal birth, mortality, culling and replacement rate and their frequency can be changed through selection of the sire. Moreover, information on the genotype of semen must be available along with production. Age at first calving had high heritability value and it can be included in the selection index. Further research is required on identification of genetic abnormalities at embryonic and progeny level and the effect of storage and deposition of semen on sex ratio.
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    Genetic Studies on Replacement Rate and First Lactation Traits in Holstein Friesian Cattle at Holeta Bull Dam Station, Ethiopia
    (2014-03) Gebeyehu Goshu; Harpal Singh
    The study was conducted on 901 Holstein Friesian cows maintained at Holeta Bull Dam Station from1976 to 2003 with the objectives of estimating demographic parameters, genetic of replacement rates and first lactation traits. The lactation specific parameters viz. loss rate, survival rate, stayability, expected herd life, female calf births and reproductive value at first lactation were estimated at lifetime parameter values for mean lactations of cows present, mean lactations of cows lost, mean rate of loss per cow per lactation, average life expectancy at birth, net reproductive rate and generation interval were computed as 3.4949 lactations, 4.3548 lactations, 0.3204, 1.2825 lactations, 1.4984 female calves per cow and 3.5451 years, respectively. The overall averages for abnormal and normal births, male female sex ratios, mortality and culling rate in females up to age at first calving and female replacement rates based on female births and total pregnancies were 12% and 88%, 52.5% and 47.5%,23% and 7% and 70% and 29%, respectively. The effects of parity and year of calving on above traits were found to be significant, except parity effects on culling rate and replacement rate based on total pregnancies, which were non-significant. The season effects for all traits were non-significant. Sire affected significantly the type of birth, calf loss, replacement rate and coefficient of gene replication. About 1/3rd of cows calved only once and similar proportion of the cows experienced abnormal calving during first lactation. The overall means for longevity, productive herd life, total calves, female calves, selective values and coefficient of gene replication were 2864±63 days, 1638±58 days,3.55±0.12, 1.68±0.07, 1.12±0.06 and 0.56±0.03. Cows calved at early age and low producers had short herd life, less number of total and female calves. Heritability for abnormal birth, sex ratio, mortality, culling, and replacement rate from total calves produced and total pregnancy were 0.16±0.009, 0.10±0.019, 0.18±0.029, 0.71±0.029, 0.00±00 and 0.66±0.029, respectively. The repeatability for the above traits were 0.964±0.012, 0.038±0.017, 0.060±0.028, 0.0895±0.029, 0.780±0.019 and -0.2403±0.022, respectively. The heritability estimates for longevity, productive herd life, total calves born, total normal calves born, total female calves born, coefficient of gene replication and selective value were 0.31±0.085, 0.32±0.088, 0.11±0.018, 0.12±0.018, 0.10±0.019, - 0.08±0.029 and 0.66±0.029, respectively. The heritability for age at first calving (AFC), first service period (FSP), first dry period (FDP), fist lactation period (FLP), 305 day milk (305DMY), first lactation milk yield (FLMY) and first calving interval (FCI) were 0.53±0.116, 0.26±0.113, 0.24±0.1170, 0.23±0.102, 0.23±0.106, 0.28±0.124 and 0.28±0.141, respectively. The phenotypic correlations of AFC with FLMY, 305DMY, FLP, FSP and FCL were very small. High phenotypic, genetic and environmental correlations existed between FLMY and 305DMY. All correlations among FSP, FDP and FCL were high and positive. Sire affected the additive genetic variances for abnormal birth, mortality, culling and replacement rate and their frequency can be changed through selection of the sire. Moreover, information on the genotype of semen must be available along with production. Age at first calving had high heritability value and it can be included in the selection index. Further research is required on identification of genetic abnormalities at embryonic and progeny level and the effect of storage and deposition of semen on sex ratio.
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    Major Feed Resources and Effect of Flushing on Production and Reproductive Performance of Arsi Bale Ewes in Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024) Abaynesh Jarso; Gebeyehu Goshu
    The aim of this study was to assess the major feed resources and effect of flushing on production and reproductive performance of Arsi Bale ewes in Arsi Zone. For survey part, two districts, Tiyo and Digelunatijo from Arsi zone were purposively selected based on sheep population, and three Peasant Associations (PAs) from each districts were selected randomly. A total of 200 HHs were taken. Feed sample of natural pasture and barley straw was collected from ten (10) randomly selected HHs from each PAs. Feed samples collected were mixed, dried, packed individually and taken to Holeta Agricultural Research Center for laboratory analysis of Dry Matter, Crude Protein, Ash, Neutral Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Lignin, In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility, In Vitro Organic Matter Digestibility and Metabolizable Energy. On the other hand, effect of flushing on production and reproductive performances of Arsi Bale ewes was also tested. A feeding trial was conducted using 24 Arsi Bale ewes. The ewes were purchased from the Sagure market of Arsi Zone at their 7 to 8 months of age. The treatments are T1 (hay+350 g of barley grain), T2 (hay+287.5 g of barley grain), T3 (hay+225 g of barley grain) and T4 (the control diet). All ewes, except in the control diet were supplemented for three weeks prior to mating and four weeks after mating. Two mature rams of Arsi Bale breed were purchased for mating. After three weeks of the feeding period, the rams were set free in the flock for 35 days. Reproductive performances of ewes were assessed by taking records on Conception Rate, Lambing Rate, Abortion Rate, Litter Size and Pre Weaning Lambs Mortality Rate; and Production characteristic was assessed by taking records on lambs birth and weaning weight (at three months of age) and body weight of dam before and after flushing. For survey part, collected data were stored in Microsoft Excel spread sheet. Data analyses were carried out by using SPSS version 2019, software. Chemical composition of both feed types was subjected to analysis of variance using a GLM procedure of statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.1 (SAS, 2002). The Pearson Chi-Square was used to determine mean differences at (p < 0.05) for qualitative variables. Data on production and reproductive was analyzed using R 4.2.2, 2023soft ware. Tukey HSD test was employed for separation of treatment means differences at (p < 0.05). The results of the field survey in the present study revealed that natural pasture contributes the largest proportion (53%) in Tiyo and (55%) in Digelunatijo of sheep feed which is followed by crop residue (30%) and (33%) in Tiyo and Digelunatijo, respectively. On the other hand 16 % in Tiyo and 10% in Digelunatijo use both natural pasture and crop residues. The overall mean of DM, Ash, CP, NDF, ADF, ADL, IVDMD, IVOMD and ME content of natural grasses respectively were 89.5%, 5.4%, 20.1%, 68.5%, 37.1%, 5.0%, 55.8%, 43.8% and 7.4 MJ/kg DM. The corresponding values for barley straw were also 90.9%, 5.6%, 5.4%, 70.7%, 54.05%, 9.6% and 8.25MJ/kg. In terms of reproductive and production characteristics, the conception rate of ewe was 83% for T1 and 100% for T2, T3 and T4 and revealed as there were no significant differences (p>0.05) among the treatments that ewes fed, while lamping rate was 120%, 100% and 83.3% and 66.7% for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and there is a significant difference (p<0.05) between treatment groups. There was a significant differences (p<0.05) on the litter size from ewe under T1 and T2 and where all ewe in the first two treatment group gave twin births. Lamb mortality rate was high under T3 and T4 than the first two treatment group. In terms of production characteristic, the average body weight (BW) of dam before flushing was 21.5kg, 22.6kg, 22kg and 22.2kg for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and the corresponding results for average dam BW after flushing was 25kg, 23.8kg, 23.2kg and 22.5kg. On the other hand, the birth weight of lambs was 2.3 kg, 2.1 kg, 2. 3 kg and 1.8 kg for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and the average weaning weight (three months of age) of lambs was 11.3 kg, 10.3 kg, 9.9 kg T1, T2and T3, respectively. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) on average weaning birth and weight of lambs. From the above results, it was concluded that, natural pasture and crop residue (mainly barley straw) are the main sheep feed in the studied areas, and good production and reproductive performances were seen under T1 and T2, so flushing ewes with 350g (T1) and 287.5g (T2) barley grain are recommended. Conducting other research by different types of feed like concentrate at different feeding rate is recommended and also flushing ewes after first parity is recommended.
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    Morphological Characterization of Indigenous Chicken and their Production System in Silte, Dalocha and Wulbareg Woredas of Silt'e Zone, South Region, Ethiopia
    (2019-06) Eyob Tagesse; Gebeyehu Goshu
    A survey together with visual observation and body measurement was conducted in twelve selected farmers’ kebeles of Silti, Dalocha, and Wulbareg woredas, located in Silte zone south region of Ethiopia; with the objectives to characterize the morphological characteristics of domestic indigenous chicken and to assess the existing chicken production systems. Data on visual appraisal and linear body measurements were obtained from a total of 600 matured local chickens of both sexes drawn from 120 households. 5 mature chickens (aged more than 6 months) from each household were used for morphological characteristics study. The results indicated that the majority of the male chicken possessed plain head shape (94.7%) and most of them had rose combs (69.7%), grayish (‘Gebsma’) plumage (49%), yellow shank (58.6%), white and red earlobes (47.1%) and ash skin (46.6%). Majority of the hens possessed rose combs (63.8%), white and red earlobes (47.2%), yellow shank (47.7%), grayish (‘Gebsma’) plumage (48.5%) followed by black (‘Tem’) (22.1%) and red (‘Kei’) /red with black tail (11%). The cocks were generally heavier (1.8 kg) than the hens (1.3 kg). The values for wingspan, comb length, beak length, body weight, breast angle, and keel bone length differed (P< 0.05) across the study woredas. The best predictor for assessing the body weight of chicken was shank length and wattle length. The results indicated that the average flock size, age at first egg of hens and eggs produced per clutch were 9.9 heads, 5.8 months and 14.1 eggs, respectively. The number of clutch per hen per year and total eggs produced per hen per year was 3.05 and 43.01 eggs, respectively. The hatchability and survival rate of chicks were 91.9% and 50.5%. Chicken diseases and predators were considered to be the largest threat to village chicken production. The present study suggests that indigenous chickens in the study area possess useful economic traits that could be improved through systematic breeding for enhanced productivity, health care, housing, and feeding are required under scavenging production systems.
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    On Farm and on Station Fertility Status of Dairy Herds in West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2021) Gemeda Tuntuna; Gebeyehu Goshu
    The on-station part of the current study was conducted at Holeta research center dairy farm to determine fertility and productive traits of dairy cattle. The dataset between 1976 and 2019 on fertility and productive traits (n=30975) were investigated and analyzed using the GLM analysis procedure of SAS 2008 software to determine the fixed effects of genetic group, year, season and parity. The fixed effect genetic group and year cause significant (P<0.0001) difference in all fertility and lactation performance. Similarly, the parity of cows had a highly(p<0.0001) influence on fertility and productive traits except NSC. The productive traits like daily milk yield, lactation length and lactation milk yield were sensitive to seasonal variation. The overall least squares mean for age at first service, age at first calving, calving interval, days open, number of services per conception were 29.98 ± 10.23 months, 39.16 ± 8.58 months, 496.24 ± 42.19 days, 216.81 ± 41.72 days, 1.85 ± 1.37and daily milk yield, lactation length and lactation milk yield 4.86 ± 1.63 liters, 287.77 ± 92.81 days and 1488.23 ± 70.14 liters. The on-farm part of this study was conducted in three districts of West Shoa Zone of Oromia regional state initiated to assess fertility status of dairy herds and possible cause of infertility in dairy cattle. Data were collected using semi structured questionnaire survey. A total of 180 dairy producers (60 household from each) were randomly selected for individual interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences software version 26. The survey results showed that higher education was the highest educational level from Ambo woreda, and the age group of the respondents ranged from 20 to 79 years. The primary feeding system practiced was combination feeding with 53.3%, 56.7% and 45%, respectively, in Walmera, Adea Berga and Ambo. The main breeding system dairy producers utilized was both Artificial insemination and natural mating (70%, 60% and 46.7%), respectively, in Walmera, Adea Berga and Ambo. The mean shortest age at first service and age at first calving for local and crossbred, respectively, were 47.9 ± 9.8 and 19.9 ± 5.8 months and 56.9 ± 9.8 and 28.9 ± 5.8 months from Adea Berga and Ambo. The number of services per conception was 2.5 for local cows and 1.8 for crossbred cows. The higher mean (±SD) of daily milk yields were 2.2 ± 1.3 and 11.2 ± 4.5 liters, respectively, in Adea Berga for Local and crossbred cows. The mean (±SD) shortest calving intervals was 20.3 ± 7.0 and 13.1 ± 1.9 for local and crossbred cows.
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    Passive Immunity Status in Newborn Calf Under Pastoral
    (2018-06) Batiley Ambaw; Gebeyehu Goshu
    A longitudinal study was conducted from December 2017 to April 2018 in Amibara pastoral production system. The aims of this study were therefore, to determine passive immunity status in newborn calves and to identify possible managemental factors that have contribution for the failure of passive transfer of immunity in calves. Each selected calf was individually neck-tagged and monitored in weekly basis for clinical health problems up to an age of three months. Mean ± SD IgG concentration of serum samples determined with the bovine radial immunodiffusion assay was 1805.93 ± 718.68 mg/dL and ranges from 189.132 to 2783.39 mg/dL. The overall failure of passive transfer of immunity and adequate passive transfer of immunity status found in this study were 35.11% and 64.89%, respectively. Risk factors such as calve sex, dam parity, birth site, birth condition, mothering instinct and age at first colostrums ingestion were found to have statistically significant effect (P= 0.004 to 0.031). In the same way morbidity and mortality prevalence were significantly associated with serum IgG. Accordingly, 58.82%, 50% and 4.92 % ofmorbidity was found for complete failure, partial transfer and adequate transfer of passive immunity respectively. As well, 35.29% 12.5% and 1.64% morbidity was observed for complete failure, partial transfer and adequate transfer of passive immunity respectively. The incidence of morbidity and mortality was apparently higher in calves having complete failure and partial passive transfer of immunity than calves having adequate passive transfer. In this study, the highest proportion of failure of passive transfer of immunity might be due to improper calf and colostrum management practice and absence of regular care for pregnant cows. Hence improving knowledge of caring for pregnant cows and regular observation of pregnant cows would significantly reduce young stock mortality associated with failure of passive transfer of immunity.
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    Performance Evaluation of Dz-white Synthetic and Improved Indigenous Horro Chicken Breeds under On-Farm and on-Station Management in Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba University, 2020-12) Samrawit Mulugeta; Gebeyehu Goshu
    In the present study the production and reproduction performance of DZ-white and Improved Horro chickens were evaluated at three different agro-ecological zones (Debre Berhan-L1, MelkaWerer-L2 and Mekelle-L3 characterized as highland, lowland and midland agro ecology respectively). A total of 2400 chickens involving two breed (DZ-white and Improved Horro) (900 days–old unsexed chicks for on-station trials and a total of 1500 chicken (8 weeks both sex)) for on-farm trials were used. Variables studied were feed intake, body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, age at first egg, egg production, egg quality, fertility, hatchability and mortality traits for on-station trials, whereas body weight, body weight gain, age at first egg, egg production and mortality traits were measured for on-farm trials. Data were analyzed by GLM procedure of SAS. Under on-farm trial, age at first egg and egg production trial analysis was done only at L1 and L2.The on-station study revealed that effect of breed on feed intake, body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, egg production, egg quality, fertility and hatchability was significant (P≤0.05). The DZ-white breed consumed more feed and gained higher body weight and body weight gain than those of Improved Horro breeds at all ages of the entire trials. The feed conversion ratio was poor in Improved Horro and better in DZ-white breed. DZ-white obtained significantly higher slaughter weight, carcass weight, breast, drumstick and thigh, wing, neck, back, GIT, and giblet weight than those of Improved Horro. Dressing % and the breast meat composition was found higher in Improved Horro. However, a proportion of drumstick, thigh, wing, neck, back, GIT, and giblet were found non-significant (P≥0.05) between breeds. Higher number of eggs was obtained by DZ-white with (124.57 egg/hen/224 days) as compare Improved Horro (104.58 egg/hen/224 days).The egg weight and egg mass were higher in DZ-white than Improved Horro. However, no significant differences were found between DZ-white and Improved Horro breeds for age at first egg and mortality. Internal egg quality parameters including egg length and width, shell weight, yolk weight, albumen weight and yolk height were significantly higher in DZ-white breed than those of Improved Horro. However, shell thickness, albumin height, yolk colour and HU did not differ significantly between breeds. Comparisons of breeds revealed significant differences (P≤0.05) in fertility(%), hatchability from fertile eggs (%), hatchability from set eggs (%), dead in shell (%) and average day old chick weight (g).However, dead in germ (%), normal chicks (%) and abnormal chicks (%) were not significantly (p>0.05) different between breeds. Birds kept at L1 consumed more feed. Significantly (P≤0.05) higher body weight of females and males, body weight gain (during starter phase) and egg production was recorded at L1 and L3. Better feed conversion ratio and earlier age at first egg was noted at L3. Higher value of slaughter and carcass weight was observed in birds kept at L3 followed by birds kept at L1 and the least was observed to those birds kept at L2. Dressing% was significantly (P≤0.05) higher at L3. Significantly (P≤0.05) higher mortality was recorded at L2 during starter and grower phase. However, during the laying stages higher mortality was recorded at L2 and L3. Significantly (P≤0.001) higher egg weight was observed in birds kept at L1 followed by birds kept at L3 and the least was observed to those birds kept at L2. Internal egg quality parameters including egg length and width, shell weight, shell thickness, yolk weight, albumen weight and yolk height were significantly higher at L1 and L3 than those of L2.However, egg mass, albumin height, yolk colour and HU did not differ significantly among location. Genotype by environment interaction was observed for feed intake (during starter and grower phase), body weight of females (at 16 and 52 weeks of age) and age at first egg. The on-farm trial revealed that effect of breed on body weight, age at first egg, egg production and mortality was significant (P≤0.05). DZ-white breed exhibited higher body of males and females at three ages (12, 16 and 20 weeks). DZ-white started laying eggs seven days earlier than the average of Improved Horro chickens. Higher egg production was obtained by DZ-white chickens (130.84egg/hen/280) as compare to Improved Horro(100.85egg/hen/280). However, body weight gain and mortality were not significant (P≥0.05) between breeds. For the main effect location body weight of males at three ages (12, 16 and 20 weeks) and body weight of females at 12 weeks of age were significant (P≤0.05) among locations. Significantly (P≤0.05) earlier age at first egg was noted in both chicken breeds kept at L1 (155.00 day) compared to birds kept at L2 (163.00 days). Number of eggs/hen was significantly (P≤0.05) influenced by location. Significantly (P≤0.05) higher mortality was recorded in chickens kept at L2 as compare to L1 and L3, However, body weight of females at 16 and 20 weeks of age and body weight gain were not significant (p>0.05) among location. Under on-farm trial Genotype by environment interaction was observed only for HDEP during 57-60 weeks of age. In conclusion, the results of this study have demonstrated that DZwhite breeds had significantly enhanced speed of weight gain as well as growth, good feed conversion ratio; better fertility and hatchability (%) and performed well in egg production. Both chicken breeds are well adapted in highland and midland agro-ecology zone and their production performance was better than the chickens kept at lowland agro-ecology zone both under on-station and on-farm management.Thus, DZ-white chickens are recommended to be introduced for farmers as a strategy for the improvement of small scale family poultry in order to improve the livelihood of resource poor farmers in Ethiopia
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    Phenotypic Characterization and On-Station Evaluation of Indigenous Chicken Ecotypes in Gambella Regional State, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023) Getachew Bekele; Gebeyehu Goshu
    This study was conducted in Gambella Regional State, Ethiopia, to characterize the phenotypic and on-station evaluation of indigenous chicken ecotypes. Four districts were purposively selected from 13 districts of the regional state namely: Abobo (Ab), Gambella Ketema Zuria (GKz), Itang (It), and Lare (La). A total of 384 households (96 households from each district) keeping indigenous chicken strains were randomly sampled for interview. Cross-sectional and retrospective types of studies were conducted to collect data using the questionnaire. On-farm observations, on-station evaluation, and laboratory analysis were also conducted on the relevant data. moreover, phenotypic characterizations of both qualitative and quantitative traits of local chicken populations was conducted on 600 indigenous chickens of both sexes with 150 chickens (50 males and 100 females) from each district on chickens with approximately six months and above were collected following the FAO’s descriptor list for chicken genetic resources. A total of 880 eggs (220 eggs from each district) were collected and incubated using the artificial incubator. A total of 120 eggs (30 eggs from each district) which was collected from households were used to egg quality investigation. A total of 649 indigenous chicken ecotypes of four (4) namely Abobo (181), Gambella Ketema Zuria (169), Itang (151), and Lare (148) were hatched and kept at the on-station for growth, egg production performance, and carcasses evaluation by using complete randomized design arrangement. Thirty-two matured live chickens (4 males and 4 females from each chicken strains) indigenous chicken strains were taken at random for nutritive value investigation. The meat color and pH measurement parameters were obtained using a digital colorimeter. All data collected was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedures of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.3. The results were expressed as LSM ± SE. All statements of statistical differences in quantitative data were based on p < 0.05. The survey results indicated that, the overall mean of the flock size per household in the study area was 13.59 and the overall number of hens, cocks, cockerels, pullets, and chicks in the study areas was 4.89 ± 0.06, 1.72 ± 0.05, 1.52 ± 0.01, 2.01 ± 0.02, and 3.44 ± 0.09,respectively. According to the current study, the mean age at first egg was significantly (P<0.05) different among the study districts. The normal feather distribution observed in the chicken populations was dominantly 88.67 %, 94 %, 90 % and 92.67 % in Abobo, Gambella Ketema Zuria, Itang and Lare districts, respectively. The overall mean body weight of adult males and females was 1.38 kg ± 0.02 and 1.16 kg ± 0.04, respectively. The mean values of egg weight and shell thickness were 39.15 g and 0.28mm, respectively. The overall mean value of the egg fertility was 83.64 %. The overall mean value of the day-old body weight was 26.55g ± 0.24g. The final overall mean body weight for on-station of adult males and females chicken strains was 1187g ± 0.25, and 1094g ± 0.24, respectively. The overall mean of the dressing percentage was male (69.06) and female (69.27).The male (49.25 ± 0.28) breast meat had a significantly (P < 0.05) lighter score (L*) than the female (48.65 ± 0.45). The crude protein (CP) contents of breast meat were significantly higher than those of the thigh and drumstick meat part at (p<0.05). It is recommended that a further molecular characterization should be used to back up the present findings and determine genetic variation within and among the chicken strains. Finally, genetic differences should be considered to develop effective utilization and conservation strategies of programs. From the nutritive value of chicken’s meat, since the protein content is very crucial for human diet it is better to eat the meat which was produced from the breast meat part of chickens.