Animal Production

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    A Study on Milk Production and Reproductive Performance of Jersey Cattle Breed at Wolaita Sodo State Dairy Farm, Southern Ethiopia
    (2006-06) Habtamu, Lemma
    This study was conducted in Wolaita Sodo State Dairy Farm from October 2007 to April 2008 to determine the milk yield and reproductive performance and herd life of Jersey cattle and also potential factors affecting these parameters. The Jersey cattle in the study farm were mainly kept on pasture land and with some supplementary feeds. The data recorded and kept by the farm from 1987 to 2007 were used for the study. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and GLM of SPSS (release 11.05, 2002). The factors considered in the model were year of birth, calving and service; season of birth, calving and service; parity number of dam; source of cattle and sex of calves. The results of this study revealed that the overall mean values of lactation milk yield, lactation length and life time milk yield were 1691.59kg (SE=27.55), 318.42 days (SE=3.92) and 5565.19kg (SE=220.03), respectively. Lactation milk yield and lactation length (p<0.001) were significantly affected by year of calving and cattle source. Imported cattle had better lactation milk yield and length than those reared on farm. In addition, lactation length was significantly decreasing with parity number (p<0.001). Life time milk yield was also affected by year of calving (p<0.01). The overall means of age at first service, age at first calving, calving interval, interval between calving and effective service and number of services per conception were 722.24 days (SE=36.4), 1035.21 days (SE=12.59), 450.09 days (SE=6.60), 174.68 days (SE=8.61) and 1.79 (SE=0.06). All the reproductive performance traits were significantly influenced by year of birth, calving or service depending on the type of trait. In addition, age at first service was significantly lower in imported cattle while calving interval was lower in on-farm raised cattle (p<0.001). Calving interval and the interval between calving and effective service were decreasing significantly with parity number (p<0.001). Number of services per conception was significantly lower in short rainy season (p<0.05). The overall mean values for total herd life, productive herd life and effective productive herd life were 2983.74 days (SE=67.98), 2310.11 days (SE=296.91) and 1663.15 days (SE=55.09), respectively. In this case, year of birth had significant effect on total (p<0.001) and effective productive (p<0.01) herd life. Imported cattle had significantly longer total (p<0.01) and productive herd life (p<0.05) than the on-farm reared cattle. The overall mean values for birth and weaning weight were 22.87 kg (SE=0.17) and 108.88 kg (SE=0.67), respectively. Both traits were influenced significantly by year of birth, season of birth, sex of calves and parity number of the dam. Calves born in the long xi rainy season had better birth and weaning weight than the others. There was a trend of increased birth weight of calves as the parity number of the dam increased. From this study it can be concluded that Jersey cattle kept in the study farm had poor milk yield and reproductive performance. The herd life, productive herd life, effective productive herd life and birth and weaning weight of Jersey cattle found in this study are in general good. Inconsistency in management and variations in climatic conditions seem to determine the values for the different traits considered in this study suggesting the need to improve the overall herd management at the study farm.
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    Study of the Effects of Sub Clinical Mastitis and Other Production Factors on Cow Milk Fat and Protein Concentration in and Around Gondar Northwestern Ethiopia
    (2007-06) Yeshimebet, Chanyalew; Dr. Mekonen H/Mariam, Dr. Girma Zewde
    The impact of sub clinical mastitis and other production factors on cow milk protein and fat concentrations in dairy cows were studied from October 2006 to June 2007 in and around Gondar. By way of cross sectional survey data were collected from 236 milking cows of 105 smallholder dairy farmers. Instruments used for data collection were questionnaire survey, farm inspection, animal examination and laboratory analysis. Descriptive statistics, linear regression and correlation coefficients between variable were computed. Mastitis prevalence at herd and cow levels was respectively 37.1% and 33.1%. From the total mastitis cases 2.6% was clinical and the rest 30.5% sub clinical mastitis. Sub clinical mastitis reduced milk fat and protein concentrations by 15.4% and 8.2% respectively; the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The influence of three other factors, namely breed, feed and management, on fat and protein concentrations were also examined both in mastitic and healthy cows. Breed effect was significant for fat ((P=0.031) and protein (P=0.024). Indigenous breeds had higher fat and protein concentrations compared to 50% and above crosses. The effect of sub clinical mastitis was found more pronounced in 50% crosses. Cows fed on, relatively, low quality feeding stuffs (grazing with very minimum supplementation) had significantly low level of fat (P=0.008) and protein (P=0.05). In poorly fed cows, the effect of sub clinical mastitis in modifying milk composition concentrations was quite high. Management was also very much related to milk composition. Improved management significantly increased fat (P=0.004) and protein (P=0.012) concentration. Mastitic cows subjected to poor management had more depressed fat and protein levels. V The regression analysis made after grouping milking cows by breed allowed the fitting of mathematical models that estimated, with good precision, fat and protein concentrations in healthy and mastitic cows.
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    Characterization of Village Chicken Production System with Emphasis on Selected Health Problems in Eastern Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
    (2007-06) Dagnachew, Beyene; Dr. Kelay Belihu, Dr. Fikre Lobago
    This study was carried out in three agro-ecologies in the East Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State from October 2006 to April 2007. The study areas were Gimbichu (highland), Lume (midland) and Boset (lowland). The objectives of the study were to characterize poultry production system in the study areas and investigate the prevalence and determinants of selected poultry health problems. A questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data about poultry production system characteristics on 301 households (100 households from Gimbichu and Boset, and 101 households from Lume). A total of 328 adult chickens (105 from highland, 115 from midland and 108 from lowland) were autopsied to determine species of helminthes and counts of adult parasites. External parasites were collected from different parts of the skin to identify flea, lice and mite species. Haemagglutination-Inhibition (HAI) Test and Slide Agglutination Test were used to determine the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease and fowl typhoid, respectively. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square statistics. The results showed that poultry keeping was practiced mainly for egg and meat production as sources of income. The average poultry flock size for the overall study areas 7.53 and the flock was dominated by chicks in all the agro-ecologies. In most of the cases poultry had night shelters (40.6% in Lume, 55% in Boset and 75% in Gimbichu). Encouraging proportion of households in Gimbichu (69%) and Lume (49.5%) were supplementing their chicken with grains while households in Boset were dependent mainly on scavenging feed resources. Poultry attending was mainly the responsibility of women in general (81.1-91%) and wives in particular (67.3-73%). The predominant breeds of chicken reared in all the studied areas were indigenous and disease problems were serious during the main rainy season. The average chicks mortality was 2.33 (SE=0.12) while adult chicken mortality was 0.62 (SE=0.09). Significantly higher mortality was recorded in the highland (0.98±021) than midland (0.42±0.21) and lowland areas (0.45±0.13) (p<0.05). The seroprevalence of Newcastle disease and fowl typhoid was 23.17% and 22.87%, respectively. Significantly higher prevalence of Newcastle disease was observed in the lowland (30.56%) than the midland (24.35%) and highland (14.29%) areas (p<0.05). Regarding fowl typhoid, the seroprevalence was significantly higher in males (27.61%) than females (18.18%) (p<0.05). The helminth parasites identified in this study were three nematodes (Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum and Subulura brumpti) and six species of cestodes (Raillietina IX echinobotridea, Raillietinea tetragona, Rillietinea cesticullus, Choantaenia infundibulum, Daveania proglottinea and Amebotenia sphenoids). The later two cestodes were found only in the highland agro-ecology (Gimbichu). There was significant variation in the number of mixed infections in the three agro-ecologies (p<0.001). The highest proportion of mixed infection was observed in the lowland (59.26%) followed by midland (42.6%) and highland (25.71%) areas. The adult parasite count was significantly (p<0.05) in the lowland (7.57) than midland (5.88) and highland (6.53), and males (7.42) than females (5.90). Concerning ectoprasites, one species of flea (Echidnophaga gallinaceamits) and mite (Cnemidocoptes mutans), and two species of lice (Goniodes dissimilis and Menopon gallinae) were identified. It can be concluded that poultry production in the study areas is mainly traditional in management which is constrained by poor feeding, lack of proper housing and disease problems.
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    Smallscale Farming Practices and Crosssectional Study of Mastitis in Nazareth, East Shoa
    (2007-06) Tesfaye, Ali; Dr. Mekonnen Hailemariam
    The present study was conducted to asses the husbandry practices, identify major health constraints, establish mastitis prevalence, determine potential risk factor of mastitis and isolate responsible agents of mastitis in smallholder dairy farms in Nazareth, East Shoa. A total of 95 market oriented smallholder dairy farms comprising 234 cows were included in the study. Data were collected by using questionnaire survey, farm visit, animal examination, and California Mastitis Test (CMT). Microbiological assessment of milk samples was conducted at the Faculty’s microbiology laboratory. Fifty nine percent of the farms were owned by women and the remaining by men. In most cases (74.7%) dairying was a side-line business while only 25.4% entirely earn their living from this activity. The majority (52.6%) of farm owners had high school and above level of education. The average herd size per farm was 5.23. There were 93.7% crossbred and 6.3% indigenous cattle. The breeding methods used were only AI in 64.2% of the farmers and both AI and natural services in the rest. About 21.1% of the herds were under poor housing conditions. Full time hired laborers perform routine farm activities in 19% of the farms and contract hired laborers practiced milking in 39% of the farms. The most encountered health problem, indicated as primary disease, was mastitis. There was no record that enables the owners to compare the performance of his/her cows with in a herd or with those of his/her community. Based on clinical examination and CMT the cow-level prevalence of clinical and subclinical mastitis was 6.3% and 41.4% respectively. Aseptic collections of milk samples from all clinical and subclinical (CMT+) mastitis positive lactating cows were performed. Of 91 cow milk samples 90.11% were positive for aerobic pathogenic bacteria; predominant isolates being of CNS 21.2%, S. aureus 14.7%, S. agalactiae 11.6% and E. faecalis 10.6%. Duration of farming, poor drainage/slope of stable area, feed provision before milking, milking of clinical cows at any stage, farming practice as a side business were highly associated with mastitis. Poor body condition, previous clinical mastitis problem and leaking teats were associated with mastitis. Although smallholder dairy farmers, were facing a lot of problems specially lack of technical know-how, there is great potential and opportunity for the development of the sector.
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    Assessment of the Impact of Tsetse Challenge on Herd Composition, Milk Yield and Reproductive Performance of Cattle in Dawro Zone of Southern Nation, Nationality and People Regiona State, Ethiopia
    (2007-06) Tizazu, Tigicho; Dr. Kelay Belihu, Dr. Marga Bekana
    This study was conducted in the Dawuro Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People Region. The specific study sites were Mareka and Tocha districts which were randomly selected from the Zone. The objective of the study were to determine the impacts of bovine trypanosomosis on cattle herd size and composition, milk yield and reproductive performances of cattle. Known tsetse infested areas, Tercha and Lala Kebeles were selected from Mareka and Tocha districts, respectively. As a control, known tsetse free area, Docha Kebele, was selected slected from Mareka District. A total of 52 households were selected randomly from each Kebele that made a total sample size of 156 households. A structured questionnaire was prepared and one visit interview was carried out to collect data about on socio-economic characteristics, farming system characteristics, cattle herd size and composition, milk yield and reproductive performances of cattle, major cattle health problems and mortalities. In addition, a total of 30 pre-partum cows were selected (10 from each Kebele) for a postpartum follow-up study, which lasted for about six months (October 2006-March 2007), to collect data on daily milk yield and the occurrence of first postpartum observable heat. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test. The results showed that the most important cattle health problem identified were trypanosomosis and blackleg in tsetse challenged and free areas, respectively. Cattle herd size did not different significantly (p>0.05) between tsetse challenged and free areas. However, the average number of lactating pregnant (p<0.05) and dry pregnant cows (p<0.001) was significantly higher in tsetse free area than tsetse challenged areas. On the other hand the number of dry non-pregnant cows was significantly higher in tsetse challenged area than free area (p<0.01). The average daily milk yield was in general low in both tsetse challenged and free areas. The differences in milk yield at three stages of lactation in the two areas were significant (p<0.001). Cows in tsetse affected areas were able to give only 52.14, 47.73 and 29.63% of the daily milk yield of those in tsetse free area during the beginning, middle and end of lactation, respectively. In addition, cows in tsetse free areas had an average lactation length longer by 4.35 months than those in challenged areas. Cows in tsetse free areas gave their first calf earlier by an average of 5.64 months, had an average calving interval shorter by 2.41 months and required lesser number of services per conception by 0.35 (p<0.001). The results of the follow-up study showed that the average daily milk yield of cows in challenged areas was lower by 37 to 46.5% xi than those in free areas throughout the lactation period. Only 1 cow was detected in heat (5%) (on day 122 postpartum) in tsetse challenged area while 50% of the cows were in heat on day 107.8 on average in tsetse free area. The number of cattle died in one year time was significantly higher in tsetse challenged area (26.73 times) than tsetse free area (p<0.001). It can be concluded that tsetse infestation is seriously affecting the cattle herd composition and the performances of animals in the challenged area.
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    Smallholder Dairy Production Technology Transfer and Adoption Constraints in Mixed Farming System in Girar Jarso Woreda of North Shoa Zone Oromia Regional State
    (2007-06) Tolera, Debella; Dr. Mokkonnen Hailemariam, Dr. Kelay Belihu
    This study was carried out from September 2006 to April 2007 in four Kebeles’ of Girar-Jarso Woreda, North Shoa zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia to assess productive performance of dairy cows and technology use in 200 randomly selected market-oriented smallholder dairy farms. A structured questionnaire survey, farm visit, and PA discussion were conducted during the study. The overall mean family size of respondents in this study was 5.77+2.35 persons. The average number of economically active family members (greater than 15 years old) was 2.44 persons (1.20 ± 1.25 male and 1.24 ± 1.33 female). The average number of livestock owned by the respondent farmers was 16.65 ± 7.11animals or 9.47 TLU. Dairy cows constituted the highest proportion of the herd followed by draft oxen. Crossbred dairy cows represented the highest proportion of the cattle herd composition with the mean value of 1.83 (22.7%). There was statistically significant difference between crossbred and indigenous cattle in all production and reproduction performance parameters assessed (p<0.05). The respondent farmers pointed-out that scarcity of feeds, mainly during dry season, is the major limiting factor which affected the development of livestock sub-sector in general and the rearing of crossbred dairy cows in particular. Land allotted for livestock grazing was only 0.71 hectares. From a total of 21 dairy technologies identified in the study area crossbreeding and mastitis inspection had highest adoption rates, 91.5% and 95% respectively. The average numbers of dairy technology up take was 9.89 +2.16 with a range from 5-16. Sex, age, level of education and farming experience were found important characteristics that influence demand for dairy technologies in the study area. The results showed that the female groups were less users of dairy technology averaged 9.26 +1.90 compared to the male group (average 9.95+2.20); thus gender differences seem to have a significance influence on likelihood of technology uptake. Education was another important factor that favored the likelihood of technology uptakes. This suggests the important role of education in stimulating demand for technology use. Farm experiences also determine the use of dairy technology in the study area. Accordingly the t-values of the variables were computed and out of these variable the age, farm experience, and level of education were found to differ significantly (p > 0.05) probability level. As expected, sex is positively and is statistically significant (p < 0.05) for all technologies identified and adopted in the area. According to the survey result characteristics of the household head (84%) and source of information (68.5%) were the most frequent factors that influence the decisions of the household to choice new technologies.
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    A Study on Dairy Cattle Production and Associated Constraints in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (2008) GEBREMICHAEL, MELES; Dr. Kelay Belihu
    A cross-sectional type of study was carried out to determine the status and major constraints of dairy cattle production in Addis Ababa. The study was undertaken from October 2007 to April 2008. 252 small, medium and large scale dairy owners of equal sample size and 18 participatory appraisal groups were included in the study from six of the ten sub-cities of Addis Ababa. The overall mean age of the respondents was 49.52 (SE=0.756) years with a range of 22 to 95 years. The value for small, medium and large scale producers was 47.74 (SE=1.395), 49.29 (SE=1.069) and 51.79 (SE=1.414), respectively. Both male and female having different occupational and educational status was engaged in dairy cattle keeping and 33.2% of the dairy farms were headed by women. The average household family size was 4.72 persons with a range of 1 to 13. The proportion of males was 52.5% and that of females was 47.5%. 33.8 % of the respondents use only family labor (65.8%, 29.3% and 9.9% for small, medium and large scale households). The overall mean landholding of the households was 0.45ha with a range of 0.01ha to 37ha. On the other hand, the mean landholding for small, medium and large scale households was 0.08ha (SE=139.8), 0.16ha (SE=416.7) and 1.10ha (SE=4938), respectively. About 81.2% of the respondents had their own plot of land and 23.6% respondents were involved in agricultural activities producing different types of vegetables, fruits and cereals. 81.6% of the respondents indicated that they started dairying with purchased stock, 15.2% secured stock from their family and the rest 3.3% of the respondents started with cattle acquired as gift. The over all mean of cattle holding (herd size) was 12.69 heads (SE=1.09). The minimum and maximum herd was 1 and 167 heads, respectively. The mean cattle herd size for small, medium and large scale households was 4.69 (SE=0.17), 8.82 (SE=0.22) and 24.78 (SE=2.75). In all the three production scales, cows dominate (overall mean of 5.26 milking and 2.74 dry and pregnant cows) the cattle herd size. The mean proportion of farm income to the total income of each household was 54.09 %. A range of decision-makers were involved in initiating and managing dairying activities in the city. Husband, wife, children and a combination of these were involved in making decisions on husbandry practices, animal sell/buy and cash utilization. All decisions in 32.1% households were made by the consensus or some form of approval of both partners (husband and wife). Majority of the dairy farms (82.2%) used indoor (Zero grazing) rearing system with varying housing standards depending on the wealth of the owners. Dairy farmers in Addis Ababa follow different waste disposing practices. However, majority of them use the same practice of preparing dung cakes regardless of the scale of production during dry season for sell and/or for house use as fuel. Different types of feed stuffs (conventional and non-conventional) were used to feed the animals. AI was the widely used mating method (86.1%). The mean number of services per conception was 1.72 (SE=0.10) and was significantly different among the breeds, the parity status (P< 0.05) and mating method (p< 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the production scales (p>0.05). The overall means for age at first calving and calving interval were 34.79 ix months (SE=0.63) and 457.22 days (13.31), respectively. Age at first calving and calving interval for local breed were significantly longer by about 14 months and 93 days, respectively. The overall means of daily milk yield at early, middle and late lactation were 10.29 liters (SE=0.47), 6.82 liters (SE=0.38) and 3.76 liters (SE=0.22), respectively. There was significant difference (p<0.001) between the three scales of production, breeds and parities in milk yield (p<0.001) at all stages of lactation. Mastitis was the most important disease mentioned by over 60% of the households. About 27.13% of the respondents convert milk into butter, ayib and/or yoghurt mainly when milk was surplus and most of the households use these products for home consumption. Feed problem, poor animal health services and shortage of drugs, poor genetic material, unreliability of AI and shortage of space were the most important constraints mentioned with the highest rank in all the farm scale with out significant difference. It can be concluded that dairying in Addis Ababa is an important sector of urban agriculture in that it provides fresh milk to the community and is the only means of livelihood for some households. However, the sector is constrained by a number of factors which need to be addressed by government and non-governmental development institutions.
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    Bacteriological Load in Milk and Prevalence of Selected Diseases of Intensification in Addis Ababa Dairy Farms
    (2008-06) Fisseha, Abenet; Dr. Kelay Belihu, Dr. Mosses Kuyule; Dr. Wondwossen Tsegaye
    A cross sectional investigation of the bacteriological quality of milk and the prevalence of selected diseases of intensification was carried out on 31 intensive farms which were selected as clusters. Data was collected using questionnaire survey, farm observation, clinical examination, CMT, bacterial count, comparative intradermal tuberculin test and milk ring test. The results of this study showed that none of the modern farms (n=31) kept records except one farm. All except three farms were poorly drained and less hygienic. Univariate ANOVA indicated that there was no significant variation observed in the mean log cfu/ml of SPC between the different categories of hygienic practices, availability of potable water and herd size (p>0.05). Herd level prevalence of clinical and subclinical mastitis was 38.75% and 100%, respectively. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis at quarter, cow and herd level was 83.03% (n=1042), 81.8% (n=327) and 100% (n=31), respectively. The prevalence of clinical mastitis at quarter, cow and herd was 3.4% (n=52), 6.5% (n=26) and 38.7% (n=12), respectively. Moreover, 7% of cows were with at least one blind teat and the quarter level teat blindness is 2.81%. Quarter level clinical mastitis was significantly associated with parity number (p<0.05), udder hygiene (p<0.05), farm hygiene (p<0.05), stage of lactation (p<0.05) and herd size (p<0.001) while only parity (p<0.05), stage of lactation (p<0.01) and herd size (p<0.001) were significantly associated to sub-clinical mastitis. The highest prevalence of quarter level clinical mastitis was observed in early (1.6%, n = 16) and late parities (1.5%, n =24), in cows with poor udder cleanliness (2.13%, n =34), in farms with poor hygiene (2.0%, n =32), at late lactation stage (1.8%) and in farms with herd size ranging from 26 to 40 (1.56%, n= 6). On the other hand, the prevalence of subclinical mastitis significantly increased with parity number and stages of lactation and the highest quarter level prevalence was observed in the herd size ranging from 26-40. On the other hand, the overall prevalence of bovine tuberculosis was 62.66% and the disease occurred in significantly higher rates in herds with larger number of animals, in farms with poor ventilation and in cows with 3 and 4 parities. But, age, sex and stage of lactation had no significant association with the prevalence of the disease in the present study. The results of multivariate logistic regression showed that infection of cows by bovine tuberculosis was more of the function of herd size and the ventilation status. The prevalence of bovine brucellosis was 12.9% (n=4) and there was significant association between the herd level prevalence of bovine brucellosis and the abortion viii history in the herds. On account of these results it is concluded that bacterial quality of raw milk produced and marketed by intensive dairy farms in Addis Ababa is of inferior quality and possible risk to public health from zoonotic diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that national milk quality standards and regulations demarcating the minimum operational environments of the routine husbandry practices and health requirements of dairy animals should be instituted.
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    Seroprevalence of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia in Borana and Guji Lowlands, Southern Ethiopia
    (2008-06) TESFAYE, BEKELE; Dr.Yilkal Asfaw, Dr. Moses Keylue
    A multistage cross sectional serological study, questionnaire survey and participatory appraisal were conducted on contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) from October, 2007 to April, 2008 in Borana and Guji lowlands, Southern Ethiopia, to determine the prevalence of the disease, to identify the risk factors for the occurrence of the disease and to assess the perception of the community on CCPP in particular and other goat diseases in general. A total of 951 serum samples (900 from goats and 51 from sheep) were collected and tested using Complement Fixation Test (CFT). Questionnaire surveys were conducted with 69 randomly selected households. Participatory disease appraisal was done with 12 informant groups in 12 different villages, the group size varying from 5-12 informants and with a total of 120 informants. Out of the 900 goat sera samples tested, 119 (13.2%) were seropositive for CCPP, giving an overall seroprevalence of 13.2 % (95%CI=11.0%-15.4%) in the study areas. A seroprevalence of 18.3% (95% CI=14.3%-22.7%), 11.7% (95% CI=8%-15.2%) and 9.7% (95% CI=6.3%-12.6%) were recorded in Liban, Teltale and Moyale Districts, respectively. The seroprevalence recorded among the districts was significantly different (p<0.05). The seroprevalence recorded in Liban district was significantly different from that of Moyale District (p<0.05). Moreover, out of 51 sheep samples tested, 3 (5.9%) were seropositive. Statistical analysis on the assumed risk factors showed that the seroprevalence observed in age groups, flock size groups and distance from veterinary service centre were found to be significantly different (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis on the assumed risk factors showed that age, flock size and distance from veterinary service centre were the major risk factors for the occurrence of the disease in the area with Odds ratios of 2.18 (95% CI=1.64-2.91), 1.59 (95% CI=1.11-2.29) and 1.43 (95% CI=1.03-1.98), respectively. Contact at watering points, restocking, lack of veterinary service, and large flock size were identified to be the major factors for the spread and occurrence of the disease in the area. Participatory disease appraisal has indicated that the community has good knowledge about contagious caprine pleuropneumonia and other goat diseases, implying that the indigenous knowledge of the pastoral community could be used complementarily with the conventional disease investigation technique in the area. In conclusion, the serological findings, questionnaire survey and participatory appraisal have indicated that contagious caprine pleuropneumonia was XIV the top major goat health problem in the area which warrants appropriate measures to be in place towards the prevention and control of the disease in the study areas.
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    Assessment of the Feeding Systems and Feed Resources of Dairy Cattle in Lemu-Bilbilo Wereda Dairy Products-Processing Cooperatives, Arsi Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
    (2008-06) TEKLAY, ASGEDOM; Dr. Kelay Belihu, Dr. Berhan Tamir
    This study was conducted in Lemu-Bilbilo Wereda, Arsi Zone of Oromia Regional State on members of the dairy products processing cooperatives with the objective of characterizing the feeding systems, and feed resources in terms of quantity and quality in the study area. One hundred fifty one households owning dairy cattle and supplying milk to the cooperatives during the study period were selected purposely. A structured questionnaire format was prepared and an interview of each household was carried out to collect data on household structure and farming system characteristics, feeding systems, available feed resources and their nutritional qualities, dairy cattle feeding practices and performance of dairy cattle. Feed samples were collected from natural pastures, crop aftermath, crop residues, concentrates and tree legumes to estimate total DM yield and nutrient composition of the feedstuffs. Standard methodologies were followed to collect the feed samples and analyses their chemical composition. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data using SPSS. The results of this study showed that the average livestock herd size per household in terms of TLU was 20.44 (SE=0.87), cattle (16.12 TLU, SE=0.72) that represented 78.86% of the total herd size. About 39.20% of the cattle herd sizes were composed of crossbred while 60.80% were indigenous. Cows represent 51.05% of the total cattle herd followed by oxen that represent 28.47%. The objective of cattle keeping in majority of the farms was for milk, draught, income and meat purpose. Crop-livestock mixed farming was the commonly used farming system. Cereals, pulses, and oil seeds are the major crops grown in the study area. Grazing combined with stall feeding is the commonly used farming system. The major feed resources were natural pasture, crop residues, concentrates (wheat bran and linseed cake) and hay. Grasses are the major to cover the species composition of the natural pasture in both water logged and relatively drained pasture areas (57 and 83%, respectively) followed by sedges (37 and 10%, respectively). Barley and wheat straws are the major crop residues (53.81 and 27.94%, respectively). Majority of the feed available in the study area was originated from the natural pasture (56.39%) followed by crop residues (29.24%) and concentrates (5.06%). The total amount of DM estimated per household in the study area was 1.34 tons per TLU and this satisfied only 58.77% of the maintenance requirement. The nutrient content of xi natural pasture in this study was 31.85 and 32.65% DM, 9.28 and 8.65% CP, 10.51 and 10.46 MJ/kg DM of ME, 0.29 and 0.33% Ca, and 0.19 and 0.23% P for water logged and relatively drained areas, respectively. Crop residues had DM, CP, ME, Ca, and P contents of 91.06-95.25%, 4.10-7.24%, 9.66-10.57 MJ/kg DM, 0.15-0.49% and 0.07-0.13%, respectively. The nutrient contents of linseed cake and wheat bran was 93.17 and 94.17% DM, 31.96 and 17.0.2% CP, 12.17 and 14.67 MJ/kg DM of ME, 0.34 and 0.09% Ca and 0.97% P each, respectively. Hay had DM content of 92.47%, CP content of 6.67%, ME content of 9.43MJ/kg DM, Ca content of 0.36% and P content of 0.22%. The mean total land holding was 6.67ha (SE=0.28) per household. The average size of tenured land was (5.46 ha) while the rest (1.21 ha) was contracted land. On average each household supplied a total of 108.62 MJ/kg DM, 1150.65 (g) of CP, 28.69 (g) of Ca and 38.88 (g) of P for a lactating cow. Much of ME (48.59%) and Ca (42.72%) originated from crop residues followed by Concentrates ME (37.16%) and Ca (16.66%) but much of P originated from concentrates (76.90%). The average peak daily milk yield for crossbred cows was 6.83 liters and for indigenous was 2.82 liters. The lactation length was 10.3 and 7.49 months for crossbred and indigenous cows, respectively. Age at first calving was 36.02 and 46.77 months and the calving interval were 19.90 and 23.53 months for crossbred and indigenous cows, and service per conception of 2.19 and 1.6 times were found for crossbred and indigenous cows, respectively. Conclusions were made on the feed resources and their nutrient composition in the study areas and appropriate recommendations were forwarded.
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    The Effect of Replacing Meat and Bone Meal with Soybean Meal on the Performance of Broiler Chickens
    (2008-06) KASSA, SHAWLE; Dr. Kelay Belihu, Dr. Moses Keylue; Dr. Tadelle Dessie
    This study was carried out from November 30, 2007 to January 17, 2008 to determine the effects of the combination as well as full replacement of meat and bone meal (MBM) in broiler starter and finisher chickens diets with soybean meal (SBM) on daily feed intake, body weight gain, food conversion rate, water consumption, economic efficiency and carcass characteristics. A total of 306 day old broiler chickens were divided into 18 groups of 17 birds each and subjected to completely randomized design, such that three replicates were allocated to a diet. The diet was isocaloric and isonitrogenous that contained around 3000kcal/kg ME and 22%CP for starter and 3200kcal/kg ME and 20%CP for finisher phase. The diet (experimental) groups were diet 1 (commercial diet) used as comparison purpose; diet 2 (0%SBM + 26%MBM), diet 3 (6.5%SBM + 19.5%MBM), diet 4 (13%SBM + 13%MBM), diet 5 (19.5%SBM + 6.5%MBM), and diet 6 (26%SBM + 0%MBM). The birds were fed and watered ad libitum. At the end of the experiments, 2 broilers (one male and one female) from each replicate were selected and slaughtered to evaluate the development of different cut ups and abdominal fat. The result indicated that feed intake and body weight gain of the birds were significantly (p<0.05) higher for diet 1 for the entire period of feeding, followed by diet 5. The feed intake and body weight gain were not significantly different between diet 5 and diet 6 during the finisher phase. Both feed consumption and body weight gain were inferior for the groups placed in diet 2 for the whole weeks of feeding regime. The feed conversion ratio was not significantly different (p>0.05) for diet 1, diet 5 and diet 6 for the whole period of feeding. The highest feed conversion rate was recorded for diet 2. Higher water to feed ratio were observed in the whole production cycle for diet 1, diet 5 and diet 6. However, rate of survival was not significantly different among treatments (p>0.05). Lack of uniformity in body size and posture of birds was seen as the level of MBM inclusion was beyond 6.5%. Biological and economic efficiencies as measured by the amount of feed and feed cost required per kg live weight gain was significantly higher for the groups fed on diet 5 and diet 6 during the entire study period. The lowest abdominal fat percentage was observed for diet 1 and diet 6, and the highest was recorded for the treatment groups containing 13% - 26%MBM diets, although there was a tendency of increase in abdominal fat with the increase in the level of MBM. Diet 1 comprised significantly (p<0.05) higher eviscerated and breast weight percentage followed by diet 6. The results of this study showed that using MBM beyond 6.5% significantly depressed the body weight gain, feed consumption, FCR and increased x cost of production. SBM safely can substitute MBM in the finisher phase. Economically full SBM diet and 19.5% SBM and 6.5% MBM combinations could be interchangeably used for broilers without affecting the performance next to the commercial diet.
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    Assessment of Problems/Constraints Associated With Artificial Insemination Service in Ethiopia
    (2008-06) Desalegn, Gebremedhin; Dr. Merga Bekana, Dr. Azage Tegegn; Dr. Kelay Belihu
    Study on reproductive performance of 18 AI bulls and on the efficiency of AI operations was conducted at the National Artificial Insemination Center and in ten purposively selected areas of five regional states. This study was also conducted to assess the problems and constraints associated with artificial insemination service in Ethiopia. The 18 bulls were owned by NAIC and were in semen production. Questionnaire survey was also carried out on technical staffs that were performing their duties at the National AI Center. Evaluation of number of services per conception and conception rates to first insemination was carried out. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on 375 cows in the selected areas. Besides, 114 straws of semen, 61 from regions, and the other 53 from NAIC were checked for semen motility to see if there were any differences in motility due to handling between the center and the regions. Thirty AI technicians and 246 farmers were used for the collection of data using questionnaire surveys. Moreover, fifty-two high-level professionals who have stakes directly or indirectly in the artificial insemination service have been used for the focus group discussions in the five regions. Mean (± E) scrotal circumference for Holstein, Jersey and crosses of Holstein with indigenous breeds at NAIC was 39.71± 0.64, 41.00 ± 1.16 and 39.00 ±1.00 respectively. The results did not differ (p>0.05) among the three breeds. Similarly, the outcome of semen physio-morphological analysis revealed that there was no difference (P>0.05) for the different semen characteristics except for the total morphological defects which differed significantly (P<0.05) among the three breeds. The sources, the selection procedures, and the health status of the AI bulls at NAIC were found to have serious problems. Mean (± SE) number of services per conception and conception rate to first insemination were 1.88 ± 0.07 and 27.06 ± 0.44 respectively. These results differ significantly (P<0.001) among the five regions. Of the total cows used during the study, 40.53% have been found to be repeat breeders. Mean (± SE) semen motility for the NAIC and for the regions were 53.2% and 51.7% respectively and there was no difference (P>0.05) between the NAIC and the regions. The overall results of the assessment via questionnaire surveys and focus group discussions at large have indicated that artificial insemination is not doing well in all the regions and at national level at large. It is inferred, therefore, that artificial insemination operation in Ethiopia is not a success and requires urgent measures to change the situation before it totally collapses.
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    Assessement on Husbandry Practices and Production Performance of Briolers under Smallholder Management in and Arround Debre Zeit Town, Ethiopia
    (2008-06) MICHAEL, TEMESGEN; Dr. Mekonnen Hailemmariam, Dr. Kelay Belihu
    The study has two parts. The first parts covers cross sectional study while the second part dealt with longitudinal investigation and conducted on private smallholder broiler farms having a flock size of 50-700 in Debre Zeit town, Ethiopia. Cross-sectional study was designed to gather information on the baseline poultry husbandry practices, while longitudinal study was designed to collect data on production performances and mortality of broiler chicks. A total of 65 broiler farms existed in the study area and all were considered for cross sectional study, while a follow up longitudinal study was conducted on 17 purposively selected broiler farms. The household demographic profile showed that the age of most households lies within 31-40 years followed by 21-30, and most of the farmers were literate. The dominant farming system was raising livestock only. The study showed that 58.5% of the households were farmers, and 58.5% were females. All the surveyed households reared broilers chicken for sales as an income source, and 46.2% produce broilers 3 times per year. The average (mean ± SD) family size, flock size and flock density was 4.2±1.58, 386.87 ± 177.63 and 10.21 ± 2.18, respectively. About 93.8% of the households use separate housing for broiler, and the percentage of farms making house from mud was 50.8%. Most of the farms use flatted roofing (89.2%) and one sided openings (93.8%). With regard to health management, about 80% of the farms use vaccination only and the rest combine it with other medicaments. This study showed that Sodium hypochlorite account for the largest type’s disinfectants chemical used in the farming system. The higher and lower mortality rate occurred at finisher and grower stage respectively. While 58.5% of the labor source was family labor, the remaining was accounted for hired labor. The most important constraints of the broiler farms were shortage of land (64.6%), day old chicks (83.1%), capital (44.6%), feed related problems (63%) and while labor was less important (4.6%). The overall mean age at slaughtering, slaughtering weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage (%) and mortality rate (%) were 56.535.99 days, 2.640.17 kg, 1.840.17 kg, 69.92.71 % and 6.731.78 %, respectively. Commercial Feed Based (CFB) broilers XII farms had age at slaughtering of 53.18±1.14 days, and slaughtering weight of males and females broilers were 2.74±0.13 kg and 2.49±0.12 kg, respectively, while carcass weight of male and female broilers were 1.97±0.10 and 1.69±0.12, respectively. On the other hand, On Farm Feed Based (OFFB) broiler farms had age at slaughtering of 62.67±6.40 days, and slaughtering weight of male and female broilers were 2.78±0.15 kg and 2.57±0.11 kg, respectively, while carcass weight of male and female broilers were 2±0.12 kg and 1.74±0.92 kg, respectively. Feed type and sex of birds had significant effect on the slaughtering and carcass weight and dressing percentages across all the farms. The male broiler chicks had heavier carcass compared to the female ones. Smallholder broiler farms that used CFB ration perform better compared to the OFFB ration. Even if the productive performance of broiler chicken owned by smallholder in the area is improving, the prevailing situations such as shortage of skill, feed problems and health care practices is still the bottleneck for better performance. Thus, broiler farms should improve the prevailing management standard through improved husbandry practices; supply of quality feed and improved health care of birds.
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    Study on the Breeding Practice of Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Holetta Area, Central Highlands of Ethiopia
    (2008-06) NEBYU, BAYE; Dr. Kelay Belihu, Prof. Merga Bekana
    This study was carried out in Wolmera Woreda of the West Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State from October 2007 to April 2008. Simple random type of sampling was used to select 300 households from five peasant association for questionnaire survey and 37 smallholder farmers, who got at least 25% of their income from dairy and grouped in five groups each with 5 to 8 farmers, were included in the participatory method. Data were collected on socio-economic and farming system characteristics, livestock and cattle herd size and composition, dairy cattle management practices, different aspects of dairy cattle breeding practices and constraints associated with dairy cattle production. Data was analyzed using descriptive and differences between means was analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The results showed that the overall mean for family size was 5.7 person (SD=2.25). Cattle (37.3%) and sheep (27.8%) were dominated the livestock herd. The average cattle herd size in the study areas was 16.06. Shortage of grazing land was the most important constraint among the factors that hinder dairy development in the area (37.7%) followed by cattle disease (21.7%), shortage of concentrate feed (18.7%) and shortage of crossbred heifers (12.7%). This finding was also supported by the results of participatory methods. The average daily milk yield of diary cattle ranged from 0.91-2.50 liters in indigenous cattle and from 2.75-6.34 liters in crossbred cattle. The average lactation length was 5.82 months for indigenous cattle and 10.79 months for crossbreds. Breed effect on daily milk yield and lactation length was significant (p<0.001). The average age at first calving, calving interval and number of services per conception of indigenous cattle (5.45 years, 24.92 months, 1.43 respectively) were significantly higher (p<0.005) than the values for crossbreds (3.22 year, 16.55 months, 1.20, respectively). About 86% of the farmers obtained their establishment dairy herd from local market and 84% of farmers were not satisfied with the performance of their dairy animals currently owned. Friesian crosses were ranked top by total score (46.7) followed by Jersey crosses (43.7%) and indigenous cattle (31.2%). However, indigenous cattle were considered better in milk fat percentage, conception rate, visibility of oestrus signs and disease resistance. The sources of information regarding the performance of animals were individual performance (42.6%), dams performance (28%) and progeny performance (20.8%). Morphological appearance of animals was also mentioned as important source of information in the participatory method. The most important preferred trait was high daily milk yield (33.9%) followed by age at first calving (26.2%) and high milk fat percent (18.4%). Most of the farmers (92%) were using only x natural mating while the remaining proportion of farmers, 3.3% and 4.7% were using AI and both AI and natural mating, respectively. It can be concluded that farmers in the study areas did not have a well organized breeding practice and dairying was constrained by a number of factors, which needs to be addressed properly.
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    Smallholder Dairy Production Technologies Uptake in Mixed Farming System in Dejen Woreda of East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State
    (Debre Zeit, 2008-06) Gezie, Dehinenet; H.M., Mekonnen, PhD
    A cross sectional study on smallholder dairy production technologies uptake in mixed farming systems in Dejen "woreda" was conducted from September 2007 to May 2008 with the objectives to identify available technologies, their uptake levels and constraints, assess the influences of these technologies on milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cattle in the study area. Totally, 240 randomly selected smallholder farmers and six number of participatory appraisal discussion groups were included in the study. Information was collected by questionnaire survey, personal observation during farm visits and through participatory appraisal group discussions. The average family size in the study area was 5.38 ± 1.96 ranging from 1 to 11 persons while the average land holding and livestock size were lAl± 0.68 and 5.01 TLU respectively. Cattle represented the largest proportion [49.5 % (4.14 TLU)] of the livestock population. Cows were 30.3% of cattle herd and 20% of them were crossbred. The average daily milk yield was 1.46± 0.99 and 6.01± 3.20 liters for local and crossbred cows respectively. Totally, 25 dairy technologies practiced by smallholder farmers were identified in the study area. Technologies that were widely used (more than 80% uptake levels) were modem endo-parasite treatment, vaccination, estrous detection and haymaking. Technologies such as pregnancy test, modem ecto-parasite treatment, total and partial stall feeding, crossbreed cattle, forage development, feed supplement, artificial insemination (AI), separate type of house, bull station, udder washing and record keeping were at intermediate uptake level. Modem milk processing, urea treated straw (UTS) and silage were the least practiced technologies with an uptake level of 1.7 to 14%. Associations of technologies uptake with different farm household characteristics of smallholders were tasted by using one way ANOV A. Male headed households adopted significantly (P<0.001) higher number of technologies than female headed households. The larger the family size the higher the number of technologies adopted (P
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    Smallholder Dairy Production Technologies Uptake in Mixed Farming System in Dejen Wreda of East Gojjam Zone,Amhara Regional State
    (Debre Zeit, 2008-06) Gezie, Dehinenet; Hailemariam, Mekonnen,(DVM, MVS, Associate professor)
    A cross sectional study on smallholder dairy production technologies uptake in mixed farming systems in Dejen "woreda" was conducted from September 2007 to May 2008 with the objectives to identify available technologies, their uptake levels and constraints, assess the influences of these technologies on milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cattle in the study area. Totally, 240 randomly selected smallholder farmers and six number of participatory appraisal discussion groups were included in the study. Information was collected by questionnaire survey, personal observation during farm visits and through participatory appraisal group discussions. The average family size in the study area was 5.38 ± 1.96 ranging from 1 to 11 persons while the average land holding and livestock size were lAl± 0.68 and 5.01 TLU respectively. Cattle represented the largest proportion [49.5 % (4.14 TLU)] of the livestock population. Cows were 30.3% of cattle herd and 20% of them were crossbred. The average daily milk yield was 1.46± 0.99 and 6.01± 3.20 liters for local and crossbred cows respectively. Totally, 25 dairy technologies practiced by smallholder farmers were identified in the study area. Technologies that were widely used (more than 80% uptake levels) were modem endo-parasite treatment, vaccination, estrous detection and haymaking. Technologies such as pregnancy test, modem ecto-parasite treatment, total and partial stall feeding, crossbreed cattle, forage development, feed supplement, artificial insemination (AI), separate type of house, bull station, udder washing and record keeping were at intermediate uptake level. Modem milk processing, urea treated straw (UTS) and silage were the least practiced technologies with an uptake level of 1.7 to 14%. Associations of technologies uptake with different farm household characteristics of smallholders were tasted by using one way ANOV A. Male headed households adopted significantly (P<0.001) higher number of technologies than female headed households. The larger the family size the higher the number of technologies adopted (P
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    Assessment of Impacts of Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Control Measures on Cattle Herd Composition and Performance in Southern Rift Valley
    (2008-06) MESSELE, TAYE; Dr. Kelay Belihu, Prof. Merga Bekana
    This study was conducted in the Wolayta and Gamogofa Zones of the Southern Nation Nationalities and People Region. Two districts, Kindo Koysha from Wolayta Zone (community tsetse controlled areas) and Arba-minch Zuria from Gamogofa Zone (tsetse challenged and STEP tsetse controlled areas) were selected purposely based on their similar type of agro ecology and the status of tsetse control to assess the impacts of tsetse and trypanosomosis control measures on cattle herd size and composition, milk yield and reproductive performances of cattle. Two Kebeles were selected randomly from each study area (tsetse challenged, STEP tsetse controlled and community tsetse controlled areas) and 50 households were selected randomly from each Kebele that made a total sample size of 300 households. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and a follow up study was carried out on a total of purposely selected 45 prepartum cows to collect data on daily milk yield every two weeks and also check for the occurrence of postpartum heat and subsequent pregnancy. The results showed that land holding was significantly (P< 0.001) higher in community controlled areas (2.80 ha) followed by tsetse challenged (2.24 ha) and STEP controlled areas (1.44 ha). The total livestock holding by a household in tsetse challenged area (11.84 heads) was higher than the livestock holding in STEP tsetse controlled (9.82 heads) and community tsetse controlled (9.98 heads) areas (p<0.05). Livestock diseases were the first most important constraint of livestock production identified by 83% of respondents in tsetse challenged area. In STEP and community based controlled areas shortage of grazing area was mentioned by 88% and 63% of the respondents as a major constraint, respectively. The first priority disease mentioned by 100% of the respondents in tsetse challenged area and by 95% of the respondents in both STEP and community controlled areas was trypanosomosis. The average number of cattle herd size in tsetse challenged area (9.79 heads) was higher than the comparable number of cattle herd size in the STEP tsetse controlled (7.02 heads) and in the community tsetse controlled (7.45heads) areas (p<0.001). The number of non-pregnant dry cows (p<0.05%), bulls (p<0.0%) and oxen (p<0.001) were significantly higher in tsetse challenged areas than the other two study areas. The results of cattle herd dynamics study showed that both rates of addition to (p<0.01) and disposal from the herd (p<0.001) were significantly higher in tsetse challenged area than the other two study areas. Cows in STEP and community controlled areas were able to give 26-27, 25-29 and 17-21% more daily milk yield at x the beginning, middle and end of lactation, respectively, than those in tsetse challenged areas. In addition, cows in STEP and community controlled areas had lactation length was longer by 1.2-1.35 months, age at first calving shorter by 5.1-5.3 months and calving interval shorter by 3.2 -4.1 months than cows in tsetse challenged area, respectively. The results of follow up study indicated that daily milk yield was consistently higher for STEP controlled areas than the other two study areas where their values were overlapping at some points in the lactation period. The total number of cattle died in one year time in tsetse challenged area was about 9.18 and 7.29 times higher than the value for STEP and community controlled areas, respectively (p<0.001). It can be concluded that tsetse control measures improve the cattle herd performances and encouraged more people to be engaged into crop cultivation.
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    Smallholder Dairy Production Technologies Uptake in Mixed Farming System in Dejen Woreda of East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State
    (2008-06) Dehinenet, Gezie; Dr. Mekonen H/Mariam, Dr. Kelay Belihu
    A cross sectional study on smallholder dairy production technologies uptake in mixed farming systems in Dejen “woreda” was conducted from September 2007 to May 2008 with the objectives to identify available technologies, their uptake levels and constraints, assess the influences of these technologies on milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cattle in the study area. Totally, 240 randomly selected smallholder farmers and six participatory appraisal discussion groups were included in the study. Information was collected by questionnaire survey, personal observation during farm visits and through participatory appraisal group discussions. The average family size in the study area was 5.38 + 1.96 ranging from 1 to 11 persons while the average land holding and livestock size were 1.41+ 0.68 and 5.01 TLU respectively. Cattle represented the largest proportion [49.5 % (4.14 TLU)] of the livestock population. Cows were 30.3% of cattle herd and 20% of them were crossbred. The average daily milk yield was 1.46+ 0.99 and 6.01+ 3.20 liters for local and crossbred cows respectively. Totally, 25 dairy technologies practiced by smallholder farmers were identified in the study area. Technologies that were widely used (more than 80% uptake levels) were modern endo-parasite treatment, vaccination, estrous detection and haymaking. Technologies such as pregnancy test, modern ecto-parasite treatment, total and partial stall feeding, crossbreed cattle, forage development, feed supplement, artificial insemination (AI), separate type of house, bull station, udder washing and record keeping were at intermediate uptake level. Modern milk processing, urea treated straw (UTS) and silage were the least practiced technologies with an uptake level of 1.7 to 14%. Associations of technologies uptake with different farm household characteristics of smallholders were tested by using one way ANOVA. Male headed households adopted significantly (P<0.001) higher number of technologies than female headed households. The larger the family size the higher the number of technologies adopted (P<0.01). Number of technologies adopted were also significantly (P<0.01) increased with the level of education. Distance from technologies supply site was inversely correlated with technology uptake. The households that lived within 10 kilometers radius from technology dissemination source adopted more number of dairy technologies (P<0.05) than those living beyond that distance. Technologies had significant effect on milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cows. Genetics (crossbreeding) had significant effect (P< 0.001) on milk production and on reproductive performances of dairy cows. The number of XIII technologies adopted by smallholder farms and milk yield of cows had a positive linear relationship in both local and crossbred cows. Feed scarcity, unavailability of technologies like improved cattle breed, forage seed, AI and veterinary services, inadequate extension service, financial problem, land scarcity, cost of inputs, lack of labor and low price of milk were indicated, in declining order of importance, as constraints for technology uptake. From this study, it was recommended that the government should encouraging the establishment of new dairy cooperatives and further strengthening the existing ones. The government should invite and encourage private sector to be widely involved in animal feed production and processing. The establishment of a dairy institute, at least at federal level, is strongly recommended. The institute will have a role in providing training to dairy farmers and different level of professionals. It will also do adaptive research of technologies and technology popularization. Credit and saving institutions, instead of lending money if could provide technologies (crossbred, concentrate feed, etc...) in kind form. Further research was suggested to determine impact of dairy technologies on household economy.
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    Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Local Scavenging Chicken under Farmer Management Conditions in Ada’a District, East Shoa
    (2008-06) MULATU, DAGNEW; Dr. Mekonnen Hailemmariam, Dr. Kelay Belihu; Dr. Berhan Tamir
    The study was conducted in Aad’a woreda East Shoa Zone of the Oremia Regional State from mid September 2007 to mid February 2008 with the following objectives. To assess the types and relative abundance of feeds consumed by scavenging local chicken, to determine the nutritive values of the scavenged and common supplement feeds and to determine the seasonal effects on the scavenged feed resources types and relative abundance at smallholder farmers level. A single visit multiple subject questionnaire survey was used to collect data on household demography characteristics, poultry production system, feeding, housing practice. Data were also generated through chicken crop content identification and quantification, supplement feed identification and quantification, laboratory analysis of chicken crop contents and common feed supplements. A total of 210 households from two peasant associations (105 from each) were included in the study. A total of 208 chickens purchased from selected peasant associations were slaughtered and their crops dissected, crops contents were analyzed. The majority (84.3%) of the households were headed by males. The average age of the household heads was 41.28 years; the average family size was 6.55 persons per house hold. All the selected households were engaged in mixed crop-livestock production. Women did most of the poultry production activities. Even in men headed households chicken were owned by women. The average poultry flock size was 12.13 ± 4.46 across the study area. Layers were larger in number compared to other sex and age groups. Eighty five percent of the households were offering one or other type of feed as a supplement to their scavenging chicken. The commonly offered supplements were wheat, wheat threshing leftover, maize, barely, wheat bran, boiled tef, “injera”,When the occurrence of the total crop content was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the harvesting than non-harvesting season. The main components of the crop contents were grains, kitchen wastes, green forages, insects (worms) and others. The occurrence of insects and green forages significantly higher (P<0.05) in the crop content of layers than growers. The occurrence of kitchen wastes, insects (worms) and green forage in the chicken crop content was significantly higher (P< 0.001) in the non-harvesting than the harvesting season. The occurrence of grains was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the harvesting than non-harvesting season. The occurrence of dry matter and crude fiber in the layer’s crop content was significantly higher (p<0.001) in the harvesting season than non-harvesting .Calcium and X I phosphorous levels showed the reverse pattern. Grower’s crop contents also showed the same pattern. The over all mean chemical composition (in %) of the crop contents were dry matter: 91.78 (0.12); ash: 6.28 (0.22); crude fiber: 5.14 (0.14); crude protein: (14.26); ether extract: 5.73(0.30); nitrogen fiber extract: 66.93 (0.63); calcium: 0.65 (0.04); phosphorous: 0.32 (0.01) and computed metabolisable energy (ME kcal/kg) 3510.14 (31.90). Except metabolisable energy concentration all nutrients were below the standard requirement. For egg production and optimum growth, protein to energy and calcium to phosphorous ratio were too low. In general the chemical analysis of crop contents of scavenging chickens showed that, except metabolisable energy, all other nutrients were below the requirement levels and varied with season and type of bird. Scavenging poultry should be provided with supplementary feed rich in nutrients that were deficient in scavenge able feed resource base. Further studies should focus on the amino acid profiles of crop contents
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    Causes of Village Chicken Mortality and Interventions by Farmers in Ada'a District, Ethiopia
    (2008-06) SELAM, MESERET; Dr. Kelay Belihu
    The present research was conducted in Ada’a District of the Eastern Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. This study was undertaken to investigate the major causes of chicken mortality under village production system and the intervention measures by farmers against the major causes of chicken mortality under village conditions. Data were collected through structured questionnaire from 180 households from 6 peasant associations. Simple random sampling method was used to select the peasant associations and the households. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on farming system characteristics, chicken flock size, composition and dynamics and major causes of chicken mortality and intervention methods employed by farmers. The farming system was characterized by crop-livestock farming systems. Most of the respondents (81.1%) kept poultry 15 years ago and local chicken were common in the study area (72.73% of the total flock size). The majority of the respondents (92.8%) kept their bird as scavenging birds. Wives were more responsible for the management of chickens and they are decision makers in most of the cases (78.9%). The results of the study on flock dynamics revealed that the disposal rate (16.57%) was higher than the increment (5.45%). Chickens were disposed from the flock due to different factors such as disease (86.4%), predation (91.9%), mismanagement (29.4%), bad weather (6.1%), sell and slaughter (56.67%). The most important predators mentioned by the farmers were domestic cat (71.1%), vultures (65%) and mongoose (42.8%). The most common disease problems mentioned by the farmers were Newcastle disease (72.2%), diarrheic diseases (65.8%), diseases characterized by depression and subsequent death (48.4%). Significant proportion of the respondents (48.3%) did not provide modern medicine and those using utilize mainly broad spectrum medicines without consulting veterinarians. The traditional medicaments included different medical leaves of plants, spices, and others. The materials used as medicine are usually mixed with feed and fed to sick birds. Gas oil and smoking leaves of Otostegia integrifolia were used to reduce the chicken loss due to external parasites. It can be concluded that farmers in the study areas are using still traditional type management based on indigenous chicken breeds and scavenging feed resource base and are highly affected by mortality due to predation and diseases. So appropriate management should be taken to control the incidence of disease and reduce the loss of chicken kept under village chicken production systems due to predation and mismanagement.