Study on Cattle Production Systems in Selected Sites in Gambella Region with Emphasis on Breeding Practices
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2009-06
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Abstract
The study was conducted between September 2008 and April 2009 in Gog district and Gambella town areas in Gambella region, west Ethiopia. Two hundred eighty eight dairy producers, both rural and urban producers representing the two major studied areas, were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique, with the objective of characterizing dairy production system and describe dairy breeding practices in the areas. To characterize dairy production systems and breeding practices in the study area, dairy producers were interviewed using a pre-tested and structured formal questionnaire. Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRA) was also employed. Two major dairy production systems, namely the urban and mixed crop–livestock systems were identified, and again mixed crop–livestock systems classified into cereal crop producing based on the major crops grown. The average family size of urban and rural dairy producers was 6.33 and 7.22 persons, respectively. The average (Means ± SE) land holding for crop production in urban and mixed crop-livestock were 1.86 ± 0.09 and 2.16 ± 0.14 ha respectively. The average (Means ± SE) of landholding for pasture lands were higher in mixed crop-livestock 4.74 ± 0.24 ha, while in urban production system 2.66 ± 0.17 ha. Average Cattle herd size per household in the urban production systems (9.23 ± 0.41) was higher than in the mixed crop-livestock production system (6.81 ± 0.45). Husbandry practices like feeding, watering, housing, breeding, milking, calf rearing and record keeping were also different between the two productions systems. The majority of producers (39.8%) in the mixed crop–livestock system produced milk for home consumption, while the majority of urban producers (64.4%) produced milk for sale. Reproductive performances of dairy cows were also different in two production systems. Mating of cow was uncontrolled and only local animals were founding in both production systems. Individuals and dam performances 52.22% and 45% respectively were the major sources of information for acquiring dairy cow in mixed and urban production systems. In both urban and mixed crop-livestock high milk yields were the major preferred traits 70 and 64.8% respectively and also farmers used different selection criteria for both dairy cows and breeding bull in two production systems. The major disease identified in studied areas was trypanosomosis. Constraints for dairy development in the area included: diseases, thieves, veterinary services, lack of credit, feed and feeding, poor extension and lack of veterinary clinic. The rapid urbanization, subsequent increase in human population and standard of living of the urban dwellers especially the regional town Gambella as well as Pignudo towns can be considered as a good prospect for
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the development of dairy in the area. Dairying in the studied areas can be improved by solving major problems of smallholder dairy producers through services related to feed supply, access to veterinary clinic, good marketing systems, controlling thieves and through provisions of veterinary services, improve breeding practices, credit, extension, and training services at reasonable time and cost.
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Breeding practices, dairy cattle, Gambella, production systems