2024/10/20 by Gemechu Shuma, Ayantu Mekonnen, Gemeda Duguma
Environmental Science · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology #Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock #Livestock and Poultry Management
paper · doi:10.20372/star.v13.i3.06
A study was conducted in Sayo, Gawo Qebe, and Dale Wabara districts of the Qellam Wallaga zone of the Oromia region, involving 152 households. A semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to gather data. Mixed-crop livestock is the major production system. The average goat flock size per household was 8.8±5.40 heads. Cash and meat were the main goals of goat farming. Natural pastures, fallow lands, and shrubs are major feed resources of the areas. In the dry season, goats are herded and allowed to roam freely; during the rainy season, they are tethered and herded. All classes of goats, except newborn lambs, are herded together. Rivers and springs are major water sources. 38.2% of goats are kept in family homes, while 56.6% are kept in houses that were built separately. The age of first sexual maturity was 7.6±0.07 months for females and 7.2±0.07 months for males. The average age at first kidding and kidding interval were 11.9±0.09 and 7.7±0.06 months, respectively. Diseases and periodic feed shortage are the two main challenges to goat production. Improving farmers' and development workers' capacity to mitigate issues associated with disease and seasonal feed shortages will be essential in the future.