2023/10/31 by Mulatu, Mathewos, Diba, Diriba, Yusuf, Hasan +1
#Cattle production #Feed resource #Mada Jalala #Oda Gudina #Qarsa Mojo #Uke area
paper · doi:10.20372/star.v10i1.01
The current study was conducted at Guto Gidda and Sasiga districts of East Wallaga Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, to characterise livestock production systems. Three peasant associations (PAs) from Sasiga district and two from Guto Gidda were identified for the present study. The districts were purposefully selected because of their climate conditions, which are suitable for livestock production, the presence of a huge livestock population, and the available feed resources. A semi- structured questionnaire was used for primary data collection. Field observation and secondary data were also used to capture relevant information. A total of 150 respondents (30 respondents from each PA) were randomly selected and involved in the current study. The study focused on the livestock production system, constraints, and opportunities available in the study areas. Improved livestock husbandry knowledge gaps, feed shortages, disease prevalence, shortages of improved breeds, a lack of organised markets, and the problem of the road for marketing animals are major problems reported in the current study. The relatively large land holding per household, the presence of rich experience and skill in cattle fattening practices, particularly intact bulls, feed conservation practices in the form of hay, storage and utilisation of crop residues, and a good feeding system such as zero grazing are some of the major opportunities to be enhanced. In addition, irrigation is widely practiced in Sasiga district, which may help to cultivate irrigated forages along the edge of the irrigation canal. The large quantity of crop residues produced in Sasiga district presents huge opportunities for expansion of livestock production if properly conserved, treated, and utilized. It may also help to enhance the productivity of the livestock and help to sustainably overcome seasonal feed shortages.