Livestock Fish Ethiopia Small Ruminants
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Item Effects of altitude and harvesting dates on morphological characteristics, yield and nutritive value of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin.) in Ethiopia(Journal Article, 2017-06) Asmare, Bimrew; Demeke, Solomon; Tolemariam, Taye; Tegegne, Firew; Haile, Aynalem; Wamatu, JaneItem Characterization of sheep fattening cooperatives in Ethiopia: Members’ satisfaction and women’s participation(Thesis, 2016) Ephrem, N.Cooperatives play crucial roles in economic and social development of both men and women. The study was conducted to determine the participation of sheep farmers in sheep fattening cooperatives (SFC) in four regional states of Ethiopia with a special focus on women. Variables studied included characteristics of members, length of membership (LM), extent of participation in decision making (EPDM), satisfaction of the level of management (SLM), interaction with cooperative officials (ICO), interaction with members (ICM), satisfaction level on interaction (SLI), members taken into consideration (MTC), annual revenue of the cooperative (ARC), share of meetings attended (SMA), Fifty four legally registered SFC were selected purposively based on their current status and their accessibility. Probability proportionate to size (PPS) technique was used to determine the number of producer members to be studied. A total of 314 members and 54 chairpersons of the cooperatives were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics (mean, percentage and frequency) and econometric model (tobit and logit) were employed for data analysis using Statistical Analytic Software (SAS) ver. 9.2. Results showed that the majority (69.7%) of members in SFC were men. The SFC in this study showed no trend of increasing membership. Members (53.8) participated moderately in decision making, while 38% had a moderate level of satisfaction in the management. There were high levels of interaction as shown by proportions of producer members who interacted with officials (58.8%) and among themselves (60.4). The proportion of members who attended all cooperative meetings was 30.6%. There were no correlations between age of members and length of membership with other variables. EPDM was strongly correlated (P<0.01) with SLM, ICM, SLI, MTC, ARC and SMA but not correlated (P>0.05) with ICO. From the result of this study, majority (68.9%) of respondent members have no intention of increasing the number of sheep per fattening cycle. Poor market linkage and information, feed, cash and space ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th as factor that limit the number of fattening sheep per cycle. Internal factors were mentioned to have a strong influence on the future existence of SFC as compared to external factors. There was a significantly higher (P< 0.05) proportion of women membership in SFC initiated by NGOs and cooperatives that have women in the leadership positions. There was significantly lower (P<0.001) proportions of women in SFC whereby members buy shares at the start-up. The level of literacy had an effect on women's participation in leadership. Women had a higher chance of being leaders in SFC that were women-based, those with higher proportions of female membership, and those with leaders who have undertaken gender-related training courses. Membership in SFC resulted in improved women's access and control over inputs and resources, training and credit, and participation in decision making and management activities. However, their proportion and participation in leadership of SFC is still limited. Therefore, awareness creation and gender inclusive trainings, access to resources and education should be done and improved in order to involve women effectively in cooperative development.Item Characterization of sheep fattening at small holder level in different agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia—Amhara and Tigray Regions(Thesis, 2016) Mekonnen, S.Amhara Region The purpose of the study was to characterize sheep fattening production system at small holder level in rural areas of Ethiopia, based on different agro-ecological zones (AEZs). 108 small holder sheep fatteners were selected by random sampling out of Amhara region. Therefore, three AEZs within Amhara region made a total of 12 study areas, each with about 36 respondents who were selected purposively, based on the relevant activity and accessibility to transportation. The collected data from the questionnaire was analyzed based on software, SPSS. The result of the region showed that the sheep fattening practice in general, in different AEZs, was found relatively more defined in the highlands, than in the mid lands and the low lands, respectively. Better market demand, shorter distance to health center, qualitatively and quantitatively feed resources availability, higher net profit gain, relatively better market value chain were scored in the highlands than the rest, followed by mid land and the least score in low lands. The high temperatures in the lowlands influenced health problem which ultimately resulted in low production. Even so, the fattening production system is semi- intensive even in better scoring areas and declines to extensive in most cases. But in fulfilling the constraints of each AEZ would enable them to have optimum and relatively, similar production potential. Besides, using appropriate breeds, market chains, distribution of industrial by-products and promotion of loans supported with agricultural inputs would encourage the small holder farmers to engage in sheep fattening, consistently. Tigray Region The purpose of the study was to characterize sheep fattening production system at small holder level in rural areas of Ethiopia, based on different agro-ecological zones (AEZs). 108 small holder sheep fatteners were selected by random sampling out of Tigray region, in three AEZs, each having three kebeles with a total of 12 study areas. In every kebele, 12 respondents were selected using purposive sampling. The collected data from 180 questionnaires was analyzed using SPSS. The mean family size of households in the highlands midland and lowlands were 5.25, 6.36 and 5.42, respectively. Only 11.1% of the respondents in the highlands, 16.7% in the midlands and 30.6% in the lowlands engage in non-agricultural activities. Results from the region showed that there was significantly (p< 0.05) better fattening experience in the highlands compared to other AEZs. However, net profit gain was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in the lowlands. Midlands were significantly (p<0.05) higher in family size. The average water availability was 1.28+0.11kms in the highlands which is significantly (p< 0.05) higher than the lowlands 1.00+0.00s. Using appropriate breeds, market chains, and distribution of industrial by-products and promotion of loans supported with agricultural inputs would encourage the smallholder farmers to engage in sheep fattening consistently.Item Optimizing community-based breeding for indigenous goat breeds in Ethiopia(Thesis, 2016-07-28) Woldu, T.The study aims to analyze factors affecting contributions of goat farming to household economic success and food security in three goat production systems of Ethiopia. A study was conducted in three districts of Ethiopia representing arid agro-pastoral (AAP), semi-arid agro-pastoral (SAAP) and highland mixed crop-livestock (HMCL) systems involving 180 goat keeping households. Gross margin (GM) and net benefit (NB1 and NB2) were used as indicators of economic success of goat keeping. NB1 includes in-kind benefits of goats (consumption and manure), while NB2 additionally constitutes intangible benefits (insurance and finance). Household dietary diversity score (HDDS) was used as a proxy indicator of food security. GM was significantly affected by an off-take rate and flock size interaction (P<0.001). The increment of GM due to increased off-take rate was more prominent for farmers with bigger flocks. Interaction between flock size and production system significantly (P<0.001) affected both NB1 and NB2. The increment of NB1 and NB2 by keeping larger flocks was higher in AAP system, due to higher in-kind and intangible benefits of goats in this system. Effect of goat flock size as a predictor of household dietary diversity was not significant (P>0.05). Nevertheless, a significant positive correlation (P<0.05) was observed between GM from goats and HDDS in AAP system, indicating the indirect role of goat production for food security. The study indicated that extent of utilizing tangible and intangible benefits of goats varied among production systems and these differences should be given adequate attention in designing genetic improvement programs.Item Genetic parameters, productivity indices and breeding plans for designing community-based goat breeding programs in Ethiopia(Thesis, 2016-10-15) Jembere, T.The overall objectives of this dissertation were to improve access to improved/selected bucks by farmers of the research sites and to contribute to their food security and income improvements. The specific objectives were: 1) to present reliable genetic parameter estimates based on meta-analysis of literature reports; 2) to evaluate production and productivity of three indigenous goat breeds in Ethiopia namely Abergelle (AB), Central Highland (CH) and Woyto-Guji (WG) and have bench mark production and productivity estimates for the ongoing Community Based Breeding Programs (CBBPs) in Ethiopia; 3) to evaluate alternative breeding scenarios in the CBBP of the three goat breeds including dam-side selection, genomic selection and two-tier breeding programs; and 4) to assess the need for recording birth weight in CBBP of small ruminants. This dissertation was based on four articles/manuscripts. Accordingly, in article 1, unweighted and weighted average genetic parameters including direct heritability (ha 2 ), maternal heritability (hm 2 ), ratio of common environmental variances (c2 ), repeatability (R), phenotypic (rp) and genetic (rg) correlations for growth, reproduction and milk production traits in goats were presented. Unweighted averages across publications were obtained directly. For the calculation of weighted average ha 2 , hm 2 , c 2 and R, the inverse of their variances were used. Weighted average rp and rg were transformed to an approximate normal scale using Fisher’s Z transformation and then transformed back to correlations. Weighted average ha 2 for growth, reproduction and milk production traits ranged from 0.03 to 0.45, 0.00 to 0.17 and 0.15 to 0.22, respectively. Weighted averages rp and rg correlations among growth traits ranged from -0.06 to 0.84 and 0.01 to 0.98, respectively. It seemed that weighted average ha 2 , hm 2 , c 2 , R, and rg are more reliable for two reasons: weighted estimates were more conservative than values based on relatively higher number of records and the absence of significant effects of the tested fixed factors on some parameter estimates. Papers II-VI were based on data generated from the three indigenous goat breeds, in two villages for each. Production parameters including three months weight (3mw, kg), kidding interval (KI, days) and litter size at birth (LSB); and productivity indices including live weight production per parturition (kg) (index I), index I per postpartum weight (ppw) (Index II) and overall productivity (index III) were analyzed in manuscript II. Fixed effects of villages, year, season, type, sex, and parity of kids’ birth, flock size and ppw were investigated on the parameters, except for index III. The overall means of 3mw (kg) were 7.44, 10.96 and 9.38 for AB, CH and WG goat breeds, respectively. The overall means of KI were 362, 268 and 309 days for AB, CH and WG goat breeds, respectively. The overall means of LSB for AB, CH and WG goat breeds were 1.03, 1.40 and 1.09, respectively. Overall means of index I and index II were 16.66 kg and 0.50, respectively. xii Index III ranged from 0.27 to 0.53. In general, CH goat breed was found to be the most productive using the three indices. In manuscript III, application of dam-side (SN2) and genomic selection (SN3) onto the current breeding practice, where only male side selection is practiced, (SN1) and expansion of SN1 to a two tiers programs (SN4) were evaluated for three indigenous goat breeds to determine the optimal scenario(s). Due to significant distances between CH Gonder site and CH Ambo site, separate breeding plans were optimized for the CH goat breeds. The predicted annual genetic gain (PAGG) in six month weight (6mw, kg) ranged from 0.308 to 0.467 (CH Gonder site), 0.209 to 0.311(CH Ambo site), 0.188 to 0.270 (WG) and 0.174 to 0.249 (AB). The PAGGs in KI for WG goats ranged from 0.167 to 0.419 from all the scenarios. The PAGG in average daily milk yield (ml) and survival to six months (SURV) (%) for AB ranged from 0.617 to 0.970 and 0.008 to 0.013, respectively. The PAGGs in LSB and litter size at weaning (LSW) for CH were found to be small (0.001 to 0.002). The discounted profit from SN3 was negative for all breeds. Based on the PAGGs and discounted profitability, SN2 was recommended. In article IV, the Pearson correlation "r" between birth weight (BWT) & six month weight (6MW), BWT & nine month weight (9MW), three month weight (3MW) & 6MW & 3MW & 9MW; and regression coefficients ("b") of 6MW & 9MW on BWT, 6MW & 9MW on 3MW were investigated. The "r" BWT & 6MW, BWT & 9MW, 3MW & 6MW & 3MW & 9MW ranged from 0.099 to 0.176, 0.051 to 0.163, 0.598 to 0.706 & 0.370 to 0.546, respectively. The "b" of 6MW on BWT, 9MW on BWT, 6MW on 3MW & 9MW on 3MW ranged from 0.494 to 0.999, 0.311 to 0.996, 0.706 to 0.927 and 0.415 to 0.669, respectively. In general, BWT had weak "r" with 6MW & 9MW in three indigenous goat breeds of Ethiopia. However, it seems that recording BWT in the CBBP is compulsory. Hence, it was concluded that keeping BWT records under the CBBP of small ruminants has little or no significance. In summary, reliable genetic parameter estimates are presented for genetic improvements in goats. Production parameters and productivity indices presented here could be used as reliable benchmark for the anticipated CBBPs. The productivity indices could also be used to compare productivity efficiencies among different goat breeds. Planning dam-side selection could be considered together with sire side selection. Recording of BWT could be avoided in CBBPs to contribute to reduced breeding costs.Item Evaluation of the agronomic, utilization, nutritive and feeding value of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum)(Thesis, 2016-06-30) Asmare, BimrewThis study comprised of field survey, agronomic trial, laboratory and animal evaluation of desho grass. A total of 240 households (hh) were involved in the field survey conducted to assess the status of desho grass production and utilization in Burie Zuria and Doyogena districts, with the use of pre-tested and semi- structured questionnaire. The grass was planted at mid and highland altitudes using vegetative root splits in randomized complete block design to determine the effects of altitude and harvesting dates (90, 120 and 150 days after planting) on morphology, dry matter (DM) yield and chemical composition of desho grass. Feeding & digestibility trials were conducted using 25 Washera yearling rams with mean body weight of 19.4+1.89 kg in randomized complete block design to evaluate the feed potential of desho grass as a basal diet. The dietary treatments studied were; 100% Natural Pasture Hay (NPH) (T1), 75% NPH+25% Desho Grass Hay (DGH) (T2), 50% NPH + 50% DGH (T3), 25% NPH+75% DGH (T4), and 100% DGH (T5). All the treatment groups were supplemented with 300 g/h DM of concentrate & data on feed intake, daily body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency & fecal samples were collected during the 90 and 7 days of feeding and digestibility trial respectively. The field survey data were analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics and probit model using SAS 9.2. The agronomic characteristics and laboratory analytical data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and correlation analysis of SAS 9.2. Animal evaluation data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA of SAS. Tukey’s Honest Significant Test was used to separate means that showed significant difference. The results of the field survey revealed that the mean landholding, livestock holding and family size of the respondents was 0.95 hectare, 3.56 tropical livestock units and 6.5 persons/hh, respectively. The proportion of farmers who use desho grass as a feed were 60% and 35% use it for more than one purpose including feed. About 42, 3 and 53% of the respondents reported that they feed desho grass to lactating cattle, small ruminants and to all livestock species respectively. There was significant positive correlation (P<0.01) between experience of desho grass production practice and utilization for different purposes in the study areas. About 43% of desho grass producers have received training on desho grass production and utilization. The utilization of the grass for many purposes is not well practiced by many farmers, due to in adequate extension services and lack of training. The results of the agronomic trials indicated that leaf length per plant (LLPP) of the grass planted in mid altitude (28.98 cm) was greater than that (21.81 cm) planted in the high altitude. Highest harvesting date significantly increased (P<0.05) plant height (PH), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), leaf length per plant (LLPP) and re-growth dates (RGD). The DM yield of desho grass significantly increased, while crude protein (CP) content significantly decreased (P<0.05) as the harvesting date increased from 90 to 150 days. Agronomic results xviii revealed that desho grass performs well both in mid and high altitude areas and represent potential livestock feed resource at early stage (90 to 120 days after planting) of feeding. The daily DM intake and mean daily body gain of the experimental sheep showed significant improvement (P<0.05) with increased level of inclusion of desho grass into the basal ration. The digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF were significantly different (P<0.05) among the treatments (in the order of T1Item Field solutions for sheep artificial insemination: Technical synthesis report, October 2015-August 2016(Report, 2016-10-30) International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry AreasItem Field solution for the artificial insemination of Ethiopian sheep breeds: Reproductive package to effectively vehicle improved genetics from the communities to the communities(Extension Material, 2016-05-15) Rekik, Mourad; Haile, Aynalem; Rischkowsky, Barbara A.Item Rams’ breeding soundness evaluation: Year round management for rams that are fit for successful reproduction(Extension Material, 2016-10-30) Rekik, MouradItem Recording birth weight has no significance in village based genetic improvement programs of small ruminants(Journal Article, 2016) Jembere, T.; Kebede, K.; Rischkowsky, Barbara A.; Haile, Aynalem; Okeyo Mwai, Ally; Dessie, TadelleItem The use of system dynamics modelling methodologies in sheep breeding programs and management systems(Conference Paper, 2016-09-19) Tadel, K.; Wurzinger, Maria; Gizaw, Solomon; Haile, Aynalem; Rischkowsky, Barbara A.; Sölkner, JohannSystem dynamics modelling approach has been widely used in the agriculture sector to describe livestock production systems, livestock health and natural resource management. However, its application in modelling livestock breeding programs and systems is limited. Therefore, this study explores the utility of system dynamics modelling in evaluation of sheep breeding programs and management systems in the Ethiopian highland. A community-based sheep breeding programme was modeled using STELLA software. A weather and resource driven stochastic herd model was developed to evaluate the effect of genetic improvement and change in management system on herd dynamics and profitability. The baseline model was developed using historical rainfall and temperature data. Performance data was extracted from the herd-book of the breeding programme and additional input data were obtained from various sources. The model accounts for pasture growth, nutrient requirement and seasonal variation in animal performance, physiological status and aging chain of the herd. Economic analysis was also done considering the returns and costs of the system. The baseline model was further expanded to account for genetic selection of body size, fattening strategies and alternative management systems to evaluate their effect on herd dynamics and profitability. Technical evaluation and extensive logic testing during the building phases was conducted. The model results were compared to independent calculations to determine whether the model was matching expectations, and to help clarify the relationships between variables. The model demonstrates that balancing the feed supply and demand is crucial. Genetic selection for large body size has resulted in decrease of herd size and higher income. Fattening of young animals has increased the farm income. Increase feed supply by producing improved forage plants increased herd size and farm income. For more economic benefit genetic improvement programs should be coincide with appropriate fattening strategies and resource availability. Overall, system dynamics modelling tools are useful to describe breeding programs and management systems by building simple, flexible and usage driven simulation models.Item Quality of milk and dairy products under traditional smallholder system in northern Ethiopia(Poster, 2016-09-19) Hilali, M. El-Dine; Szonyi, Barbara; Wondim, B.; Birhanie, M.; Haile, Aynalem; Rischkowsky, Barbara A.In Ethiopia, goats represent an important component of the farming system. In Abergelle, goats make the highest contribution to farmers' livelihoods, compared with other agricultural enterprises. Processing of traditional dairy products is an important activity by women that contribute to the nutrition and livelihood of the family. The main products are Kibe; local butter, Ergo; local fermented milk and Arera. However, hygienic conditions are often poor and milking practices are conducive to contamination. Farmers' local knowledge on traditional processing methods were assessed through a survey conducted in eight villages in Abergelle regions using a structured questionnaire aiming to collect data on milk production, processing and hygienic practices, to develop a safer, low-cost processing technologies. In total 375 households were surveyed. It was found that Ergo is mainly consumed by the family whereas Kibe is the main sold product for 44% households. However, processing Kibe is labour intensive 12%. Moreover, farmers are facing problems related to product quality. Due to hygiene conditions, product spoilage was observed in 28% of the farms. Product taste is attributed to proper cleaning and fumigation of the milk container with Ekema wood 43%, and 6% of households reported a problem of appearance due to elevated acidity of Ergo. Moreover, 91 samples of goat milk and milk products were collected. Analysis of milk components showed a big variation in composition. Fat content that is important for butter production was varying from 2.8-9.9%. Almost 60% of analysed milk samples tended to become acidic due to high microbial load. In addition, alkaline milk was observed in some farms indicating mastitis, which is confirmed by elevated values of electric conductivity, up to 7.3mS/cm. Samples found to have a prevalence of 5.4% of Staphylococcus aureus and 8.7% of E. coli. The standard plate count for 79% of the samples was ≥10^6, indicating a serious deficiencies in production hygiene. The quality of raw milk is a challenge for milk processing, and there is a need to focus on goat husbandry and management to produce healthy milk. Improving processing practices and hygiene is crucial to overcome constraints and enhance the livelihood of households.Item Determinants of the utilization of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) by farmers in Ethiopia(Journal Article, 2016) Asmare, Bimrew; Demeke, S.; Ejeta, Taye Tolemariam; Tegegne, Firew; Wamatu, Jane; Rischkowsky, Barbara A.A study was conducted to document how smallholder farmers in Ethiopia utilize desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) and explain the determinants of alternative and competing uses of the grass. The study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire for 240 farmers in the districts of Burie Zuria and Doyogena, complemented with input from key informants and secondary data. The dependent variables tested were the use of desho grass as a feed, multipurpose uses of the grass and types of livestock fed. To test the effect of the explanatory variables on the dependent variables, separate univariate Probit models were used. Although the majority of respondents can read and write, about 23% of respondents were illiterate. The average desho grass-producing farmer in the sample owned 0.95 ha of farmland and 3.56 tropical livestock units; average household size was 6.5 people with a household head who was typically male (91% of households). Eighty percent of respondents in Burie Zuria and all respondents in Doyogena district depended solely on rain for desho grass production. Fifty-eight percent in Burie Zuria and 65% in Doyogena district applied either manure or artificial fertilizer to the grass. Weeding of desho grass was not practiced by any respondents in either district. Sixty percent of farmers used desho grass as a feed and 35% used it for more than a single purpose. Forty-two percent of farmers who fed desho grass did so to only lactating cattle, 3% fed it to small ruminants and 53% fed it to all livestock species. There were significant negative correlations (P<0.01) between both experience in production of desho grass and access to training in its production and utilization, and its utilization as a feed. Seventy percent of farmers in Burie Zuria and 13% in Doyogena have received training in desho grass production. To expand the utilization of the grass to as many farmers as possible, further training should be provided. A multi-faceted approach would be needed for the 23% of illiterate farmers over the 2 districts.Item Evaluation of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) hay as a basal diet for growing local sheep in Ethiopia(Journal Article, 2016-04) Asmare, Bimrew; Demeke, S.; Ejeta, Taye Tolemariam; Tegegne, Firew; Wamatu, Jane; Rischkowsky, Barbara A.Item Participatory epidemiology and gender analysis to address small ruminant disease constraints in Livestock and Fish and Africa RISING project sites in Ethiopia(Report, 2016-07-30) Wieland, Barbara; Alemu, Biruk G.; Desta, Hiwot; Kinati, Wole; Mulema, Annet A.Item Keep goats and sheep free of coenurosis(Extension Material, 2019-02-27) Wieland, BarbaraItem Gender capacity assessment feedback and validation report for the small ruminant value chain in Ethiopia(Report, 2016-05-15) Kinati, Wole; Desta, Hiwot; Mulema, Annet A.Item Gender capacity for the small ruminant value chain in Ethiopia: Current status and ways forward(Presentation, 2016-05-17) Desta, Hiwot; Kinati, Wole; Mulema, Annet A.Item Evaluation of community-based sheep breeding programs in Ethiopia(Report, 2015-12-30) Gutu, Z.; Haile, Aynalem; Rischkowsky, Barbara A.; Mulema, Annet A.; Kinati, Wole; Tesfahun, G.Item Small ruminant value chain development in Ethiopia(Poster, 2016-06-13) CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish