An experiment was conducted to compare post-weaning growth performance and sexual behavioral trai... more An experiment was conducted to compare post-weaning growth performance and sexual behavioral traits of two crossbred female sheep at different nutritional management (grazing + concentrate supplementation at 0.9% of body weight [N1] and grazing + concentrate supplementation at 1.5% body weight [N2])). Concentrate mixture was prepared from wheat bran and noug seed cake at a ratio of 2:1. The experiment was laid out similarly as 2×2 factorial arrangement using Completely Randomized Design(CRD). The number of animals included in the experiment was twenty four. The mean initial body weight for Black Head Ogaden*Dorper and Hararghe Highland*Dorper sheep was 20.60±2.76kg (mean±se), and 19.14±0.62kg (mean ±se), respectively. From this research the following results was found. Nutrition has a significant effect on average daily body weight gain(p˂0.01). Crossbred sheep fed N2 had significantly higher value of average daily body weight gain 81.6 ±4.27) than N1 (66.66 ±3.14). Breed had a sign...
This study was conducted to examine the effect of feeding a mixture of different proportions of F... more This study was conducted to examine the effect of feeding a mixture of different proportions of Ficus sur fruits (FSF) and ground maize grain (MG) on intake, digestibility, growth, and blood profile on Yorkshire pigs. Dietary treatments comprised 100 % FSF and 0 % MG (100FSF), 67 % FSF and 33 % MG (67FSF), 33 % FSF and 67 % MG (33FSF), and 0 % FSF and 100 % MG (0FSF). Noug cake and soybean meal were included to meet nutrient requirement of the animals at isonitrogenous (18 % crude protein (CP)) level with graded levels of energy. Twenty pigs with an average initial weight of 27.75 ± 1.4 kg were grouped according to their body weight, and animals from each group were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in dry matter, crude protein, and metabolizable energy intakes among the treatments. Organic matter (P < 0.05), ether extract (P < 0.01), and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) intakes were higher (P < 0.0001) for pigs fed with 0FSF than 100FSF. The digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, and NFE did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatments. However, organic matter digestibility (P < 0.05) was highest for pigs in 0FSF than 100FSF. Conversely, crude fiber digestibility was in the reverse trend. No significant differences were observed in body weight gain among treatments (P > 0.05). The blood counts and sera metabolites of pigs across the treatments fall within the optimum range. Packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hgb) were higher, but creatinine and cholesterol concentrations were lower in 100FSF than 0FSF indicating better health conditions in pigs fed with FSF. It is, therefore, concluded that feeding FSF has comparable effects with MG on the metabolic performance, growth, and blood profile of pigs.
International Journal of Livestock Production , 2022
The study aimed to assess dairy production and marketing systems in Bona district of Sidama Regio... more The study aimed to assess dairy production and marketing systems in Bona district of Sidama Region, Ethiopia. The district was stratified into urban/peri-urban and rural production systems based on the distance from the Woreda town, market orientation, improved breed availability, and production systems. Each production system was further stratified into Peasant Association where urban/periurban system had 7 while rural had 21 Peasant Association. The percentage of Peasant Association selected from each production system was 20 (2 from urban/peri-urban and 4 from rural). A total of 150 households were selected and individually interviewed. Both structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on milk production and marketing systems, and challenges hindering dairy development in the study area. The major farming activity a cross the sampled households was dairy production, and the major livestock feed resources used were natural pasture, crop residues and crop aftermaths. The average age at first calving, calving interval and lactation length based on household survey was 53.98±0.19, 25.88±0.13 and 8.9±0.08 months, respectively, for indigenous cows, and 36.98±0.20, 16.04±0.13, and 10.0±0.60 months, respectively, for crossbred dairy cows across both production systems. Milk and butter were found to be marketed mainly through informal marketing systems. Feed shortage, disease, lack of awareness on improved production and marketing practices, shortage of improved dairy cattle breeds and distance to marketing points were listed by the sampled households as the major constraints hi ndering dairy development in the study area. It is, therefore, concluded that introduction of market oriented extension system, creating access for inputs and establishment of market linkage are crucial to develop dairy in the Woreda.
This study assessed the morphological attributes of epididymal spermatozoa from indigenous goat b... more This study assessed the morphological attributes of epididymal spermatozoa from indigenous goat breeds managed under conditions of extensive husbandry in Ethiopia. Seventy-four healthy male goats from 5 breeds (Arsi-Bale [AB], Afar, Central Highlands [CH], Boran, and Woito-Guji [WG]) and 3 age groups (< 14 mo [younger]; 14.0 – 19.5 mo [intermediate]; 19.6 – 24 mo [older]) were randomly selected, and their epididymal spermatozoa were evaluated for morphology. While in caput and corpus, the proportion of detached heads, proximal droplets, abnormal midpieces, and simple bent tails were greatest (P < 0.05). Simple bent tails were lowest in the cauda epididymides whereas inversely the proportion of distal droplets and coiled tail defects was greatest (P < 0.05) in the cauda. In the cauda epididymides, defective acrosomes were greatest (P < 0.05) for CH goats and the least for Boran and WG. The proportion of loose sperm heads was greatest (P < 0.05) for AB. The occurrence o...
ABSTRACT This study was carried out in Bensa district of Sidama Zone, southern Ethiopia. The obje... more ABSTRACT This study was carried out in Bensa district of Sidama Zone, southern Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess consumer preference traits of indigenous sheep type in the study area. Data were analysed using SPSS versions 16. There are four towns where sheep was marketed in addition to many villages that were used as primary market outlets for sheep. Farmers, collectors, traders, brokers, restaurant/hotel owners and individual consumers were the major actors in the sheep market. There were five main market channels and three market outflow route of sheep in the study area. The most preferred traits by consumer in the study area were younger age, uncastrated, large frame size, good body condition and non-black colour. The demand for sheep was high during the time of crop harvesting and Christian holidays. It was concluded that understanding the consumer preferences of indigenous sheep can be used as first step in designing a sustainable breeding programme in the study area. Hence, this study recommended that community based selective breeding program should be implemented to control negative selection and improve the performance and productivity of sheep. Besides, effort should be geared to transform the system into market oriented system using value chain framework.
Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are a domesticated and closely guarded economic staple of ... more Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are a domesticated and closely guarded economic staple of indigenous people located throughout Ethiopian territorial states. Seventeen morphometric variables were examined to determine intraspecific variation among 8 pastoralist-designated breeds of camels. Additionally, DNA sequences from mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene and genotyping of 6 nuclear microsatellite loci were examined to assess genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Ethiopian camels. Examination of 525 individuals revealed significant morphometric differentiation in Afar as compared with the remaining 7 breeds. Analysis of cytochrome-b sequences failed to recover monophyletic groups associated with pastoralist-recognized breeds. Analysis of 6 microsatellite loci from 104 individuals depicted no resolution of distinct genetic lineages in accordance to geographical or designated breeds. Overall, separation of 2 ecotypes based on the morphometric data was supported; howev...
Review was carried out on the nutritional value of Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore Fig or Shola) leaf, ... more Review was carried out on the nutritional value of Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore Fig or Shola) leaf, different techniques employed to feed animals at different treatment to evaluate the nutritional and chemical composition of as alternative feed sources and its potential as animal feed particularly to sheep. Sycamore Fig can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, fertilizing the soil for other plants, tolerant of infertile soils and capable of pioneering change in barren and poor quality soils. The leaf contains CP content of F. sycomorus leaf was 17.9% and The NDF, ADF, ADL, DM and ash content of F. sycomorus leaf on DM basis in this study was 64.6%, 52.5%, 17.4%, 93.2% and 11.9%, respectively. The CP content of the F. sycomorus leaf in the current in dry matter basis which depends on the species and Climatic conditions. The composition of the seed and especially the high protein content makes Sycamore Fig leaf highly suitable for livestock diets than pods. However, the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids and some ant nutritional factors results in characteristically bitter taste making the tree legume unacceptable for food/feed. Different strategies (processing methods) have been used to reduce/eliminate the alkaloid contents and enhance the feed value of the grain. Supplementation of ruminant diets with processed Sycamore Fig has been shown to have many positive effects in terms of growth and reproductive efficiency, comparable with supplements of other feeds and which is better than hay and more than the maintenance requirements of the animals.
The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementations with F. sycomorus leaf, f... more The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementations with F. sycomorus leaf, fruit and their mixtures on intake, digestibility, body weight gain and carcass parameters of sheep fed basal diet hay, and to assess the economic benefit of the supplementation using partial budget analysis. The experiment was carried out at Gish Abay in Sekela Woreda, West Gojjam Zone; using twenty intact male yearling Washera sheep with a mean (±SD) initial body weight of 17.5±0.39kg. The animals were vaccinated against anthrax and pasteurellosis, dewormed and sprayed against internal and external parasites, respectively, before the start of the experiment. Experimental sheep were adapted for 15 days to the treatment feeds. The experiment consisted of digestibility trial of 7 days and feeding trial of 90 days. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five blocks consisting of four animals per block based on their initial body weight. Dietary treatme...
Thirty-four Boer×Spanish wethers (18±0.3kg initial BW; 5 months of age) were used in a 12-week ex... more Thirty-four Boer×Spanish wethers (18±0.3kg initial BW; 5 months of age) were used in a 12-week experiment (2×2+1 factorial arrangement of treatments) to determine effects of ad libitum consumption of broiler litter (B) alone or mixed with corn (60% B; BC) and of ad libitum versus restricted (R) prairie hay intake on feed intake and growth performance. Treatments were: Control: ad
... References Abaye Tedla, Tefera Gebre-Meskel, Alemu Gebre-wolde, Beruk Yemane and Philip Chiga... more ... References Abaye Tedla, Tefera Gebre-Meskel, Alemu Gebre-wolde, Beruk Yemane and Philip Chigaru. 1989. Status of dairying in Ethiopia and strategies for future development. ... Pp 63. Azage Tegegne, Abraham Geleto, Osuji, PO, Tesfu Kassa and Franceschini, R. 1994. ...
The effect of supplementation with agro-industrial by-products and hay on body weight change and ... more The effect of supplementation with agro-industrial by-products and hay on body weight change and carcass characteristics of Ogaden bulls grazing natural pasture was investigated at Haramaya University beef farm. Eighteen uniform and healthy Ogaden bulls with initial mean body ...
... In other recent experiments with similar goat genotypes, BW change for basal control diets of... more ... In other recent experiments with similar goat genotypes, BW change for basal control diets of grass hay alone of −30 (Melaku and Betsha, 2008), 0 (Getachew, 2005), −1 (Mohammed, 2005), and −3 g/day (Bruh, 2008) suggest that quality of basal control diets in both on-station ...
An experiment was conducted to compare post-weaning growth performance and sexual behavioral trai... more An experiment was conducted to compare post-weaning growth performance and sexual behavioral traits of two crossbred female sheep at different nutritional management (grazing + concentrate supplementation at 0.9% of body weight [N1] and grazing + concentrate supplementation at 1.5% body weight [N2])). Concentrate mixture was prepared from wheat bran and noug seed cake at a ratio of 2:1. The experiment was laid out similarly as 2×2 factorial arrangement using Completely Randomized Design(CRD). The number of animals included in the experiment was twenty four. The mean initial body weight for Black Head Ogaden*Dorper and Hararghe Highland*Dorper sheep was 20.60±2.76kg (mean±se), and 19.14±0.62kg (mean ±se), respectively. From this research the following results was found. Nutrition has a significant effect on average daily body weight gain(p˂0.01). Crossbred sheep fed N2 had significantly higher value of average daily body weight gain 81.6 ±4.27) than N1 (66.66 ±3.14). Breed had a sign...
This study was conducted to examine the effect of feeding a mixture of different proportions of F... more This study was conducted to examine the effect of feeding a mixture of different proportions of Ficus sur fruits (FSF) and ground maize grain (MG) on intake, digestibility, growth, and blood profile on Yorkshire pigs. Dietary treatments comprised 100 % FSF and 0 % MG (100FSF), 67 % FSF and 33 % MG (67FSF), 33 % FSF and 67 % MG (33FSF), and 0 % FSF and 100 % MG (0FSF). Noug cake and soybean meal were included to meet nutrient requirement of the animals at isonitrogenous (18 % crude protein (CP)) level with graded levels of energy. Twenty pigs with an average initial weight of 27.75 ± 1.4 kg were grouped according to their body weight, and animals from each group were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. There was no difference (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.05) in dry matter, crude protein, and metabolizable energy intakes among the treatments. Organic matter (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05), ether extract (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01), and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) intakes were higher (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.0001) for pigs fed with 0FSF than 100FSF. The digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, and NFE did not differ (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.05) among treatments. However, organic matter digestibility (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) was highest for pigs in 0FSF than 100FSF. Conversely, crude fiber digestibility was in the reverse trend. No significant differences were observed in body weight gain among treatments (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.05). The blood counts and sera metabolites of pigs across the treatments fall within the optimum range. Packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hgb) were higher, but creatinine and cholesterol concentrations were lower in 100FSF than 0FSF indicating better health conditions in pigs fed with FSF. It is, therefore, concluded that feeding FSF has comparable effects with MG on the metabolic performance, growth, and blood profile of pigs.
International Journal of Livestock Production , 2022
The study aimed to assess dairy production and marketing systems in Bona district of Sidama Regio... more The study aimed to assess dairy production and marketing systems in Bona district of Sidama Region, Ethiopia. The district was stratified into urban/peri-urban and rural production systems based on the distance from the Woreda town, market orientation, improved breed availability, and production systems. Each production system was further stratified into Peasant Association where urban/periurban system had 7 while rural had 21 Peasant Association. The percentage of Peasant Association selected from each production system was 20 (2 from urban/peri-urban and 4 from rural). A total of 150 households were selected and individually interviewed. Both structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on milk production and marketing systems, and challenges hindering dairy development in the study area. The major farming activity a cross the sampled households was dairy production, and the major livestock feed resources used were natural pasture, crop residues and crop aftermaths. The average age at first calving, calving interval and lactation length based on household survey was 53.98±0.19, 25.88±0.13 and 8.9±0.08 months, respectively, for indigenous cows, and 36.98±0.20, 16.04±0.13, and 10.0±0.60 months, respectively, for crossbred dairy cows across both production systems. Milk and butter were found to be marketed mainly through informal marketing systems. Feed shortage, disease, lack of awareness on improved production and marketing practices, shortage of improved dairy cattle breeds and distance to marketing points were listed by the sampled households as the major constraints hi ndering dairy development in the study area. It is, therefore, concluded that introduction of market oriented extension system, creating access for inputs and establishment of market linkage are crucial to develop dairy in the Woreda.
This study assessed the morphological attributes of epididymal spermatozoa from indigenous goat b... more This study assessed the morphological attributes of epididymal spermatozoa from indigenous goat breeds managed under conditions of extensive husbandry in Ethiopia. Seventy-four healthy male goats from 5 breeds (Arsi-Bale [AB], Afar, Central Highlands [CH], Boran, and Woito-Guji [WG]) and 3 age groups (< 14 mo [younger]; 14.0 – 19.5 mo [intermediate]; 19.6 – 24 mo [older]) were randomly selected, and their epididymal spermatozoa were evaluated for morphology. While in caput and corpus, the proportion of detached heads, proximal droplets, abnormal midpieces, and simple bent tails were greatest (P < 0.05). Simple bent tails were lowest in the cauda epididymides whereas inversely the proportion of distal droplets and coiled tail defects was greatest (P < 0.05) in the cauda. In the cauda epididymides, defective acrosomes were greatest (P < 0.05) for CH goats and the least for Boran and WG. The proportion of loose sperm heads was greatest (P < 0.05) for AB. The occurrence o...
ABSTRACT This study was carried out in Bensa district of Sidama Zone, southern Ethiopia. The obje... more ABSTRACT This study was carried out in Bensa district of Sidama Zone, southern Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess consumer preference traits of indigenous sheep type in the study area. Data were analysed using SPSS versions 16. There are four towns where sheep was marketed in addition to many villages that were used as primary market outlets for sheep. Farmers, collectors, traders, brokers, restaurant/hotel owners and individual consumers were the major actors in the sheep market. There were five main market channels and three market outflow route of sheep in the study area. The most preferred traits by consumer in the study area were younger age, uncastrated, large frame size, good body condition and non-black colour. The demand for sheep was high during the time of crop harvesting and Christian holidays. It was concluded that understanding the consumer preferences of indigenous sheep can be used as first step in designing a sustainable breeding programme in the study area. Hence, this study recommended that community based selective breeding program should be implemented to control negative selection and improve the performance and productivity of sheep. Besides, effort should be geared to transform the system into market oriented system using value chain framework.
Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are a domesticated and closely guarded economic staple of ... more Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are a domesticated and closely guarded economic staple of indigenous people located throughout Ethiopian territorial states. Seventeen morphometric variables were examined to determine intraspecific variation among 8 pastoralist-designated breeds of camels. Additionally, DNA sequences from mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene and genotyping of 6 nuclear microsatellite loci were examined to assess genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Ethiopian camels. Examination of 525 individuals revealed significant morphometric differentiation in Afar as compared with the remaining 7 breeds. Analysis of cytochrome-b sequences failed to recover monophyletic groups associated with pastoralist-recognized breeds. Analysis of 6 microsatellite loci from 104 individuals depicted no resolution of distinct genetic lineages in accordance to geographical or designated breeds. Overall, separation of 2 ecotypes based on the morphometric data was supported; howev...
Review was carried out on the nutritional value of Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore Fig or Shola) leaf, ... more Review was carried out on the nutritional value of Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore Fig or Shola) leaf, different techniques employed to feed animals at different treatment to evaluate the nutritional and chemical composition of as alternative feed sources and its potential as animal feed particularly to sheep. Sycamore Fig can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, fertilizing the soil for other plants, tolerant of infertile soils and capable of pioneering change in barren and poor quality soils. The leaf contains CP content of F. sycomorus leaf was 17.9% and The NDF, ADF, ADL, DM and ash content of F. sycomorus leaf on DM basis in this study was 64.6%, 52.5%, 17.4%, 93.2% and 11.9%, respectively. The CP content of the F. sycomorus leaf in the current in dry matter basis which depends on the species and Climatic conditions. The composition of the seed and especially the high protein content makes Sycamore Fig leaf highly suitable for livestock diets than pods. However, the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids and some ant nutritional factors results in characteristically bitter taste making the tree legume unacceptable for food/feed. Different strategies (processing methods) have been used to reduce/eliminate the alkaloid contents and enhance the feed value of the grain. Supplementation of ruminant diets with processed Sycamore Fig has been shown to have many positive effects in terms of growth and reproductive efficiency, comparable with supplements of other feeds and which is better than hay and more than the maintenance requirements of the animals.
The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementations with F. sycomorus leaf, f... more The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementations with F. sycomorus leaf, fruit and their mixtures on intake, digestibility, body weight gain and carcass parameters of sheep fed basal diet hay, and to assess the economic benefit of the supplementation using partial budget analysis. The experiment was carried out at Gish Abay in Sekela Woreda, West Gojjam Zone; using twenty intact male yearling Washera sheep with a mean (±SD) initial body weight of 17.5±0.39kg. The animals were vaccinated against anthrax and pasteurellosis, dewormed and sprayed against internal and external parasites, respectively, before the start of the experiment. Experimental sheep were adapted for 15 days to the treatment feeds. The experiment consisted of digestibility trial of 7 days and feeding trial of 90 days. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five blocks consisting of four animals per block based on their initial body weight. Dietary treatme...
Thirty-four Boer×Spanish wethers (18±0.3kg initial BW; 5 months of age) were used in a 12-week ex... more Thirty-four Boer×Spanish wethers (18±0.3kg initial BW; 5 months of age) were used in a 12-week experiment (2×2+1 factorial arrangement of treatments) to determine effects of ad libitum consumption of broiler litter (B) alone or mixed with corn (60% B; BC) and of ad libitum versus restricted (R) prairie hay intake on feed intake and growth performance. Treatments were: Control: ad
... References Abaye Tedla, Tefera Gebre-Meskel, Alemu Gebre-wolde, Beruk Yemane and Philip Chiga... more ... References Abaye Tedla, Tefera Gebre-Meskel, Alemu Gebre-wolde, Beruk Yemane and Philip Chigaru. 1989. Status of dairying in Ethiopia and strategies for future development. ... Pp 63. Azage Tegegne, Abraham Geleto, Osuji, PO, Tesfu Kassa and Franceschini, R. 1994. ...
The effect of supplementation with agro-industrial by-products and hay on body weight change and ... more The effect of supplementation with agro-industrial by-products and hay on body weight change and carcass characteristics of Ogaden bulls grazing natural pasture was investigated at Haramaya University beef farm. Eighteen uniform and healthy Ogaden bulls with initial mean body ...
... In other recent experiments with similar goat genotypes, BW change for basal control diets of... more ... In other recent experiments with similar goat genotypes, BW change for basal control diets of grass hay alone of −30 (Melaku and Betsha, 2008), 0 (Getachew, 2005), −1 (Mohammed, 2005), and −3 g/day (Bruh, 2008) suggest that quality of basal control diets in both on-station ...
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