Animal Production

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EFFECT OF SUBSTITUTION OF KOCHO FOR MAIZE ON FEED INTAKE, DIGESTIBILITY, AND BODY WEIGHT GAIN OF SHEEP FED RHODES GRASS HAY AS BASAL DIET
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2014) AMAN GETISO
A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of substitution of kocho for maize on feed intake, digestibility, and body weight gain of sheep supplemented Rhodes grass hay as basal diet. Twenty four yearling male Adilo lambs with initial body weights of 15.03 ±1.96 kg (mean ± SD) were used. Animals were grouped into six blocks of four animals, and fed with 74% maize + 25%noug cake + 1% salt (T1), 46.25% maize + 27.75% kocho + 25% noug cake + 1%slt (T2), 27.75% maize + 46.25% kocho + 25% noug cake + 1% salt (T3), and 74% kocho + 25%noug cake + 1% salt (T4). Rhodes grass hay was offered as a basal diet ad libitum. The supplements were offered at the rate of 300 g/d during the feeding and digestibility trials of 72 and 7 days, respectively. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in dry matter, organic matter, acid detergent and Metabolizable energy intake, dry matter and organic matter digestibility and weight gain among treatments. Lambs in T1 had the highest (P < 0.05) CP intake (49.03 g/d) followed by T2, T3 and T4 with 42.85, 39.35 and 33.50 g/d, respectively. Nitrogen intake was lowest (p<0.05) for sheep fed T4 and highest (P<0.05) for sheep fed T1, T2 and T3 diets which had comparable values among themselves. The highest (P<0.05) N retention was for T2 and the lowest (P<0.05) was for T1 and T4, while T3 had an intermediate value. The study conducted inferred that kocho can replace maize without any unfavorable effect on nutrient intake, digestibility and weight gain. It was concluded that kocho could be used as an alternative good energy source to replace maize in areas where its economic advantages are practicable.
HUSBANDRY PRACTICES AND PRODUCTIVITY OF ARSI-BALE GOATS IN AGARFA DISTRICT OF OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2016) BEHAILU SAMUEL
This study was conducted in Agarfa district with the objectives; to assess the husbandry practices and reproductive performance, to evaluate the productive performance and estimate offtake rates and also to identify the major constraints and opportunities of Arsi-Bale goats production in Agarfa district. Semi-structured questionnaire survey was carried out on 150 interviewees who are selected randomly from the three agro-ecologies. On-farm monitoring of the growth performance of kids owned by farmers was also conducted. The data obtained from the survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages; while data on growth performance was analyzed applying Analysis of Variance using General linear model procedure of SPSS version 17.0.The result showed that the average land holding per household was 2.3 ± 0.13 ha. Goats were the most(p<0.05) widely reared livestock species next only to cattle in terms of TLU. The main purpose of keeping goats in the study area was for income generation. The major feed and water sources were natural pasture and river water respectively. Most farmers let their goats alone to graze. The most common type of goats house in the study area is the one which is constructed attached to the family house sharing the common wall. Small proportion of farmers practice weaning of kids to maintain body condition of dams. Most farmers (40%) in the study area practice castration of goats for fattening and selling, of which only (50%) of farmers used modern method of castration. The major reason for culling of goats in the area was old age(71.2%). Most of the kidding(34.7%) in the study area were from September to November. The overall mean age at first mating (female), age at first mating (male),age at first kidding and kidding interval were reported to be 7.28±0.04,8.48±0.05,14.57±0.04 and 7.11±0.03 months respectively. The overall mean birth weight and two month weight of kids were found to be 2.38±0.1 kg and 6.94±0.2kg respectively. The mean average daily weight gain was 76.2 ± 1.9 g/day up to two months.The birth weight of kids born from first parity does(irrespective of sexes) was significantly lower(P<0.001) than kids from second and above parity does. The triplets had significantly lower (P<0.001) birth weight than twins and triple born kids. The effect of sex too indicated that the buck kids were significantly heavier ( P<0.001) than the doe kids. Kids that were born from first and fifth parity does had significantly lower (P<0.01) average daily weight gain than kids from second,third,fourth and sixth parity does. Single born and male kids had significantly heavier(P<0.01) average daily weight gain than twins and female kids. The survival rate and commercial offtake rates of goats in the area was 91.67% and 16.6% respectively. Disease and parasites and drought were reported to be the two major constraints of goats production in the area. Even though the current overall productivity of goats in the area is fairly encouraging as compared to other indigenous Ethiopian goats breeds, full potential need to be exploited by improving husbandry practices,offtake potential and solving production constraints
ASSESSMENT OF GRAZING LAND CONDITION, HERBACEOUS BIOMASS SPECIES AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION IN ADAMI-TULLU JIDO-KOMBOLCHA AND ARSI NEGELLE WOREDAS, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2016) MULUGETA GUDISA GORO
This study was conducted in Adami-Tullu Jido-Kombolcha and Arsi Negelle woredas, Southern Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were: (1) To assess the effects of grazing pressure and altitude on range condition, herbaceous biomass and species composition in the study areas and (2) To evaluate the effects of grazing pressure and altitude on chemical composition of herbaceous plants in the study areas. In the assessment of rangeland condition: grass species composition, basal cover, litter cover, number of seedlings, age distribution of dominant grasses, soil erosion and compaction were considered. The data were analyzed using GLM procedure in SPSS 16.0 version, which was used for mean comparisons using post-hoc t-test that can be employed to compare mean differences for enclosure and open grazed areas. To test the effect of management and altitude on rangeland condition, biomass production, chemical composition of herbaceous species, mixed model analysis was used where site was used as a random variable while management and altitude were fixed variables. The rangeland condition assessment factors showed that grass species composition, basal cover, litter cover, age distribution, number of seedlings, soil erosion and compaction, and total range condition scores in the enclosed areas were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in the open grazed areas. A total of 28 herbaceous species were identified. Of the identified herbaceous species, 20 were grasses, 2 were legumes while 6 species were forbs. Among the recorded grass species, some were highly desirable, while others were in the category of intermediate in terms of desirability and less desirable. The total biomass production of grasses, forbs and legumes in the enclosure areas were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the open-grazed areas across the study sites. The dominant and common grass species included: Arstida adscensionis, Cenchrus ciliarus, Chloris gayana, Chloris roxburghiana, Bothriochloa insculpta, Entropogon, Eragrostis papposa, Heteropogon contorus, Panicum maximum, Bides pilos sida ovate,Indigofer spinosa, Tephrosia pumila, Sporobolus pyrmidalis, Themeda triandra, B. nigropedata, Ocimum basilicum, Amaranthus dubis, Tribulos terrestris and Achyrantes aspera. The chemical composition of herbaceous plants were evaluated for DM, CP, NDF, ADF, ADL and Ash between the two management systems and among three site of different altitude for grazing land condition. The average CP content in the open-grazed area was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of enclosure grazing areas. This suggests that proper management of grazing lands in the study areas is required as part of the grassland monitoring activities and restoration programs. It is also suggested that the herbaceous forages were utilized at early stage of maturity to provide optimum nutrients for animals in the study area
ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTION SYSTEM, EGG QUALITY AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF VILLAGE CHICKEN IN BENCH MAJI ZONE, SOUTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2016) WELELAW EDMEW WORKU
The study was conducted in three districts of Bench Maji Zone in Southern Ethiopia with the objective of assessing the production system, egg quality traits and carcass characteristics of indigenous chicken. A total of 270 households were selected by multi-stage purposive random sampling technique and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 450 eggs and 45 adult male chickens were also purchased to evaluate the egg quality traits and carcass characteristics, respectively. The results revealed that the flock size per household was 10.4 with cock to hen ratio of 1:2.9. Scavenging with occasional supplementation was the major feeding system (80.7%). Maize (91.1%), sorghum, Taro and Kocho were the types of supplementary feeds used in their order of importance. Seasonal disease outbreak and predation were the most challenges of village chicken productivity. The average age of cockerel at first mating and pullet at first egg laying was 5.9 and 6.4 months, respectively. The average number of eggs per clutch and the annual egg number of local chicken in the study area were 14.8 and 54.6, respectively. The mean number of eggs incubated by local hen was 11.8 with 82.2% hatchability and 48.8% survivability of hatched chicks. The purpose of rearing chicken and the egg produced was primarily for selling as a source of cash income followed by hatching and home consumption. The average egg weight and shape index of local chickens was 43.9 g and 72.7%, respectively. The average shell thickness of local chickens was about 0.33 mm. The respective average albumen height and the HU score was 3.4 mm and 61.2. The average yolk height and yolk color were 14 mm and 10.9, respectively. The average slaughter weight of local male chicken was about 1449 g. The edible carcass yield was 966 with 66.7% dressing. The proportions of breast meat, thigh, drumstick and wing were 25.4%, 19.5%, 15.4% and 10.2%, respectively. The study revealed variations in different production traits which might be due to management difference and genetic dissimilarities of local chicken ecotypes in the studied districts. Further research is recommended to evaluate their performance potentials under improved feeding and management systems
THE EFFECT OF PARTIAL SUBSTITUTION OF NOUG SEED CAKE WITH CASSAVA (Manihot escutulata C.) LEAF MEAL ON FEED INTAKE, GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TRAITS OF ROSS 308 BROILER CHICKENS
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2017) MENGISTU MASEBO LAMBEBO
The effect of dietary inclusion of cassava leaf meal (CLM) on feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing Ross 308 chickens was investigated at the poultry farm of the School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University. The leaves were collected from Hawassa Research center and were sundried and ground to make leaf meal. Five treatment diets were formulated to contain 0% (Treatment 1, T1), 2% (Treatment 2, T2), 4% (Treatment 3, T3), 6% (Treatment 4, T4) and 8% (Treatment 5, T5) of CLM, which was incorporated in the diet as partial substitution of Noug seed cake. After two weeks of brooding, 240 unsexed broiler chicks were weighed and randomly allocated to the dietary treatments with four replicates of 12 chickens each totaling 48 chickens per treatment. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks, during which feed intake and body weight were assessed on daily and weekly basis, respectively. At the end of the experiment, two chickens (male and female) chick per replicate of each treatment whose body weight was nearly similar to those of average of treatment were randomly selected, fastened overnight, weighed and slaughtered for the determination of carcass parameters. The results indicated that the feed intake (g/chicken/day) was 80.9, 80.4, 80.9, 77.0 and 74.0 for chickens fed with T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively being significantly higher for those of T1, T2 and T3 than T4 and T5. The crude fiber intake was (p<0.05) higher for those chickens reared in T1 and T2 diets. Chickens reared in T1, T2 and T3 diets had significantly higher body weight and total weight gain values than those of T4 and T5. No significance difference was observed in body weight between chickens reared in T1, T2 and T3. The body weight and weight gain parameters were significantly higher for those chickens reared in T4 than those of T5. There was no significance difference in feed conversion ratio between treatment diets. Chickens reared in T1 had significantly higher (p< 0.0001) slaughter weight and dressed carcass than those of other treatments. The values for dressing percentage, and drumsticks were (p< 0.0001) higher in chickens reared in T1 and T2 diets than those fed of T4 and T5. Chickens fed on T1, T2 and T3 had significantly higher values for thigh and wing as compared with those reared in other treatments. The interaction effects of sex by treatment was significant for breast, drumstick, back, gizzard and skin while it was insignificant for other carcass components. Male chickens had significantly higher carcass component values than females. The results of the current study revealed that the inclusion of cassava leaf meal up to 4% in broiler diet could be an alternative feeding strategy by partially substituting Noug seed cake
ASSESSMENT OF THE UTILIZATION PRACTICES OF BANANA AND MANGO RESIDUES, AND EFFECT OF ENSILING ON SILAGE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF INDIGENOUS SHEEP GRAZING NATURAL PASTURE IN ARBA MINCH ZURIA DISTRICT OF GAMO GOFA ZONE
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2017) ASKALE DUBALE
The study was conducted to assess the experiences of banana and mango residue utilization, and effect of ensiling banana using mango residues as an additive on silage quality and evaluate the effect of feeding banana residues silage on growth performance of sheep. For the diagnostic survey, 120 households (HH) were selected from four banana and mango producing potential kebeles from which 30 respondents were selected to assess utilization of banana and mango residue for sheep feeding. Open ended structured questionnaire, focused group discussions and secondary data were used to collect the required data. For silage quality evaluation the banana and mango residues were collected from the farm at the time of harvest and banana residue was wilted for 8 hours. Five different silages were prepared using different proportion of mango peel and flesh (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10%) and molasses (10, 7.5, 5, 2.5 and 0%) as an additive to banana wilted psudostem and leaf. The ensiling was done with three replicates in buckets and was ensiled for 21 days. The on-farm feeding trial was undertaken to evaluate the effect of feeding banana silage prepared using mango residues and molasses as an additive on the growth performance of indigenous sheep. Eighteen yearling sheep were assigned to three treatments (T1= Grazing, T2=Ensiled Banana using 10% mango residues as additive, T3 = Ensiled Banana residue using 10% molasses as an additive). The sheep were blocked to six and assigned to HHs in Randomized Complete Block Design, each HH contributing three sheep and within a household the three sheep were randomly allocated to the three treatments. Feed and grazing land shortage followed by shortage of input and disease and parasites are the major constraints hindering sheep production. Income followed by saving/asset are the major reasons for keeping sheep. Sampled households prefer sheep than other livestock species because of the expected immediate return, easy to manage and high market demand. Most of the respondents stated that during the wet season natural pasture was the main source of feed for sheep followed by farm side grazing and feeding on rejected banana. During the dry season crop residue followed by road side grazing were the major sources of feed for sheep. All the samples households (100%) across the four kebeles feed banana residues to sheep in a fresh form. The residues (banana and mango) were fed without any improvement. The physical and chemical assessment of the silage showed that making silage from banana using mango residue or molasses as an additive indicates the suitability of silage making from banana and mango residue with good quality. There was no significant difference in feed dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein intake between T2 and T3. The average daily body weight gain was the higher (P<0.05) for sheep fed T2 and T3 diets compared with those based on grazing. In conclusion, banana residue could be ensiled using mango or molasses as an additive with similar performance of sheep. Therefore, due to the availability of mango residue at farmers’ level, mango residue could be used as an additive to make silage from banana residue
EFFECT OF PARTIAL SUBSTITUTION OF NOUG SEED CAKE WITH STINGING NETTLE (Urtica simensis S.) LEAF MEAL ON EGG QUALITY PARAMETERS OF COMMERCIAL LAYER HENS
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2017) GALAYE GANEBO
The effect of various levels of Stinging nettle leaf meal (SNLM) on the egg production and egg quality of commercial birds was investigated using 150 Isa Brown layer hens. Five iso nitrogenous and iso-caloric layer diets were formulated to contain SNLM at 0% (treatment 1 = T1), 3% (treatment 2 = T2), 6% (treatment 3 = T3), 9% (treatment 4 = T4) and 12% (treatment5=T5) by partially substituting Nuge seed cake. The results indicated that the total and daily feed intake did not differ among hens reared in different treatment diets. The individual final body weight (g) of hens reared in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 was 1786,1804,1804, 1819, 1858, respectively, being significantly higher for T5 than those of other treatments. The average egg weight (g) of hens reared in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 was 45.0, 47.2, 48.9, 53.5 and 55.5, respectively, being significantly different for T4 and T5 as compared with other treatments. The average hen-housed egg production (%) for hens fed with T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 diets was 44.3, 49.5, 59.4, 70.9 and 80.5%, respectively, being significantly different from each other. Similarly, the respective individual daily egg mass output (g) in hens reared in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 diets was 20.0, 23.4, 29.1, 37.9, and 44.7, being (p<0.05) different from each other. The average feed conversation ratio (kg feed/kg egg mass) was 5.20, 4.18, 3.55, 2.83 and 2.40 for hens reared in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively and was lower (p<0.05) for those of T4 and T5. The results further indicated that the experimental diet did not affect most of the external egg qualities at 23 weeks of age. However, at the same age, there was a significant difference between treatments in yolk colour being significantly higher for hens reared in T5 than those of T1 and T2. On the contrary, the Haugh unit was significantly lower in hens raised in T5 diet than those fed on other treatment diets at 23 weeks of age. At the age of 28 weeks, significant differences were observed between treatments for all external egg qualities. Accordingly, hens reared in T3, T4 and T5 diets had significantly higher shell thickness values than those of T1 and T2. However, hens reared in T2 showed better egg shape index as compared to those of T5. Hens reared in T3, T4 and T5 had significantly higher shell thickness values than those of T1 and T2. The yolk index at the age of 28 weeks was significantly higher in hens reared in T5 than that of T1 and T3. At the same age, the HU was significantly higher for hens reared in T2 (79.5) than those of T3 (77.1) and T5 (76.0). In conclusion, the substitution of Noug seed cake with increasing levels of SNLM improved the egg production and egg quality parameters of hens. 9% and 12% substitution of Noug seed cake with SNLM has been thus recommended for better results by reducing the cost of the Noug seed cake for commercial layer hens. Keywords: Stinging nettle leaf; Noug seed cake; Isa Brown layer hens; Egg production; mass; Egg qualities
FARMING SYSTEM AND TRADITIONAL GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: THE CASE OF KOFELE DISTRICT, WESTERN ARSI ZONE, ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2017) HUSSEIN ABDUKU WORKU
This study was conducted in Kofele district, Western Arsi Zone of the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, with the objective of characterizing the farming system and traditional grassland management practices. The district was stratified in to two by altitude (high altitude and medium altitude). Proportionally four rural kebeles (Germama, Gurmicho, Guchi and Bitacha) from high altitude, and two (Tullo and Abbosa) from medium altitude were purposively selected. From high altitude 93 households (HH) and 57 from medium altitude were selected. Semi-structured questioner, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression model. The district is characterized as mixed crop-livestock farming system. Average land holding per HH was 2.24 hectares with 1.27 hectares allocated for crop cultivation and 0.92 hectares for natural pasture. The dominant crops grown in the study area were potato, barley, wheat and enset in their order of importance by farm HH. Twenty seven percent of the respondents are using small scale irrigation to cultivate crops on 0.06-0.25 hectare of land. The average livestock holding per HH was 6.15 Tropical Livestock Unit. Natural pasture (56.5%), crop residue (29%), enset byproducts (9.5%), agro-industrial byproducts (2.2%) improved forage (1.1%) and other (1.7%) are among feed resources available in the study area. Feed shortage, low productivity and expansion of epidemic diseases such as anthrax, black quarter and lumpy skin disease have been identified as livestock production constraints in the study area. Private enclosure, wet land drainage and fencing were found to be the traditional method of grassland management. Moreover, the traditional grassland management practice has become weak, contributing to the loss of productivity of grasslands. Land holding size, crop land and forest land (private forest plantation for commercial purpose) significantly influence the grazing land size (p<0.01). As conclusion appropriate land allocation, grassland management practices, like controlled grazing, cut and carry, proper straw conservation and empowering of traditional grassland management strategies should be considered.
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, EGG PRODUCTION AND LINEAR BODY MEASURMENT TRAITS OF LOCAL AND EXOTIC CHICKENS REARED UNDER TRADITIONAL PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN BORICHA WOREDA, SIDAMA ZONE
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2017) SERKALEM ASSEFA
This study was conducted to assess the management practice, egg production potential, quality and linear body measurement traits of three exotic and local chickens reared under traditional production system in Boricha woreda of Sidama zone. For the survey part, a total of 200 households were randomly selected from 4 purposively selected Kebles which were subdivided in midland and lowland agroecologies. Linear body measurement and egg quality traits were assessed from a total of 192 local and 3 exotic chicken breeds (Bovans, Koekoeck and Sasso) drawn from 48 households. About 480 eggs were used for the evaluation of external and internal egg qualities. The results indicated that the average numbers of eggs set for incubation per hen were 11.1 eggs with a hatchability of 60.0%. Average age at first egg was 238, 155, 157 and 174 days for local, Sasso, Bovans and Koekoeck chicken breeds, respectively. The number of eggs per hen per year was 49.1, 134, 117and 138 for local, Sasso, Bovans and Koekoeck, respectively. The Sasso breed reared in the lowland produced the highest egg number followed by Bovans being (p<0.05) different from Koekeock and local chickens. Moreover, the Sasso chicken breeds reared in the lowland agroecology had higher (p<0.05) values in most linear body measurement traits than those of other chicken breeds. Similarly, egg weight and yolk index values of Sasso breeds reared in the lowland was higher (p<0.05) than those of other chicken breeds. Koekoeck and Sasso chicken breeds reared in midland had higher (p<0.05) shape index and shell thickness values than those reared in the lowland. All chicken breeds reared in the lowland agroecology were better (p<0.05) in all external egg quality parameters than those reared in the midland. Yolk colour was higher (p<0.05) only for chickens reared in the lowland agroecology. All internal egg quality traits of Koekoeck chickens reared in the midland were superior to those of lowland agroecology. In conclusion, the Sasso chicken breed was found to be more efficient in most performance traits if it is reared in the lowland agroecology. Koekoeck chicken breed reared in the midland agroecology was superior in most internal egg quality parameters. It is thus recommended to use Sasso chicken breeds in the lowland agroecology while Koekoeck chicken in the midland agroecology for better productivity.
ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SYSTEMS, AND ON-FARM EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTING THE LEAVES OF Balanites aegyptiaca AND MAIZE GRAIN ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMIC RETURN OF INDIGENOUS GOATS IN GAMOGOFA ZONE
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2017) NIGATU DEJENE DENEKE
The study was conducted in Arbaminch Zuria and Mirab Abaya districts of Gamogofa Zone of SNNPRS of Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to assess goat production and marketing system, identify and prioritize goat production and marketing constraints and opportunities, and evaluate the effect of supplementing with the leaves of Balanites aegyptiaca and maize grain on growth performance & economic return of indigenous goats in the study area. The study involved 2 parts. The survey part of the study assessed goat production and marketing system using cross sectional survey, focus group discussion and key informants interview. A total of 120 representative households (2 districts x 2 Agro ecology x 2 PA x 15 households) were selected for the study following multi-stage stratified sampling, the action research part evaluated growth performance and economic return of indigenous bucks supplemented with maize grain and leaves of Balanites aegyptiaca . Thus, 20 intact 8-10 month age indigenous bucks with an average initial body weight of 16.13±0.3kg (Mean± SE) were drawn from volunteer goat producers. The bucks were blocked into five blocks/farmers of four bucks based on initial BW and randomly assigned to one of the four treatment feeds within a block/farmer allowing five bucks per treatment feeds. Dietary treatments consisted of feeding natural grass hay ad libitum supplemented with 50g wheat bran (T1); feeding natural grass hay ad libitum supplemented with mixtures of 50g wheat bran and 200g cracked maize grain (T2); feeding natural grass hay ad libitum supplemented with mixtures of 50g wheat bran and 200g dried leaves of Balanites aegyptiaca (T3), and feeding natural grass hay ad libitum supplemented with 50g wheat bran, and mixture of 200g of dried leaves of Balanites aegyptiaca and cracked maize grain at 1:1 ratio (T4).The experiment was laid down using randomized complete block design. According to the respondents, income generation was the primary reason for keeping goats with the highest index values of 0.277 followed by saving, use of manure, as social capital and meat consumption with an index values of 0.269, 0.177, 0.163 and 0.114, respectively. Road side browsing ranked as the first source of feed for goats according to the average rank results from interviewed households with the highest index value of 0.246 and followed by Communal and private browsing lands with an index values of 0.229 and 0.227, respectively. Among the available water sources, rivers contribute the highest 40% of the water required for goats. Disease and parasites were the major constrains for the sector and caused higher 13.2%, 13.6%, 14.7% and 13.3% death of unweaned male kids, unweaned female kids, weaned male kids and weaned female kids, respectively in Arbaminch Zuria district from the studied areas 12 months before the start of this study. Male and female goats achieve AFS at 9.4 and 7.9 months and also fertile at ages below 54.6 and 95.5 months respectively. AFK, KI, LS, weaning age of kids and lifetime kid productions were 13.9, 7.8, 1.24, 4.1 months and 14.5 respectively. Brokers are the major marketing constraint and about 95% and 31.7% of the midland and lowland respondents, respectively reported that they sales their goats by eye ball price estimation. The action research showed that supplementing goats with maize grain and Balanites aegyptiaca (T2-T4) improved ADG (48.7, 48.9 and 66.8g/day for T2, T3 and T4, respectively) compared to the control (33.2g/day). However, among the supplemented groups, bucks fed on T4 gained superior ADG than bucks fed on T2 and T3 diets. Moreover, partial budget analysis confirmed that T4 was more profitable compared to other supplementary treatments. Therefore, it is concluded that supplementing growing bucks with T4 could be recommended for smallholder goat fatteners.
GNITEKRAM ,NOITCUDORP YRIAD FO YDUTS EVITARAPMOC ODNOW NI SEITINUTROPPO DNA STNIARTSNOC ,SMETSYS DNA TENEG ,ASSAWAH HTUOS NRE AIPOIHTE
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2018) MRIG SUSEYELIAHA TTUBA
A c vitarapmo e uts dy fo riad y dorp uc noit a dn ram ek gnit systems, c stniartsno na d tinutroppo ies saw c rra i de tuo ni odnoW Ge ten a dn assawaH rA ea fo So htu e nr oihtE pia. The jbo ce t vi e fo the duts y saw ot ide itn fy dna itiroirp ze ht e ts r htgne , weakne ss , tinutroppo ies dna ht re ta s pe niniatr g ot iad ry orp duc noit dna am rk gnite system ni the uts dy ra eas. sopruP i ev lpmas i sgn ollof wed by modnar gnilpmas orp c sse rew e olpme ey d ot select re rp ese atn t vi e kebeles a dn 021 suoh eho sdl orf m W odno Ge ten dna aH w assa ra ea. paR di ram ek t siarppa a sl (RM )A were e lpm oyed ni dro er ot col el ct eler v na t atad morf eht re eps ctive k ye fni namro ts ta ffid ere tn ats ges. The atad were sylana ed u gnis descr tpi i ev tsitats ics fo SPS S. T rh ee types fo li ev s cot k rp o ud c noit ys ts e sm were ide fitn ied ni the cirtsid t, n ma ely ri r detagi roforga e rs ty ab sed p udor c noit system, c por - vil e ts o kc mixed gnimraf dna nabru and per- nabru oitcudorp n syste .m vA e egar imaf ly is ze fo iad ry udorp ec rs in yduts area saw 6. ±11 1.61 nosrep s per suoh e loh d. irojaM ty of the c tta le nwo ed by ht e pmas led ho su e sdloh were c bssor r dee . The va e ar ge c bssor r dee lim k gni ca tt le re ra ed ni the duts y ra ea saw 1. 6±45 2. rojaM ef ed re cruos es su ed by ht e h suo e sdloh erew gus er cane lea ev s, enset le va e ;s ssarg hay, orc p re dis ues ( morf teff, ma ezi , rab ley dna hw e ta ), c cno e artn tes, in lairtsud by- udorp cts. Some mraf e sr a osl used n no - c vno e noitn la f ee d like atela, bo el na d las t. aV st bmun ers of the uoh se sdloh ni the s ut dy are sa ( 39 . )%7 niatbo ed the retaw morf pat . tsoM fo ht e uoh se oh l sd ( 67 2. %) su ed AI rof rb ee d gni arp cti ec dna lno y few oh use dloh s’ su ed loc la lub l ( 32 8. %). The ojam r sid ease of ca ltt e di ent fi ied ni ht e c ru re tn s idut ed areas saw sam t iti s (70 )% , Black leg ( 01 8. )% , ypmul sk ni (7.5 )% na d ohrraid ea (5 )% . The a ev gar e liad y im lk yie sdl for ol c la c wo ni the evrus ey d are sa were 1. 37 lite sr dna rof c ssor br ee d 10. 88 l reti s. The va e gar e tnuoma fo mil c k o musn ed ta oh m ,e orp dna dlos c sse ed ni duts eht y are saw a 2.68, 19 3 dna 12. . il 32 te sr resp ce tiv yle . The ad ri y ram ek t gni system ide itn fied saw e itn rely rofni m la . O ev ar ll , p cir e fo da ri y c idommo t ei s were lfni ue cn ed by c ram tah ek t, saf t gni ad ys, sid t na ec morf ht e am r ek t. T sih were re rop ted ot eb a rojam af ctor t tah ibihorp ted fa mr ers morf sel gnil hw o el fresh klim ot abru n c musno e sr dna lauq ity of riad y tcudorp s. riaD y udorp c noit s were c tsno r nia ed tsom ly by f ee d ohs r egat , id seas ,e al kc fo xe te noisn su tropp dna roop k won le gd e ni amina l ganam ement. L gra e hu nam noitalupop dna v re y hgih rate of inabru z noita , evorpmi d ni c mo e ni mos e segm stne fo ht e os cie yt , the xe si ten ec fo v suoira ognon ev nr me atn l noitazinagro ni volved ni riad y research dna deve mpol e tn ac ssor ht e fid ferent strap fo the c tnuo ry si an ppo inutro ty ot c emo pu wi ht a os l noitu rof c lah le segn aht t c iartsno n ad ri y udorp c oit n na d of r ol w u atp ke fo iad ry et c golonh ies in the c uo n .
ASSESSMENT OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, PRODUCTION PERFORMANCES, AND SOME EGG QUALITY TRAITS OF CHICKENS REARED IN LOKA ABAYA DISTRICT, SIDAMA ZONE, SOUTHERN, ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2019) HAILU DUKAKO
This study was carried out in Loka Abaya District, Sidama Zone of Southern Ethiopia. So far there are limited studies conducted in Loka Abaya targeting comprehensive description of the production performance, associated constraints, management practice, and egg quality traits of backyard chicken in rural communities. The objectives of the study were to assess chicken husbandry practices, production, and reproduction potential and evaluate some egg quality parameters in the study. The agro ecology was arranged systematically, Kebeles were selected purposively, and random sampling was used to select 120 chicken rearing households from two agro ecologies. Household survey, key informant interview, and focus group discussions were employed to draw out appropriate data using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, interview schedule, and discussion guide. Concerning egg quality determination, households who have native chicken and cross chicken ecotypes were identified from each agro ecology and, 200 eggs were collected for quality parameters generally. Chi- square test and ANOVA were employed to analyze the statistical difference between two agro ecologies. Accordingly, the result revealed that the mean flock structure of chicks, cockerels, pullet, hens, and cocks, were 5.4 (0.01TLU), 0.9 (0.01TLU), 1.5(0.01TLU), 4.5(0.01TLU) and 0.8 (0.01TLU) heads per household, respectively and mean flock size of chicken 9.4(0.01). The current finding also indicated that the major feed resources were scavenging and supplementary feed (47.5%) and types of supplementary feed was maize and wheat (52.5%). Regarding housing, watering, and chicken constraints; 50.8% of respondents house their chicken with family, 89.2% of respondent provide water freely and predator were major problem followed by disease. Based on survey result the primary purpose of chicken production in the study area was income generation. The current finding also showed that majority of farmers in the study area, purchased veterinary drugs@Oxytetracycline 20% to treat their chicken (47.5%) and also used ethno veterinary medicines (39.2%) and used “Ash “during hatching or egg incubation time to protect eggs from contamination of human hands (90%). The result also indicated that the major determinant factors that affectinfluencing the chicken husbandry practices in the study area include presence of predators, disease, feed shortage, lack of adequate veterinary services and lack of knowledge about modern chicken husbandry practices were identified as the major determinant factors that influence poultry production in the study area. Regarding egg quality parameters; there were difference (p<0.05) between egg weight, egg width, albumen height, albumen weight, yolk color, specific egg gravity, and Haugh unit. An understanding of factors influencing the decision of the respondents were associated with improvement in poultry husbandry critical when formulating technologies regarding with husbandry practices that support chicken production.
ASSESSMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT AND EVALUATION OF BOVIPREG FOR PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS OF DAIRY CATTLE IN SIDAMA ZONE OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2019) MULUGETA TESFAYE
The assessment of breeding practice and reproductive management and evaluation of Bovipreg kit for early pregnancy diagnosis of crossbred dairy cattle was conducted in three districts of Sidama zone namely Arbegona, Bona and Bensa. The districts were categorized under high altitude and mid altitude to assess the existing breeding practice and reproductive management of dairy cattle. A total of 90 respondents were randomly selected from 6 kebeles for the survey. The data acquired from the respondents were analysed using the GLM of SPSS. The survey result revealed that the average age at first calving for crossbred was 3.3 years for the high altitude and 3.5 for the mid altitude and had no significantly difference (p>0.05) among the two altitudes, the result also indicate that the mean calving interval of 458.23 days and 439.9 days for the high altitude and mid altitude respectively and had no significantly difference (p>0.05); also daily milk yield of the dairy cattle in the current study area had no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the two altitudes of the study area. As opposed to this there was significant difference (p<0.05) between the two altitudes with regard to lactation length and calving to first service insemination. The breeding practice in the current study areas shown 71.1% of the respondents were using natural mating of bull irrespective to the altitudes, but the pedigree of most of breeding bulls in the study area was not known clearly. The study further revealed that few of the respondents were aware the importance of heat detection to decide time of insemination. Thus in most cases the AM/PM rule for insemination was not followed properly and this is one of the cases to have low efficiency of the AI service in the study area. Due to this and related factors most of the farmers gradually shift their breeding system from AI service to bull mating in both study area. With regard to feed the main source of feed for dairy cattle was natural pasture followed by crop residue in both altitudes of the study area. Most of the respondent irrespective of the altitudes agreed that they kept their all livestock species including dairy cattle together with the family dwelling. In addition to survey part of the study action research was conducted to evaluate Bovipreg kit for early pregnancy diagnosis of crossbred dairy cattle in two PAs of Bensa district. A total of 44 crossbred cows were selected and randomly grouped to 2 groups (22 cows per a group) for early pregnancy diagnosis by using Bovipreg at 18 - 22 days post insemination. The groups were test for PD by using blood serum (group 1) and milk (group 2). The accuracy of Bovipreg kit for positive pregnancy was 81.18% for blood sample and it was 72.73% for milk sample and had significant difference (p<0.01) among the two samples. Use of Bovipreg kit can be an effective tool to identify the pregnancy status of dairy cattle much ahead than most of the current existing methods and has a fundamental important to improve the reproductive management of dairy cattle.
ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTION SYSTEM, MORPHOLOGICAL TRAIT AND EGG QUALITY PARAMETERS OF INDIGENOUS CHICKEN IN WEST ARSI ZONE, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) DESTA GUTEMA SHURE
A study was conducted in two selected woredas (Heban Arsi and Negelle Arsi) of West Arsi zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Production system, some morphometric traits and egg quality parameters of indigenous chickens were assessed. Using purposive multistage sampling a total of 120 households possessing 5 or more matured chickens were selected for study. A total of 360 indigenous chickens were used for determination of morphological traits. Egg quality parameters were evaluated on 240 eggs collected. Extensive management system was practiced in the study area. About 23.3% of households used purposively made chicken houses. Overall mean age at sexual maturity of hens was 6 months and cockerels 5.86 months. Disease, predators and feed shortages were the three major chicken production constraints. Majority of body feather colour of indigenous chickens were red and Red brownish /Kokima followed by White, black with white tips/Teterma, Black, Grayish/Gebsima and Multicolor/Ambasma. All of the chickens possessed normal feathers with the dominant white and red ear lobe colors, yellow shank colors, pea and single comb and plain as well as flat head shape. Overall mean body weight of chickens was 1.3kg. The wingspan length, shank length, shank circumference, comb length, wattle length, body length, back length and keel length measurements were 32.58, 7.74, 3.82, 3.35, 1.44, 30.79, 18.72 and 9.19cm respectively. The average egg weight, shell thickness, egg width, egg length was 39.88, 0.291, 37.80 and 50.64mm respectively with average shape index of 74.72%. The subsequent average albumen height, yolk height, yolk width and yolk color was 4.02 mm, 13.75 mm, 37.04 mm, and 6.77 colour fan of 1-15 respectively with the corresponding Hough unit score of 69.37%. To sum up, both study woredas and sex of chickens looks to approve the traits of indigenous chickens and egg quality traits under traditional managements system. Detailed Molecular characterizations is recommended to assess morphological traits of indigenous Chickens of the study woredas.
ASSESSMENT OF SHEEP PRODUCTION SYSTEM, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND HABIT OF SHEEP MILK CONSUMPTION BY THE SOCIETY IN ALETA WONDO WOREDA, SIDAMA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) ABIOT GARO DUMO
This study was conducted in Aleta Wondo Woreda, Sidama Region to assess sheep production system, objectives of production, reproductive performance and habit of sheep milk consumption. For the study 158 households (HHs) owning at least one milking sheep were selected from Highland and Midland agro ecologies using systematic random sampling method and data were collected using structured questionnaire, key informant interview, field observation and secondary data. The family size was variable ranging from 2-4(44.9%), 5-8(50%) and above 9(5.1%). The mean total land holding was 0.88±.0534ha per with a difference between agro-ecologies. The average sheep flock size per HH was 3.02 ± 0.08 with a difference between agro-ecologies. Generating income, saving, meat and milk followed by manure and skin in their decreasing order of importance were main purposes of keeping sheep. Mixed crop- livestock production system was the dominant farming system in the area. Natural pasture, crop residues and crop aftermath, improved forage and enset and banana were feed resources available in the area. Mostly tethered system of feeding is practiced with no difference between agro ecologies. Above half of the respondents have no experiences of cultivating improved forages. Although feed types used for supplementation differs, all respondents were supplementing their sheep both in dry and wet seasons. Feed shortage in terms of quality and quantity throughout the year was one of the major problems of sheep production. Pond and deep well during dry season and river and pond during wet season were the main sources of water. Majority of the respondents in midland agro ecology suffer from shortage of water due to drying and pollution from coffee industries in dry season. Majority (58.2%) of the respondents house their sheep in main house with a difference between agro ecologies. Controlled mating was a common practice in both agro ecologies. All respondents in the area were selecting and culling sheep for production using different criteria. About 74.7% and 59.5% of the farmers were not castrating and fattening sheep respectively. For sheep, estimated average age at first service is 7.9±0.07months for male and 9.5±0.11months for female, age at first lambing 13.5±0.11month and lambing interval 8.04±0.06 month with a difference between agro ecologies. Most (76.4%) of the respondents in Highland area are consuming sheep milk whereas the inverse is true for Midland agro ecology with 90.7% due to unawareness. The constraints were land and feed shortage, disease and parasites, lack of improved breed, lack of extension service, water shortage and market price fluctuation. The major opportunities ranked by respondents were high market demand, increase of urbanization, and suitability of agro ecology and government attention for sheep production in decreasing order of their importance. Therefore, to use the available opportunities, the identified constraints should be solved in Aleta Wondo Woreda.
ASSESSING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF EXOTIC CHICKEN BREED, REARED IN SHEBEDINO DISTRICT, SIDAMA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) ALEMU ALASO ADISO
Exotic chicken management practices, performance and challenges and opportunity infive kebeles of Shebedino district in Sidama Regional state, Ethiopia were assessed. Sample size of HHs for the survey was determined using a multi stage sampling technique and Processed data analyzed by using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20.0 soft ware. Five kebeles (2 from highland, 3 from midland and 4kebeles and 1kebele from rural and urban areas respectively) were selected purposively based on potential of production. Total sample size of selected population was 137of which59.85% was male and 40.15% were female. The average family sizes were 5.54 and 5.53 persons with in highland and mid-land of the district, respectively. Age of respondents ranged from 44.5 and 45 years for Highland and Mid-land Agro-ecologies of the district, respectively. Total landholding/HH were 0.5-1 ha (24.8%) and 1.25-1.75 ha (57.67%), 2-2.25 ha (13.13%) and 2.5-3 ha (4.4%) of the respondents both high and mid land agro-ecologies. Average numbers of exotic chicks, pullets, cockerels, hens and cocks per HH were 17, 5.3, 2.6, 7.3and 2.8 respectively, both high and mid land agro-ecologies. Majority of the sample respondents (58.7%) and (63.7%) in the highland and midland of the district respectively; keep exotic chickens primarily for income generation and next home consumption. Commonly distributed exotic chicken breeds were Sasso (49.64%), IB (Issa Brown) (43.06%) and BB (Bovans Brown) (7.3%) in the high land and mid land of the district. Majority of households (71.53%) practice free-scavenging or/and extensive poultry production system and about a quarter of them semi-intensive poultry production system. The exotic chickens rearing experiences of household were ≤ 5 years (8.76 %), 6-10 years (41.61 %) and > 10 years (49.63 %). Majority of respondents (67.9%) used traditional housing with main house. Higher numbers of the respondents (68.6%) obtain from local available feeds.75.9% of the respondents practiced supplementary feeding by maize, kocho, home left over and wheat bran to their exotic chickens. Majority of respondents (82.4%) provided water adi-libitum, whereas 14.7% provided three times per day and the remaining 2.9% offered twicea day. The major diseases reported in the study area, in the order of their importance, were Newcastle, coccidiosis and fowl pox. Bovans brown, Issa brown and Sasso attained sexual maturity at 90-120 days. The predators that most commonly occur and attack exotic chickens were wild cat (local name Ganchara), fox and hawk. Disease, feed problems followed by predators and poor adaptation were challenges of exotic chicken production. Major opportunities of rearing exotic chickens in the study areas were access to market, veterinary service and extension service and adaptation problem of exotic chickens. Government should create awareness on vaccination of chicken against major poultry diseases in the study areas.
ASSESSMENT OF BUTTER PRODUCTION, CONSUMER AND MARKET PREFERENCES, QUALITY AND PRICES IN KINDDO DIDAYE OF WOLAITA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) AMANUEL ELIAS LOTA
The study was conducted at Kinddo Didaye district, Wolaita zone southern Ethiopia with the objective of assessing butter production, consumer and market preferences, quality and prices in the area. Based on data collected between April to July 2019. The effect of agro ecology on butter production was analyzed. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select representative kebeles and households from Kinddo Didaye district. To conduct the study, one sample district (Kinddo Didaye) was purposively based on dairy cow potentiality and butter production. Six kebeles were selected in total (three from midland and three kebeles from lowland). 138 butter producing households were purposively selected based on dairy cow production and butter production from the study district. Besides this different 40 retailers, 10 butter shops and 50 consumers were interviewed. Local cattle are the most dominant milking cows were kept by all six kebeles. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, involving household survey. Thus, all (100%) of the respondents were reported that clay pot churn is tool used for butter making. For washing and smoking milk equipments, plant leaves such as Ocimum hardiense (68.1%) and Cymbopogan martini (23.9%) were mostly used in both agro-ecologies. For butter averagely 3.0±0.12 and 2.91±0.01 volume of milk churned at a time in both lowland and midland agro-ecologies respectively. In addition, 17.92±0.13 and 15.04±0.09 liters of milk in both lowland and midland agro-ecologies respectively were used to produce 1kg of butter. Retailers and consumers got quality butter from producer; The destinations of the butter were to different areas in the country, mainly Wolaita Soddo, Hawassa, Addis Abeba and others. All assembler/butter shops sell butter by their shops. Consumers report shows that the quality attributes of butter preferable by consumers were 44% flavor, 32% texture, 20% color and remaining 4% fermentation in study district. The price of butter rise during holy days, non-fasting period and dry season. The challenges of butter production in the area were feed shortage, shortage of grazing area, dry season, price fluctuation and fasting season. The major type of adulteration that reported by consumers were 62.5% banana and 37.5% ‘shenolega’ in the study area
Assessment on Management Practices and Comparative Study on Egg Production and Egg Quality Parameters of Sasso and Local Chicken Breeds in Aleta Chuko Woreda, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) AYELE RODAMO BACHO
The study was conducted in midland and lowland agroecologies of Aleta Chuko Woreda with the aim of assessing chicken management practices and compares egg production and egg quality parameters of the newly introduced Sasso chicken breed and that of local chicken. A total of 174 households rearing indigenous and Sasso chicken for at least three years were selected for the survey work based on systematic random sampling method. Three hundred eggs from the two agroecologies, (150 eggs from each agroecology, 75 eggs each from Sasso and local chicken from one agroecology) were collected from 6 Kebeles (3 Kebeles in one agroecology) and tested in Hawassa University poultry laboratory for its external and internal quality traits. Two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of the two breeds and the two agroecologies using SPSS version 20. From the respondents, 21.8% of the sampled households were female headed. The average number of chickens per households was 4.3. The current chicken breed composition in the study woreda was 62%, and 38% of local and Sasso respectively. The average age of local and Sasso chicken at first egg laying was 7.18and 5.14months of age, respectively. The average number of clutches per hen per year for local and Sasso chickens were 4.06 and 7.8, respectively. About 86.2% of the respondents from Sasso chicken rearers and 77% from local chicken rearers had experience of culling non productive chicken from their flock, with 79.3% of the culling Sasso chicken was caused due to sickness and 65.5% of the culling local chicken was caused by poor productivity. The overall means for egg production per hen per year for local and Sasso chicken was 52.74and 161.4, respectively. From this work, it is recommended that regular training must be given on management practices of the chicken and government should support on disease treatment mechanisms and vaccination of chickens.
EFFECTS OF FEEDING DRIED CAFETERIA FOOD LEFTOVER AS A PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF MAIZE ON FEED INTAKE, GROWTH PERFORMANCE, AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF COBB-500 BROILER CHICKENS
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) OLIYAD GELAN BUTA
The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding dried cafeteria food leftover (DCFL) as a partial replacement of maize on feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics of Cobb-500 broiler chickens. The DCFL was mixed with other feed ingredients as a partial replacement of maize at 0% (Control diet, T1), 5% (T2), 10% (T3), and 15% (T4). After two weeks of brooding, one hundred sixty unsexed Cobb-500 broiler chickens were weighted and randomly allocated into four treatment diets in a completely randomized design with four replicates of 10 chickens each. The experiment lasted for 49 days exclusive of brooding period, during which feed intake and body weight were measured on daily and weekly basis, respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, two birds (one male and female) that had closely similar live weights to the rest of the birds were selected from each replicate and slaughtered to evaluate the carcass characteristics. The results indicated that the average daily feed intake (g/chicken) was 108, 109, 110, and 110 for those chickens fed on T1, T2, T3, and T4 diets, respectively. Chickens reared on control diet had the lowest final body weight (1790g) when compared to those of T2 (1834g), T3 (1867g) and T4 (1914g). Comparatively the better feed conversion ratio (kg feed/kg weight gain) was recorded with chickens fed on T4 (2.77) as compared to those chickens fed on T1 (2.93), T2 (2.89), and T3 diets (2.85) and differed (p<0.05) from each other. Male chickens had (p<0.05) higher values for all carcass components than females except for wings. Chickens fed with T4 had higher breast meat, thighs, drumsticks and keel bone meat values than those of T1. The highest values for thighs, and drumsticks were observed in chickens fed with T4 diet and differed (p<0.05) from those of T1, T2 and T3. The highest dressing percentage was observed in chickens reared in T4 (68.1%) followed by T3 (66.8%) and differed (p<0.05) from those fed with T2 (64.2%) and T1 (63.7%). From the present result, it can be concluded that DCFL can be included up to 15% in the broiler diets by replacing maize provided it is available in a continuous supply with large quantity.
PREVALENCE OF RETAINED FOETAL MEMBRANES AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN CROSS BREED HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN DAIRY COWS IN SMALL AND LARGE SCALE DAIRY FARMS OF SELECTED DISTRICTS OF SOUTH AND OROMIA REGIONAL STATES
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) TESFAYE BELAY
A retrospective study was carried out to analyze the prevalence and risk factors associated with retained foetal membranes (RFM) in crossbred dairy cows managed under various farm scales and farming systems in Southern and Oromia regional states. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select dairy farm households. The three districts was selected purposively based on the potential of dairy production system. A total of 120 households were selected randomly, 48 from Wondo Genet, 41 from Shashemene and 31 respondents from Hawassa districts.Data on the prevalence of RFM was collected mainly by two approaches: the first by monitoring smallholder and large scale dairy farms where total of 500 calvings had occurred between September, 2016 and May, 2019. The second form of data collection was by using secondary data from large scale dairy farms. The study was complimented by household survey, where the perceptions of farmers about risk factors and possible mitigation practices followed by farmers to prevent RFM. The result shows that out of the monitored calvings, 69 calvings (13.8%) had RFM. RFM progressively and significantly increased with the advancing age of the cow which is 9.2%, 14.4%, 15.4% and 15.3% respectively for. Parity of the cow was categorized as 1-2, 3-6 and >7. It was observed that 6.9%, 13% and 74.3% respectively. The prevalence of RFM in cows with poor, medium and good body condition is recorded as 18.6%, 4.3% and 66.7% out of positive cows respectively. The sex of delivered calf has its own impact on the prevalence of RFM where the incidence of RFM for female calves born was 10.7% and for male it was 17.5%. The incidence of RFM was also affected by blood levels of crossbred cows where 50%, 75% and 87.5% crossbred had 32.1%, 12.1% and 13.3% RFM prevalence, respectively. In conclusion, the prevalence of RFM in the present study area was so high, requiring special attention to be given, by considering important predisposing factors. In this study, the impacts of other important factors (such as effect of nutritional status of cows) were not considered, which might require further studies.