Animal Production

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    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.
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    ASSESSING THE EGG PRODUCTION AND EGG QUALITY TRAITS OF SASSO CHICKEN BREED REARED UNDER TRADITIONAL HUSBANDRY PRACTICES IN MIDLAND AND LOWLAND AGROECOLOGIES OF ALETA CHUKO DISTRICT, SIDAMA REGION
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2023) MULATU TEREFE
    This study was conducted to assess egg production and egg quality traits of Sasso chicken breed reared in two agroecologies under traditional management system. For the assessment of the egg production practices, 165 households were purposively selected from lowland and midland agro ecologies who had three and above Sasso chicken. The egg quality traits were assessed from Sasso chicken breed reared by the households in both agro ecologies. A total of 200 eggs were used to determine the external and internal egg quality traits from sampled households. The collected data were analysed by SPSS Version 26. The results indicated that average age at first egg laying(160) days, average clutch length (22.9) and eggs/hen/year(214)were in lowland agroecology. Average age at first egg laying(149) days, average clutch length(23.9) and eggs/hen/year(232) were midland. Agro ecology had highly significant effect on all external egg quality traits except on egg width. Egg weight(57.58g) and egg length(57.46mm) of Sasso chickens was higher(p<0.05) in the lowland than(53.58g) and (55.80mm) in midland. Dry shell weight and shell thickness in the lowland agroecology was higher(p<0.05) than in midland. Shape endex was higher(p<0.05) in the midland than in lowland agro-ecology. Agro-ecology had also highly significant effect on most internal egg quality traits such as: yolk height, albumen height, albumen weight and haugh unit were higher(p<0.05) in lowland than in midland. The yolk ratio in lowland was lower(p<0.05) than in midland agro-ecology. However, albumen ratio was lower(p>0.05) in lowland than in midland agroecology. In conclusion, the Sasso chickens in the midland agroecology were superior in egg production than lowland. However,the Sasso chickens in the lowland agroecology were superior on most external and internal egg quality traits under traditional production system. It is thus recommended to rear the Sasso chicken hens in the midland agroecology for enhanced egg production and lowland for enhanced egg quality traits.
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    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
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    ASSESSMENT OF DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTION PRACTICES, TRADITIONAL MILK PROCESSING, CONSUMPTION AND MARKETING IN MIRAB BADEWACHO DISTRICT OF HADIYYA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA.
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2021) ADDISE DESTA
    A study was conducted in Mirab Badewacho District of Hadiyya Zone, to assess the dairy cattle production practices, traditional milk processing, consumption and marketing systems in the area. This study was conducted from May2019 up to June, 2020. Five kebeles were selected from the district, two from highland and three from mid-altitude. A total of 138 dairy producers were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Formal survey was conducted using structured questionnaire to collect both quantitative and qualitative data on data sets that explore dairy cattle production practices, traditional milk processing, consumption and marketing systems. The major milk production system practiced in the study area was crop livestock mixed production system. The effect of agro-ecology and genotype of dairy cows were used to evaluate milk production and reproductive performances variations. In the study district, an appreciable number of crossbred cows notably Jersey crosses (40.6%), still with (51.4%) local and (8%) HF crossbred cows were raised by dairy cattle milk producers. The cattle herd size of households was within the range 1-4 heads. In farm households who keep mainly local cattle breeds, lactating cows (0.75±0.036) and oxen (0.95±0.055) mainly dominate the herd composition while in case of cross breed (0.57±0.093) and (0.37±0.029) lactating cow and heifer were dominant, respectively. The composition of livestock was higher in midland than highland agro ecology which accounts 4.95TLU compared to 4.66 TLU. The overall mean milk yield obtained were (1.90±0.08) and (5.16±0.12) litres from local and Jersey cross cattle breed, respectively. The average milk off-take of 1.71 and 4.64litres, from local and Jersey cross breed, respectively. The overall average lactation length was 8.71±0.18 months for local cows, while it was 9.7±0.13 months for Jersey crossbreed cows. Overall mean for CI was 19.02±0.24 months for local cows and 15.97±0.17 months for Jersey crossbreed cows. Mean AFC for a local cow was4.57±0.07 years, while Jersey crosses breed cows had 2.98±0.05years. The typical dairy products in the study area were “Hadaro” in local name (culturally made from first two up to three week milked and fermented milk after calving) and “Shiffa” in local name (made culturally from partially churning sour milk. An informal dairy marketing system was the only marketing system in the study district. In general, the market share of whole milk/fermented milk was almost negligible in rural areas of the district, while butter and cheese was comparatively the most marketable commodity in the study area. Lack of improved forage, low milk yield of local cows, and high price of concentrate feed were mentioned by farmers as major constraints of milk production. In general, this study showed that despite the available cattle population and conducive agro-climate for dairy development, the performance of milk production in the study district was low and milk marketing system was undeveloped due to many constraints such as marketing channel, transport access, poor quality of milk and institutional related constraints. Therefore, dairy cattle milk production can be improved by solving constraints such as low milk yield of local cattle’s, feed shortage, health care, general husbandry and milk processing facilities, AI and extension services and developing efficient marketing systems.
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    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
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    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.
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    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.
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    ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTION PRACTICE, FEED RESOURCE AVAILABLITY AND MARKETING SYSTEM OF SMALL RUMINANTS IN BONA ZURIYA DISTRICT SIDAMA RIGION ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) TESHOME TAFESE SHURA
    This study was conducted to assess production practices, feed resources availability and marketing systems of small ruminant in Bona zuriya district, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia. Results are based on survey of 126 households. Sites were stratified into mixed sheep-goat flock, goat dominating and sheep dominating. Average family size in the study area was 6.7. With respect to livestock holdings more than half of the total TLU was accounted for sheep and goats. Small ruminant was primarily kept for sale to generate cash and majorities (98.9%) of small ruminant owners extensively milk their flock for household consumption. Sucking young (22.8% lambs; 26.7% kids) and breeding female (39.3% ewes; 39.4% does) dominate the flock. Respondents reported that grazing on crop stubble (13.4%), private pastures (13.3%) and road sides (13.2%), weeds (11.6%), tillers and fillers (8.9%) from crop fields, cut-and-carry of browse species and grasses (9.1%) and communal pastures (9.4%) was major feed resources of sheep and goats. Drinking water for flock largely comes from rivers (55.2%), artificial ponds (21.9%), trough and harvested water. Diseases and parasites cause losses of flocks (34.6%). Rate of loss was higher in young (35.0% lambs; 35.5% in kids) and mothers (42.9% in ewes; 30.6% in does). Losses by predators were noticeably higher in sheep and goats dominating site. Body conformation, physical characteristics (coat color, horn and tail), age were the major criteria household considers in selecting small ruminant for castration and fattening. Smallholder farmers make targeting the seasonal holiday markets. Major destination of fattened flocks was the Bona, Bensa Daye, Hula, Bursa, Xexicha, Aleta Wondo and Hawasa Markets. Consumers demonstrated high preferences to animals from study areas and evidently pay higher prices. This is largely exploitable opportunity for development of smallholder small ruminant production. Small ruminant production is constrained by outbreaks of disease and parasite, predators, feed and water shortage, lack of production technology and seasonality of markets. Interventions covering health, feed production and managements, marketing, and extension supports delivering the necessary training and production technologies/inputs could help farmers to build their flock and improve productivity.
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    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
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    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.
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    ASSESSMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF CROSSBREED AND LOCAL DAIRY CATTLE UNDER SMALLHOLDERS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN URBAN AND PERI-URBAN DAIRY PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN ALETA WONDO DISTRICT, SIDAMA REGION, ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2023) GIZACHEW ENDESHAW DEBALKE
    The aim of the study was to assess productive and reproductive performance of local and their crossbred of different exotic blood level of dairy cows and factors affecting their performance in urban and peri-urban, farming system of aleta wondo district sidama region Ethiopia. A total of 155 small-scale dairy cows owners were purposively selected and interviewed with pre-tested structured questionnaire to obtain information. For Monitoring study from 155 farmers 36 Dairy farmers who have lactating cow by identifying exotic blood level of each crossbred animal (0%, <50%, 50-75% and >75% were purposively selected. Monitoring study was also conducted to obtain milk production based on, lactation stages production system and exotic blood level and parity of cows. The results of the study showed that from the follow-up study, the average daily milk yield for local, <50%, 50-75% and > 75% caws was 2.81L, 8.65L, 17.68L and 20.83L respectively. Daily milk yield of the cows found in monitoring study was support milk yield found in survey study. From the survey results, the overall average lactation length for local and their crossbred of < 50%, 50- 75% and > 75% was 7.65, 8.05, 8.95 and 9.65 month respectively and average mean for crossbred was 8.88 months. The mean age at first service (Months) for local and their crossbred of < 50%, 50-75% and >75% was 42.87, 35.57, 21.88 and 17.54 months respectively and average for crossbred was 24.99, age at first calving (Months), for local and their crossbred of < 50%, 50-75% and > 75% was 49.26, 41.56, 27.86, and 26.61 respectively and the average for all crossbred was 32.01, Calving interval (Months) for local and their crossbred of<50%, 50-75% and >75% was 22.41, 16.73, 13.41 and 12.75 respectively and average for all crossbred was 14.29, Days open till conception (Days) for local and their crossbred of < 50%, 50-75% and > 75% was 201.3, 173.7, 87.15 and 86.1 respectively and average for all crossbred was 115.65, and number of services per conception for local and their crossbred of < 50%, 50-75% and > 75% was 3.53, 3.1,1.6 and 1.4 respectively and average for all crossbred was 2.03. There was observed that all exotic blood level of crossbred and local dairy cows are good performed under urban than peri-urban setting. The present study showed that even if productive and reproductive performance of crossbred cows owned by peri-urban and urban dairy producers in study area was comparatively good, it need to advance breeding strategy to assign right exotic blood level at right production system and also supply of improved genotypes and dairy inputs like (feed, health care and artificial insemination), proper breeding management in the study area suggested.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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
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    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.
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    ASSESSMENTS OF INDIGENOUS CHICKENS PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND SOME EGG QUALITY PARAMETERS IN SHEBEDINO DISTRICT, SIDAMA REGION ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2021) TADESSE LEDAMO LALEWO
    This study was conducted in two agro-ecologies of Shebedino district to generate information on the existing production system, marketing and egg quality traits of indigenous village chicken. A total of 140 indigenous chicken owners from Highland and Midland and 30 market participants from the two selected market places (Lekuand Telamo) were included in the study. For marketing survey, a randomly selected sellers, buyers and intermediaries were interviewed from each of the two selected market places and market chain of village chicken and eggs in the district was mapped accordingly. A total of 120 eggs from the interviewed chicken owners in the district were collected to evaluate egg quality traits of indigenous village chickens. All the data collected were analyzed using SPSS and SAS. The result of the study showed that the average chicken holding in the area was 9.16 birds per HH. Majority of the respondents (93.6%) in the study area practiced scavenging with supplementation. The vast majority of the respondents (90%) also provided water for their chicken. The 95% interviewed HH’S not had separate poultry house. The result of the study also revealed that Newcastle disease (85%) was the most dominant chicken disease followed by Coccidiosis (14%). Mean age at first egg, clutches per year and clutch length were 7.6 months, 3.85and 15.95 days, respectively. Average eggs per hen per clutch were 14.85 with annual egg production of 59.4 eggs per bird. The overall mean hatchability was 75%. Village chicken were predominantly possessed and managed (65%) by women. Majority of the respondents (88.6%) kept chicken for sale as an immediate source of cash for basic HH necessities of the owners. 44.7% and 76.4% of the respondents also highlighted that they kept chicken for home consumption and stock replacement, respectively. The overall mean egg weight 41.5gm , shell thickness 0.3mm, albumin height 21.2gm, Yolk weight(15.29g) ,Yolk colour 9.38, Yolk height(15.58mm)
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    ASSSESSMENT OF AVIALABLE FEED RESOURECES, FEED MANAGMENT AND UTILIZATION PRACTICE IN DAWURO ZONE, LOMA DISTRCT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2022) MATHEWOS MENGSHA FOLLA
    A study was conducted in Loma district in Dawuro Zone of South Nation Nationality People Region to assess the avialable feed resources, feed management and utilization practice. Primary and Secondary data sources and field observations, structured questionnaire and group discussions were employed to generate data. The study district was stratified into highland, midland and lowland agro ecology. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents. Atotal of 385 respondents (highland=110, midland=110 and lowland=165) were purposely selected based on those having minimum 3 livestock species and interviewed individually. The results indicated that both crop and livestock farming were the main farming activity in the study area. Shortage of feed and disease were the major livestock production constraints in all agro ecology of the area. The major feed resources available in dry season were crop residues , natural pasture , and crop after math, hay and fodder tree in the study area. During the wet season, majority of the respondents feed their animal natural pasture, fodder tree and crop residue crop after math and hay. Fodder tree was the dominanted feed next to natural pasture in both lowland and mid land agro ecology. Continuous grazing system was practiced highly in low land where as zero grazing (cut and carry) system were practice highland agro ecology. Indoor feeding was highly practiced in highland respondents compared with midland and lowland. Majority of respondents in lowland agro ecology had Common grazing land compared with other agro-ecology respondents.Crop residues and purchased concentrate feeds were used to alleviate feed shortage in all agro ecology of the study area. Majority of respondents could not produce, improved forage for their animals due to land shortage,shortage of rain fall and shortage of land were the main reason that affects production of improved forage in lowland and other agro ecology respectivily.The major crop residue used for livestock feeding in both midland and lowland were teff, maize and sorghum and also wheat and barley straw was the dominant crop residue in high land agro ecology. Most of the crop residue was stocking under the shed in the study area. Most highland and midland respondents stock crop residues in open air and stocked under the shed was used by lowland agro ecology respondents. Majority (69.6%) of respondents were utilizing crop residue for livestock feeding in the three agro ecologys. Only 19.2% of respondents were providing chopped crop residue for their animals. With lack of molasses all of the respondents were not treat crop residue in the study area. 26% of respondents in the study area were practice hay production. Spring water was the major sources of water in the highland and midland agro ecology whereas rivers are mainly used by the households of lowland agro ecology. Most of respondents were providing of water for the animal twice in a day with group and individually in the study area. Development and demonstration of improved forages that can be integrated with the dominant farming system, efficient conservation and utilization of crop residue via different treatment options and maximizing the productivity of available individual and communal grazing pasture land using proven improved technologies needs attention.
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    BEEKEEPING PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN DIFFERENT AGRO-ECOLOGIES OF SELECTED DISTRICTS OF SIDAMA REGION, ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2024) ABERA AGENSA ADAMO
    The study was conducted in the Bilate and Gorche districts of Ethiopia's Sidama region with aim to assess beekeeping production, management practices, opportunities, and challenges across different agro-ecologies (highland, midland, and lowland). About 165 beekeepers from six peasant associations across the three agro-ecologies were purposefully selected. A combination of methods including structured and semi-structured questionnaires, key informant discussions, and honey yields data for three hive types (frame, top-bar/Ethio-ribrab transitional and traditional) were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 2022 software. The majorities (98.18%) of respondents in the study area were males and only 1.18% female house households participated in bee keeping production. Majorities (53.3%) of the households were literate and they were able to read and write while 9% were illiterate. The result showed that over 40% of beekeepers had extensive experience (>10 years), while about 28% were relatively new (<5 years). Traditional hives were the most common type owned by beekeepers. On average, respondent beekeepers hold 6.92 colonies, distributed as 3.92, 8.46, and 6.95 colonies per household in lowland, midland, and highland areas, respectively. Traditional hives: Average annual honey yield varied by agro-ecologies (5.56-5.85 kg/hive).Transitional hives (top-bar and Ethio-ribrab) Yields were higher than traditional hives across all agro-ecologies (8.86-12.55 kg/hive). Highest average yields were recorded in frame hives across all agro-ecologies (10.53 12.55 kg/hive). About 70% of beekeepers reported swarming was a common occurrence. Over 91% of beekeepers reported colony absconding, with drought and shortage of food identified as leading causes. The study showed that only 28% of beekeepers practiced honey straining. Birds and ants were the most frequently reported insect pests in the study areas. Three honeybee types were identified based on color and productivity. The majority of respondents (51.52%) did not undertake internal inspection of their bee colonies. The study showed that Vernonia Spp, Croton macrostachyus, Eucalyptus spp, Persea Americana, Coffee arabica and Cordia africana were some of the major honey bee plants identified by respondents in the study districts. The major challenges of beeping were agrochemical application (herbicides/pesticides), bee predators (ant and birds), lack of market access in villages and towns , and limited market information. The main opportunities of honey bee keeping development in the study areas were existing bee colonies, extension services, abundant floral resources and water for bees, employment opportunities, and Indigenous beekeeping knowledge. Frame, top-bar, and Ethio-ribrab hives showed high honey yield potential in mid- and lowland zones. The study suggests that beekeepers in mid- and lowland areas can benefit from adopting frame, top-bar, or Ethio-ribrab hives for increased honey production. Addressing the identified challenges and promoting existing opportunities can enhance beekeeping sustainability and improve honey production in the region. Governmental and NGOs intervention, on introducing appropriate beekeeping technologies with all accessories, strengthening the management practices through training for beekeepers is important
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    CURRENT STATUS OF IMPROVED FORAGE PRODUCTION DESSIMINATION, ADOPTION ,AND NUTRITIVE VALUE IN DAMOT GALE DISTRICT, WOLAITA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA M.Sc. THESIS
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) TUCHO TUMATO
    This study was conducted to assess the improved forage crop production adoption dissemination and farmer’s practices in high land and low lands of Damot gale District, Wolaita zone of Southern Nation Nationalities Peoples Regional State of Ethiopia. The study involved both field observation and household survey with a sample of 133 improved forage producing households; of which 69 were selected from the highlands and 64 from the lowland Agro-ecologies by using simple random sampling technique. The discussants were administered with semi-structured questionnaire on land and livestock holding, purpose of livestock production and improve forages adoption over years. Samples of improved forages were taken for analysis of chemical composition by following standard laboratory procedures. Descriptive statistics using SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the sample data and Chi-square and T- test were used to compare important parameters between the two agro-ecologies. The survey result indicated that, on average the family size of the households was 8 for high land and 7 for lowland. Average land size in the high land was 0.81±0.09ha and that of the low land was 1±0.09ha. The Overall cattle holding in the highland was 3.05± while the low land was 2.74±0.4. Purposes of cattle keeping were for milk sale, milk and meat for home consumption, financial security and income sources. The major improved forages available in the study area desho grass elephant grass Guatemala grass Rhoades pigeon pea and Sesbania were available. The majority of the interviewed households practice crop land and produce cultivated improved forages such as elephant grass, desho grass and Guatemala grass. Among improved forages, the highest CP content (34.02%) CP was obtained for Sesbania whereas the lowest CP (11.46%) was obtained from Elephant grass and also Sesbania had the highest (P<0.05) IVDMD Farmers produce improved forages which have better nutritive values such desho grass, pigeon pea, oat, Rhodes grass, Sesbania, elephant grass, and Desmodium. Lack of sufficient land along with poor forage seed supply and high seasonal fluctuation of rain fall are among factors influencing forage seed production. Although it is to a very little, farmers started adopting different coping mechanisms such as purchasing improved forages, use of crop residues, conservation of feed available during wet season and area enclosures. Smallholder farmers would produce improved forages following recommended forage development strategies at back yard, inter cropping food or fodder crops stock exclusion areas and alley cropping in both wet and dry seasons and agro ecologies to mitigate climate change risks and improve livestock productivity which in turn contributes for household food security.
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    EFFECT OF INCREMENTAL LEVELS OF AVOCADO POMACE ON PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2025) SIDIRAK SINTAYEHU
    The utilization of fruit and vegetable by-products can contribute to the supply of animal feeds, improve feed deficiency, decrease the costs of livestock feeding, and also mitigate environmental problems by converting these wastes into useful human food. This study investigated the effect of different levels of dried avocado pomace meal (APM) in broiler diets on feed intake, growth performance, carcass parameters, mortality and hematology of broiler chickens. A total of 144 day-old coob-500 commercial broilers were assigned to 4 treatments, each replicated into 3 pens with 12 chicks per replicate. Isocaloric and isonitrogenous treatment diet were formulated. The treatments were a control diet without APM (T1), 5% (T2), 10% (T3), and 15% (T4) Avocado pomace meal (APM) inclusion in the total diet. The actual experiment lasted 42 days. Data on feed intake, live weight changes, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and mortality were taken. At the end of the experiment, two chickens randomly taken from each pen were slaughtered for carcass evaluation. The APM contains 9.07%, 25.61%, 9.23%, 19.07%, 30.55%, and 3070.24kcal/kg DM of ash, ether extract, crude protein, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, and metabolisable energy, respectively. The feed intake of broilers decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of APM in the diet. The highest (P<0.05) feed intake and average daily gain was observed for T1 compared with T4 during the entire experimental period. The highest (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio was recorded for T4 and lowest (P<0.05) for T1. In almost all carcass characteristics and non-edible offal the highest (P<0.05) values were obtained in T1 than T2, T3 and T4. The hematological and biochemical profile were similar (P>0.05) among treatment except platelets. The platelets for T3 and T4 were higher (P<0.05) than that of T1. The water holding capacity was similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. The average cooking loss for T4 was greater (P<0.05) than T1. In conclusion poor performance by the birds was observed in APM fed treatments indicating that avocado pomace meal is not a suitable feed for commercial broilers. Further studies are required to establish the causes of the poor performance of broilers consuming APM whether it can be rectified.