MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY RATE OF LAMBS AND KIDS; ASSESSMENT OF MAJOR ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN DALOCHA WEREDA, SILTE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Lamb and kid morbidity and mortality are serious constraints in the success of small ruminant production. Thus, the current study was carried out with the objective to estimate the incidences of lamb/kid morbidity and mortality, and identify the major associated risk factors responsible for the two (morbidity and mortality), in the study area. Cross-sectional survey and then prospective cohort study were employed from 10 February to 10 May 2023. A total of 130 (74 lambs and 56 kids) were recruited by simple random sampling method. During the survey, those target farmers (130) were interviewed to get flock level health and overall management related data. Most farmers (64%) replied that lamb/kid mortality was a common problem in their flock in which neonates (44%) were more frequently died age groups probably due to starvation (48%) followed by unknown causes (20%), disease (13%), predator (12%) and finally accident (7%)(flood and animal kick). In the present study, overall incidences of kid/lamb morbidity and mortality were 22.31% and 10% respectively. Mortality was higher in males (69.23%)(males may be more susceptible to pathogens) compared to females (30.77%), but the inverse is true for morbidity (41.38% and 58.62%, respectively)(males may be more competent in suckling). Slightly higher deaths of lambs/kids were seen in Golecheba Kebele (38.46%) than the rest two kebeles (Wanjashola and Enqatagam) with similar figure of 30.77%. However, smaller morbidity was recorded in case of Wanjashola kebele (27.58%) than the two. Most frequently encountered health events were emaciation/malnutrition, diarrhea and pneumonia/respiratory problem. Accident and circling disease were the least important ones. Multivariable Cox regression analysis xii revealed statistically significant association (p<0.05) for age, health events, litter size, species and skm (interaction factor) with morbidity, while age, health events, colostrum feeding and skm with mortality in which health disorders were risk of both morbidity and mortality, but age was not (protective factor). The outcome of the study showed that knowhow of when and how lamb/kid morbidity and/or mortality occur could be helpful and to reduce them, proper management of lambs/kids particularly at early age is imperative.