ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTION PRACTICE, FEED RESOURCE AVAILABLITY AND MARKETING SYSTEM OF SMALL RUMINANTS IN BONA ZURIYA DISTRICT SIDAMA RIGION ETHIOPIA

Abstract

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.