Abstract:
The cross-sectional field survey was conducted in three selected districts of Jimma zone with the aim of characterizing the prevailing livestock production systems as well as identifying the major constraints and opportunities in relation to livestock production. The study districts were selected based on their livestock production potential and accessibility. Accordingly, 122, 188 and 104 households (HHs) from Kersa, Omo Nada and Tiro Afeta districts, respectively were participated in the study. The respondent HHs were purposively selected depending on their livestock keeping experience. This study revealed that livestock production systems in the three districts were mixed crop-livestock production system which is totally based on the indigenous livestock breeds with no improved input and low output. The average number of livestock in terms of tropical livestock units (TLU) in the three districts was 5.10±0.32/HH, which varied significantly (P<0.01) between the districts. Overall, the herd structure comprised of cattle (4.74±0.24 TLU/HH) (P<0.05), sheep (0.10±0.01 TLU/HH), goats (0.06±0.01 HH), donkey (0.07±0.02 TLU/HH) (P<0.05), horses (0.05±0.02 TLU/HH) and mule (0.06±0.03 TLU/HH). Natural mating was the only means of breeding system (P>0.05). The study on productive and reproductive performance of livestock revealed that average age at first calving (AFC) of cows was 4.50±0.08 years, calving interval (CI)of 25.56±0.43 months, lactation milk yield (LMY) of 203.29±4.75 litters, lactation length (LL) of 7.84±0.30 months and 4.56±0.10, 5.61±0.14 years for draught age and life span of oxen, respectively. Average age at first kidding and kidding interval of goats were 2.05±0.04 years and 15.45±0.30 months, respectively (P<0.05). The average age at first foaling (AFF), foaling interval (FI, P<0.05) and age at first work (AFW) of horses were 4.95±0.14 years, 35.57±1.76 months and 6.28±0.30 years, respectively. The average AFW for mules was 6.60±0.14 years (P<0.05). The average AFF, FI (P<0.05) and AFW (P<0.05) of donkeys were 6.22±0.32, 2.56±0.17 and 6.38±0.37 years, respectively. The main livestock feed resources in the areas were; crop residues, stubble grazing and natural pasture in a decreasing order of importance. The main constraintsof livestock production were feed shortage, animal diseases and low productivity of the indigenous livestock breeds. Generally the livestock production in the areas are still traditional without any improved technology. So it needs urgent response by responsible organizations mainly on the areas of feed and genetic improvement.
