Author:
Wassie Awoke Melak,Getachew Teklewold Belayhun,Kassa Abebe Hailu,Megersa Ashenafi Getachew,Ayele Tesfalem
Abstract
The study was conducted to understand the production system and breeding practices of Omo donkeys and provide baseline information for future production strategies. The data were collected through individual interviews, focus group discussions, and personal observation. A semi-structured questionnaire using 2012 Food and Agriculture Organisation guidelines was used to obtain respondent views. On the basis of donkey population, production potential, and road accessibility, 76 households from two districts were randomly selected and interviewed. Donkey growth performance and body size were given a higher priority in breeding selection. Most respondents selected their breeding donkeys based on growth performance, body size, and disease resistance. The criteria for culling were old age, body size, poor fertility, temperament, and colour. Variables that were given a higher priority in trait preference were disease resistance and pulling ability. Water shortage and disease were significant constraints to donkey production. Therefore, to address these constraints, the concerned bodies should invest in infrastructure to increase access to water and other services so as to support the livelihoods of donkey-dependent communities. Moreover, funding for animal healthcare and nutrition initiatives should be provided to ensure the health and well-being of animals.
Subject
Ecology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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