Characterization of Cattle Production System in East Gojjam Zone of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Survey was conducted in four Districts of East Gojjam Zone Amhara Regional state of Ethiopia (Sinan, Dejen, Gozamen and Machakel). The objectives of the survey were to characterize cattle production systems, asses feed resources of cattle in eastern Gojjam and identify major constraint of cattle production in the zone. A total of 160 household heads were randomly selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The study revealed that the average cattle herd size was 7.55 ± 0.31 heads per household and were significantly different (P<0.01) among districts. In the study districts, cattle are primarily kept for draught power followed by income source and milk production. According to the respondents, crop residue, hay and local brewery by-products are the main feed resources ranked in order of importance as first, second and third, respectively in dry season. Similarly, crop residue, cut and curry system and communal grazing are important feed sources in wet season (ranked as first, second and third, respectively). The study also shows that feed shortage was the main constraint affecting livestock production and productivity across the districts. In availability of appropriate cattle genotype and disease were identified as second and third important constraints. Due to shrinkage of grazing areas, farmers are shifting cattle rearing from permanent free grazing into tethering and semi-grazing systems. The total livestock number in the zone was estimated to be 7.55 TLU unit which is directly related to carrying capacity of the grazing feed resources in the area. Thus, the study implies that there is a need to improve fodder production, crop residue utilization, efficiency and utilization of artificial insemination to increase the number of improved cattle genotype and improve delivery of veterinary services in a smallholder cattle production system of the zone.