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Ethiopian Journal of
Animal Production
Volume: 9 Number: 1 ISSN: 1607-3835
Ofcial Journal of the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (ESAP)
Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production
An Ofcial Journal of the Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production (ESAP)
Aims and Scope: The Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production is a peer reviewed journal publishing
original basic and applied research articles, short communications, technical notes, review articles
dealing with livestock and livestock related issues. Although the journal focuses on livestock produc-
tion in Ethiopia, papers from similar agro-ecological regions of the world are welcomed.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor-in-Chief: Azage Tegegne, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI),
P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Associate Editor: Workneh Ayalew, RPL, Livestock Programme, Labu, National Agricultural
Research Institute (NARI), PO Box 1639, Lae 411, Morobe Province,
Papua New Guinea
Assistant Editors: Alemayehu Mengistu
P.O. Box 62291, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Alemu Yami, Ethiopia Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Program
(ESGPIP), P.O. Box 15566, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Getachew Gebru, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI),
P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Markos Tibbo, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
(ICARDA), P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Solomon Abegaz, Institute of Biodiversity Conservation,
P.O. Box 30726, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Secretary: Aynalem Haile, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI),
P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Assistant Editorial Manager: W/rt Selamawit Tadesse, ESAP,
P.O. Box 80019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Alemu Gebre Wold Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
A. Pearson University of Edinburgh, UK
Beyene Chichaibelu, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
Bekele Shiferaw ICRISAT, Nairobi, Kenya
C. Peacock FARM Africa, London, UK
E. Rege Nairobi, Kenya
J. Reed University of Wisconsin, USA
K. Peters Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
K. W. Entwistle Australia
K. Zessin Free University Berlin, Germany
S. Ehui World Bank, Washington DC, USA
Tilahnu Sahlu Langston University, Oklahoma, USA
Tefera GebreMeskel ESGPIP, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tsegaye Habtemariam Tuskegee University, Alabama, USA
EJAP is published by the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (ESAP)
© Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (ESAP)
EJAP
ISSN: 1607-3835
Volume 9, Number 1
2009
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the
Association.
Cover drawing by Wossene Abay
Table of Contents
Status of Ethiopian indigenous Sheko cattle breed and the need for participatory
breed management plan
Takele Taye, Workneh Ayalew and B.P. Hegde ............................................................................. 1
Growth and Reproductive performance of Ogaden cattle at Haramaya University,
Ethiopia
Getinet Mekuriaw, Workneh Ayalew and P B Hegde .................................................................. 13
Traditional Backyard Cattle Fattening in Wolayta: Systems of Operation and the
Routine Husbandry Practices
Takele Taye and Habtamu Lemma .............................................................................................. 39
Herd management, milk production and reproduction of Urban dairy farms in the
Harar milkshed
Mohammed Yousuf Kurtu and H.O. de Waal ............................................................................. 57
The effect of weaning crossbred calves at different ages on growth performance
Tadesse Bekele, Yohannes Gojjam and Kefena Effa ................................................................... 77
Major Reproductive Health Problems of Dairy Cows in and around Bako, West Ethiopia
Berihu Haftu and Abebaw Gashaw ............................................................................................89
Morphological characters and body weight of Menz and Afar sheep within their
production system
Tesfaye Getachew, Aynalem Haile, Markos Tibbo, A.K. Sharma,
Ashebir Kie,Endashaw Terefe, M. Wurzinger, J. Sölkner ......................................................... 99
Morphological Characterization of Bonga and Horro Indigenous Sheep Breeds
under Smallholder conditions in Ethiopia
Zewdu Edea, Aynalem Haile, Markos Tibbo, A.K, Sharma, Dejene Asefa, Johann Sölkner and
Maria Wurzinger ....................................................................................................................... 117
Effect of time of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin Administration on
Oestrus Synchronization Efciency and Fertility in Blackhead Ogaden Ewes
Zeleke Mekuriaw ....................................................................................................................... 135
Effects of Energy and Bypass Protein Supplementation on Feed Intake,
Milk Yield and Composition of Crossbred Lactating Goats
Taye Tolemariam, Shiv Prasad and T.K. Walli .........................................................................145
A survey on the occurrence of anthelmintic resistance in nematodes of sheep and
goats found in different agro-ecologies in Ethiopia
Desalegn Lidetu ........................................................................................................................ 159
Ecological distribution of honeybee chalkbrood disease (Ascosphaera Apis) in Ethiopia
Aster Yohannes, Amsalu Bezabeh, Betre Yaekob, Desalegn Begna, Yoseph Shiferaw,
Yosef Kebede, Nohe Kebede...................................................................................................... 177
Effect of nitrogen on morphological characters, yield and quality of forage oat
(Avena sativa L.)
Aklilu Mekasha, Y.P. Joshi and Alemayehu Mengistu ...............................................................193
Assessment of the prevailing handling, transportation, marketing and quality of eggs collected from
local scavenging hens in Bure district, North-West Ethiopia
Fisseha Moges, Abera Mellesse and Tadelle Dessie .................................................................209
Status of Ethiopian indigenous Sheko cattle breed
and the need for participatory breed management
plan
Takele Taye1*, Workneh Ayalew2† and B.P. Hegde3
1Wolaita Soddo Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training College, PO Box 120,
Wolaita Soddo, Ethiopia.
2International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
3Haramaya University, PO Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.
Abstract
Sheko is the only surviving taurine of the Abyssinian region, and is in danger of
extinction mainly due to interbreeding with neighboring Zebu breeds and scarcity
of pure Sheko breeding bulls. This study was undertaken to study current status
of Sheko cattle breed and husbandry practices in southwestern Ethiopia between
August 2004 and February 2005. The survey revealed that farmers do recognize
special characteristics and desirable qualities of the breed, notably its tolerance to
endemic diseases, the relative high milk yield, long lactation period, stamina for
traction, less selective feeding behavior and maintaining good body condition at
times of feed scarcity. The breed’s voracious feeding habit and aggressive tempera-
ment, however, are noted by farmers as undesirable traits. To reverse the declin-
ing population trend and to lay the elements of sustainable use, a breed manage-
ment plan consisting of establishing in situ breeding station, organizing a Sheko
cattle owners’ society, establishing breed studs in its breeding tract, promoting
niche market and improving the husbandry practices, were proposed.
Keywords: Breed management plan, breed status, Ethiopia, desirable quali-
ties, Sheko cattle
Introduction
Sheko cattle breed is the only surviving indigenous taurine breed of the Abys-
sinian region (Hanotte et al., 2000), and is one of the 23 recognized cattle breeds
in Ethiopia. Recent genetic studies on some Ethiopian cattle breeds revealed
that the Sheko is distantly related to Sanga cattle breeds in Ethiopia (Dadi et
* Current address: The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 193, NO-1432 Aas, Norway. Corresponding Author:
Email: takele_taye@yahoo.com [Takele Taye]
† Current address: National Agricultural Research Institute, Livestock Program P O Box 1639, Lae, 411 MP, Papua New
Guinea. Email: Workneh.ayalew@nari.org.pg.
Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1-12
2
al., 2008) The breed is known to have evolved in the tsetse belt of southwestern
Ethiopia under natural selection and patronage of the Sheko people and other
ethnic groups that inhabited its breeding tract (Takele, 2005). Although the
breed has been referred to in the literature as Sheko (Epstein, 1971; Alberro
and Haile-Mariam, 1982; Mason, 1988), the various ethnic groups maintaining
the breed use different names that are now considered as synonyms (Takele,
2005; Takele et al., 2007).
Sheko’s unique evolutionary history, status and trypanotolerance have at-
tracted research attention (Hanotte et al., 2000; Lemecha et al., 2006; ILRI,
2006; Dadi et al., 2008). The long held view that the breed is endangered by
extinction (Epstein, 1971; Alberro and Haile-Mariam, 1982) was corroborated
by molecular genetic evidence that showed about 90 percent of the sampled
Sheko bulls have had their specic taurine allele replaced by indicine allele
conrming an alarming introgression of Zebu genes (Hanotte et al., 2000). A
more recent breed survey (Takele, 2005) conrmed that pure Sheko bulls are
rare in the home area of the breed and the Sheko cattle keepers have either
chose to or been forced to use Zebu bulls to mate Sheko cows. Moreover, the
heterozyogocity level observed in Sheko cattle was lower than expected; indi-
cating problem of inbreeding, and the total number of alleles found in Sheko
cattle was the least compared to other contemporary Ethiopian breeds (Dadi
et al., 2008). In recognition of this current scenario on status of the breed, this
study was undertaken to outline a participatory breed management strategy
to rescue the breed and promote its sustainable utilization in its home area
and beyond.
Materials and Methods
The study area and population
This study canvassed the known current geographical distribution of Sheko
breed of cattle in Bench Maji Zone of southwestern Ethiopia, as identied
through consultation with local administration and agricultural extension of-
cers, key informants (cattle traders, village chiefs, elders) and researchers. The
breeding tract covers a total of 23,000 km2 divided into nine districts and two
major agro-ecological zones (lowland and mid-highland). The existing true–to–
type Sheko cattle were also identied, located and enumerated through exten-
sive consultation with Sheko cattle owners.
Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1-12 3
Methods of data collection and analysis
The breed survey was conducted between August 2004 and February 2005. Sets
of open-ended questions were used to guide focus group discussions with key
informants, local agricultural extension staffs and knowledgeable elders. The
discussions covered origin and evolution of cattle in the area; existing cattle
breed types, special attributes of cattle breeds and trait preferences. A semi–
structured questionnaire was also administered on 129 Sheko owning farmers
in 35 villages identied by the focus group discussions to collect data on cattle
husbandry practices and desirable and undesirable traits of Sheko cattle. This
was also supported by extensive eld observations by the lead author. Further
details about study methods were described in Takele et al. (2007). Descriptive
statics of SAS (1999) was applied to analyze the data and generate summary
statistics.
Results
Population trend and breed status
The total population of true Sheko cattle were enumerated to be about 4000
heads (Takele, 2005), which accounted for only two percent of the total cattle
population in the known breeding tract of Sheko. Even this number was noted
to be on decline in recent years which conrmed the widely held notion that
Sheko breed is indeed endangered. Focus group discussions also revealed that
Sheko cattle have grown smaller in body size, with narrower belly and hind-
quarters. Key informants reported that elite Sheko cows used to be milked up
to 15 litres per day when feed supplies were abundant, although such gures
are difcult to verify. What is certain is the relatively high milk producing ca-
pacity of the Sheko in the hot and humid climate of the home area.
Desirable and undesirable traits of Sheko cattle
Desirable and undesirable traits of Sheko cattle as identied by the respon-
dents are summarized in Table 1. In addition, the focus group discussion sug-
gested better feed conversion efciency, longevity, fertility, and good mothering
ability of the Sheko compared to other cattle breeds in adjacent areas. Faster
growth rate, larger body size and larger teats than the comparators were also
noted as useful traits to improve milk production of the Sheko breed. Some key
informants also reported that unlike their horned zebu counterparts the polled
Sheko do not have difculty to move around in dense forest for grazing. On
the other hand, their occasional aggressive temperament and voracious feed-
Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1-12
4
ing habits, particularly during the dry season, were mentioned as undesirable
traits.
Sheko cattle owners also identied special desirable adaptive attributes of the
Sheko cattle against common stressor variables (Table 2). Most of the Sheko
cattle owners had rated the Sheko cattle within high to moderate adaptation
categories to these stressors compared to the zebu cattle in the region, although
such preliminary indicators need to be substantiated through further studies.
Table 1. Frequency of desirable and undesirable traits of Sheko cattle
Traits Frequency Percent
Desirable traits
Relatively high milk yield 74 46.2
Disease tolerance 15 9.4
Draught stamina 12 7.5
Less selective feeding behavior 11 6.9
Attractive look 10 6.2
Ability to maintaining good body condition 7 4.4
Short inter-calving period 5 3.1
Long lactation period 4 2.5
Undesirable traits
Aggressive temperament 15 9.4
Voracious feeding habit 7 4.4
Table 2. Sheko cattle owners’ perception on relative adaptive attributes of Sheko cattle
compared to zebu type cattle
Stressor variable N Relative adaptation (%)
High Medium Low
Heat load 129 61.3 27.1 11.6
Feed scarcity 129 45.7 24.8 29.5
Tick infestation 129 41.1 48.8 10.1
Internal parasite infestation 129 40.3 49.6 10.1
Annoyance by biting ies 124 39.5 52.4 8.1
Constraints to Sheko cattle management
Sheko cattle keepers identied major constraints that contributed to the de-
cline of Sheko cattle. These were later considered along with those reported by
other stakeholders in developing a suitable breed management plan.
Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1-12 5
Shrinkage of grazing land: Focus group discussions and key informants
reported that communal pastures that supply the bulk of feed resource are on
decline due to expansion of crop elds in the face of rapid human population
growth. Consequently, Sheko cattle keepers increasingly resort to tethered
feeding. Average cattle herd size is therefore declining, which also discouraged
maintenance of Sheko breeding bulls and encouraged communal use of avail-
able (non-descript) breeding bulls.
Polledness and aggressive behavior of the breed: Nearly 90 percent of
the sampled Sheko cows and 85 percent of bulls were found to be polled. Nor-
mally farmers tether their cattle by the horns; polled cattle are tethered either
by the neck or leg, which are less preferred to horn tethering as they do not
provide secure tethering. In fact such animals often break the tether and dam-
age crop elds to the detriment of communities’ social relations. Some of the
respondents also mentioned that polled animals have less attractive look as
they lack the preferred grace that cattle have with their horns. Large size and
strong physique of the breed also make tethering difcult especially by chil-
dren and women. Some respondents, however, reported that Sheko cattle can
better identify their owners and better respond to good care than the zebu type
cattle or their crosses.
Scarcity of Sheko breeding bulls: Interviews, focus group discussions and
observations on sampled cattle herds indicated that true Sheko breeding bulls
are indeed scarce in the study area. The majority of small cattle herds do not
keep breeding bulls, and the remaining few farmers mostly keep non-Sheko
bulls. This is being exacerbated by the declining availability of grazing pas-
tures. As young Sheko bulls are either disposed of or castrated at early age
owing to their aggressive temperament, the smaller and more versatile zebu
bulls and their derivative have become more prevalent in the breeding tract.
Farmers that do not keep bulls are, therefore, forced to use any breeding bulls
from their neighbourhood irrespective of the breed identity.
Misapprehension of importance and status of the Sheko cattle: Local,
regional and national stakeholders have lagged behind to appreciate the rela-
tive importance of the breed and current breed status. Even the gradual rec-
ognition of these challenges did not lead to active interventions. There has
also been lack of empirical evidence on population size and structure to invoke
further research.
Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1-12
6
Lack of active intervention on the breed: The only signicant effort made
was the set up of Sheko cattle genetic improvement program at Bege breeding
ranch outside of the breeding tract of Sheko cattle. Unfortunately, the ranch
did not have functional link with the surrounding communities. That perhaps
led to complete demolition of the ranch and its breeding stock during the po-
litical instability that ensued following the violent change of government in
Ethiopia in 1991. No signicant effort was made to re-establish the ranch,
and even the recovered breeding animals were not put back into any breeding
scheme. However, a collaborative research and development project has been
undertaken by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) to evaluate trypanotoler-
ance attributes of the Sheko cattle along with three other cattle breeds in the
Ghibe valley. Similarly ILRI and the Southern Ethiopia Agricultural Research
Institute (SARI) are considering a participatory breed improvement plan in
the home area of the breed.
Proposed breed management plan
Based on ndings of this study, an active breed management plan is suggested
to rescue this unique breed and promote its sustainable utilization. The plan
has the following eight elements:
Census and monitoring of Sheko cattle population: This is essential to
precisely monitor population size and herd age structure to provide vital in-
formation for breed improvement. The unique attributes and current status
of the Sheko breed justify a specic breed census in its current breeding tract.
If specic breed census is not realistic, the regular agricultural censuses con-
ducted by the Central Statistical Authority (CSA) can be adapted to generate
breed level data on the Sheko cattle, with budget provisions to meet incre-
mental costs. The minimum task needed is to identify enumerated cattle by
breed type, such as Sheko, non-Sheko and cross so that census tabulations
can be done by breed type. This is consistent with the Global Plan of Action
for Animal Genetic Resources adopted by the community of nations with the
Interlaken Declaration (FAO, 2007).
Targeted publicity of Sheko breed: The general public in and outside the
natural habitat of the breed (where the breed can have potential market niche)
should be targeted to publicize special merits of the breed, such as its trypa-
notolerance, adaptation to warm and humid environments and its desirable
Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1-12 7
dairy qualities. Components of the breed management plan should also be
widely communicated to relevant stakeholders using appropriate media.
Improving husbandry practices: Tools such as nose rings could be used to
tame aggressive Sheko bulls and oxen in the area. Traditionally farmers use
ear rings for the same purpose and this practice needs to be closely examined
for its effectiveness. One of the major problems is the tie ropes do not last long,
thus rope made of high quality material can be considered as an option and
provided at subsidized cost until the status of the breed improves. Breaking
and training of animals at younger age and alternating herding with teth-
ering can soften aggressive behavior of the breed. Specic interventions are
needed to improve feed supplies and sustain existing grazing lands to increase
average herd sizes. Larger herd sizes increase the likelihood of selection and
maintenance of breeding studs in the villages. Some communities need more
accessible watering points and natural mineral licks to fully utilize potential
of the Sheko breed.
Creating market opportunities for the breed outside of its home tract:
The breed has potential for high marketability in large parts of south-west-
ern Ethiopia constrained by medium to high tsetse and trypanosomosis chal-
lenges. Government-sponsored schemes of resettling smallholder farmers from
densely populated highlands into underutilized fertile and sparsely populated
valleys of south-western Ethiopia have recently created demand for adapted
breeding cattle for which the Sheko cattle is the best alternative. Dairy and
draught qualities of the breed may be worth investigating even for other agro-
ecologies. The extension services and the national research systems need to
support this effort until market interests gain momentum. Given the threat
the breed is facing an incentive system whereby an owner who manages to get
a Sheko calf (sired by a Sheko bull) can be rewarded needs to be put in place.
This would make the use of proposed studs efcient and make owners to work
against indiscriminate mating (Zander et al., 2008).
Establishing in situ breeding station: The provincial administration has
had plans to set up in situ pure breeding station either in the Sheko or Bench
district. This plan should be supported and incorporated as part of this breed
management plan with active participation of local stakeholders. The station
can then supply elite breeding bulls and heifers to interested Sheko breeders
initially in the home area and eventually to others as well. However, this plan
may be constrained by shortage of budget as such a plan naturally should have
a long timeframe. Such public institutions may also need support from other
Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1-12
8
stakeholders to sustain operations of the station. Therefore this plan needs to
be supported by satellite breeding schemes run by smallholder breeders.
Establishing smallholder stud breeders: To urgently overcome the pre-
vailing scarcity of Sheko bulls, selected villages can be supported to estab-
lish voluntary stud breeders’ groups. Use of the stud bull will be based on a
commonly agreed payment mainly to cover bull management costs. This de-
centralized breeding scheme can also alleviate occasional problems of cattle
theft. This scheme therefore can be managed together with the planned in-situ
Sheko breeding station.
Address indiscriminate use of non–descript and zebu bulls: Through
provision of Sheko bulls, indiscriminate use of non–descript and zebu bulls
can be discouraged. Castration of young Sheko bulls should also be discour-
aged through active publicity. Farmers should be provided with better market
opportunities to sell young Sheko breeding bulls. This can be also supported
through provision of semen using the functioning network of articial insemi-
nation service.
Organization of Sheko cattle breeders’ society: A small group of interest-
ed Sheko cattle owners can initiate such an organization to provide the social
platform for promoting the breed. Technical guidance can then be provided on
setting standards to register the true Sheko cattle and to create opportunities
for marketing of breeding stock in and outside of the breeding tract. The soci-
ety together with concerned bodies can develop incentives for farmers partici-
pating in genetic improvement of the Sheko cattle.
Developing articial insemination program for Sheko
Enhanced use of cryopreserved Sheko bull semen at the National Articial
Insemination Center (NAIC) particularly in the Sheko home area as part of
the ongoing articial insemination service can help alleviate the limitations
in pure breeding of Sheko cattle. At the same time, semen can be collected
from known Sheko bulls in same area for cryopreservation and further use.
However, care has to be taken to minimize the rate of inbreeding which might
result from excessive use of few bulls.
Discussions
Superior trypanotolerance attributes and better fertility of the Shoko cat-
tle (Lemecha et al., 2006) coupled with desirable dairy and traction qualities
Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1-12 9
(Takele, 2005; Takele et al., 2007) can be used to selectively promote the breed
and avert further decline of the breed population. However, Sheko cattle keep-
ers are neither well aware of these opportunities nor the precarious status of
the breed.
Mwacharo and Drucker (2005) and Zewdu et al. (2006) have shown the chal-
lenges associated with small herd sizes and suggested that group-breeding
schemes can overcome structural limitations of institutionalizing selective
breeding. It is therefore suggested that implementation of the suggested man-
agement plan should be initiated sooner to avert further declines in the surviv-
ing Sheko cattle population and when many communities can clearly identify
true-to-type Sheko cows and bulls.
As Wollny (2003) and Scarpa et al. (2003) have pointed out, any breed conserva-
tion plan should be based on validated superior economic benets of the breed.
Direct and indirect incentives to breed maintenance should also be based on
expected economic benets to society. According to Lund (2002) incentives can
encourage the owners to keep breeding stock under good management which
enhances maintenance of the breed. This may, therefore, require establish-
ment of Sheko breed conservation fund.
Köhler–Rollefson (2003) recommended active publicity as a vehicle to dissemi-
nate knowledge on special qualities and value of the breed. This is a useful
strategy to harness the community support and to sensitize the public sector.
Formation of breeders’ society for Sheko cattle will ensure farmers’ participa-
tion to identify elite animals, create market opportunities, initiate herd regis-
tration, and to take the lead in conservation activities (Hegde, 2005). To achieve
this, the society has to be an independent and legally recognized organization
with executive powers. This requires mobilization of resources and leadership
development through capacity building (Köhler–Rollefson, 2003).
Articial insemination can be used to support conservation measures for the
maintenance of threatened breeds (William and Amanda, 1999). This can be
therefore adopted to conserve and increase the population size of the Sheko
breed.
Conclusion
The endangered Sheko breed can be rescued and developed through active
breed management plan with full participation of a range of stakeholders in-
Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1-12
10
cluding Sheko cattle owners, agricultural extension staff, administration of-
cials, conservationists and researchers. The plan should primarily address
commonly identied constraints to Sheko cattle maintenance while harness-
ing breed promotion opportunities based on special qualities of the breed. The
emerging large market opportunity for trypanotolerant cattle can be targeted
to promote Sheko breed outside its natural habitat in parts of southwestern
Ethiopia.
Acknowledgements
Sheko cattle keeping communities in the study area contributed their their
knowledge and time for the purposes of this study. The Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development and the International Livestock Research Institute
(ILRI) provided nancial support to cover parts of the cost of this study.
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12
Zewdu Wuletaw, Workneh Ayalew and Johan Sölkner. 2006. Breeding scheme based
on analysis of community breeding objectives for cattle in north-western Ethiopia.
Ethiop. J. Anim. Prod. 6(2): 53–66.
Growth and Reproductive performance of Ogaden
cattle at Haramaya University, Ethiopia
Getinet Mekuriaw1*, Workneh Ayalew2 and P B Hegde1
1Alemaya University, P O Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
2Animal Genetic Resource Department, ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute), P.O.
Box 5689 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abstract
The Ogaden Zebu in Ethiopia is also known in the literature as a Lowland Zebu.
It is range-adapted and has good potential for beef production from the semi-arid
rangelands. This study characterized growth and reproductive performance of the
breeding herd maintained at Haramaya University. The mean birth weight was
21.0±0.31 kg for females and 22.0±0.33 kg for males, and the average weaning
weight at six months was 87.9±1.95 kg for females and 95.4±1.92 kg for males.
Males had average yearling weight of 145.±2.86 kg and it was 127.65±2.87 kg for
females, and the 24-month weight was 214.80±4.30 kg for males and 186.59±4.08
kg for females. Average weight at rst service was 245.7 kg which reached 269.1
kg at rst calving at an average age of 49.2±4.43 months. The mean annual calv-
ing rate was 74.2±16.03 % with average lifetime calving of 2.17±0.12 per cow. The
average breeding efciency was 69.6%. Cows measured 150.11±8.20 cm on chest
girth, 121.09 ± 7.18 cm on body length, 115.54 ± 5.17 cm on height at withers and
57.49 ± 4.33 cm on distance from ground to the abdomen. Qualitative characteris-
tics were also described. The result indicated promising growth and reproductive
performances of Ogaden breed, which is favourably comparable to other zebu cattle
breeds of Ethiopia. Some of the physical traits of Ogaden cattle are similar to those
of the Ethiopian Boran, but both cattle breeds are different in some other traits.
Keywords: Ogaden zebu cattle, Ethiopia, Phenotypic characterization,
Growth, Reproduction.
Introduction
The indigenous cattle breeds of Ethiopia constitute an important asset for the
present as well as future economic and social development of the country. How-
ever, characterization and inventory work on these resources is still at its early
stage of development. Most of the 27 recognized indigenous cattle breeds only
have a basic description of their typical features and their distribution (Aleber-
* Corresponding author: g_mekuriaw@yahoo.com
14 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
ro and Haile-Mariam, 1982; Sisay Gezahegn, 1996; DAGRIS, 2007), but very
limited comparative information is available on productive and reproductive
performance, let alone specic adaptive attributes, viability and within-breed
genetic diversity. Detailed on-station performance evaluation of indigenous
cattle breeds have been carried out in relation to national smallholder dairy
improvement programmes. Some of them are the Ethiopian Boran cattle and
their crosses at Abernosa ranch (Azage Tegegn, 1981 and Mekonnen Haile-
Mariam, 1987), Fogera cattle and their crosses at Andassa cattle breeding sta-
tion (Asheber Sewalem 1992), and Arsi cattle at Assela livestock farm (Enyew
Nigussie, 1992). Moreover, several new distinct indigenous cattle breed types
have been reported recently. These are the Wollo Highland zebu, Raya Sanga
and Afar Sanga (Dereje Tadesse et al., 2008) and Mahibere-Silassie (Zewdu
Wuletaw et al., 2008). The present report is part of a bigger study which was
targeted to characterize Ogaden cattle in terms of morphological traits as well
as reproductive and growth performances at specic ages (Getinet Mekuriaw,
2005).
The Ogaden cattle are maintained by Somali pastoralists and agro-pastorals
and inhabit most of the warm and arid rangelands of the Ogaden region in
south-eastern Ethiopia (Figure 1). In this area mid-day temperature readings
can soar to more than 40°C (CE, 2005). There are no ofcial population esti-
mates the breed. Alberro and Haile-Mariam (1982) classied the Ogaden zebu
as similar to the Ethiopian Boran; however, Sisay Gezahegn (1996) provided
genetic evidence based on protein polymorphism data that the Ogaden and
Ethiopian Boran both have relatively very high heterozygosity values indicat-
ing separate and divergent long-term within-breed natural selection for adap-
tation to harsh environmental conditions towards formation of separate breed
lines.
The breed is mainly used for meat and milk and they are considered to be
drought-tolerant. The breed is regarded as suitable for protable beef pro-
duction from arid and semi-arid rangelands of south-eastern Ethiopia, and is
being extensively used for both domestic and export markets. Thus they can
effectively be used to generate more incomes for the large pastoral and agro-
pastoral community in the Ogaden rangelands. Some typical features of the
Ogaden cattle are the white to grey hair coat color, compact body conformation
and short horns (Sisay Gezahegn, 1996). No attempt has been made to char-
acterize performance of this breed. The present study provides the rst ex situ
on-station performance characterization of the breed using the experimental
beef herd that has been maintained at the Beef Cattle Farm of the Haramaya
15
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
University since 1990 (Figure 1). Hence, the objectives of this report are to
evaluate morphological characteristics of Ogaden cattle breed and to estimate
average reproductive and growth performances of the herd.
Materials and Methods
The study area
Haramaya University (formerly known as Alemaya University of Agriculture)
is situated at an altitude of 9º 20´ North of the Equator and 42º 03´ East of Me-
ridian and at an altitude of 1980 m.a.s.l. in eastern Ethiopia, about 521 km on
the easterly road from Addis Ababa. It lies within high potential agricultural
plateau of the Hararghe highlands. It enjoys a moderate average tempera-
ture of 16ºC, with mean minimum temperature of 9.73ºC and mean maximum
temperature of 24.02oC. The annual rainfall ranges between 507 and 995 mm
(Mengistu and Asnakech, 1986).
The foundation stock of this breeding herd was purchased from different
places of Dagahabur Awraja of the previous Hararghe Administrative region
which is the natural habitat of the breed, about 200 km south of the University
in 1990. Ninety females and ten bulls were selected as foundation stock. From
establishment up to August 2004, a total of 495 animals were born on the farm
and a further 148 animals were purchased into the herd. All of these 743 ani-
mals were included in this study. The herd is kept on pasture without supple-
mentary feeding. The pasture predominantly consists of hyparrhenia species,
Cynodon dactylon, Sporobolus Africanus and Pennisetun species (Mengistu
and Asnakech, 1986). Natural seasonal block mating was practiced, with an
average mating ratio of one bull to twenty-ve cows. Cows were not milked
and calves were allowed to run with dams till weaning age of 180 days. Breed-
ing bulls have been selected based on birth, weaning and yearling weights,
good body conformation and size and condition of the testis, and they were
allowed to graze with the cows during the breeding season which is usually
75-90 days.
16 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Ogaden area: The natural breeding tract of Ogaden cattle
Haramaya University: location of the study herd
Dagahabur
Figure 1. Natural habitat of the Ogaden breed
Data collection and management
Data on the growth and reproduction of the herd between 1990 and August
2004 were collected from individual and herd record cards of the farm for the
purposes of this study. Substantial data cleanup and checking was made before
transcription into computer. Morphometric data were collected from randomly
selected adult animals, whose age is greater than or equal to three years, on
site by the researcher.
Cows were identied by origin, as some belonged to the foundation stock (or
brought in recently as replacements) and others were born in the farm. Birth,
weaning (at six months) as well as bi-monthly live body weights were used
to evaluate growth and weight gains. Weight records were checked through
calculated fortnightly weight gains and records suggesting average daily gains
(ADG) or losses above one kilogram were considered unrealistic and hence
excluded from the analysis. Because body weight records were not taken on
exactly 15 days intervals, only those records within ±6 days to the weaning,
yearling and other xed age weights were included in the analysis. Using the
average daily weight gain which the animal achieved within the interval of
consecutive xed ages, data were projected through linear interpolation to the
required xed age of each individual animal. .
17
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Based on the breeding plan of the farm, Ogaden heifers were made avail-
able for mating for the rst time when they re
ach 24 months of age and
have attained a body weight of around 200-250 kg. Annual calving rate (CR)
was calculated as percent annualized calving interval (Wilson, 1986), i.e.:
, where, S=Litter size, and CI = Calving interval.
Similarly, the breeding efciency (BE) was calculated as the average num-
ber of calves born per annum during reproductive life of the cow (Wilcox et
al., 1957), i.e. , where N = the number of calvings
during the reproductive life of the cow. For morphological and morphometeric
descriptions, both qualitative and quantitative variables were recorded from
existing adult male and female stock (FAO, 1986), and cows and heifers above
three years of age were used. But for males the relatively very small number
of males in the herd meant that all the available males, including young bulls
less than four years of age had to be used.
Statistical Analysis
Quantitative data were subjected to the General Linear Model (GLM) proce-
dure of SAS (SAS, 1999). Descriptive statistics was used to analyze qualita-
tive variables. Missing body weight and age data limited options for analyzing
interactions between variables. Depending on the trait, xed effects such as
birth year, birth season, birth weight, origin of dam, sex of the calf and parity
of the dam were used in the statistical models. These factors were included on
the basis of their direct inuence on the coefcient of determination (R2) and
the overall number of observations per trait.
The following statistical models were used:
Growth performance traits:
Y
amdjsl = µ + Ba+ Hm + Pd + Sj + Xs + eamdjsl
Reproductive performance traits:
1. Age at rst calving: Yajl = µ + Ba +Sj + eajl
2. Gestation length: Yabjsl = µ + Ba + Wb(Cov) + Sj + Xs+ eabjsl
3. Calving interval: Ymdinl = µ + Hm + Pd + Ri + Zn + emdinl
Where; Yamdjsl = the dependent variable
Ba= effect of ath birth year
18 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
H
m = effect of mth source of dam herd
P
d = effect of dth parity of the dam
R
i = effect of ith calving year
S
j = effect of jth birth season
W
b = effect of bth birth weight of the calf
X
s = effect of sth sex of the calf
W
b (birth weight) was considered as a covariate for gestation length.
For morphological traits, breeding efciency and weight at rst service, only
descriptive statistics was be applied.
Results
Growth Performance
The overall least squares means of birth weight was 21.50±0.29 kg, with
20.98±0.31 kg for females and 22.03±0.33 kg for males (Table 1). The calves
had adjusted mean 3 months weight of 62.85±0.46 kg and ADG from birth to 3
months of age of 462 g with coefcient of variation 31.05% (Table 2).
Table 1. Least square means and standard errors (LSM±SE) of birth weight
Factors N LSM±SE (kg)
Overall 378 21.50±0.29
Dams herd *
Farm born dam 167 21.91±0.37a
Purchased dams 211 21.10±0.33b
Parity of dam **
1 189 20.29±0.34d
2 67 21.53±0.39abc
3 41 21.79±0.50abc
4 35 21.94±0.54ab
5 46 21.98±0.53a
Year of birth **
1991 77 24.68±0.54b
1993 18 20.65±0.80cdefgh
1994 16 20.26±0.81efghijk
1995 24 20.26±0.64efghij
1996 21 20.89±0.66cdefgh
1997 15 22.43±0.79c
1998 19 19.70±0.70efghijkl
19
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Factors N LSM±SE (kg)
1999 34 21.43±0.62cdef
2000 1 20.58cdefghi
2001 38 25.09±0.55a
2002 41 21.66±0.48cde
2003 41 19.67±0.59efghijkl
2004 33 22.24±0.53cd
Season of birth NS
Kiremt 165 21.01±0.37
Meher 130 22.35±0.49
Belg 83 21.15±0.49
Sex of calf **
Male 176 22.03±0.33a
Female 202 20.98±0.31b
LSM with different letters within a factor differ signicantly, ** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05 and NS = Non-signicant
Table 2. Least square means and standard errors (LSM±SE) of adjusted weight at three
months of age and average daily weight gain from birth to three months.
Factors LSM±SE (kg)
N ADJ3Wt ADG0-3
Overall 159 62.85±0.46 0.462±0.02
Dams herd NS NS
Farm born dams 104 66.72±1.37 0.495±0.02
Purchased dams 55 63.66±1.77 0.472±0.02
Parity of dam * *
1 61 63.29±1.66abcd 0.478±0.02abc
2 33 67.30±2.07abc 0.521±0.03a
3 17 69.11±2.92a0.513±0.04ab
4 20 67.32±2.73ab 0.494±0.03abc
5 28 58.93±2.36d0.408±0.03d
Season of birth ** *
Kiremt 39 66.50±2.03a0.472±0.03a
Meher 95 61.07±1.28b0.445±0.02b
Belg 25 68.00±2.49a0.533±0.03a
Sex of calf ** **
Female 88 61.42±1.40b0.440±0.02b
Male 71 68.95±1.69a0.520±0.02a
LSM with different letters within a factor differ signicantly, ** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05 and NS = Non-signi-
cant, ADJ3Wt = adjusted weight at three months age and ADG0-3 = average daily weight gain from birth to
three months
20 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
The least squares means of live weights of calves at weaning and 9 months were 91.65±1.67
kg and 111.1±2.16 kg, respectively, with 95.42±1.92 kg and 116.64±2.49 kg for males and
87.88±1.95 kg and 105.50±2.37 kg for females. The estimated ADG from 3 months to
weaning age was 0.389 kg with 0.407±0.01 kg for males and 0.370±0.01 kg for females
and it was 0.336 kg for the period from weaning to 9 months of ages with 0.355±0.01 kg
for males and 0.317±0.01 kg for females (Tables 3&4).
Table 3. Least square means and standard errors (LSM±SE) of adjusted weight at six
months of age and average daily weight gain from 3-6 months.
Factors N LSM±SE (kg)
ADJ6Wt ADG3-6
Overall 210 91.65±1.67 0.389±0.01
Dams herd NS NS
Farm born dam 133 93.48±2.11 0.395±0.01
Purchased dam 77 89.82±1.91 0.383±0.01
Parity of dam
1 79
*
91.44±2.02abc
*
0.397±0.01abc
2 39 93.66±2.50ab 0.400±0.01ab
3 28 95.69±2.92a0.411±0.02a
4 26 92.33±3.09abc 0.388±0.02abc
5 38 85.13±2.87d0.348±0.02d
Year of birth ** **
1991 3 96.46±8.52b0.390±0.05bcd
1992 - - -
1993 - - -
1994 12 93.19±4.77bcd 0.407±0.03bc
1995 5 124.36±6.19a0.574±0.03a
1996 16 88.07±3.89bcdefg 0.368±0.02bcdefgh
1997 10 93.37±5.13bc 0.389±0.03bcde
1998 12 81.03±4.71bcdefghij 0.338±0.03cdefghij
1999 24 92.27±3.72bcde 0.409±0.02b
2000 - - -
2001 35 92.18±3.54bcdef 0.369±0.02bcdefg
2002 38 76.55±2.92jk 0.304±0.02defghijk
2003 39 84.73±3.35bcdefghi 0.370±0.02bcdef
2004 16 85.94±3.93bcdefgh 0.358±0.02bcdefghi
Season of birth NS NS
Kiremt 94 95.49±2.44 0.418±0.01
21
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Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Factors N LSM±SE (kg)
ADJ6Wt ADG3-6
Meher 97 90.19±2.66 0.370±0.02
Belg 19 89.27±4.27 0.378±0.02
Sex of calf ** **
Males 105 95.42±1.92a 0.407±0.01a
Females 105 87.88±1.95b 0.370±0.01b
LSM with different letters within a factor differ signicantly. ** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05 and NS = Non-signi-
cant
ADJ6Wt = Adjusted weight gain at six months ADG3-6 = Average daily weight gain from three to six
months
Table 4. Least square means and standard errors (LSM±SE) of adjusted weight at nine
months of age and average daily weight gain from 6-9 months.
Factors
N
LSM±SE (kg)
ADJ9Wt ADG6-9
Overall 240 111.07±2.16 0.336±0.01
Parity of dam * *
1 93 109.05±2.63bcd 0.334±0.01abcd
2 48 112.36±2.86abc 0.341±0.01ab
3 33 116.85±3.44a0.357±0.01a
4 26 112.65±3.89ab 0.339±0.01abc
5 40 104.43±3.43de 0.309±0.01cde
Year of birth ** **
1991 19 118.84±5.19bc 0.347±0.02bcde
1992 - - -
1993 4 124.36±8.99ab 0.384±0.03ab
1994 12 116.53±6.01bcde 0.369±0.02bcd
1995 18 134.50±4.67a0.432±0.02a
1996 19 101.40±4.69efghi 0.286±0.02fghi
1997 12 108.12±5.93bcdef 0.317±0.02bcdefg
1998 14 90.21±5.56ijk 0.262±0.02ijk
1999 36 118.13±4.05bcd 0.380±0.01bc
2000 - - -
2001 35 98.09±4.36fghi 0.269±0.02ij
2002 35 104.25±3.74efgh 0.307±0.01fgh
2003 36 107.33±4.34bcdefg 0.341±0.02bcdef
2004 - - -
Season of birth NS *
Kiremt 119 114.94±2.64 0.353±0.01a
22 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Factors
N
LSM±SE (kg)
ADJ9Wt ADG6-9
Meher 103 107.45±3.43 0.306±0.01bc
Belg 18 110.81±5.83 0.349±0.02ab
Sex of calf ** **
Males 119 116.64±2.49a0.355±0.01a
Females 121 105.50±2.37b0.317±0.01b
LSM with different letters within a factor differ signicantly, ** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05 and NS = Non-signicant
ADJ9Wt = Adjusted weight at nine months of age, ADG6-9 = Average daily weight gain from six to nine
months of age
The overall least squares means yearling and 18 months weights were 136.30±2.36 kg
and 163.32±2.51 kg, respectively with 144.96±2.86 kg and 171.92±3.1 kg for males and
127.65±2.87 kg and 154.72 kg for females. The difference was highly signicant between
males and females at the specied ages (Table 5). The ADG from 9 months to yearling
age was 322 g with coefcient of variation 21.52%, and that from yearling to 18 months
of age was 226g. The overall least square means weight at 24 and 30 months of ages were
200.7±3.43, and 234.79±3.67 kg, respectively, which meet the minimum weight for the age
of export beef animals (Table 6). ADG from 18 to 24 months of age was 227.0 g and from
24 to 30 months of age was 222 g per day. The Ogaden cattle reached 267.63± 4.44 kg and
298.7±5.48 kg of overall mean adjusted weight at 36 and 42 months of age, respectively,
with 217g and 212 g ADG from 30 to 36 and from 36 to 42 months of age, respectively
(Table 7).
Table 5. Least square means and standard errors (LSM±SE) of adjusted weight at year-
ling age and 18 months age, and average daily weight gain from 9 to 12 months and
from 12 to 18 months.
Factors
N
LSM±SE (kg)
N
LSM±SE (kg)
ADJ12Wt ADG9-12 ADJ18Wt ADG12-18
Overall 240 136.30±2.36 0.322±0.01 237 163.32±2.51 0.226±0.00
Dams herd * ** ** **
Farm born dam 130 132.08±2.90b0.309±0.01b91 157.85±3.41b0.218±0.01b
Purchased dam 110 140.53±2.84a0.334±0.01a146 168.79±2.73a0.234±0.00a
Parity of dam ** ** * **
1 93 140.19±3.06abc 0.337±0.01ab 134 166.55±2.37abcd 0.233±0.00abc
2 48 142.29±3.74a0.339±0.01a44 167.82±3.91abc 0.234±0.01a
3 33 142.03±4.49ab 0.336±0.01abc 26 168.53±5.01a0.234±0.01ab
4 26 136.81±5.16abc 0.322±0.01abc 13 167.85±7.20ab 233±0.01abcd
5 40 120.21±4.45d0.275±0.01d20 145.85±5.94e0.197±0.01e
23
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Factors
N
LSM±SE (kg)
N
LSM±SE (kg)
ADJ12Wt ADG9-12 ADJ18Wt ADG12-18
Season of birth NS NS NS NS
Kiremt 119 136.54±2.44 0.318±0.01 131 159.71±2.61 0.220±0.00
Meher 103 140.72±2.51 0.333±0.01 49 160.62±3.83 0.222±0.01
Belg 18 131.65±5.97 0.314±0.02 57 169.63±4.33 0.235±0.01
Sex of calf ** ** ** **
Male 119 144.96±2.86a0.345±0.01a111 171.92±3.10a0.239±0.01a
Female 121 127.65±2.87b0.298±0.01b126 154.72±2.92b0.213±0.00b
LSM with different letters within a factor differ signicantly, ** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05 and NS = Non-signi-
cant, ADG12Wt = Adjusted weight at 12 months of age, ADG9-12 = Average daily weight gain from nine to 12
months of age, ADJ18Wt = Adjusted weight at 18 months of age, ADG12-18 = Average daily weight gain from
12 to 18 months of age.
Table 6. Least square means and standard errors (LSM±SE) of adjusted weight at 24
and 30 months of age, and average daily weight gain from 18 to 24 and from 24 to30
months.
Factors N LSM±SE (kg) N LSM±SE (kg)
ADJ24Wt ADG18-24 ADJ30Wt ADG24-30
Overall 195 200.68±3.43 0.227±0.00 174 234.79±3.67 0.222±0.00
Dams herd ** ** ** **
Farm born dam 72 192.04±4.72b 0.216±0.01b 64 225.43±5.27b 0.213±0.01b
Purchased dam 123 209.32±3.75a 0.238±0.00a 110 244.16±3.88a 0.232±0.00a
Parity of dam * ** ** **
1 109 200.32±3.30bcd 0.229±0.00abc 92 240.47±3.62ab 0.230±0.00ab
2 36 213.93±5.55a 0.245±0.01a 32 247.38±5.97a 0.237±0.01a
3 16 203.14±8.22ab 0.230±0.01ab 15 241.54±8.66abc 0.229±0.01abc
4 13 202.84±9.21abc 0.228±0.01abcd 11 235.63±10.18abc 0.222±0.01abc
5 21 183.18±7.59d 0.203±0.01d 24 208.94±7.50d 0.194±0.01d
Season of birth ** ** NS NS
Kiremt 104 193.87±3.80b 0.218±0.00b 91 238.94±4.21 0.226±0.00
Meher 49 221.13±4.96a 0.254±0.01a 46 229.23±5.12 0.217±0.01
Belg 42 187.04±6.16b 0.209±0.01b 37 236.21±6.73 0.224±0.01
Sex of calf ** ** ** **
Male 87 214.80±4.30a 0.245±0.01a 70 253.36±4.68a 0.242±0.00a
Female 108 186.59±4.08b 0.210±0.01b 104 216.22±4.41b 0.203±0.00b
LSM with different letters within a factor differ signicantly, ** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05 and NS = Non-signi-
cant, ADJ24Wt = Adjusted weight at 24 months of age, ADG18-24 = Average daily weight gain from 18 to 24
months of age, ADJ30Wt = Adjusted weight at 30 months of age, ADG24-30 = Average daily weight gain from
24 to 30 months of age
24 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Table 7. Least square means and standard errors (LSM±SE) of adjusted weight at 36
and 42 months age, and average daily weight gain from 30 to 36 and from 36 to 42
months.
Factors N
LSM±SE (kg)
N
LSM±SE (kg)
ADJ36Wt ADG30-36 ADJ42Wt ADG36-42
Overall 137 267.63± 4.44 0.2165±0.0040 109 298.70±5.48 0.212±0.0041
Dam herd ** ** * *
Farm born dam 47 255.58±6.12b0.206±0.01b30 288.25±8.39b0.204±0.01b
Introduced dam 90 279.69±4.57a0.227±0.00a79 309.15±4.99a0.219±0.00a
Dam parity NS NS * *
1 78 270.51±4.06 0.221±0.00 62 308.69±5.05ab 0.219±0.00ab
2 28 281.98±6.34 0.231±0.01 18 313.64±8.94a0.224±0.01a
3 11 264.37±10.23 0.213±0.01 11 302.66±10.91abcd 0.215±0.01abcd
4 10 263.28±10.92 0.212±0.01 10 307.29±11.74abc 0.217±0.01abc
5 10 258.04±10.96 0.206±0.01 8 261.20±13.54e0.184±0.01e
Birth season * NS * *
Kiremt 64 273.88±5.61a0.221±0.01 59 303.26±6.07a0.213±0.00a
Meher 44 273.46±5.49a0.222±0.00 29 283.00±6.95b0.200±0.01b
Belg 29 255.57±7.47 b0.206±0.01 21 309.83±9.77a0.220±0.01a
Calf sex ** ** ** **
Male 44 306.53±6.18a0.251±0.00a37 341.94±6.99a0.245±0.00a
Female 93 228.74±4.68b0.182±0.01b72 255.46±6.26b0.179±0.01b
Note: LSM with different letters within a factor differ signicantly, ** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05 and NS = Non-
signicant, ADJ36Wt = Adjusted weight at 36 months of age, ADG30-36 = Average daily weight gain from 30
to 36 months of age, ADJ42Wt = Adjusted weight at 42 months of age, ADG36-42 = Average daily weight gain
from 36 to 42 months of age
The overall adjusted mean body weight at 48 months age and ADG from 42 to 48 months
were estimated 295.11±12.59 kg and 0.184±0.01 kg, respectively (Table 8). Even though
calves born to farm-born dams had signicantly higher birth weight than those born to pur-
chased dams (Tables 1), their weight at three and, six months of age and rate of gain during
these periods were similar (Tables 2&3). However, from one year of age to 42 months
of age progeny of the purchased dams performed signicantly better than calves born to
farm-born cows (Tables 5, 6&7). As expected males calves always had signicantly higher
body weight than their counterpart females, especially more so as the animals approached
maturity.
25
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Table 8. Least square means and standard errors (LSM±SE) of adjusted weight at 48
months of age, and average daily weight gain from 42 to 48 months.
Factors
N
LSM±SE (kg)
ADJ48Wt ADG42-48
Overall 118 295.11±12.59 0.184±0.01
Dams herd NS NS
Farm born dam 27 294.63±19.32 0.184±0.01
Introduced dam 91 295.59±11.12 0.184±0.01
Dam parity NS NS
1 71 278.34±10.28 0.173±0.01
2 22 313.64±18.84 0.198±0.01
3 10 300.12±24.98 0.187±0.01
4 7 307.17±30.43 0.191±0.02
5 8
276.29±29.01 0.172±0.01
Birth season ** **
Kiremt 58 299.94±14.53b0.188±0.01b
Meher 34 337.19±14.46a0.212±0.01a
Belg 26 248.21±21.66c0.152±0.01c
Calf sex ** **
Male 50 316.27±15.38a0.198±0.01a
Female 68 273.95±13.65b0.170±0.01b
LSM with different letters within a factor differ signicantly, ** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05 and NS = Non-signi-
cant, ADJ48Wt = Adjusted weight at 48 months of age, ADG42-48 = Average daily weight gain from 42 to 48
months of age
Birth weights were signicantly affected by parity, with calves belonging to
the rst parity being lighter (20.29±0.34 kg) at birth than those born at later
parities (Table 1). The heaviest average birth weight (21.98 kg) was recorded
for the fth and later parities. However, the growth rates of calves were less af-
fected by parity. Season of birth did not affect birth weight, but weight at three
months of age was signicantly (P < 0.01) inuenced whereby calves born dur-
ing the wet season had heavier weights at three months of age.
The average observed weight at rst service at the age of about 34 months was
245.7 kg (N=73). As stated above, heifers are considered ready for mating from
about 24 months of age or about 200kg body weight. Similarly the average
postpartum weight after rst calving was 266.0 kg with coefcient of variation
12.9 %.
26 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Reproductve Performance
The average age at rst service was 34.4±2.28 months (N=52), with minimum
and maximum values of 22.6 and 51.5 months, respectively. About 26% of them
had service age of below 24 months. The overall mean age at rst calving was
49.2±4.43 months (Table 9).
Table 9. Least square means and standard errors (LSM±SE) of age at rst calving
Effects N LSM±SE (Months)
Overall 81 49.18±4.43
Birth year **
1994 9 37.18±4.23gh
1995 5 50.17±4.59bcdef
1996 11 48.21±3.30bcdefg
1997 4 57.15±5.53ab
1998 4 52.33±5.53abcde
1999 9 44.43±4.23bcdefgh
2001 9 56.75±4.16abc
2002 11 61.96±3.52a
2003 3 54.63±6.25abcd
2004 16 42.15±2.84defgh
Birth season NS
Kiremt 33 46.65±2.51
Meher 30 55.26±2.79
Belg 18 49.57±3.67
LSM with different letters within a factor differ signicantly, * = P<0.05 and NS = Non-signicant
The mean gestation length was 284.9±1.07 days with coefcient of variation
of 2.20% (Table 10). Calf birth weight had highly signicant effect (P<0.01)
on gestation length. As the calf birth weight increased the gestation length
was decreased. The average calving interval was 492.9±13.23 days with coef-
cient of variation of 23.5%. Parity of the dam and calving year had signicant
inuences on calving interval; it was not affected by origin of dam and calving
season (Table 11).
27
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Table 10. Least square means and standard errors (LSM±SE) of gestation length in
days.
Factors N LSM±SE (days)
Overall 318 284.89±1.07
Birth year **
1991 74 286.35±1.42bcd
1993 14 290.73±2.22a
1994 17 282.39±2.21dcghij
1995 15 280.33±2.10efghijk
1996 25 284.76±1.69cdef
1997 15 284.10±2.06cdefg
1998 12 290.25±2.24ab
1999 25 282.60±2.03defghi
2001 26 284.78±1.74cde
2002 30 288.06±1.56abc
2003 38 280.26±1.90efghijk
2004 27 283.18±1.49defgh
Birth season NS
Kiremt 132 282.67±1.19
Meher 102 287.28±1.43
Belg 84 284.67±1.50
Calf sex *
Female 165 284.01±0.95a
Male 153 285.62±0.98b
Birth weight 380 **
LSM with different letters within a factor differ signicantly, ** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05 and NS = Non-signicant
28 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Table 11. Least squares means and standard errors (LSM±SE) of calving interval in
days
Factors N LSM±SE
Overall 176 492.86±13.23
Dam herd NS
Farm born dam 83 503.41±18.50
Introduced dam 93 482.32±16.71
Dam parity *
1 57 554.42±18.27a
2 41 533.06±20.88ab
3 33 476.07±23.69bc
4 19 445.62±30.50cd
5 26 455.13±28.58cd
Calving year **
1991 26 570.14±29.73a
1992 3 429.47±73.06cdefghijk
1993 10 516.87±44.56abcdef
1994 5 498.36±60.67abcdefgh
1995 6 557.49±51.04abc
1996 10 535.28±41.03abcd
1997 17 566.30±36.12ab
1998 14 529.89±37.99abcde
1999 7 356.41±54.25hijkl
2000 - -
2001 12 450.07±40.20cdefghij
2002 25 504.20±28.37abcdefg
2003 22 452.71±37.77bcdefghi
2004 19 440.01±31.42cdefghijk
Calving season NS
Kiremt 89 474.98±21.06
Meher 52 520.75±25.58
Belg 35 482.85±29.81
LSM with different letters within a factor differ signicantly, ** = P<0.01, * = P<0.05 and NS = Non-signicant
29
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
The average annual calving rate for this herd was calculated to be 74.2±16.03
% (N=78).
The overall mean lifetime calving obtained per cow was 2.17± 0.12 (N=114).
The breeding efciency was calculated to be 69.6% with very high coefcient of
variation of 42.36%.
Morphometric characteristics
On chest girth females measured 150.1±8.20 cm compared to 148.2±14.31 cm
for males (Table 12). The average chest depth was 57.8 and 57.20 cm for females
and males. The average distance from the ground to the abdomen was 57.5 cm
and 58.4 cm for females and males. The average body length was 121.1 cm for
females and 120.4 cm for males. The average height at wither was 115.5 cm for
both females and males. Females and males have average horn lengths of 8.0
cm and 5.9 cm, ear lengths of 19.7 cm and 19.6 cm, and tail lengths of 71.6 cm
and 71.9 cm, respectively. However, the results obtained for males were lower
than that of females which seem contrary to the reality. The reason was, since
more number of male animals were not allowed to stay in the farm, relatively
very small number of males in the herd meant that all the available males,
including young bulls under four years of age had to be used (Table 12).
Table 12. Linear measurements of male and female Ogaden cattle
Variable (cm) Sex N Mean ±SD Minimum Maximum
Chest girth Female 107 150.1± 8.20 131.0 170.0
Male 20 148.2 ± 14.31 134.0 180.0
Chest depth Female 107 57.8 ± 4.01 47.0 69.0
Male 20 57.2 ± 4.79 51.0 73.0
Body length Female 107 121.1 ± 7.18 120.0 147.0
Male 20 120.4 ±7.27 110.0 140.0
Height at wither Female 106 115.5 ± 5.17 104.0 131.0
Male 19 115.5 ± 7.71 102.0 138.0
DGA Female 106 57.5 ± 4.33 50.0 80.0
Male 20 58.4 ± 2.16 55.0 63.0
Horn length Female 91 8.0 ± 4.83 1.0 22.0
Male 19 5.9 ± 3.26 1.0 12.0
Ear length Female 107 19.7 ± 1.69 12.0 23.0
Male 20 19.6 ± 1.05 17.0 22.0
Tail length Female 107 71.6 ± 5.04 55.0 80.0
Male 20 71.9± 5.15 62.0 85.0
DGA = Distance from the ground to the abdomen
30 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Qualitative characteristics
Majority of females have short glossy hair, but not very shiny, with some fe-
males and all males having dull course hair. Over 80% of Ogaden cattle have
white grey coat color with straight top line of same color (Figures 2 and 3).
The facial prole is straight with at forehead and level head. The eyelid and
eyelashes are grey to white grey. The horns are grey and straight rm at base,
and not thick. The ears are medium in size and horizontal in orientation. The
muzzle color is grey for most of the animals. They have pyramidal hump, which
is small in females and large in males. The dewlap is either small or medium.
The naval ap is absent. The tail and switch are long and the black switch ends
at pastern region (Figures 2&3). The hooves are medium sized, oval in shape
and grey in color. The udder is small with cylindrical teats, which are pointed
at tip.
Source: Getinet Mekuriaw, 2005
Figure 2. Herd of Ogaden cows
31
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Source: Workneh Ayalew and Rowlands, 2004
Figure 3. Ogaden Bulls
Source: Workneh Ayalew and Rowlands, 2004
Figure 4. Ethiopian Boran bull
Discussion
Growth Performance
The birth weight recorded in the present study is less than those reported for
various Boran calves in Ethiopia: 23.3 kg by Beyene Kebede and Galal (1982),
23.9±0.08 kg by Kassa Mersha and Arnason (1986), 25.2 kg by Mekonnen
Haile-Mariam (1987), 26.6 kg by Yohannes Gojjam et al. (2001b) and 23.7 kg
by Amsalu Sisay (2003). The cooler and wetter agro-ecology of the study area
is markedly different from the arid to semi-arid agro-pastoral characteristics
32 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
of the natural habitat of the Ogaden zebu breed, and this is expected to affect
growth performance of the breed.
The live weights at weaning and 9 months of age are comparable to earlier re-
ports for Boran calves (Amsalu Sisay, 2003), much better than similar reports
on Boran calves by Yohannes Gojjam et al. (2001b), but less than those report-
ed by Beyene Kebede and Galal (1982) for Barka, Boran and Horro breeds. The
estimated ADG from 3 months to weaning age (389 g) was comparable with
382.3 g reported by Addisu Bitew (1999) for Fogera cattle and 390.0±21 g for
Boran breed reported by Amsalu Sisay (2003).
The overall least squares mean yearling live weight (136.30±2.36 kg) was high-
er than 130.1± 4.9 kg for Boran reported by Amsalu Sisay (2003), but lower
than the 179±5 kg for Boran reported by Mekonnen Haile-Mariam (1987) at
Abernossa ranch, and 145.2±0.9 kg for Fogera cattle by Giday Yifter (2001).
The rate of gain from 9 months to yearling age (322g) is very much higher
than the reported 199±16 g rate of gain from 6 to 12 months for Boran cattle
by Amsalu Sisay (2003), but lower than 424.8±13 g for Boran at Abernosa re-
ported by Mekonnen Haile-Mariam (1987). Like other indigenous cattle breeds
mentioned above, the Ogaden cattle has also comparative and encouraging live
weight and rate of gain and realize as the breed can have better weight if the
management practice is improved.
The overall least squares mean weight at 24 months (200.7±3.43 kg) is compa-
rable to 201.5±4.26 kg for Fogera cattle reported by Addisu Bitew (1999) at this
age, but lower than 269 kg of Boran cattle reported by Mekonnen Haile-Mariam
(1987). Addisu Bitew (1999) reported 177.84 g per day for Fogera cattle from 18
to 24 months of age, which was very much lower than results (227.0 g) of this
study. The overall adjusted mean body weight at 48 months of age (289.6 kg)
is better than 267.0 kg of White Gudali at Shika station in Nigeria (Oni et al.,
1988) but less than the 300.0 kg of White Fulani cattle in Nigeria (Tawah and
Rege, 1996). The better performance of the calves born from purchased cows
than those from farm-born might be due to differences in genotype of the dam
groups as they were not selected from the same original herd.
Calves born during the wet season had heavier weights at three months of age,
perhaps due to the better quality and quantity of pasture and hence milk yield
of dams during later parts of the wet season.
The average weight at rst service (245.7 kg) and the average postpartum
weight after rst calving (266.0 kg) are considered too low to support reproduc-
33
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
tion of the animals. Low weights at calving are closely related to calving dif-
culties and subsequent reproductive disorders (Ugarte, 1986).
Reproductve Performance
The age at rst calving of Oganden cattle (49.2±4.43 months), is considered too
late compared to reports of 45.2 months (Kassa Mersha and Arnason, 1986)
and 45 months (Mukasa-Mugerwa, 1989) for Ethiopian Boran cattle. The
study herd has been under seasonal mating, and those heifers which failed to
come to heat during the breeding season had their next mating delayed until
the next mating season, and this is expected to have contributed to the late
average age at rst calving. The mean gestation length (284.9±1.07 days) is
close to 281.0 (Azage Tegegn, 1981) and 281.4 days (Ababu Dekeba, 2002)
observed for other Ethiopian Boran herds at Abernossa ranch and 280 days
for Barka cattle(Azage Tegegn, 1981) but higher than 276.2 days estimated
for Arsi cattle (Enyew Negussie, 1992). The earliest as well as late gestation
length is highly associated with the birth weight of the calves. It is biologically
true that calves which are carried for longer time are higher in birth weight.
It might be due to this fact that Ogaden has relatively higher gestation length
and birth weight than Arsi cattle.
The average calving interval (492.9±13.23 days) is much lower than 780 days of
traditionally managed Ethiopian highland zebu (Mukasa-Mugerwa et al., 1989)
and 534.3±17.64 days of the other Ethiopian Boran herd maintained at Aber-
nossa ranch (Ababu Dekeba, 2002). But, the present estimate is higher than
479.9 days for Boran cows at Abernosa ranch (Azage Tegegn, 1981), 477±0.3
days for Boran cows at Mkwaja ranch of Tanzania (ILCA, 1985), and 465± 4
days for Boran cows in Abernosa ranch (Mekonnen Haile-Mariam, 1987).
The average annual calving rate for this herd (74.2±16.03%) is much lower
than 97 and 91% reported for Horro cattle and their crosses at Bako station
in Ethiopia (Gebre-Egziabher Gebre-yohannes and Mulugeta Kebede, 1996).
However, it is better than the estimated 46% for Ethiopian Highland Zebu cat-
tle (Mukasa-Mugerwa, 1989), 40% for Boran cows at Abernosa ranch (Million
Tadesse and Alemayehu Reda, 2002). Environments like nutritional require-
ment and other management practices which are provided for the animals are
determinant factors in affecting the performance of reproductive traits like
calving rate, gestation length, calving interval and others than the genotypic
inuence. Therefore, the above mentioned gures at the respective traits are
34 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
good indicatives to revisit how the overall management practices were going
on at farm level.
The overall mean lifetime calving obtained per cow (2.17± 0.12) is a lot less
than 4.8 observed for Boran cows at Abernossa ranch (Mekonnen Haile-Mar-
iam, 1987) and 3.34± 0.1 for Fogera cattle at Metekel ranch (Giday Yifter,
2001). The prolonged age at rst calving and longer calving intervals can part-
ly explain the low calf production. The low breeding efciency (69.6%) indi-
cates limitations of the routine husbandry practices of the study herd and that
signicant improvements in reproductive management can be achieved at the
farm.
Morphometric characteristics
The average chest depth (57.8 and 57.20 cm) for females and males are similar
to those of the Ethiopian Boran known for their deep chest (Rege et al., 2001).
The relatively long height from the ground to the abdomen (57.5 cm and 58.4
cm for females and males) is explained by the relatively long legs, which are
useful to improve walkability and keep the body far above the ground to adapt
to hot tropical environment of the Ogaden lowlands. The horn length is simi-
lar to those of the Ethiopian Boran cattle and the Somali Short-horned Boran
(Rege et al., 2001).
Qualitative characteristics
The white grey coat color which constitutes over 80% of the body is suitable
to adapt to the hot climate by reecting sunrays and the large dewlap size
increases surface area for body heat dissipation (Maule, 1990). Similarly, the
long tail and switch size are used to protect them from biting ies (Figure 3).
Though some of the physical traits of Ogaden cattle are similar to the Ethio-
pian Boran, they differ from Ethiopian Boran in other traits which would in-
dicate that Boran and Ogaden cattle are distinct breeds. Such performance
differences have also been observed in growth as well as reproductive traits
which strengthen their distinctiveness. The Ogaden have white grey to white
coat color whereas the Ethiopian Boran coat color is light grey or fawn and
some of them have patches. Horns of Ethiopian Boran are thick at base where-
as horns of the Ogaden cattle have narrower base. The hump of Ogaden bulls is
pyramidal in shape where as Ethiopian Boran bulls have humps hanging over
one side. Ethiopian Borans have more pendulous sheath whereas the Ogaden
breed has tied up sheath (Figure 4).
35
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 13-38
Getinet Mekuriaw, et al.
Conclusion
The result of this study indicated the promising growth (birth weight, wean-
ing weight, yearling weight and later age weights) and reproductive (gesta-
tion length and calving rate) performances of the Ogaden breed as a beef type
breed, which is comparable and even better to other zebu cattle of Ethiopia.
Though some of the physical traits of Ogaden cattle are similar to those of the
Ethiopian Boran, they differ in other traits. It was interesting to note that
those dams procured from outside mostly performed better than those born in
the farm, which is contrary to the breeding objective of improving herd per-
formance in the station. Obviously, the herd is maintained outside its natural
habitat; yet under station research management it is generally expected that
the herd performs better than on-farm condition. This is an indication that the
level of care provided to the breeding herd is unsatisfactory.
Acknowledgement
This paper is part of a thesis work for an MSc degree at Haramaya (previ-
ously Alemaya) University by the rst author under the supervision of the
co-authors. It is based on the data available and generated at the Department
of Animal Sciences of the University. ILRI kindly provided computing facilities
and technical support.
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Traditional Backyard Cattle Fattening in Wolayta:
Systems of Operation and the Routine Husbandry
Practices
Takele Taye* and Habtamu Lemma
Wolayta Soddo Agricultural, Technical, Vocational, Education and Training College P.O. Box
120, Wolayta Soddo, Ethiopia
Abstract
Traditional backyard cattle fattening is a deep-rooted and widely practiced cattle
enterprise in Wolayta, although it is by and large a seasonal undertaking. This
practice is synchronized with the existing farming system as it almost entirely
relies upon locally available resources to minimize nishing costs. This study was
conducted to characterize traditional backyard cattle fattening system in Wolayta.
Semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and key informant contact
were used to generate the data set. According to our ndings selection of fattening
cattle mainly depend on the physical appearance of the animal. The average length
of fattening period was 3.88±1.18 month with a range of 2 to12 months. The aver-
age number of fattening cycle per year was 1.55±0.55 with a range of 1 to 3. The
reported average number of stall-fed cattle per cycle was 1.27±0.52 with a range of
1 to 4. Our studies showed that cut grass is used as basal feed whereas green cereal
grains, root and tuber crops, household leftovers, agro-industrial by-products and
others make 43.62, 35.29, 10.20, 5.98 and 4.92% of the supplementary feed, respec-
tively. However, the use of agro-industrial by-products is a very recent practice.
Respondents’ categorization of the feed based on level of abundance indicates that
sweet potato and green maize ranked high. However, the reverse is true for nu-
tritional quality ranking. Feeding regime evolved in Wolayta uses different types
of treatments making the feed more palatable and day-night feeding is a common
practice. Average daily water intake during dry and wet seasons was 12.52±6.51
and 5.21±3.42 liters, respectively. A mineral lick called adua is used as mineral
supplement by all the respondents. The fattening practice usually reaches its peak
from June to September. Fattening cattle are kept in a compartment as part of
the farmer’s residence to protect from theft, adverse weather and predators. Since
cattle fattening is solely based on stall-feeding a signicant amount of labor is
invested by adult family members to maximize the prot of the fattening opera-
tion. Results showed that the use of locally available feed is a growing practice in
Wolayta, however, further work is needed to develop a cost effective feeding strat-
egy, and a ration formulation for nishing cattle.
* Corresponding author email: takele_taye@yahoo.com [Takele Taye]
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Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
Keywords: Feeds and feeding; fattening cycles; husbandry practices; fatten-
ing period; seasonality.
Introduction
Even though it is by and large a seasonal undertaking, traditional back-
yard cattle fattening is a deep–rooted and widely practiced cattle enterprise
in Wolayta. Such types of cattle fattening practices which are synchronized
with seasonal feed availability are reported in literature (Thomas and Addy,
1977; Thomas–Peterhans, 1982; Fekadu and Alemu, 2000). This is because
feed undoubtedly constitutes the principal component of total cost of fattening
(Cordiez et al., 1977; Fourie et al., 2006) and therefore feed costs and the level
of use are considered as key components of protable cattle fattening (Hadi et
al., 2002).
In view of the prevailing feed price, much effort needs to be made to develop
the ways of using locally available and relatively cheaper feed sources. Cattle
fattening in Wolayta is largely based on non-conventional feed resources and
uses locally-innovated feeding strategies. This strategy is useful to optimize
the use of locally available feed resources and a comparable type of feeding
system was reported by Fekadu and Alemu (2000) for smallholder farmers in
east Ethiopia. Therefore, much needs to be learnt to promote the expansion,
improvement, adoption of this type of feeding strategy for a much wider use
across the country.
Type and amount of feed, condition of the fattening cattle prior to stall-feeding
and day to day management of the animal determine the length of fattening
period. Therefore, scarcity of feed, animal in poor condition before fattening
and improper management prolong the nishing period. Longer fattening peri-
ods tie up capital, which in turn signicantly reduces prot realized from cattle
nishing (Ebrahim et al., 2004). For example, purchasing healthy cattle which
is in good body condition ties up capital for relatively short period of time and
reduces operation costs (Ebrahim et al., 2004). This in turn requires the knowl-
edge of selecting the appropriate animal.
All these conditions require generating information on appropriate feeding
and management strategies for backyard cattle fattening. Therefore, scaling
out and scaling up of the already adopted traditional stall-fed cattle fatten-
ing systems by the rural poor is a way for poverty reduction by increasing the
productivity of the cattle industry (UNDP, 2003). In response to this concern,
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Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
study was conducted to document peculiar characteristics of Wolayta cattle
fattening system.
Materials and Methods
The study area
Wolayta Zone is located in south Ethiopia between geographical coordinates
of 6.40–7.10 N latitude and 37.40–38.20 E longitude (WZFEDD, 2005). It has a
total area of 3982km2 (Tesfaye, 2003). Its altitude ranges from 1200 to 2950
meters above sea level and is subdivided into three ecological zones: kolla or
lowland (35%), woina dega or intermediate highland (56%) and dega or high-
land (9%). Wolayta has a bimodal rainfall pattern with major and minor rainy
seasons mostly lasting from July to October and March to May, respectively.
Average total annual rainfall is 1014mm and the mean daily temperature is
19.5 0c (WZFEDD, 2005). According to Westphal (1975) Wolayta has enset–
based mixed crop-livestock farming system, where enset is the co–staple food
together with cereals, root and tuber crops (Tesfaye, 2003). Like other mixed
crop livestock production systems in Ethiopia, livestock production is an inte-
gral part of the farming system. According to WZFEDD (2005) report Wolayta
Zone has 682178 head of cattle.
Sampling procedures and methods of data collection
A reconnaissance tour was made in advance to familiarize with the existing
farming system. Field observation, 12 focus group discussions, 8 key infor-
mant contacts, wayside informal talks and secondary data sources were used
to collect basic information. A single–visit survey was then carried out from
January to July 2006 in four districts of Wolayta Zone–Damot Gale, Soddo Zu-
ria, Humbo and Offa representing dega, woina dega and kolla agro–ecological
zones. The 12 focus group discussions (3 for each study district) were guided
by the following sets of questions: the historical development of cattle fatten-
ing practice; trends of the fattening practice i.e is it increasing, decreasing or
static? Constraints and opportunities of cattle fattening; the unique practices
of Wolayta cattle fattening, and the type of feed resources used for fattening.
Further stratication of the study districts was made based on agro–ecology
and cattle fattening practices such as highland and lowland fattening systems
that mainly differ in the type of the principal feeds used. Random sampling
frame was developed to select representative villages and households from
each stratum. A semi–structured questionnaire pre–tested in 3 sites was then
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Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
administered on 164 study households’ selected using systematic sampling
from Peasant Associations’ farmers list record book (Table1).
Table1. Respondents’ summary by district and agro-ecological zone and number of sam-
pled villages in each district.
District Agro-ecological zone Sampled villages
Kolla Woina Dega Dega
Damot Gale - 40 10 10
Soddo Zuria - 31 11 8
Humbo 24 12 - 6
Offa 12 18 6 6
Data management and analysis
SAS (2002) software was used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data us-
ing descriptive statistics and GLM procedures and graphic presentation was
made by using Microsoft Ofce Excel 2003.
The proc GLM was used for the analysis of three dependent variables: the
length of fattening period, number of fattening cycles per year and number of
fattened cattle per cycle as indicated in the following model:
ijkkjiijk esady ++++=+ m
Where the response variable
ijk
y
is length of fattening period, number of fat-
tening cycles per year or number of animal fattened per cycle;
m
is the overall
mean;
i
d
refers to study districts (4 levels),
j
a
refers to agro-ecological zones
(3 levels),
k
s
refers to sex of the respondent (2 levels) and
ijk
e
refers to residual
term.
Age of the respondents and district by agro-ecological zone interaction are
found statistically insignicant for all dependent variables and hence they
were dropped from the model. Moreover, agro-ecological zone and sex were
found signicant for length of fattening period only, however for the sake of
comparison agro-ecological zone was kept in the model during analysis of num-
ber of fattening cycles per year and number of animal fattened per cycle.
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
Results
Selection of cattle
Cattle fatteners in Wolayta select cattle those have better body condition for
fattening and have attractive look that would get market demand (e.g coat
color). The reported selection criteria are mainly based on physical appearance
of the animal (Table2). However, it was reported that cattle with different age
and body condition are purchased for fattening and this would result in a con-
siderable variation in the level of fattening.
Table 2. Reported selection criteria of fattening cattle
Selection criteria Freq % Selection criteria Freq %
Wide & deep body 255 32.94 Thick neck 29 3.75
Big & stand-high hump 127 16.41 Long tail 14 1.81
Height 114 14.73 Lean but healthy 11 1.43
Good body condition 74 9.56 Well matured 10 1.29
Length 55 7.10 Thin skin 6 0.78
Glossy coat 38 4.91 Others* 9 1.16
Medium, thick and up-right horn 32 4.13
*Intact tail, low cost, animal that was reared in comparable agro-ecological zone, animal staying on draft work
for 2 to 3 years (mimics the idea of compensatory growth).
The fattening system
It was reported that the length of fattening period varies according to the type
of principal feed ingredients used and market demand. Wolayta cattle feeders
averagely (±s.d) fed cattle for 3.88±1.18 months with a range of 2-12 months
(Table 3). However, if there is enough feed, farmers usually sell fattened cattle
earlier. If the animal is not well fattened in one fattening cycle farmers usually
extend the feeding period until the animal attains good nishing.
Animals are fattened turn by turn; therefore, new animals are purchased after
selling the nished ones. Among the respondents 50.61, 46.95 and 2.44 percent
fatten 2, 1 and 3 times per year, respectively. The reported average (±s.d) fat-
tening cycle per year was 1.55±0.55 with a range of 1-3 (Table 3).
According to focus group discussants and key informants number of cattle n-
ished per cycle varies based on capital stand, feed availability and market de-
mand. The reported number of fattening cattle per individual feeder per fatten-
ing cycle was 1, 2, 3 and 4 for 75, 23.2, 1.2 and 0.6 percent of the respondents,
respectively. The reported number of animals nished per cycle was 1.27±0.51
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Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
with a range of 1-4 (Table3). Fattening cattle mainly constitute draught oxen
as they are usually used for draught work before fattening commence, even
though; very few instances of purchasing cattle directly for fattening were re-
ported. Besides draught oxen, sterile females and cows with poor production
and reproduction performances are fed for nishing.
Table 3. Reported length of fattening periods (month), and number of fattening cycles
per year and fattening animal per cycle.
Category N Least square means±s.e
Length # Cycles/year # Animals/cycle
District
Damot Gale 50 4.03±0.17a1.23±0.08a1.01±0.07a
Soddo Zuria 42 3.45±0.18b1.65±0.09b1.10±0.08a
Humbo 36 3.20±0.20c1.71±0.10b1.61±0.09b
Offa 36 4.19±0.17a1.79±0.09b1.49±0.08b
Agro–ecological zone
Lowland 27 3.28±0.21a1.63±0.10a1.26±0.09a
Mid–highland 101 4.04±0.11b1.57±0.05a1.31±0.05a
Highland 36 3.84±0.21ab 1.58±0.10a1.34±0.09a
LS Means with different superscripts show statistically signicant differences at p≤0.05.
Moreover, our results showed that the number of fattening animals per cycle
has positive but low correlation (r) with number of fattening cycles per year
(r = 0.29; P≤0.001), however it has weak and negative correlation with length
of fattening period (r = -0.069; P≥0.05). Length of fattening period has nega-
tive and weak correlation with number of fattening cycles per year (r = -0.142;
P≥0.05).
Seasonality of cattle fattening
Most of the time cattle fattening starts before the onset of the main rainy
season (May to June). Therefore, cattle fattening is a seasonal operation with
a peak from June to September (Figure1) and this is governed by seasonality
pattern of feed availability and main holidays.
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Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Month
Frequency count
Fig.1. Reported months of cattle fattening
Feed resources
Grass is used as basal feed and proportion of supplementary feeds that are
used for cattle fattening are described in Table 4.
Table 4. Reported supplementary feed types used for cattle fattening
Feed type Freq. % Feed type Freq. %
Grains Household leftovers
Green and dry maize 169 19.81 Aitta tukeea 50 5.86
Green and dry haricot bean 92 10.79 Attelab 37 4.34
Green and dry sorghum 43 5.04 Agro–industrial byproducts
Green teff 27 3.17 Wheat bran 42 4.92
Boiled maize & haricot bean 24 2.81 Noug cake 9 1.06
Green barley 9 1.06 Others
Green faba bean 8 0.94 Sugarcane 32 3.75
Root and tuber crops Bamboo leaf 10 1.17
Sweet potato 153 17.94
Enset 83 9.73
Pumpkin 60 7.03
Cassava 5 0.59
a leftover of hot drink made from coffee leaf and spices; b leftover of locally made beverages
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Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
Feed is sourced both from farm yard and through purchase and from farm
yard only for 70.12 and 29.88% of the respondents, respectively. Relative avail-
ability of feeds in decreasing order of importance is presented in Table 5. Re-
spondents have also listed available feed types according to decreasing order
of their feeding value (Table 5).
Table 5. Reported mean ranks for availability and feeding value of main supplementary
feeds that are common for study districts and agro–ecological zones
Category
Feed type
Level of abundance (mean rank) Feeding value (mean rank)
Sweet
potato
Green
maize
Green hari-
cot bean
Sweet
potato
Green
maize
Green hari-
cot bean
District
Damot Gale 1.15 2.05 3.00 2.24 1.13 2.28
Soddo Zuria 2.09 2.22 2.50 2.04 1.61 2.13
Humbo 2.35 1.22 2.35 2.35 1.23 2.56
Offa 2.07 2.39 2.50 1.38 1.78 2.40
Average rank 1.92 1.97 2.59 2.00 1.45 2.34
Agro–ecological zone
Lowland 2.30 1.55 2.25 2.04 1.26 2.50
Mid–highland 1.77 1.93 2.48 2.11 1.45 2.26
Highland 1.55 2.14 3.00 2.07 1.30 2.38
Average rank 1.87 1.87 2.58 2.07 1.34 2.38
The lowest the mean rank, the most important is the feed type
Reported seasonal trend in feed availability is graphically presented in Figure
2. Accordingly, main rainy season (June to September) and dry season (De-
cember to March) were reported as seasons of better feed availability and feed
shortage, respectively.
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Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Month
Frequency count
Availabilityof feed
Shortage of feed
Fig.2. Reported months of feed availability and shortage
Feed scarcity and quality deterioration of the feed during dry season are the
main challenges facing smallholder cattle feeders. The main reported combat-
ing mechanisms were feed conservation (hay making) and feeding practices
including straw and stover feeding, feeding of enset, grain, sweet potato and
sugar cane.
Respondents overcome scarcity of water during dry season (December to Feb-
ruary) by collecting water from distant areas. During dry season 85.4, 8.2, 2.5,
1.9 and 1.9 percent of the respondents reported that they provide water once
a day, twice a day, thrice a day, once in two days and once in three days, re-
spectively. Whereas during wet season 59.0, 26.2, 12.1 and 2.7 percent of the
respondents reported that they provide water once a day, once in three days,
once in two days and once in four days, respectively. Reported average daily
water intake during dry (N=146) and wet (N=141) seasons were 12.52±6.51
and 5.21±3.42 with a range of 2.50 to 30.00 and 0.57 to 12.50 liters, respective-
ly. It was also noted that as the fattening period advanced water intake of the
animal would reduce. Moreover, all the respondents fed the natural mineral
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Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
lick called “adua” by purchasing from local market. Average amount of adua
daily offered to nishing cattle was reported at 493.42±40.19g with a range of
250 to 500g (N=114). It was also reported that adua is used to improve the feed
intake of the animal and it is fed to make the beef tasty.
Feeding systems
To minimize fattening costs large proportion of the total feed intake at the start
of the fattening period constitutes grass. Whereas as fattening period advances
since the animals tend to show more preference for grains, root and tuber crops
and household leftovers, it was noted that amount of grass offered gradually
decrease. Moreover, it was reported that feed intake is reduced as the quality
of feed offered gets poorer and as the nishing period advances. Therefore, to
improve the palatability of roughage feeds, treatments like chopping and wilt-
ing, soaking within boiled water and attela and sprinkling of the mixture of
adua, aitta tukee and salt are used, and grains are boiled before feeding. Farm-
ers usually start feeding their cattle while they are on draught work. This con-
dition put the animal in better condition when transferred to nishing. Fatten-
ing of cattle usually coincides with seasons of better feed availability. Usually
farmer have a close look at their animals to provide fattening cattle with feeds
on alternative basis according to preference of the animal.
It was found out that locally made materials like wooden bath and clay dish,
and synthetic materials such as plastic bath and plastic pot are used as feeding
and watering troughs by 74.33, 4.95, 18.02 and 2.70 percent of the respondents,
respectively. Farmers mostly provide warm drinks (water and aitta tukee) to
the animal by assuming that hot drinks can create a warm condition which
enables the animal to nish earlier in better condition.
Housing systems
Fattening cattle are kept in a stall constructed as compartment of farmers’
house (Table 6). Almost throughout the fattening period stall–fed cattle are en-
closed in the stall in order to minimize energy loss by walking, with the excep-
tion of taking outside to refresh the animal every two weeks. Litter material
is frequently changed and manure is frequently collected to keep the animal
in a clean condition. Feeder cattle are well protected from adverse weather
conditions, predators attack and theft. To keep the stall warm the wall is cov-
ered with leaves and grasses. Enough space is provided in the stall to reduce
competition for feed among stall–fed cattle. It was reported that keeping fat-
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Takele Taye, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
tening animals in calm and comfortable stall improves voluntary feed intake
and would result in more gain.
Table 6. Reported reasons for using in house compartment
Reported reason Freq % Reported reason Freq %
It is our culture 71 42.52 Scarcity of resources 23 13.77
To create warm condition 26 15.57 For close supervision 22 13.17
Theft problem 25 14.97
The routine husbandry practices
Routine husbandry practices are shared among family members and rarely
with partner (Table 7). To use manure for crop production, farmers frequently
remove cattle faeces and urine and feed refusals from the stall.
Table 7. The routine husbandry practices
Activities N Responsible family member (%)
Husband Wife Children Partner
Cleaning of the stall 223 15.24 49.78 34.98 0.00
Marketing 175 92.00 2.29 3.42 2.29
Health care 218 71.10 26.61 2.29 0.00
Supplementary feed provision 315 47.94 28.25 23.81 0.00
Discussions
Consistent with FAO (2007) report, selection of fattening cattle for desirable
size, conformation and body condition rely upon visual assessment. Besides
the health condition of the animal is considered in the selection process, this is
because, if the animal is healthy, as it was described by Auriol (1974) mortality
and morbidity rates will be kept at lower level.
The length of fattening period for stall-fed cattle exhibits considerable varia-
tion. For example, Wardle (1979) reported 3 to 6 months and UNDP (2003) ex-
tended to 8 month whereas Nkhonjera et al. (1988) reported average of 188±53
days and 213±54 days in Blantyre and Lilongwe areas of Malawi, respectively.
According to Habtemariam (2000) farmers in east Ethiopia fed oxen for more
than one year, which exceeds the maximum length of fattening period reported
in Wolayta. This indicates that, poor performing cattle are kept for a longer
period to reach targeted fattening level (Jepsen and Creek, 1976).
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
Cattle fattening by smallholder farmers in Wolayta is strategically synchro-
nized with seasonal feed availability and main holidays. Inconsistent to our
ndings cattle are, however, fattened throughout the year with a peak during
dry season in Malawi (Agyemang et al., 1988). However, in Ethiopia dry season
is typically characterized by shortage of feed (Nega et al., 2002; Ameha et al.,
2007). Therefore, animals which fed well during better season of feed availabil-
ity would gain more (Nkhonjera et al., 1988). Moreover, nished cattle are sold
at attractive price due to maximum consumption of beef during main holidays
(Belachew, 2004; Ebrahim et al., 2004). Therefore, supply, demand and con-
sumption of beef exhibit a seasonal trend (Ebrahim et al., 2004).
Consistent to John (1987) cut green grass constitutes the bulk of the feed for
stall-fed cattle in Wolayta. Maize grain was reported as feed of best feeding
value and this might be due to maize starch which is known to be incompletely
fermented in the rumen, therefore, likely pass with some degree into the duo-
denum (Ferreiro et al., 1977). However, the use of scarce resources like grain
for cattle fattening is rarely practiced in developing countries (Richardson and
Smith, 2006). Sweet potato is one of most widely cultivated crops and available
feed in Wolayta. As it was described by Backer et al. (1980) after harvesting a
large volume of forage consisting of stems and leaves and variable amount of
non-commercial tuber is left, which can be fed to nishing cattle. It was also
reported that sweet potato is the second valuable feed and this might be due to
its high starch content (Lu and Sheng, 1990).
Similar to reports of John (1987) and Sanderine (2004) household leftovers
such as attela and aitta tukee are fed to nishing cattle. The former is a tradi-
tional brewery and liquor residue, which contains high level of crude protein
(20%) and organic matter (97%) (Yoseph et al., 2000) and it is a commonly
used feed supplement in Ethiopia; whereas the later was prepared from green
leaves of coffee boiled together with spices such as ginger, red pepper, garlic
and salt as avors. Similarly, leftover of chemo, a comparable type of hot drink
used for human consumption is fed to cattle in southwest Ethiopia (Takele,
2005). Moreover, Adua, which is used as natural mineral lick supplement in
Wolayta cattle fattening is comparable to natron (a hydrated sodium carbon-
ate) reported by John (1987) for cattle fattening in Cameron and is rich for its
sodium content (Adugna and Said, 1992).
Native pasture is characterized by having remarkable seasonal variation in
quantity and quality (Ameha et al., 2007). During wet season, feed is more
diversied whereas during dry season the feed resource mainly constitutes en-
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
set and cereal straws and stovers. Therefore, consistent to the reports of John
(1987) and Marion (2000) purchase of conserved fodder and cut grass from
the low-lying relatively wet areas increasingly becomes a common practice
(Marion, 2000). However, there is variation in feed types among agro-ecolog-
ical zones. For example, farmers in the highland have feed sources like enset,
which is available year round. Especially, gefetino (a matured black-stemmed
enset) is appreciated by the farmers for its feeding value and a similar type of
nding was reported by Marion (2000). However, there are more open commu-
nal grazing areas in the lowlands (Marion, 2000).
A farmer group identied high losses in the delivery of feed in cattle nishing
systems as a major constraint (CIAT, 2004). Our ndings also indicated that
adult family members are mainly involved in provision of supplementary feeds
to minimize wastage of feed. Our study also showed that large proportion of la-
bor input was provided by adult family members because cattle nishing prac-
tice requires care to ensure success (Fourie et al., 2006). However, children are
also a valuable source of labor especially for cleaning of stall and for provision
of supplementary feeds. Cleaning of the stall was largely done by the wife and
children and the stall was frequently cleaned to create favorable condition.
In line with the report of Marion (2000), stall-fed cattle are kept in conne-
ment for the entire nishing period. The stall is constructed as a compartment
of farmer house (Marion, 2000) from locally available materials and a compa-
rable type of housing system was reported by Nkhonjera et al. (1988). This con-
nement keeps the energy expenditure due to effect of walking at lower levels
compared to grazing animals (Schlecht et al., 1999; Richardson and Smith,
2006). Farmers reported that the stall is constructed to provide comfortable
condition for nishing animal and routine husbandry practices and a compa-
rable reason was reported by Tesfaye et al. (2005). Proper housing minimizes
stressful environmental conditions (Pusillo et al., 1990) as housing conditions
are determinants of animal behavior and health (Jan Hultgren, 2001). Incon-
sistent with the ndings of (Muhamad et al., 1983; Koknaroglu et al., 2000;
2005), the study communities reported that darkened stall covered with leaves
and grasses would enable the animal to nish in better condition and gives a
glossy coat.
Conclusions
Our studies indicate that the adopted management practices by smallholder
traditional cattle feeders are useful to draw important lessons to adopt a com-
52
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 39-56
parable practice with some modications elsewhere. Moreover, use of readily
available local resources including non-conventional feed sources could be an
attractive option for low-income rural poor farmers. Our results showed that
the use of locally available feed is a growing practice in Wolayta, however,
further work is needed to develop a cost effective feeding strategy, and a ration
formulation for nishing cattle.
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge Wolayta Soddo Agricultural TVET College for
covering the study costs and provision of facilities and Woizero Birhane Ta-
desse for facilitating ofce works. The study communities are duly acknowl-
edged for sharing their knowledge.
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Herd management, milk production and reproduc-
tion of Urban dairy farms in the Harar milkshed
Mohammed Yousuf Kurtu1* and H.O. de Waal2
1Department of Animal Sciences, Hararmaya University, P.O. Box 138 Dire Dawa, Ethiopia;
2UOFS University of Orange Free State, Republic of South Africa.
Abstract
A monitoring study on 26 urban and peri-urban dairy farms was undertaken to
evaluate the production characteristics and identify the major constraints of the
Harar milk shed in eastern Ethiopia. In this study, it was noted that important
threats to productivity in the urban and per-urban dairies may be the constraints
posed by irregulars calving distribution and irregulars milk production over the
year. Reproductive performance of cows studied deviated negatively from the tar-
get values and these deviations were larger in farms of larger herd size compared to
medium and small herds. Lower body weight and poor body condition scores before
and after calving were found to be important in management of urban dairy farms
inuencing the productivity of the dairy farms in the milkshed. Reproductive and
breeding problems were also identied as important problems in the urban and
peri-urban dairy production systems. Although the articial insemination (AI) ser-
vice is used by a relatively large groups of the farms continuous interruption of the
service seems to have forced the farmers to resort to the bulls of unknown pedigree.
The access to AI services for dairy operation in urban area is mixed with appar-
ently successful private entry into veterinary services, but no attempt is made so
far in the private provision of AI services. However, these services are used mostly
by the large and advanced dairy farmers in the urban areas. Thus, the reproduc-
tive and breeding problems and general management problems were identied, in
this study, as important limiting factors for dairy production and will have to be
looked into in the future dairy improvement strategies of the Harar milkshed.
Keywords: Urban & Peri-Urban; Herd Management; Milk Production; Repro-
duction; Calving Distribution
Introduction
Livestock production is rather poor in Ethiopia when compared to the rest of
Africa. Milk production in tropical Africa in particular is limited by the quan-
tity and quality of feed and animal genotype. Tropical pastures mature rapidly
* Corresponding author: e-mail mkurtu2002@yahoo.com
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 57-75
and are generally decient in crude protein and phosphorus and low in energy
(ILCA, 1978) which is major limiting factor for milk production (ILCA, 1978).
Studies in the tropics have consistently shown that zebu breeds produce low
milk yields per lactation period (which is usually also quite short), even under
moderate to good feeding and management conditions. Especially zebu cows
are considered poor milkers in comparison with the exotic breeds or crosses
(Schaar et al., 1981; Kiwuwa et al., 1983; Mbah et al., 1987; Kurtu et al., 1999).
Hence, the development of milk production systems in tropical conditions such
as Ethiopia requires improvements, both in the genotype and in the feeding
strategies.
Many countries in the tropics have attempted to replace their indigenous
cattle breeds through breed substitution with exotic dairy types (Mbha et al.,
1987) in order to meet the growing demand for dairy products. However, the
imported dairy breeds have generally not achieved the same levels of produc-
tion in the tropics as those in temperate environments. Some countries have
resorted to upgrade the poor milk yielding indigenous breeds with imported
semen (Brannang et al., 1980; Kurtu et al., 1999). This strategy was aimed at
improving milk production by combining the adaptive traits such as efcient
utilization of poor quality roughages, tolerance to diseases and high ambient
temperatures and the general hardiness of the indigenous zebu breeds with
the high milk production capacity and good temperament of the exotic Bos
taurus (Syrstad, 1990).
Urban and peri-urban dairy production systems are among the many forms of
dairy production systems in the tropics and sub-tropics. These systems involve
the production, processing and marketing of dairy products that are channeled
to consumers in urban centers (Rey et al., 1993; Staal & Shapiro, 1996). Urban
and peri-urban dairy production systems have emerged to meet the increasing
demand for milk in urban centers as a result of growing urbanization and in-
creasing cost of imported dairy products. Peri-urban and urban dairy produc-
tion systems contribute to the overall economic development through income
and employment generation, food security, asset accumulation, poverty alle-
viation and improving human nutrition and health (Tegegne et al., 2000).
The development and sustainability of urban and peri-urban dairy production
systems require a relatively large initial capital and long-term commitment.
Furthermore, the major constraints related to these dairy production systems
need to be addressed. Studies on characterization of the urban and peri-urban
dairy production systems in and around Adiss Ababa have been carried out by
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 57-75
Yoseph and Azage ( 2003). However, little is known about the characteristics
and the associated problems of the urban and peri-urban diary production sys-
tems of the Harar milk shed. However, this is required to know and have bet-
ter understanding and adequate knowledge about the production systems and
related problems. Subsequently, knowledge of the productions characteristic
features and identifying problems limiting milk production of the Harar milk-
shed will assist to come up with appropriate interventions that will increase
milk production and enhance dairy productivity in the Harar milkshed.
This study was therefore, undertaken to assess certain aspects of the herd
management, milk production and reproduction performance of diary cattle
and to identify the major constraints of the urban and peri-urban dairy produc-
tion systems of the Harar milkshed.
Materials and methods
Study Site
This study was conducted on the dairy farms in and around the Harar town
as a component of dairy productions systems in the Harar milkshed in eastern
Ethiopia. In fact, this milkshed includes two adjacent areas, namely the Ha-
rari region and the Babile district from the Oromia region of Ethiopia. In this
particular context, the milkshed refers to the geographical areas where milk is
produced and marketed in a specic centre, in this case, the Harar town.
The Harar milkshed includes the whole Harari region and the Babile district
(warada) from the bordering Oromia region to the east of Harar. Bisidimo is a
small town in the Babile district and is located 18 km southeast of Harar town
and 3km off the main road leading from Harar to the town of Jijiga.
The Harari region is one of nine administrative regions of Ethiopia. It supports
a densely populated area located in eastern Ethiopia where crop- livestock,
agro-pastoralist and pastoralist farming systems are predominant.
The Babile district and the area around Bisidimo are identied as important
components of the Harar milkshed and supply milk to Harar town. The Harari
region lies between latitude 9o 24’N and 9o42 03E and 42o 16’E longitude. The
Harar town is situated about 500 km east of Addis Ababa. The Babile district
lies between 8 o9’N and 9 o23’N latitude and 42 o15’E and 42 o53’E longitude and
is about 35 km to the southeast of Harar town.
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More than 99% of the population in the Harari region and the Babile district
are Muslim and belong to the Harari, Oromo, Argoba and Somali ethnic groups
(ECSA, 1999).
The Harari region has a wet tropical and receives an annual rainfall between
600 and 900 mm in a bimodal pattern. The bimodal pattern is characterized
by a short rainy season that occurs between March and April and a long rainy
season that occurs between July and September.
Data Collection
Fifty dairy farms were identied in the urban and peri-urban dairy produc-
tion systems of the Harar milkshed. These farms were classied into three
sub-systems or clusters on the basis of major variables that include: herd size,
gender of the household head, education levels and off-farm businesses. The
sub-systems were: Urban Resource Poor Dairy Subsystem (URPDSS) farms,
Urban Medium Resource Dairy Subsystem (URMDSS) farms and Specialized
Urban Dairy Subsystem (SUDSS) farms. In these 50 farms there were about
900 high grade crossbred cattle of Frisian exotic breed.
From these 50 farms a total of 26 farms, representing 16 URPDSS, 7 URMDSS
and 3 SUDSS subsystems were purposively selected on the basis of easy ac-
cessibility and short distances between the farms. As the numbers of farms
in SUDSS were only three, all were sampled while samples for the URPDSS
and the URMDSS farms were taken on proportional basis. Data on herd com-
position, number of calving, mortalities, sales and purchases of animals, milk
production performance, live weight of the cows before and after calving and
body condition scores (BCS) were collected over a period of one year. For age
at calving and calving intervals, data and information were obtained from the
available records or by directly questioning the owners.
The reproductive performances of dairy cows were obtained from farm record
books (where available), farmers were interviewed and information was gath-
ered during the monitoring period of one year. From these data, the herd
composition was calculated and compared with values that were suggested for
optimum production in small-scale dairy farms (Radostits et al., 1994; Hoff-
man, 1999) (Table 1).
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Table 1. Ideal target values for the distribution of cows in the different phases of the
production cycle in urban dairy production systems
Variable Lactating Cows Dry Cows
Pregnant Not pregnant Pregnant Not pregnant
Ideal Target Value 42% 41% 17% 0%
Source: Radostits et al., 1994; Hoffman, 1999
Determination of milk production
Milk produced at each of the 26 farms were measured using a graduated mea-
suring cylinder and recorded for individual animals at both morning and eve-
ning milking; the sum of which was recorded as the daily individual yield per
cow. The total daily milk production was also calculated for each herd. This
was done once a month during the monitoring period by the resident enumera-
tors.
Monitoring reproductive performance
Recently calved cows were considered from the herd at each site to monitor the
reproductive performance of post partum dairy cows. Cows were monitored
from the fourth day of lactation until the cows were conrmed pregnant by an
AI technician by means of rectal palpation. During the one year observation
period for the 26 herds the following parameters were monitored: number of
services per conception and type of mating (natural or AI) practiced until the
cows were conrmed pregnant. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed by an
experienced operator 60 to 90 days after the last service by means of rectal
examination.
Body weight and condition score uctuations
Body weights were estimated with the aid of a heart girth measuring tape cali-
brated in cm and were applied to estimate body weight 30 days before and 30
days after calving. A Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU) is equivalent to a mature
head of cattle of 250 kg live weight (ILCA, 1993). The number of TLU’s was
calculated for each herd. Body condition scores on a scale of 1-5 (Wildman et
al., 1982) were determined concurrently with the live weight estimates of the
cows.
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Statistical Analysis
Data on herd management, milk production, reproduction, live weight changes
and body condition score were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM)
procedures of SAS (SAS, 2002). The model employed was as follows:
yij =µ+Dj + eij
Where;
yij= Response variables (herd management, milk production, reproduction,
body weight, body condition score)
µ= Overall mean
Di= jth Dairy Production Sub-System
eij= Residual
Chi-square test was used to compare number of calves born, died, slaughtered
and retained across the different dairy production sub-systems.
Results and discussion
Herd composition and reproductive status of cows
The results in terms of herd composition of the urban dairy farms are sum-
marized in Table 2. The dairy farms selected for the monitoring had a total
population of 553 crossbred dairy animals that included cows, heifers, calves
and bulls.
Table 2 Herd composition of the urban dairy farms in the Harar milk shed
Production
Sub-System
No. of Dairy
Farms
Cows Heifers Calves Bulls Total
N % N % N % N % N
URPDSS 16 99 55 27 15 51 28 3 1.6 180
URMDSS 7 155 84 18 9 44 24 7 3.8 184
SUDSS 3 112 59 39 21 40 21 1 0.5 189
Total 26 323 58 84 15 135 25 11 2.0 553
There were changes in the herd dynamics during the study period of one year
and the main sources of these changes included the birth or death of calves
and slaughtering of animals (Table 3). No animals were sold or purchased in
any farm across all the groups of farms (Subsystems) except one heifer and one
bull sold from URPDSS farm. A total number of 246 calves were born from 323
cows in the three Subsystems. An overall calving rate of 76% was observed for
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 57-75
all the farms. This calving rate shows that under the existing management
condition, the reproductive performance of the cow herd is not too poor. Vande-
plassche (1982) and Diag (1985) reported calving rates in Mozambique ranging
from 69.1 to 74.8% and from 51.2 to 76.4%, respectively for crossbred dairy
cows on small-scale farmers. A large number of the calves that were born, died
(8%) mainly because of calf scour and 37% of male calves were slaughtered at a
young age before weaning and fed to either dogs or wild beasts with no appar-
ent economic benet to the farms (Table 3). This was mainly because of lack
of alternative ways of disposal particularly for male calves and the shortage
of feeds.
Overall calf mortality was 8%. Farms in SUDSS had the highest mortalities
(13%) and farms in URPDSS had the lowest (4%) mortalities. The observed
mortality rates indicate that the smaller the herd the lower the calf losses
under small-scale farm conditions. Similar trends have been reported by Hoff-
man (1999) in the Addis Ababa milkshed.
Table 3. Number of calves born, died, slaughtered and retained on the farm in the ur-
ban dairy farms of the Harar milk shed
Dairy Produc-
tion Sub- Sys-
tems
Calves Born Calf Mortal-
ity
Calves Slaugh-
tered (Male)
Calves Retained on
the farm
N % N % N % N %
URPDSS
(no. of farms=16)
80 32.52 3 15.79 26 33.33 51 37.78
URMDSS
(no. of farms=7)
88 35.77 6 31.58 36 46.15 44 32.59
SUDSS
(no. of farms=3)
78 31.71 10 52.63 16 20.51 40 29.63
Signicance ns ns * ns
ns=not signicant (P>0.05); *=P<0.05
The distribution of the cow herds in the different production and reproductive
phases in the urban dairies by Subsystem is presented in Table 4. A total of
76% cows were lactating and 24% were dry in the three clusters. Of the total
number of cows, 31% were pregnant and milked, 46% were milked and non-
pregnant, 10% were dry and pregnant and 14% were dry and non-pregnant. It
is interesting to note that the highest number of cows were non pregnant and
lactating. A large deviation of about 11% from the target value of 42% as set
in Table 1 was found in milking and pregnant cows. An even larger deviation
from the target value was observed in dry pregnant cows. In this group, the
number of cows was about 10% below the target value of 17%. A higher (14%)
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percentage of cows were found to be dry and not pregnant, compared to the
target value of zero. This means that the overall reproductive performance of
the cows studied deviated negatively from the target values. However the 76%
calving rate observed show that under the existing management condition, the
overall reproductive performance of the crow herd is still acceptable.
The percentage of cows that were dry and not pregnant (14%) suggest repro-
ductive management problems in the farms studied. These dry and non-preg-
nant cows will have to be culled from the farms for economic reasons. A large
percentage of dry and non-pregnant cows were recorded in large and special-
ized farms, compared to the smaller urban dairy farms in URPDSS. Hoff-
man (1999) has reported similar ndings in peri-urban and urban dairy areas
around Addis Ababa. She reported values of 18% for pregnant and dry, 21%
for milking and pregnant, 21% for milking and not pregnant and 9% for dry
and non-pregnant cows. Compared to the current study, Hoffman (1999) found
a lower number of dry and non-pregnant cows. This might be owing to the
improved feeding conditions and better reproductive management provided for
dairy cows around Addis Ababa compared to those in the Harar milkshed.
Table 4. Distribution of the dairy cow herds in different phases of the productive cycle
in the urban dairy farms of the Harar milk shed
Production
Sub-Sys-
tems
No. of Dairy
Farms
Milking Cows Dry Cows Total
(N)
Pregnant Non-preg-
nant
Pregnant Non-preg-
nant
N % N % N % N %
URPDSS 16 33 33% 47 47% 14 14% 5 5% 99
URMDSS 7 34 30% 54 47% 11 10% 16 14% 115
SUDSS 3 32 29% 46 42% 6 6% 25 23% 109
Total 26 99 30% 147 46% 31 10% 46 14% 323
Monthly calving distribution
The monthly calving distribution of the urban dairy farms is shown in Figure
1. A total of 246 calvings were recorded during the study period of one year.
The highest calving rate was recorded in March (17%), followed by September
(12%). The lowest number of calvings occurred in November (1%) and Decem-
ber (4%). The highest number of calving was recorded during March to May
which falls during the short rains (39%) and the lowest number of calving was
during October to December which falls in the later part of the dry season
(11%). Almost similar patterns of calving were observed in the three clusters.
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These results agree well with those of Kiwuwa et al. (1983) and Kurtu et al.
(1999), who reported an almost similar pattern of calving distribution, but
with slightly higher values for the main rainy season followed by the short
rainy season. These authors found that there were calving percentages of 56%,
43% and 41% in June to September, March to May and October to February,
respectively. The difference between their ndings and the present results
could probably be as a result of the feeding and management systems because
those reports were under open-grazing conditions which are more affected by
the effects of the season. In addition, their data was obtained from research
station conditions where the environments are better controlled.
The seasonal calving distribution observed in this study can partially be ex-
plained by the season’s effect because the majority of the cows conceived dur-
ing the main rainy season (June to September) and calved during the short
rainy season (March to May). During this main rainy period, feedstuffs like
green and succulent plant materials, including green grasses, green maize and
weeds provide the cows with more protein and especially β-carotene, the pre-
cursor of vitamin A, mostly associated with cow fertility causing the cows to
come in heat (Slater, 1991). On the other hand this pattern of calving tends to
provide an irregular distribution of calving through the year and subsequently
irregular supplies of milk. Milk production is highly dependent on the avail-
ability and quality of feedstuffs which are normally inuenced by the season.
In addition, there were little attempts to meet the feed requirement of the cows
over different lactation stages. Nutrient and energy requirements of a cow dif-
fer considerably at different stages of lactation, calling for appropriate feeding
strategies (Slater, 1991). Apparently no appropriate feeding strategies seem
to have been applied to meet the different cows’ requirements over the pro-
duction cycle. The urban dairy farms in the Harar milkshed seem to follow a
calving distribution throughout the year, coupled with traditional feeding and
management as well as milk production patterns. This would hardly enable
the farms to ensure a continuous milk production and supply on a regular ba-
sis over different seasons of the year in order to meet the market demand and
subsequently meet the desired prot expected by the producer on a sustainable
and regular basis.
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Mohammed Yousuf, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 57-75
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
Jan Fe b Mar Apr May J un J ul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Month
No. of Calves Born (%)
Urban Resourc e Poor Dairy Sub-System Urban Medium Resourc e Dairy Sub-System
Specialized Urban Dairy Sub-Sy stem Overall
Figure 1. Calving distribution (%) in the Urban Dairy farms of the Harar Milk shed by month and
production sub-system
Milk production
A total of 246 cows gave a total milk yield of 84312 liter during the study period
of one year. The seasonal distribution of milk production in the urban dairy
farms of the Harar milkshed is presented in Table 5.
Table 5. Seasonal distribution of milk production in the urban dairy farms of the Harar
milkshed
Seasons Months Milk Production
Litre %
Early dry season October to December 16 171a 19
Late dry season January to February 11 879b 14
Short rains season March to May 28 014c 33
Long rains season June to September 28 248c 34
Total 84 312 100
a-c Means with different superscripts within columns differ signicantly (P<0.05)
The highest milk yield was obtained during the rainy seasons and the lowest
during the dry season. More than 28000 liter (34%) of milk was produced dur-
ing the long rainy season (June to September) and only about 12000 liter (14%)
of milk was produced during the dry season. This difference was signicant
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Mohammed Yousuf, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 57-75
(P<0.05) and may be explained by the irregular annual calving distribution,
which is partly associated with the unbalanced feed conditions over the sea-
sons. During the wet seasons the bulky feeds especially green plants including
weeds, are available to the animals while during the dry season these feed-
stuffs were in most cases not available (Slater, 1991). In addition, the avail-
able literature indicates that tropical pastures tend to mature rapidly and are
generally decient in crude protein, phosphorus and energy during dry season
of the year (ILCA, 1978).
The mean milk yield/cow/day seems to vary little over the 12 months of the
year (Figure 2 a). However, during the rainy seasons, total milk tends to be
higher. The highest total milk yield occurred during March and April, followed
by July and September, while the lowest occurred during December and Feb-
ruary (Figure 2 b). This was strongly inuenced by the number of cows that
calved (Figure 2 c). The same type of result was reported for crossbred cattle
in Ethiopia (Kiwuwa et al., 1983; Kurtu et al., 1999). Apparently, the difference
in total milk production seems to be more differentiated between Subsystems
than between months (Table 6).
Table 6. Average daily milk yield per cow and total milk production per cluster of the
urban dairy farms in the Harar milkshed
Production Sub-Systems Milk/cow/day (liter) Total milk (liter)
URPDSS 5.71±1.31 28611a
URMDSS 5.89±1.21 29508a
SUDSS 5.62±1.32 26193b
a, b Means with different superscripts within columns differ signicantly (P<0.05)
Differences in milk production between Subsystems tend to reect the discrep-
ancy in management practices, particularly feeding, of the herds in the three
Subsystems. Average milk yield per cow per day was almost the same in all
three Subsystems. The total milk yield between the three Subsystems was
signicantly different (P<0.05). Farms in URMDSS produced 29508 liter per
month, the highest yield, followed by URPDSS with 28611 liter and USDSS
with 26193 liter (Table 6). Differences in milk yield between the Subsystems
could probably be explained by differences in the herd size, feeds available and
the commitment of the owners. The smaller the herd (URPDSS) the easier
the management, but shortages in feeds results in lower milk production. The
larger the herd size (USDSS) the more feeds and more commitment are re-
quired. However, the commitments for improved production seem to be lack-
ing in this group as they are also engaged in other businesses. Tegegne et al.
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Mohammed Yousuf, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 57-75
(2000) indicated that as the dairy herd size increases, more feeds, better man-
agement and long-term commitment are required to get increased production.
In conclusion, the irregular calving distribution over the year, irregular milk
production and a lack of strategic feeding systems were important manage-
ment problems identied in the urban dairy production systems. It was also
noted that these problems were more pronounced in USDSS compared to UR-
PDSS and URMDSS and require intervention to improve dairy productivity in
the Harar milkshed.
0
2
4
6
8
10
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Mont h
Milk Yield (lit)
Average Daily Milk Yield Per Cow
Mean±SD
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
Jan Feb Ma r Apr Ma y Jun Jul A ug Sep Oct Nov De c
Mo nth
Milk Yield (lit)
Annual Milk Yield
A
B
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Mohammed Yousuf, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 57-75
0
10
20
30
40
50
Jan Feb Ma r Apr Ma y Jun J ul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Mo nt h
No. of Births (n)
Average Number of Calves Born
Mean±SD
Figure 2. Average daily milk yield per cow (A), total milk yield (B) and number of calves born (C)
in urban dairy farms in the Harar milk shed
Reproductive performance
Available data only allowed the analysis of age at rst calving, lactation length,
number of services per conception and calving intervals (Tables 7 and 8). The
rest of the reproductive traits could not be addressed owing to a lack of data.
The overall mean age at rst calving was 30.6 months, but differences between
clusters were observed. Cows in URPDSS and URMDSS calved for the rst
time two months earlier than cows in SUDSS. The overall age at rst calv-
ing is 6 months later than the target age of 24 months and requires attention
because it is greater than the 28 months suggested by Radostits et al. (1994).
However, these crossbred cows had their rst calves much earlier compared to
local pure breds, which normally do not give birth to their rst calves before 4
years of age (Swenson et al., 1981; Albero, 1983). This is supported by several
reports on crossbred cattle in Ethiopia that have shown better reproductive
performances than the indigenous cattle (Albero, 1983; Kiwuwa et al., 1983).
Differences among the clusters for age at rst calving however, could be at-
tributed to the different management levels provided to the crossbred cow. As
indicated by Preston (1989) the relative advantages of crossbred cows depend
on the level of management and adequate nutrition provided.
C
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Mohammed Yousuf, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 57-75
The overall mean calving interval observed in this study was very long (498
days) whereas the optimum is around 365 to 400 days as suggested by Kiwuwa
et al. (1983). The calving interval observed, however, is in agreement with
Bekele et al. (1991) who reported 15.8 months in Ethiopia.
Table 7. Average age at rst calving, calving interval and lactation length of urban
dairy cows in the Harar milk shed
Production
Sub-Systems
Age at 1st calving
(months)
Calving interval
(months)
Lactation length
(months)
URPDSS 30.97 a16.8 a310 a
URMDSS 29.72 a15.5 a322 a
SUDSS 32.50 c17.5 b332 a
Over all mean 30.06 16.6 321
a-b Means with different superscripts within columns differ signicantly (P<0.05).
Table 8. Number (mean ± SD) of services per conception in urban dairy farms in the
Harar milk shed
Production
Sub-systems
Number of Services Per Conception
No. of cows Mean ± SD
URPDSS 88 2.9 ±1.4 b
URMDSS 74 2.5 ±1.3 a
SUDSS 81 3.1 ±1.3 b
Overall 2.8±1.3
a-b Means with different superscripts within columns differ signicantly (P<0.05)
Longer calving intervals are generally reections of the problems associated
with poor nutrition, health and reproductive managements (Kiwuwa et al.,
1983). The calving interval needs to be shortened for improved reproductive
and productive performances (Kiwuwa et al., 1983). Thus, the results of the
present study regarding calving interval calls for an appropriate intervention.
The overall mean number of services per conception is 2.8±1.34, which is high-
er than that reported by Bekele et al. (1991) in Ethiopia as 1.83 ± 0.90. How-
ever, Tegegne (1997) in Ethiopia reported 2.6 services per conception, which is
in agreement with the results of this study.
Cows in URMDSS required a smaller number of services (P<0.01) compared to
those cows in URPDSS and especially SUDSS. Cows in SUDSS had slightly
more services/conception than cows in URPDSS, but the difference was not
signicant (P>0.05). Higher number of service means longer calving interval
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Mohammed Yousuf, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 57-75
as cows in SUDSS had longer calving interval compared to cows in URPDSS
and URMDSS.
However, all required more services than the target 1.5 recommended by Ra-
dostits et al. (1994). It is important to note that all the target values used are
based on the North American and European dairy production systems, because
there are no established standards either for Ethiopia or for tropical Africa as
such. Larger numbers of services per conception are the result of a number of
factors including poor management, feeding, heat detection, time of services,
semen quality and skills of the inseminator (Branning & Person, 1990) and
requires attention.
It was noted that majority of urban and peri-urban dairy are using Articial
Insemination (AI) service for breeding their cow herd. However, the AI service
was very often noted to be irrupted causing reproductive problems on the dairy
farms. Consequently, the dairy farms were forced to use bulls of unknown pedi-
gree for breeding the dairy cows. There is no private AI service delivery system
in the Harar milkshed which might have helped to mitigate the AI problem
It can be concluded that the overall reproductive performance of the cows in
this study deviated negatively from the target values and these deviations were
larger in SUDSS compared to Subsystems URPDSS and URMDSS. Therefore,
reproductive problems were also important factors that reduce the productiv-
ity of urban dairy farms and need to be addressed to improve productivity in
the urban sub-system of the Harar milkshed.
Pre-partum and post-partum body weight changes
The average body weight of the cows in all Subsystems was 446 and 419 kg
before and after calving respectively (Table 9). Cows in URMDSS were the
heaviest and cows in SUDSS the lightest before calving. Cows in SUDSS were
signicantly (P<0.05) lighter than those in URMDSS and URPDSS after calv-
ing. For URPDSS and URMDSS this difference was not signicant (P>0.05).
The weight differences before and after calving for URPDSS and URPDSS was
almost the same (6%) whereas this weight difference for cows in URMDSS was
a bit higher (7%). These small differences in the body weights noted for cows
in URPDSS and URMDSS before and after calving compared to the cows in
SUDSS could be attributed to the better feeding levels provided to the cows,
especially before calving.
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Mohammed Yousuf, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 57-75
The overall mean BCS’s of the cows were 3.15 and 3.00 before and after calving
respectively. This means that cows in all clusters were not in good conditions
after calving with body scores ≤ 3 BCS, which has been described as poor by
Wildman et al. (1982). This might be the result of underfeeding particularly
resulting from a lack of adequate feed supplies. There were differences among
the dairy farms in the different Subsystems. The BCS of cows in UMRDSS
had the highest score and cows in SUDSS the lowest score before and after
calving (P<0.05). Differences in BCS before and after calving between cows
in URPDSS and SUDSS were not signicant (P>0.05 However, for cows in
SUDSS the average BCS before and after calving was lower than the accept-
able level of BCS suggested by Wildman et al. (1982) for optimum production.
BCS changes before and after calving in the present study indicate that cows,
particularly in URPDSS and SUDSS, were in sub-optimal condition probably
because of a lack of proper feeding before calving. This would subsequently
result in lower milk production. Poor BCS at or after calving (<3) often results
in lower peak milk yield and lower total milk lactation yield.
Cows with high condition score URMDSS gave more yield (13%) total milk
than cows with lower condition score in SUDSS (Table 6). Cows with high con-
dition score URMDSS had heavier body weight (Table 9).
Table 9. Pre-partum and post-partum body weights and body condition score (mean
±SD) of cows in urban dairy farms in the Harar milk shed
Production
Sub-Systems
Body weight (kg) Body Condition Score(Scale 1-5)
N Pre-partum Post-partum N Pre-par-
tum
Post-partum
URPDSS 88 454.1 ±11.6b427.3 ± 14.6b 80 3.1 ±0.9 b3.0 ±0.3 b
URMDSS 74 474.6 ±13.6c 448.6 ± 13.8b88 3.3 ± 0.0 a3.2 ± 0.0 a
SUDSS 81 411.3 ± 14.5a 382.3 ± 11.2a 78 2.9 ± 0.1 b2.8 ± 0.7 b
Over all mean 81 466.6±13.2 419.4±13.2 82 3.15±0.5 3.0±0.3
a-b Means with different superscripts within columns differ signicantly (P<0.05)
Dairy cows should not lose more than one point in BCS soon after calving be-
cause excessive loss of body condition in early lactation has been shown to re-
duce the reproductive efciency (Wildman et al., 1982). The low body weights
and body condition scores of cows before and after calving in this study appears
to have resulted from the feeding systems employed.
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Mohammed Yousuf, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 57-75
Conclusions
Lower body weight and poor body condition scores of the cows before and after
calving were found to be important factors in management of urban dairy, in-
uencing productivity of the dairy herds in the milkshed.· The irregular calv-
ing distribution over year and related reproduction problems, irregular milk
production distribution over the year were also known to constitute important
problems limiting milk production in the dairy herd of the milkshed. These
problems were noted to be more apparent in the dairy herds in large sized herd
or specialized dairy farms than in resource medium and resource poor farms.
It is thus, recommended to have high level of management that would require
better skill, knowledge of husbandry of dairy cattle and commitment than the
traditional knowledge to make the specialized dairy farms productive.
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The effect of weaning crossbred calves at different
ages on growth performance
Tadesse Bekele*, Yohannes Gojjam and Kefena Effa
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holetta Research center, P.O. Box 2003
Abstract
Small scale dairy farmers use extra amount of whole milk for rearing calves. How-
ever, this practice is not recommendable and is uneconomical for large-scale dairy
farmers. A study was carried out at Holetta Agricultural Research Center to re-
duce calf milk consumption using early weaning system. Sixty Friesian x Boran
and Jersey x Boran crossbred calves were randomly assigned to ve age groups as
treatments. Calves were bucket fed and weaned at the age of 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14
weeks consuming 118, 164, 210, 248 and 260 liters of milk, respectively. Milk was
offered twice daily, in the morning and evening. Starting at two weeks of age, the
calves were supplemented with concentrate and hay. Daily dry feed allowance was
calculated based on 3% calf’s body weight and offered once per day on dry matter
basis. Calves were allowed to exercise for one hour every morning. There were no
marked differences (P> 0.05) in concentrate and hay intake between treatments,
calf sexes and breeds. Calves weaned at 6 and 8 weeks of age had signicantly (P
<0.05) lower daily body weight gain than calves weaned at 12 and 14 weeks. Calves
weaned at 10 weeks of age had similar growth rate with calves weaned at 12 and
14 weeks of age (P > 0.05). Weaning at 10 weeks of ages is recommended for both
Friesian x and Jersey x Boran crossbred calves in relation to the reduced amount
of milk consumed.
Keywords: calves; milk; weaning; crossbred; growth.
Introduction
Documented information (Etgen et al., 1987; Beyene 1992) show that lifetime
performances of dairy cows are inuenced by the rearing practices at their
calf hood, age at which they are weaned, post-weaning management practices,
breed, and starter ration and rearing environments. Basically, two types of
calf rearing practices are commonly known by a dairy farmer: partial suckling
and articial rearing systems. Partial suckling system is a practice in which
calves are allowed to suckle their dams before and after milking while articial
rearing system is a practice in which calves are separated from their dams
* Corresponding author: tadesselutta@yahoo.com
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Tadesse Bekele, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 77-88
immediately after birth and bucket fed predetermined amount of milk until
weaning. However, the choices of alternative rearing practices are determined
by scale of the farm, rearing objectives (beef/dairy) and biological and economic
considerations.
In Ethiopia, dairy production is dominated by smallholder farmers owing no
or a few crossbred dairy cows. Consequently, partial suckling is well known
and has been a long-standing tradition under smallholder systems in Ethiopia.
Therefore, it is not practically feasible and economically sound to recommend
articial calf rearing practices under such system. On the other hand, articial
calf rearing practice is the rule of thumb, and is an alternative calf rearing op-
tions widely used in large-scale dairy farms.
Information on calf rearing practices is limited in Ethiopia. For instances,
Little et al. (1991) carried out an experiment on the two types of calf rearing
practices at the former ILCA, Debre Zeit station in Ethiopia. Both suckled and
bucket fed calves were weaned at 94 days of age. But they didn’t attempt to
reduce weaning age below 94 days. Azage et al. (1994) also carried out similar
experiment at the same station, but reduced weaning age for both suckled
and bucket fed calves to 57 days of age. This experiment also focused on only
comparing the inuence of the two calf rearing practices on calf growth, but
didn’t considered ranges of weaning ages within a given calf rearing prac-
tices. Furthermore, Azage et al. (1990) conducted an experiment on Boran and
Freisian x Boran crossbred bulls which were allowed to wean at six and eight
months of age. The experiment was aimed at investigating the inuence of
different weaning ages on the performances of bull calves, but considered nei-
ther calf sex nor different weaning ages. However, results of all experiments
unequivocally concluded that suckled calves grew faster than bucket fed calves
and though differences in the weaning weights seemed to be noticeable at the
beginning, these differences are gradually balanced by the mechanism of com-
pensation growth. Therefore, results of these experiments are suggestive of
the fact that weaning ages of calves could be further reduced without major
effects in bucket fed calves.
Nowadays, interplays of many factors are contributing towards the establish-
ment of large-scale dairy farms in Ethiopia. Favorable economic policy reforms
directed towards a liberalized and market-oriented economic system and driv-
ers of change such as rapidly growing urbanization, high population growth
rate, changing consumer taste preferences towards safe and quality products
are attracting investors into dairy business. Due to their scale of production,
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Tadesse Bekele, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 77-88
commercial dairy producers are likely to practice articial calf rearing sys-
tems. Therefore, improved and economically as well as biologically efcient
calf rearing practices are needed. However, there is a paucity of information
on growth performance of early weaned Friesian x Boran and Jersey x Bo-
ran crossbred calves. Therefore, this experiment was carried out to investigate
growth performances of Friesian x Boran and Jersey x Boran crossbred calves
subjected to different weaning ages.
Objective
To identify most appropriate and biologically as well as economically feasible
weaning age in crossbred calves
Materials and methods
Location
This study was carried out at Holeta Agricultural Research Center, which is lo-
cated at about 40 km west of the capital city, Addis Ababa. Holetta represents
typical central highland areas of Ethiopia with an altitude of about 2400 masl.
It receives an average annual rainfall of 1000 mm. It has an annual average
temperature of about 180C.
Calves
Sixty F1 crossbred calves were randomly grouped into ve milk-feeding treat-
ments, based on their sex (30 males and 30 females), and breed (30 Friesian x
Borans and 30 Jersey x Boran crosses). The calves were randomly assigned to
the experimental treatment groups at birth. Pre-experimental calf weights in
different treatment groups were almost similar.
Milk feeding
All calves were bucket fed colostrums ad-lib per day, for the rst 4 days. The
daily amount was offered in equal parts at 7 am and 5 pm. After 4 days of age,
all calves were offered whole milk until their respective weaning age (Table 1).
Calves were weaned at 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 weeks of age for treatments 1, 2, 3,
4 and 5, respectively (Table 2).
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 77-88
Table1. Classication of calves in the experiment
Treatments Weaning ages
(weeks)
Calf sex Calf breed
Males Females FBO JBO
1 6 6 6 6 6
2 8 6 6 6 6
3 10 6 6 6 6
4 12 6 6 6 6
5 14 6 6 6 6
FBO=Friesian x Boran
JBO= Jersey x Bora
Table 2. Liquid diet offered up to weaning
Treatments Weaning Ages
(weeks)
Colostrum (L) Whole milk (L)
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
12
12
12
12
12
118
164
210
248
260
Dry feeds
A calf starter ration containing 15% wheat bran, 40% wheat middling, 30%
noug cake (Guizotia abyssinca), 10% meat meal, 4% bone meal and 1% salt was
used with natural pasture hay as roughage. Calves were trained to consume
dry feeds from the 7th day to the 13th day of life. Concentrate was offered in
plastic buckets, while hay was offered in troughs. Feed intake was measured
starting from the 14th day of age and the amounts of concentrate and hay of-
fered and refused each day was measured. Type of hay used was harvested
from natural grass pasture. It was offered dry by weighing the daily allowance.
Dry feed was offered once per day at 10 a.m. with a daily dry feed allowance of
3% of weekly body weight on DM basis, at a ratio of 40:60 for concentrate: hay.
Feed allowance continued till 24 weeks post weaning.
Exercise
All calves were allowed to exercise outdoor every morning from 9 – 10 a.m. in
the fenced calf exercise area, except during heavy rainy days and during cold
weather. The calves could also make free movement within their individual
pen.
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Housing
The calves were reared in a calf house with corrugated iron for both roof and
walls. There was free air movement with a partial opening between the roof
and the wall. The oor was paved with concrete and slated with water drain-
age strips. The calves were housed in individual stall with two feed troughs,
one for concentrate (concentrate was fed using pail kept in this trough) and
the other for hay. The stalks were cleaned and the bedding changed twice per
day. The oor was washed once per week. The calves were offered water ad lib
twice per day with plastic buckets. A water trough was also used in the calves
exercise area.
Measurements
Body weights were recorded at birth and every two-week thereafter until post
weaning. Daily milk offered was also recorded. There was no milk refusal.
Statistical analysis
One calf, which refused dry feed after weaning at 42 days, was removed from
the experiment and was replaced by another newborn calf. Ten calves that
have died during pre-weaning periods were also replaced by other calves. Ran-
domized Complete Block Design with a factorial arrangement was used. Main
factors were treatments and breeds, which were blocked by calf sex. A regres-
sion equation was tted to the bi-weekly live weight values to calculate the av-
erage live weight gain over the periods of 0 – 14 weeks. Daily body weight gain
and nal body weight attained at 6 months of age were subjected to analysis of
covariance method, using the General Linear Models (GLM) procedures of SAS
(SAS, 2002). Statistical model used to analyze the data is expressed as
Yijke=Ti +Bj +Sk +e
Where,
Yijke = An observation for ith treatment, jth breed, and kth sex
Ti=Treatment effect
Bj= Breed effect
Sk= Calf Sex effect
e=random error
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Results and Discussion
Early weaned calves had higher concentrate intake (p < 0.05) than late weaned
calves during pre-weaning period, however, this difference diminished during
post weaning period (Table 3). There were differences (P < 0.05) in concentrate
intake between calf breeds during pre weaning periods. Friesian crossbred
calves had higher daily concentrate intake than Jersey crosses. This may be
due to size differences between the two. In agreement with the current result,
Khalili et al. (1992) also reported that larger calves adapt to dry feeding at an
earlier age than smaller sized calves. Concentrate intake was not inuenced
by calf sex (p > 0.05). All calves in each treatment had attained recommended
levels of concentrate intake at their respective weaning age. This nding is in
agreement with earlier studies by Leaver and Yarrow (1972) who suggested
that weaning could be successfully undertaken when Friesian or other simi-
lar sized calves are consistently consuming 40 g dry feed per day. They also
reported that calves were consuming about 400 g concentrates per day when
they were about 7 to 8 weeks old. However, in our study
calves weaned at 6 and 8 weeks of age consumed 552 and 546 grams per day,
respectively. Calves weaned at 10, 12 and 14 weeks of age consumed only 320,
341 and 372 grams /head/day, respectively, at 8 weeks of age. The low level
of concentrate intake might be attributed to the relatively high level of milk
offered to these groups, since they were not weaned early. This nding is in
agreement with earlier reports of Khalili et al. (1992) who indicated that calves
that consumed higher amount of milk had lowered concentrate intake. Similar
results were also reported in Leaver and Yarrow (1972) and Fallon and Harte
(1986).
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 77-88
Table 3. Least squares means (±SE) of calf starter intake
Variables Number Concentrate intake (Kg)
98 days 180 days
Overall mean
Treatments
1
2
3
4
5
Calf sex
Males
Females
Crosses
Jersey
Friesian
R2
C.V.%
60
12
12
12
12
12
30
30
30
30
31.2
34.1±2.04a
32.7±2.04ab
32.3±2.04ab
29.5±2.04ab
27.3±2.04b
32.3±1.29
30.1±1.29
28.3±1.29b
34.1±1.29a
0.31
22.7
69.1
61.4±4.17
62.2±4.17
74.6±4.17
74.5±4.17
73.0±4.17
69.8±2.60
68.5±2.68
63.8±2.64b
74.5±2.64a
0.26
20.9
Means with different superscripts are different (P<0.05)
Hay intake was relatively similar for all calves during pre-weaning period,
however calves weaned at 6 weeks of age had numerically, but not statisti-
cally (P>0.05), the least hay intake during post weaning period (Table 4). Hay
intake during early life didn’t vary (P>0.05) between weaning groups. As for
concentrate, hay intake was also higher for Friesian crosses than for Jersey
crosses up to 98 days of age, probably attributed to size differences. Breed
difference for hay intake was signicant (P<0.05) during pre-weaning rearing
period. Roy (1980) and Khalili et al. (1992) also suggested that size attributed
for intake differences.
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 77-88
Table 4. Least squares means (±SE) of hay intake (Kg)
Weaning days
Variables Number 98 days 180 days
Overall mean
Treatments
1
2
3
4
5
Calf sex
Males
Females
Crosses
Jersey
Friesian
R2
C.V.%
60
12
12
12
12
12
30
30
30
30
30.6
31.7±2.86
31.3±2.86
27.8±2.86
30.8±2.86
31.4±2.86
31.3±1.80
29.9±1.80
27.9±1.80b
33.3±1.80a
0.11
32.4
64.0
56.2±4.50 b
58.2±4.50ab
65.0±4.50 ab
69.8±4.50 ab
71.3±4.50a
66.4±2.81
61.8±2.81
61.2±2.86
67.0±2.86
0.19
24.5
Means with different superscripts are different (P<0.05)
Least square means of calves daily body weight gains during pre- and post-
weaning periods are presented in Table 5. Calves weaned at 12 and 14 weeks
of age showed higher (P < 0.05) growth performance than those weaned at
six and eight weeks of age during both pre- and post-weaning periods. Calves
weaned at 10 weeks of age had intermediate growth rate between the two
extremes. They started to vary in body weight (P < 0.05) starting at 8 weeks
of age. At 14 weeks of age, calves weaned at 10, 12 and 14 weeks of age had
signicantly higher body weight than calves weaned at 6 weeks of age. This
nding is in agreement with Azage et al. (1981) and Khalili et al. (1992) who
suggested the importance of giving higher level of milk to increase live weight
gain of calves.
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 77-88
Table 5. Least squares means (±SE) of calf daily weight gains at different ages
Variables Number Body weight gains (g)
pre-weaning
gain
Post-weaning
gain
Birth to 6
months
Overall mean
Treatments
1
2
3
4
5
Sex
Males
Females
Crosses
Jersey
Friesian
R2
C.V.%
60
12
12
12
12
12
30
30
30
30
306.62
255.08±24.49c
301.25±24.49ab
335.42±24.49ab
368.50±24.49a
332.50±24.49a
341.2±24.49a
295.90±24.49b
277.67±15.49b
359.43±15.49a
0.50
24.94
311.02
268.33±32.2b
295.17±32.17ab
269.7±32.17 b
349.67±32.17ab
372.17±32.17a
313.53±20.35
308.50±20.35
268.43±20.35b
353.60±20.35a
0.25
36.01
308.95
250.17±22.81b
289.33±22.81ab
304.50±22.81ab
355.33±22.81a
331.30±22.81a
312.36±14.44
299.36±22.81
263.76±15.08b
348.495±14.09a
0.40
25.41
Means with different superscripts are different (P<0.05)
There was no difference (P > 0.05) either in total weight gain or daily weight
gain between calf sexes (Table 6). However, signicant difference was observed
between calf breeds at 6 months of age. Friesian crossbred calves had signi-
cantly higher growth rate than Jersey calves starting from 4 weeks of age,
which is in agreement with Monteiro (1975), who indicated that Jerseys were
less effective than Friesians in transferring feed into weight gain.
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 77-88
Table 6. Least squares means (±SE) of calf body weight attained at different ages
Variables Number Body weights attained (Kg)
pre-weaning (98 days) Post-weaning (180 days)
Overall mean
Treatments
1
2
3
4
5
Sex
Males
Females
Crosses
Jersey
Friesian
R2
C.V.%
60
12
12
12
12
12
30
30
30
30
57.7
50.3±2.4b
55.6±2.4ab
59.0±2.4a
62.9±2.4a
61.0±2.4a
59.2±1.5
56.4±1.5
52.2±1.5b
63.3±1.5a
0.54
14.3
81.7
70.3±4.15b
78.2±4.15ab
80.5±4.15ab
90.8±4.15a
88.5±4.15a
83.9±2.6
79.4±2.7
72.0±2.62b
91.3±2.62a
0.45
17.6
Means with different superscripts are different (P<0.05)
Conclusion
Calves weaned at 6 weeks of age had lower growth performance in all the early
growth traits. However, weaning at 10 weeks of age didn’t affect early growth
traits and consequently had similar performances with calves weaned at 14
weeks of age. Therefore, taking into consideration both biological efciencies
as well as economic benets gained from reduced milk consumptions by calves,
weaning at 10 weeks of age is recommended. However, this experiment was
carried out using conventional calf starter ration composed of hay from natural
pasture and ingredients admixed from industrial by-products. Therefore, we
further recommend that using more nutritious calf starter ration there is still
a possibility of reducing weaning ages to below 10 weeks of age.
Acknowledgement
We thank the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) for nanc-
ing and administering the project. We are also indebted to technical staff for
assisting us in data collection and conducting this study.
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U.S.A.
Major Reproductive Health Problems of Dairy Cows
in and around Bako, West Ethiopia
Berihu Haftu and Abebaw Gashaw*
Jimma University, College of agriculture and veterinary Medicine P.O. Box 307
Abstract
An investigation was made into major clinical reproductive health problems of
217 dairy cows (146 local and 71 crossbreds) on-station and on-farm in and around
Bako in west Ethiopia. Prevalence and major risk factors of major clinical repro-
ductive health problems were studied between October 2007 and May 2008. Ques-
tionnaire survey and clinical examinations were used to identify major reproduc-
tive health problems and risk factors. Of a total of 217 dairy cows assessed, 30.4%
(n=66) were found to be affected either with one or more of the clinical reproductive
problems. Major reproductive problems found were repeat breeding 8.72%, reten-
tion of placenta 6.88%, abortion 5.96%, dystocia 2.75%, anoestrus 2.29% and pro-
lapses 0.92%. The prevalence of clinical reproductive problems showed signicant
differences (p<0.05) with respect to parity, production system and body condition
of dairy cows. Breed had no signicant effect (p>0.05) on the prevalence of these
problems. Repeat breeding, retention of placenta, and abortion, were among the
major factors responsible for the low reproductive performance of the dairy cows in
and around Bako town, eastern Wollega and western Shoa zone of Oromiya, Ethio-
pia. The results showed that reproductive health problems, coupled with manage-
ment system and poor body condition, are important factors that contributed to re-
productive inefciency. Regular reproductive health management and production
based ration formulation could be the management options to reduce or alleviate
some of the problems.
Keywords: abortion, retention of placenta, repeat breeding, Bako, dairy cows
Introduction
Crossbreeding of improved exotic dairy cattle breeds on a wide scale was intro-
duced ve decades back to upgrade the genetic potential of the indigenous zebu
cattle, and subsequently to improve the dairy sector in Ethiopia. Since then,
various efforts have been made to improve the dairy sector through articial
insemination or shared crossbreed bull service or by distributing crossbred F1
heifers particularly to the smallholder dairy farmers (Fikre, 2007). However,
* Corresponding author:abebawg2002@yahoo.com
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Berihu Haftu, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 89-98
the overall cost of keeping dairy cattle in terms of costs associated with the
healthcare, nutrition, and management has not matched to their contribution
to the livelihood and the economic contribution of the people (Takele et al.,
2005).
Though the country is endowed with substantial potential for dairy produc-
tion, the current productivity is signicantly low as compared to the domestic
demands of dairy products suggesting a chronic shortage (Tigrie, 2004).
Reproductive health problems result in considerable economic losses to the
dairy industry and are the main causes for poor reproductive performance (Be-
kana et al., 1994a). Among the major reproductive problems that have a direct
impact on reproductive performance of dairy cows, retention of placenta and
the subsequent endometritis and pyometra have been reported (Bekana et al.,
1994b) to be the most common clinical and economical problems. Others in-
clude dystocia, abortion, uterine and vaginal prolapses (Bekana et al., 1994b,
1997).
In Ethiopia dairy cattle are maintained under different management systems.
The difference in management systems and environmental conditions under
which cattle are maintained could greatly affect the occurrence of reproductive
health problems (Takele et al., 2005). This particular study is therefore, car-
ried out to determine the major reproductive health problems of the dairy cows
in and around Bako area, West Ethiopia and assess possible risk factors that
play a role in reproduction.
Materials and Methods
Study site
The study was conducted in and around Bako which is located in eastern Welle-
ga and western Shoa zones of Oromiya. It is a high rainfall and humid environ-
ment and is situated at 251 km west of Addis Ababa. The area lies between
09° 6’N latitude and 37° E longitude at an attitude of 1650 m above sea level.
The mean annual rainfall is 1210 mm, and it is uni-modal in distribution. The
rainy period covers April to October. It has a warm humid climate with mean
minimum; mean maximum and average temperatures of 13°c, 27°c, and 20°c
respectively. According to the new agro-ecological zonation, it represents tepid
to cool sub humid highlands. A number of livestock including cattle, sheep,
goat, and donkey are reared in this area and are managed extensively with the
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 89-98
exception of few farms at Bako Agricultural Research Center and few others
which are managed in semi intensive form.
Study animals’ management system
The study involved both management systems extensive and semi-intensive.
Classication of the management systems was based on the criteria adopted
by Richard (1993). Accordingly, semi-intensive system included all animals
that were kept indoor and fed and watered in their barns or shade by cut and
carry system or zero grazing. Extensive management system included all ani-
mals that were kept outdoor during the day time and allowed to graze on a
communal or private owned pasture land.
Study design
A cross sectional study (longitudinal or follow up) and questionnaire survey
were used. Questionnaire surveys – a standard questionnaire formats were
prepared and about 115 household heads were interviewed. The interview was
made randomly to those households that came to the clinic for different veteri-
nary service. Accordingly, a total of 142 dairy cows were examined during the
interview process.
A total of 75 dairy cows that was pregnant during the study period were used
for longitudinal (follow up) study for any abnormalities during pregnancy pe-
riod, parturition and up to two weeks post-parturition. This was because some
reproductive problems like milk fever and retention of placenta mostly occurs
within few days or hours following parturition. General clinical examination
including measuring vital signs, examination of the udder, and visible repro-
ductive organs were carried out during the follow up period.
Data analysis
The prevalence and the relative frequencies of reproductive health problems
were determined as the proportion of affected animals out of the total animals
examined and the total number of cases, respectively. General Linear Model
(GLM) procedures of SAS (SAS, 2002) were used to assess the effect of risk
factors such as breed, parity, body condition and management (production sys-
tem) on the prevalence of reproductive health problems.
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 89-98
Results
A total of 217 dairy cows from different production systems were examined
and of the total cows examined, 30.41% (n= 66) were found to be affected either
with one or more of the major clinical reproductive health problems (Table 1).
Table 1. The prevalence rate of clinical reproductive problems of dairy cows in and
around Bako, western Ethiopia
Method of study Total number of
cows examined
Number of cows
with problem
Percent affected
Questionnaire survey 142 54 24.88%
Regular follow up 75 12 5.53%
Total 217 66 30.41%
The major clinical reproductive problems encountered during the study pe-
riod were repeat breeding, retention of placenta, abortion, dystocia, anoestrus
and uterine prolapses. Among these repeat breeding, retention of placenta and
abortion were being the most prevalent problems accounting for 8.12, 6.88, and
5.96%, respectively of the cases (Table 2).
The effect of parity (lactation stage) on the prevalence rate of major clinical
reproductive problems was assessed and there was signicant association (X2:
12.75; P<0.05) between prevalence rate of reproductive problems and the par-
ity of the individual cow. The prevalence was higher in pleuripara cows 36.5%
(n = 61) as compared to primipara cows 10% (n= 5) (Table.3).
Reproductive problems were also assessed with respect to the breeds of the
animals and there was no signicant association between prevalence rate of
reproductive problems and breeds of animals (X2:0. 035: P>0.05) (Table 4).
Table 2. Major clinical reproductive health problems of dairy cows and their overall
prevalence rate
Reproductive health problem encountered Prevalence rate (%)
Repeat breeding 8.72
Retention of placenta 6.88
Abortion 5.96
Dystocia 2.75
Anoestrus 2.29
Prolapses 0.92
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Table 3: The association of prevalence rate of major clinical reproductive problems and
parity of the dairy cow.
Parity groups Number of ani-
mals affected
Number of ani-
mals not affected
Total X2P- value
Primipara heifers 5 (15.2) 45 (34.8) 50 12.76 P<0.05
Pleuripara cows 61 (50.7) 106 (11 6.3) 167
Total 66 151 217
Numbers in brackets indicate expected values
Table 4. The Association of prevalence rate of major clinical reproductive problems and
breed of the animals
Breed Number of ani-
mals affected
Number of animals
not affected
Total examined X2P- Value
Local 45(44.4) 101(101.6) 146 0.035 P > 0.05
Cross 21(21.6) 50 (49.4) 71
Total 66 151 217
Numbers in brackets are the expected values of the observations
Reproductive problems were also assessed in relation to body condition score of
the cows and the association were found statistically signicant (X2: 9.6698 P=
0.022). And higher prevalence was obtained in lean and moderate body condi-
tioned cows’ 39.3% (n = 28), and 36.3% (n= 104), respectively than in animals
with good and fat body condition, 16.44 and 33.7%, respectively (Table 5).
The effect of management on the prevalence rate of major clinical reproduc-
tive problems was signicant (X2: 16.27, P<0.05), where the prevalence rate of
reproductive problems is much higher for extensively managed cows compared
to those in semi-intensive management systems.
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Table 5. The association of prevalence rate of major clinical reproductive problems and
body condition score (BCS)
Body condition
score
Number of ani-
mals affected
Number of ani-
mals not affected
Total animals
examined
X 2p- value
Lean (0-2) 11 (8.5) 17 (19.5) 28 9.67 P<0.05
Moderate (3) 40 (33.5) 70 (76.5) 110
Good (4) 11 (20.38) 56 (46.62) 67
Fat (5) 4 (3.65) 8 (8.35) 12
Total 66 151 217
Numbers in brackets are the expected values of the observation
Table 6.The association of prevalence rate of major clinical reproductive problems and
production management system
Management
system
Number of ani-
mals affected
Number of ani-
mals not affected
Total ex-
amined
X 2P-value
Extensive 54 (40.14) 78 (91.86) 132 16.27 P<0.05
Semi-intensive 12 (25.85) 73 (59.15) 85
Total 66 131 217
Numbers in brackets are the expected values of the observation
Discussion
A lower prevalence (30.41%) rate of major clinical reproductive problems was
obtained in this study when compared with the values reported by Tigrie
(2004) 48.5%, Takele et al. (2005) 31.76% and Oumermohamed (2003) 34.9%
and higher than the values reported by Tesfaye (1996) 26.7%. This variation in
prevalence rate could possibly be attributed to management system, breed of
animals and environmental conditions.
The prevalence rate (8.72%) of repeat breeding found in this study fairly agrees
with the 8.9% reported by Takele et al. (2005), but it is higher than 4.6% re-
ported by Tigrie (2004) and lower than 21.8% reported by Mekonnen (2000).
Hence, the difference between the ndings of the current study and previous
reports may be attributed to the climatic condition of the area and managerial
factors.
The prevalence rate (6.88%) of retention of placenta found in this study is low-
er than those reported in and around DebreZeit (14.28%) by Mamo, (2004), in
central high lands of Ethiopia (7.1-28.9%) by Tekleye et al. (1992) and in and
around Holeta (10.6%) by Tigrie, (2004). The variation in the incidence of re-
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 89-98
tention of placenta may be attributed to variations in predisposing factors to
which the animals are subjected, such as nutritional status and management.
The prevalence rate (5.96%) of abortion recorded in this study is similar to
the 6.3, 5.33, 5.4 and 6.3% reported by Tigire (2004), Shiferaw (1999), Mekon-
nen (2000) and Kassahun (2003), respectively. Tekleye et al. (1992) has also
reported higher (16.3%) rate. On the other hand, Oumermohammed (2003)
and Takele et al. (2005) reported a prevalence rate of 2.23% and 3.19%, respec-
tively, which are lower than this nding.
Previous reports of the prevalence of dystocia of 5.79 % by Mamo (2004), 7.5%
by Tigrie (2004) and 6.95% by Takele et al. (2005) are higher than the current
nding of 2.75%. However, this nding fairly agrees to the 2.2- 4.4% reported
by Zewdu (1992).
The prevalence rate of anoestrus found in the current study (2.29%) is lower
than that of Oumermohammed (2003) who reported an overall prevalence rate
of 4.6 %. The current nding is also lower than the 30% reported by Kapi-
tano (1990), 70.7% in older cows and 65 % in heifers by Mekonnen (2000) and
26.8% by Tigrie (2004). The lower prevalence of anoestrus obtained in this
study could be due to better heat detection practices especially in the animals
of Bako Agricultural Research Center farm and adequate reproductive records.
Besides, the management system particularly nutrition in animals of the farm
could also have a strong effect on the reduction of anoestrus prevalence in the
study area.
The analysis of the occurrence of major clinical reproductive problems showed
that production system had signicant effect and a higher (40.0%) preva-
lence rate of major reproductive problem was obtained in animals managed
extensively than those managed under semi-intensive management practice
(14.12%) in contrary to the previous reports (Kassahun, 2003; Tigrie, 2004;
Takele et al., 2005).
A statistically signicant association was found between body condition score
and reproductive problems with lean cows being the most susceptible, followed
by moderately lean and fat cows. This could be probably lean animals have
poor body defense, weak expulsive force to expel the fetal membrane together
with the high possibility of contamination that increases the infection rate.
Strong association of parity and reproductive problems was obtained in this
study with pleuripara cows being most susceptible. This is similar to the pre-
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Berihu Haftu, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 89-98
vious ndings (Tadesse, 1999; Oumermohammed, 2003; Tigrie, 2004; Mamo,
2004; Takele et al., 2005) and is possibly due to the repeated exposure of the
genital tract to environmental risk factors that can impart uterine infection of
pleuripara cows. Mild infections gaining access to the reproductive tract after
repeated calving and the tendency of older cow taking longer recovery time
from pregnancy and lactation stress could also be the other reasons for this
age related variation.
Even though a slightly higher prevalence rate was found in local Horro breeds
as compared to the crossbreed cows, there was no signicant association be-
tween breed and reproductive health problems. The probable reason is that the
cross breeds included in the study are having at most 50% exotic blood type
and this will help them to cope up the tropical weather conditions and hence
yield better result up on better management.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The results obtained in this study demonstrate that parity, body condition, and
production management system had a signicant effect on the prevalence rate
of major clinical reproductive disorders. Breed had no effect on the prevalence
of the major reproductive health problems of the dairy cows in the study area.
It also suggested that repeat breeding, retention of placenta, abortion, and
subsequent endometritis are the most common reproductive problems of the
dairy cows in and around Bako. From the general fact that reproductive health
problems consequence and also based on the results obtained in this study, the
following recommendations are forwarded:
Regular reproductive health management and production based ration for- •
mulation could be the management options to reduce or alleviate the prob-
lems in intensive and semi-intensive farms;
Detailed causal and management factors study should be conducted in the •
study area on the reproductive health problems of dairy cows to help in
designing a model of reproductive health program to prevent the possible
causes;
Train all dairy farmers on the management of exotic breeds, how to keep re- •
cords of their cattle and the importance of consulting animal production de-
velopment agents and veterinarian about their breeding program and herd
heath management.
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Morphological characters and body weight of Menz
and Afar sheep within their production system
Tesfaye Getachewa, Aynalem Haileb, Markos Tibboc, A.K. Sharmad, Ashebir
Kieh,Endashaw Terefeh , M. Wurzingere,f, J. Sölknere
a Debre Berhan Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 112, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
b International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Animal Genetic Resources, P.O. Box 5689,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
c International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O Box 5466, Tel
Hadya Aleppo, Syria
d Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Mukteswar, Uttrakhand, India
e BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
f International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya
hWorer Agricultural Center
Abstract
Morphological characters and body weight of Menz and Afar sheep breeds were re-
corded under mixed crop-livestock and pastoral systems, respectively. Menz sheep
are fat tailed and the tail is curved upward at the tip. Plain red, white and black
coat colours were the commonest colours observed in Menz sheep with proportions
of 29.3%, 21.6% and 15.8%, respectively. Menz ewes are polled whereas most of
the rams were horned. About 18.5% of the males had ruff whereas females had no
ruff. Menz rams had no wattle while 6.1% of the ewes were with wattle. About 15%
of the Menz sheep had rudimentary ear, 35% had short ear showing a tendency
to incline downward and the remaining half (49.3) of the sheep had larger and
dropping/semi-pendulous ears. Afar sheep breed is fat tailed and the tail is curved
upward having a wider tail both at the base and at the tip. The major (90%) coat
colour of Afar sheep ranged from white to light red. Almost all of the sheep had
straight head prole. Both sexes of Afar sheep breed are polled. About 2.4% of the
female had wattle while males had no wattle. The breed has no ruff, but dewlap is
present in both sexes. Majority (78.6%) of the Afar sheep were short eared show-
ing a tendency of inclination downwards and about 19.7% were with rudimentary
ear. Menz Sheep breed showed higher variability than Afar sheep breed in most of
the qualitative characters. The age of the sheep at which the body weight change
became maximum was at 2.3 pairs of permanent incisor for Menz and 2.2 pairs of
permanent incisor for Afar sheep (approximately equal to 22.5 months). Sex and
age of the sheep had a signicant (p<0.01) effect on body weight and many of the
body measurements. Body weight of mature (2 and above PPI) Menz ram and ewes
were 24.9 ± 0.67 kg and 22.3 ± 0.13 kg, respectively. The corresponding values for
Afar rams and ewes were 29.0 ± 0.84 and 24.5 ± 0.14 kg, respectively. The results
of the study indicated the morphological description and performance level of the
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 99-115
two breeds and could help in designing sheep utilization strategy.
Keywords: body measurement, crop-livestock system, pastoral system, quali-
tative characters
Introduction
Ethiopia is home for about 14 traditional sheep breeds (Solomon et al., 2007b)
and has an estimated 25 million sheep population (CSA, 2007). Menz and Afar
sheep breeds are well adapted to the low input production systems of the coun-
try. Menz sheep breed is adapted to the very cold climate of the cool highlands
and are tolerant to drought and variable seasonal feed availability, tolerant to
endo-parasite infection, produce meat, coarse wool, skin and manure (Haile,
1999; Tibbo, 2006). The Afar sheep breed, to the contrary, is well adapted to
the arid and semi arid environment of the pastoral management system (Galal
1983). Information on morphological characters and performance of the breeds
under traditional management is required for designing community-based
breeding strategy. Unfortunately, information available on Ethiopian sheep
breeds is scanty (Workneh et al., 2004) for Afar sheep and most of the available
information so far for Menz sheep has been based on on-station managed ocks
and some on-farm studies on Menz sheep was done many years ago. Therefore,
the objective of this study was to characterize the general morphology, body
weight and other qualitative characters of the Menz and Afar sheep breeds
under traditional management systems.
Materials and Methods
Description of the study area
The study was conducted on Menz and Afar sheep breeds of Ethiopia. In Menz
area the study was conducted in Menz Mamma and Menz Gera woredas of
North Shewa of the Amhara National Regional State at altitude range from
2800 to 3200 m.a.s.l. Based on the meteorological data obtained from Debre
Berhan Agricultural Research Centre for the years 1985 to 2005, the annual
rainfall at Mehal Meda town (the capital of the Menz Gera woreda) was about
900 mm and the minimum and maximum average temperatures were 6.8 oC
and 17.6 oC, respectively. In Afar area the survey was conducted in Amibara
woreda, part of the zone 3 of the Afar National Regional State. The study was
conducted at altitude ranging from 750 to 812 m.a.s.l. Based on the meteoro-
logical data from Werer Research Centre for the years 1965 to 2006, the an-
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nual rainfall is 588 mm and average daily temperature is about 27.6 oC with a
maximum approaching 38 oC in June and a minimum of 15.4 oC in November.
Selection of the study sites
A rapid eld survey was conducted by a team of researchers and the respec-
tive woreda Agricultural ofce professionals in each of Menz and Afar areas to
locate appropriate site for the establishment of community-based sheep breed-
ing strategy. Two kebeles in Menz area (Sina Amba and Yecha) and three
kebeles in Afar (Ambash, Hallidegi and Awash Arba) were selected based on
their suitability for sheep production, inuence of crossbreeding, market and
road access and willingness of the farmers or pastoralists to participate in the
program.
Methods of data collection
Qualitative and quantitative morphological characters were collected from a
total of 1888 (1095 Menz and 793 Afar ) sheep. The sheep were sampled within
approximately 50 km radius of the selected sites. Each sampled animal was
identied by sex, site and estimated age group. Adult sheep were classied into
ve age groups based on the number of pairs of permanent incisors (PPI) follow-
ing the nding of Wilson and Durkin (1984) for African sheep breed as follows:
0 PPI= less than 15 months, 1 PPI= 15.5 to 22.0 months, 2 PPI = 22.5 to 27.0
months, 3 PPI = 28.0 to 38 months and 4 PPI= above 39.0 months. Qualitative
characters: coat color pattern, coat color type, hair type, head prole, ears,
wattle, horn, ruff and tail were observed. For linear body measurements sheep
were put in standing position on a level and hard oor and held by personnel.
All measurements were taken by the same personnel while sheep were in an
up-right plane during measurement. The following 8 body measurements were
measured using measuring tape calibrated in centimeters (cm): chest girth
(CG - taken as the circumference of the body immediately behind the shoulder
blades in a vertical plane perpendicular to the long axis of the body); body
length (BL- measured as the horizontal distance from the point of shoulder to
the base of the tail); wither height (WH- taken to be the height of an animal
from the bottom of the front foot to the highest point of the shoulder between
the withers); pelvic width (PW- measured as the distance between pelvic bones
across the dorsum); horn length (HL- length of the horn on its exterior side
from its root at the poll of the tip); scrotum circumference (SC- taken by push-
ing the testicles to the bottom of the scrotum and the greatest circumference
was measured); tail length (TL- distance from the base to the tip of the tail on
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the outer side of the tail); tail circumference (TC- circumference of the base of
the tail) while body weight was measured using suspended spring balance hav-
ing 50 kg capacity with 0.2 kg precision. Body condition (BC) scoring was done
subjectively using scoring from 1 (emaciated) to 5 (obese or extremely fat).
Data analysis
Body weight increased at higher rate till 2 PPI and then after body weight
increased at lower rate. The age of the sheep at which the body weight change
become maximum (at about 2 PPI) were obtained from the quadratic equation
using body weight change of each breed as response variable and dentition
class as explanatory variable. Thus, for the analysis of least squares means of
body weight and other body measurements, sheep were classied in to 3 age
groups; young (0 PPI = less than 15 months), intermediate (1 PPI = 15.5 to 22.5
months) and oldest (2 and above PPI = above 22.5 months). Measurements on
qualitative characters were analyzed for male and female sheep within breed
using frequency procedure of SAS (SAS, 2003). The coefcient of unalikeability
(u2) was used to measure the variability of qualitative characters within the
breed. As described by Kader and Perry (2007) Coefcient of Unalikeability
(u2) was calculated using the formula: u2 =1-∑ pi2, where pi is the proportion
of each response within a category. Body weight and quantitative linear body
measurements were analyzed using the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) pro-
cedures of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2003). For adult animals, sex
and age group of the sheep were tted as xed independent variables while
body weight and linear body measurements except scrotum circumference and
horn length were tted as dependent variables. Scrotum circumference was
analyzed for each breed by tting age group as xed factor. Horn was specic
character of male Menz sheep only and therefore analysis of horn length was
employed for male Menz sheep only by tting age group as xed effect. When
analysis of variance declares signicance, least square means were separated
using adjusted Tukey-Kramer test.
Results
Qualitative morphological characters
Menz sheep: Menz sheep is fat tailed and the tail is curved upward at the tip.
Nearly 69% of the sheep had plain coat color pattern followed by patchy pat-
tern (28%). Sheep with spotty pattern (2.8%) were rarely observed. Almost all
(98.8%) of Menz sheep had long and coarse wool/hair. Coat color types of plain
red, white and black were observed with proportions of 29.3, 21.5 and 15.8%,
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respectively. The mixtures of red and white; and black and white accounted for
16.4% and 6.3%, respectively. Black with white head, dark grey locally known
as ‘jibma’ and black color with white or red belly accounted for 3.0, 6.0 and
1.7%, respectively. Majority (98%) of the sheep had straight and slightly con-
cave head prole. Almost all (99.1%) of the ewes were polled whereas most
(92.3%) of the rams were horned. Horn shape and orientation of Menz ram
were also variable. Out of the horned rams, 95.7% had spiral horn shape and
the remaining 4.3% had short and straight horn. Out of the total rams having
spiral shape, almost half (52.9%) of the ram had back ward oriented horns and
the remaining 47.1% had laterally oriented horns. About 19% of the males had
ruff (long hair around the neck region of the inner part) whereas females had
no ruff. Menz rams had no wattle while 6.1% of the ewes were with wattle.
About 15% had rudimentary ear, 35.3% had short ear showing a tendency to
be inclined downward and the remaining 49.3% of the sheep had larger and
dropping/semi-pendulous ears. Menz ram and ewe are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. A mature Menz ram (left) and ewe (right)
Afar sheep: Afar sheep breed is fat tailed and the tail is curved upward having
a wider tail both at the base and at the tip. Coat colour pattern was patchy
(58.1%), plain (40.6%) and spotty (1.3%). Almost all (99.7%) had short and
coarse hair. Coat colour type of the breed was white with red patch along the
back (41.9%), plain light red (30.9%), plain white (17.2%) and plain dark red
(7%). This showed that majority (90%) of the sheep are found in between white
and red colours. Other colors were found rarely; plain black (1.2%), black and
white (1.1%) and dark grey (0.7%). Almost all of the sheep (99.2%) had straight
head prole. Both sexes of Afar sheep breed were polled. About 2.4% of the
female had wattle while all of the males had no wattle. The breed had no ruff,
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but dewlap is present in both sexes. Majority (78.6%) of the Afar sheep were
short eared showing a tendency to be inclined downwards and about 19.7%
were with rudimentary ear. Figure 2 shows the physical appearance of Afar
ram and ewe.
Figure 2. A mature Afar ram (left) and ewe (right)
Variability of qualitative characters
Generally Menz Sheep breed showed higher variability than Afar sheep breed
in most of the qualitative characters. Menz sheep have shown more variability
in coat color type, ear form, head prole and coat color pattern among other
qualitative characters with coefcient of unalikeability (u2) of 0.81, 0.61, 0.52
and 0.44, respectively. Afar sheep breed showed more variability on coat color
type with u2 of 0.69 followed by ear form and coat color pattern with u2 of 0.40
and 0.34, respectively.
Body Weight and body condition score
Figure 3 shows a plot of body weight against dentition class for Menz and
Afar ewes. Body weights of both Menz and Afar sheep breeds increased at
increasing rate from milk tooth stage (dentition class 0) to the eruption of 1
pair of permanent incisor (dentition class 1) and also from dentition class 1 to
the eruption of 2 pairs of permanent (dentition class 2). The age of the sheep
at which the body weight change became maximum was at an average of 2.3
pairs of permanent incisor for Menz and 2.2 pairs of permanent incisor for Afar
sheep (approximately equal to 22.5 months). Body weight of both Menz and
Afar sheep started to decline at old age (dentition class 5) when sheep started
to wear their permanent incisors (approximately above 5 years old).
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 99-115
Figure 3. Growth curve of Menz and Afar sheep
Least squares means ± standard errors of body weight (kg), body condition
score for the effects of sex, age and sex by age interaction for Menz and Afar
sheep breed are presented in Tables 1 and 2, respectively. Sex and age of the
sheep had signicant (p<0.01) effect on body weight (BW) of both Menz and
Afar sheep breeds. Body condition (BC) was affected (p<0.01) by sex and age
for Menz sheep whereas for Afar sheep breed it was affected (p<0.01) by sex
of the sheep but not by the age (p>0.05). In all age groups of Menz and Afar
sheep, males were heavier (p<0.01) than females. Body weight in Menz and
Afar sheep signicantly increased as the age increased from the youngest (0
PPI) to the oldest (≥ 2 PPI) age group. The interaction of sex and age group was
signicant (p<0.01) for BW and BC of Menz sheep but for Afar sheep it was
signicant for BC (p<0.01) only.
Table 1. Least squares means ± standard errors of body weight (kg), body condition
score for the effects of sex, age and sex by age interaction for Menz sheep
Effects and level Body weight Body condition score
N LSM±SE N LSM±SE
Overall 1072 20.6±0.15 1095 1.9±0.03
CV% 1072 15.0 1095 29.8
R21072 36.0 1095 6.0
Sex
Male
Female
** **
217 22.0±0.27 224 2.1±0.05
858 19.3±0.13 872 1.8±0.02
Age group ** **
0 PPI 264 17.2±0.19a271 1.7±0.03a
1 PPI 202 21.0±0.23b204 2.0±0.04b
≥ 2 PPI 609 23.6±0.32c621 2.1±0.06b
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Effects and level Body weight Body condition score
N LSM±SE N LSM±SE
Sex by age group ** **
Male, 0 PPI 127 18.0±0.28a 133 1.7±0.05a
Male, 1 PPI 65 22.9±0.39be66 2.3±0.07b
Male, ≥ 2 PPI 25 24.9±0.67b 25 2.3±0.11b
Female, 0 PPI 137 16.5±0.27c138 1.7±0.05a
Female, 1 PPI 137 19.1±0.27d138
596
1.8±0.05ac
1.9±0.02dc
Female, ≥ 2 PPI 584 22.3±0.14e
a,b,c,d,eMeans with different superscripts within the same column and class are statistically different. **signi-
cant at 0.01. 0 PPI = 0 pair of permanent incisors; 1PPI = 1 pair of permanent incisor and ≥ 2 PPI = 2 or more
pairs of permanent incisors.
Table 2. Least squares means ± standard errors of body weight (kg), body condition
score for the effect of sex, age and sex by age for Afar sheep
Body weight Body condition
Effects and level N LSM±SE N LSM±SE
Overall 779 22.76±0.26 793 2.04±0.04
CV% 779 14.0 793 27.4
R2779 33.0 793 9.0
Sex
Male
Female
** **
46 24.3±0.50 46 2.3±0.08
733 21.2±0.16 747 1.8±0.02
Age group ** NS
0 PPI 102 19.4±0.40a102 2.1±0.06
1 PPI 117 22.1±0.53b121 1.9±0.08
≥ 2 PPI 560 26.8(0.42c570 2.1±0.06
Sex by age group Ns **
Male, 0 PPI 21 20.3±0.71 21 2.2±0.11a
Male, 1 PPI 10 23.5±1.02 10 2.2±0.15a
Male, ≥ 2 PPI 15 29.0±0.84 15 2.4±0.12a
Female, 0 PPI 81 18.5±0.36 51 2.1±0.05a
Female, 1 PPI 107 20.8±0.31 111 1.7±0.05b
Female, ≥ 2 PPI 545 24.5±0.13 555 1.7±0.02b
a,b,c Means with different superscripts within the same column and class are statistically different (at least
p <0.05). Ns = non signicant; **signicant at 0.01. 0 PPI = 0 pair of permanent incisors; 1PPI = 1 pair of
permanent incisor and ≥ 2 PPI = 2 or more pairs of permanent incisors
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Linear body measurements
Least squares means ± standard errors of body measurements (cm) for the ef-
fect of sex, age and sex by age for Menz and Afar sheep breeds are presented
in Tables 3 and 4, respectively. For Menz breed, sex had signicant effect on
CG (p<0.01), WH (p<0.01) and PW (P<0.05) but had no (p>0.05) effect on BL.
For Afar sheep, BL, CG, WH were signicantly (p<0.01) affected by sex, where-
as PW was not affected (p<0.05). All body measurements (BL, CG, WH and
PW) were signicantly (p<0.01) affected by age group for both Menz and Afar
sheep breeds. In body measurements affected by sex, males had larger values
than females. Chest girth of Menz breed and WH of Afar sheep were affected
(p<0.01) by the interaction of sex and age group.
Table 3. Least squares means ± standard errors of body measurements (cm) for the ef-
fect of sex, age and sex by age for Menz sheep
Effects and
level
Body length Chest girth Wither height Pelvic width
N LSM±SE N LSM±SE N LSM±SE N LSM±SE
Overall 1095 53.5±0.17 1095 65.1±0.22 1095 58.4±0.16 1095 18.1±0.07
CV% 1095 6.3 1095 7.1 1095 5.7 1095 8.3
R21095 27.0 1095 28.0 1095 19.0 1095 22.0
Sex
Male
Female
NS ** ** *
224 53.9±0.29 224 65.7±0.39 224 59.6±0.28 224 18.2±0.13
871 53.7±0.15 871 64.5±0.20 871 57.1±0.14 871 17.9±0.06
Age group ** ** ** **
0 PPI 271 51.3±0.22a271 61.4±0.28a271 56.1±0.20a271 17.0±0.09a
1 PPI 204 54.3±0.26b204 66.1±0.35b204 59.0±0.25b204 18.4±0.11b
≥ 2 PPI 620 55.9±0.35b620 67.7±0.48c620 60.0±0.34b620 18.9±0.16b
Sex by age
group
Ns ** Ns Ns
Male, 0 PPI 133 51.7±0.31 133 62.2±0.40a133 57.4±0.29 133 17.1±0.13
Male, 1 PPI 66 54.7±0.43 66 67.7±0.57b66 60.8±0.41 66 18.6±0.19
Male, ≥ 2
PPI
25 55.5±0.71 25 67.3±0.93bc 25 60.8±0.67 25 18.9±0.30
Female, 0
PPI
138 50.8±0.30 138 60.7±0.40a138 54.8±0.28 138 16.8±0.13
Female, 1
PPI
138
595
53.9±0.30
56.4±0.14
138
595
64.5±0.40c
68.2±0.19b
138
595
57.3±0.28
59.2±0.14
138
595
18.2±0.13
18.8±0.06
Female, ≥ 2
PPI
a,b,c,d, Means with different superscripts within the same column and class are statistically different (at least p
<0.05). Ns = non signicant; * signicant at 0.05; **signicant at 0.01. 0 PPI = 0 pair of permanent incisors;
1PPI = 1 pair of permanent incisor and ≥ 2 PPI = 2 or more pairs of permanent incisors
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Table 4. Least squares means ± standard errors of body measurements (cm) for the ef-
fect of sex, age and sex by age for Afar sheep
Effect and
level
Body length Chest girth Wither height Pelvic width
N LSM±SE N LSM±SE N LSM±SE NLSM±SE
Overall 792 60.58±0.28 792 66.50±.31 792 61.37±0.23 793 0.55±0.13
CV% 792 5.5 792 5.7 792 4.6 793 7.4
R2792 22.0 792 30.0 792 21.0 793 23.0
Sex
Male
Female
** ** ** Ns
46 61.3±0.52 46 67.3±0.58 46 62.1±0.44 46 20.5±0.24
746 59.9±0.17 746 65.7±0.19 747 60.7±0.14 747 20.7±0.08
Age group ** ** ** **
0 PPI 102 57.3±0.41a102 62.4±0.46a102 58.6±0.35a102 19.3±0.19a
1 PPI 121 61.2±0.56b121 66.5±0.62b121 61.6±0.47b121 20.8±0.26b
≥ 2 PPI 570 63.2±0.44c570 70.5±0.49c570 63.9±0.37c570 21.6±0.21c
Sex by age
group
Ns Ns * Ns
Male, 0 PPI 21 57.3±0.74 21 62.5±0.82 21 58.6±0.62a21 19.2±0.34
Male, 1 PPI 10 62.4±1.07 10 67.6±1.20 10 62.4±0.90bcd 10 20.9±0.50
Male, ≥ 2 PPI 15 64.2±0.87 15 71.9±0.97 15 65.3±0.74b15 21.3±0.41
Female, 0 PPI 81 57.2±0.38 81 62.4±0.42 81 58.6±0.32a81
Female, 1 PPI 111 60.1±0.32 111 65.4±0.36 111 60.9±0.27c111 20.7±0.15
Female, ≥ 2
PPI
555 62.3±0.14 555 69.2±0.16 555 62.6±0.12d555 21.8±0.07
a,b,c,d, Means with different superscripts within the same column and class are statistically different (at least p
<0.05). Ns = non signicant; * signicant at 0.05; **signicant at 0.01. 0 PPI = 0 pair of permanent incisors;
1PPI = 1 pair of permanent incisor and ≥ 2 PPI = 2 or more pairs of permanent incisors
Least squares means ± standard errors of tail length and tail circumference
(cm) for the effect of sex, age and sex by age; and horn length and scrotum
circumference (cm) for the effect of age for Menz and Afar sheep breed are
presented in Tables 5 and 6, respectively. For both Menz and Afar sheep, sex
had signicant (p<0.01) effect on tail length (TL) and tail circumference (TC).
Tail length, TC and SC were signicantly (p<0.05) affected by the age of the
sheep in both Menz and Afar sheep breed except for TL which was not different
(P>0.05) among the age groups for Afar sheep. The interaction of sex and age
group was signicant (p<0.05) only for TC in Menz sheep.
Table 5. Least squares means ± standard errors of tail measurements (cm) for the effect
of sex, age and sex by age; and horn length and scrotum circumference (cm) for the ef-
fect of age for Menz sheep
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Effect and level Tail length Tail circumfer-
ence
Scrotal circum-
ference
Horn length
N LSM±SE N LSM±SE N LSM±SE N LSM±SE
Overall 1078 18.67±0.15 1096 15.47±0.15 219 23.16±0.24 295 20.15±0.46
CV% 1078 17.2 1096 23.3 219 12.2 295 39.5
R2 1078 10.0 1096 25.0 219 25.0 295 19.0
Sex
Male
Female
** ** Na Na
216 20.0±0.27 224 18.1±0.270
862 17.4±0.13 872 12.8±0.140
Age group ** ** ** ** **
0 PPI 269 18.1±0.19a 271 13.9±0.20a 131 20.9±0.24a 127 15.3±0.68a
1 PPI 198 19.3±0.23b 204 15.9±0.24b 66 24.0±0.33b 90 21.7±0.81b
≥ 2 PPI 611 18.6±0.34ab 621 16.6±0.33b 22 24.5±0.58b 78 23.5±0.87b
Sex by age group Ns ** Na Na
Male, 0 PPI 131 19.0±0.27 133 15.4±0.28a
Male, 1 PPI 64 20.9±0.38 66 19.1±0.40b
Male, ≥ 2 PPI 21 19.9±0.67 25 20.0±0.64b
Female, 0 PPI 138 17.2±0.26 138 12.4±0.27c
Female, 1 PPI 134 17.8±0.26 138 12.8±0.27c
Female, ≥ 2 PPI 590 17.3±0.13 596 13.2±0.13c
a,b,c,d Means with different superscripts within the same column and class are statistically different (at least
p<0.05). Ns = non signicant; Na = not applicable. **signicant at 0.01. 0 PPI = 0 pair of permanent incisors;
1PPI = 1 pair of permanent incisor and ≥ 2 PPI = 2 or more pairs of permanent incisors.
Table 6. Least square means ± standard error of tail measurements (cm) for the effect
of sex, age group and sex by age; and scrotum circumference (cm) for the effect of age
for Afar sheep
Effect and level Tail length Tail circumference Scrotal circumference
N LSM±SE N LSM±SE N LSM±SE
Overall 792 16.68±0.24 791 41.16±0.51 43 25.69±0.39
CV% 792 19.1 791 16.4 43 9.8
R2 792 4.5 791 7.8 43 29.0
Sex
Male
Female
** ** Na
45 17.8±0.46 46 45.0±0.97
747 15.6±0.15 745 37.3±0.32
Age group Ns ** **
0 PPI 101 16.3±0.38 102 39.0±0.77a 19 23.9±0.57a
1 PPI 121 17.3±0.49 121 41.6±1.04ab 10 25.7±0.79a
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Effect and level Tail length Tail circumference Scrotal circumference
N LSM±SE N LSM±SE N LSM±SE
≥ 2 PPI 570 16.4±0.38 568 42.9±0.82b 14 27.5±0.67b
Sex by age group Ns Ns Na
Male, 0 PPI 20 16.9±0.66 21 42.2±1.40
Male, 1 PPI 10 18.9±0.93 10 45.2±2.00
Male, ≥ 2 PPI 15 17.7±0.76 15 47.6±1.60
Female, 0 PPI 81 15.8±0.33c 81 35.8±0.70
Female, 1 PPI 111 15.8±0.28 111 38.1±0.60
Female, ≥ 2 PPI 555 15.1±0.12 553 38.2±0.27
a,b, Means with different superscripts within the same column and class are statistically different (at least p
< 0.05). Ns = non signicant; Na = Not applicable. **signicant at 0.01. 0 PPI = 0 pair of permanent incisors;
1PPI = 1 pair of permanent incisor and ≥ 2 PPI = 2 or more pairs of permanent incisors.
Presence of horn was sex and breed dependent and was observed in Menz rams
only. Horn length was affected by the age of the ram. Horn length at the
youngest age group was 15.3 cm which was signicantly shorter (p<0.01) than
the intermediate age group (21.7 cm) and oldest age group (23.5 cm) while the
later age groups were not different (p>0.01) from each other.
Discussion
In this study we describe Menz and Afar sheep breeds based on their body
weight and other body measurements in their production systems. The pro-
portion of white coloured sheep observed in Menz was larger than that of black
colour. The results are contrary to the report of Galal, (1983) who reported
black and brown as the dominant colors of Menz sheep while white color was
rarely observed. On the other hand, on-station characterization of Menz sheep
by Tibbo et al. (2004) found white colored sheep in larger proportion. Examin-
ing the results of the present study against the earlier ones indicated that the
proportion of white is increasing and that of black is decreasing through time.
This is strongly supported by the preference of farmers of white and red colors
against the black color for which the farmers are exercising some kind of selec-
tion for the preferred ones. In general the qualitative morphological description
of Afar sheep breed obtained in this study is in agreement with those of Galal
(1983) and Sisay (2002) who described Afar sheep breed at Werer Research
Center and in eastern Amhara Regional State, respectively. Lower value of
coefcient of unalikability were observed for qualitative morphological charac-
ters of Afar than Menz sheep breed suggesting the Afar breed was more close
to bred true (able to produce offspring of the same phenotype). Higher hetero-
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 99-115
geneity of coat color obtained for Menz sheep was supported with the nding
of Sisay (2002). Higher variability in coat colour and pattern of Menz sheep,
small size and presence of horn, short fat tailed makes them similar with the
primitive Soay sheep breed (Marrs, 2006). Higher variability in qualitative
characters like coat color, ear size and head prole of Menz sheep indicated
the existence of different types and thus when designing breeding strategy
for Menz sheep one might consider the possibility of developing different lines
within the breed.
The effect of sex on body weight and other measurements obtained in this
study is in agreement with previous results (Abebe, 1999; Tibbo et al., 2004).
Body weight and most of the body measurements of Menz sheep reported in
this study are comparable with the previous recent report on the same breed
from on-station (Tibbo et al., 2004) and on-farm (Abebe, 1999) management
conditions. However, the value of body weight obtained at the oldest age group
of male and female Menz sheep was lower than those reported by Galal (1983).
Wither height of Afar sheep is comparable with the result of Galal (1983) who
reported 66 cm and 61 cm for mature ram and ewe, respectively. Body weight
of Afar sheep at the youngest age group was lower than the on-station yearling
weight (Yebrah, 2008) of Afar sheep reported as 25.6 kg and 23.5 kg for male
and female, respectively. Body weight of Afar ram and ewe (29.0 ± 0.84 and
24.5 ± 0.13 kg, respectively) in the oldest age group were lower than the previ-
ous report of Galal, (1983). The comparatively lower body weight for both Menz
and Afar sheep breeds recorded compared with previous reports might be at-
tributed to the difference in the level of management. This is so because the
on-station management of the other studies increased the growth of the sheep
and resulted in higher weight. The difference might also be related to the year/
time effect. Due to the fact that the values, for instance of Galal (1983), were
estimated before 25 years and the feed situation and genetic make up of ani-
mals is not expected to be the same over the long years.
Generally, live weight of Menz and Afar sheep breeds is far lower than the
recommended live export body weight of 30 kg at yearling age (Tibbo, 2006).
Menz and Afar sheep breeds are also lower in live weight and other body mea-
surements when compared with other sheep breeds found in the country. For
example, in north western Ethiopia, body weight of 32.5 kg at 13 to 18 months
age were recorded for Gumuz ram under on-farm management (Solomon,
2007); and 33.1 kg for Washera ram and 26.1 kg for Washera ewe were report-
ed (Mengiste, 2008) at the age when sheep had 3 PPI, under farmers manage-
ment. Under station management at Bako Research Center, 34 kg body weight
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 99-115
was reported for Horro sheep breed (Yohannes et al., 1998). Small body size
and reduced productivity in Menz and Afar sheep breeds might be attributed
to the fact that these attributes could be used as means of survival in the harsh
environmental situation (Silanikove, 2000) prevailing in the Afar and Menz
areas. However, research ndings indicated the possibility of genetic improve-
ment on these sheep breeds due to the existence of within breed variability and
moderate to high heritability for body weight (Solomon et al., 2007a; Yebrah,
2008). Indigenous Menz sheep improved through selection could reach 30 kg
live weight at yearling under better management (Solomon et al., 2006).
Mean body condition for male Menz and Afar sheep were found to be thin. This
might be due to the existing feed situation in the areas. Unpublished report
from Debre Berhan Agricultural Research Center indicated that poor body con-
dition has contributed to meat darkening after slaughter. Low body weight of
Menz and Afar sheep breeds obtained in this study might be partly due to poor
body condition score implying the possibility of improvement in body weight by
improving the condition of animals through better management.
The overall tail length of Afar sheep was 16.7 cm which was lower than tail
length of Menz sheep (18.7 cm). The tail lengths of Menz and Afar sheep were
lower than that of Horro sheep (36 cm) (Kasahun, 2000). Tail circumference of
Afar sheep breed (41.2 cm) is much higher than tail circumferences of Menz
sheep (15.5 cm), and was also higher than earlier reported value of 15.0 cm
for Menz and Horro sheep (Kasahun, 2000). Large tail circumference of Afar
sheep recorded in this study is in agreement with the report that the breed
has a wide tail base (Galal, 1983). The small tail length for Afar sheep is unex-
pected as it seemed large visually. This was because of the large width of Afar
sheep tail both at the base and the tip, the tail fat hang on the tail down wards
and some times reached below the hock. But the actual measurement of tail
length was measured following the tail bone from the base to the tip of the tail
which is lower than visually observed.
Conclusions
In this study we described morphological characters and body weight of Menz
and Afar sheep breeds. Higher variability in qualitative characters of Menz
sheep indicated the existence of different types and thus when designing breed-
ing strategy for Menz sheep one might consider the possibility of developing
different lines within the breed. This study revealed that Menz and Afar sheep
breed showed lower body weight and body measurements than results of the
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 99-115
on-station management of the same breeds and compared with other breeds
found in the country. Low body weight of Menz and Afar sheep breeds obtained
in this study might be partly due to management and could provide an op-
portunity for improvement in body weight through better management. The
observed difference might also be partly due to genetics and could be improved
using appropriate breeding strategy. Generally, growth traits have moderate
to high heritability implying the possibility of improving through pure breed-
ing.
Acknowledgements
Financial support for this study was obtained from the Austrian Development
Agency. This study is part of an on-going mega project being implemented by
International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA),
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Austrian University of Nat-
ural Resource and Applied Sciences (BOKU), and Ethiopian research systems.
The authors would like to particularly thank Debre Berhan and Melka Werer
Agricultural Research Centres for facilitating this study. We are also grateful
for the smallholder farmers and pastoralists who participated in this study.
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Morphological Characterization of Bonga and Horro
Indigenous Sheep Breeds under Smallholder condi-
tions in Ethiopia
Zewdu Edea1, Aynalem Haile2, Markos Tibbo3, A.K, Sharma4 , Dejene Assefa5, Johann
Sölkner6 and Maria Wurzinger6,7
1Yabello Pastoral and Dry land Agriculture Research Center, P.O.Box, 33, Yabello
2International Livestock Research Institute, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa
3 International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), PO Box 5466,
Aleppo, Syria
4Haramaya University, P.O.Box, 38 Haramaya
5Bonga Agricultural Research Centre, Bonga
6BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
7International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract
Characterization of animal genetic resource is a pre-requisite for designing proper
breeding strategies. This study was conducted to morphologically and biometri-
cally characterize Bonga and Horro indigenous sheep breeds of the smallholders.
A total of 10 traits which included body weight, body length, chest width, wither
height, chest width, pelvic width, tail length, tail circumference, ear length and
scrotal circumference were measured from 755 Bonga and 820 Horro sheep kept
by smallholder farmers. For the analyses of quantitative data, the main effects of
breed and dentition were tted in the model within each sex groups. In both of
the breeds the coat color is dominated by brown which is found in plain and patchy
patterns. Polldness is common in both of the breeds. Coat pattern, coat color, tail
conformation and ear orientation were found to signicantly (P<0.01) differ be-
tween the two breeds. More of the animals in Horro had plain coat pattern, brown
coat color, and semi-pendulous ear orientation. Horro females had signicantly
(P<0.01) greater values for chest girth, wither height and tail length than Bonga
females. On the contrary, Bonga ewe’s had signicantly (P<0.01) higher values
than Horro with respect to body weight, body length, chest width, pelvic width and
ear length. Horro male had higher values (P< 0.01) for chest girth; wither height
and scrotal circumference than Bonga males. With the exceptions of ear length,
tail circumference, tail length and body condition score, age was found to have a
signicant inuence (P<0.01) on most body measurements in both sexes. The two
breeds can be classied as large breeds and should be given emphasis for their
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improvement and conservation since they can better thrive and produce where
disease and internal parasites are problems. To explore the genetic potential of
Bonga sheep there is a need to undertake performance testing studies under im-
proved management conditions unlike Horro sheep where there is good deal infor-
mation on performance the breed.
Key words: Bonga sheep, Horro sheep, Adiyo, Horro, morphological charac-
ters
Introduction
Sheep population of Ethiopia is estimated at 24 million heads, with major-
ity (75%) of these being kept in small scale mixed farms in the highland
regions, while the remaining 25% are found in the lowlands (Tibbo, 2006).
The majority of sheep kept in Ethiopia are indigenous to the country. These
are valuable genetic resources adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of
the country, resistant and/or tolerant to parasites and diseases and have the
ability to efciently utilize limited feed resources (Solomon et al., 2007)
and might be more productive under low input systems of smallholders than
exotic breeds. They provide regular cash income through sale of live ani-
mal and skins, are living bank against the various environmental calamities
(crop failure, drought, ooding) and have socio-cultural values for diverse
traditional communities. Therefore, there is a need to study variation among
the breeds so as to facilitate their efcient utilization and conservations.
Past studies were limited in their scope as they were concentrated only on
few indigenous sheep breeds or are based on few animals compared to the
whole population. Information on morphological characteristics is a pre-
requisite to the development of sustainable breed improvement, utilization
and conservation strategies. For example, community based breeding strat-
egies warrant that the breeds have to be well studied, and traits, which make
them unique, be characterised phenotypically and genetically (Baker and
Gray, 2003). The objective of this study was, therefore, to morphologically
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characterize indigenous Bonga and Horro sheep breeds.
Materials and Methods
Study areas
The study was carried out in Adiyo Kaka (Southern Nations, Nationalities
and Peoples’ Regional State of Ethiopia) and Horro (Oromia Regional State
of Ethiopia) districts from December 2007 to March 2008. Adiyo Kaka falls
within longitude of 36º 47’E and latitude of 7º 26’N with altitude ranging from
500 to 3500 meters. The temperature in the area can be as high as 36 ºC and
can also reach lowest value of 3 ºC (SUDACA, 2007). Horro district is situated
within longitude of 36º 47’E and latitude of 7º 26’N with altitude ranging from
1800 to 2835 meters HARDO (HARDO, 2006).
Morphological characters studied
A total of 1575 (755 Bonga and 820 Horro sheep) were randomly sampled from
the study districts. The categorical traits scored were: coat pattern, coat color
type, head prole, ear orientation, presence or absence of ruff, presence or ab-
sence of wattle, tail conformation, and body condition. Likewise, the quanti-
tative traits measured for both male and female were: live body weight (BW,
measured using a 100kg portable weighing scale graduated at 500gm interval);
body length (BL, measured as the horizontal distance from the point of shoul-
der to the pin bone); chest girth (CG, the circumference behind the forelegs);
wither height (WH, the height from the bottom of the front foot to the highest
point of the shoulder between the withers); pelvic width (PW, the distance
between the pelvic bones, across dorsum); chest width (CW, the width of the
chest between the briskets); tail length (TL, the length of tail from the base to
the tip); tail circumference (TC, the circumference of the tail at its widest part);
ear length (EL, the length of the ear on its exterior side from its root at the poll
to the tip); and scrotal circumference (SC, the circumference of the testis at the
widest part). Body measurements were obtained by the use of measuring tape
calibrated in centimeters (cm) after restraining and holding the animals in an
unforced position. In addition, the age of animals was estimated from dentition
to support the age information given by farmers. Based on dentition, sampled
sheep were categorized as 0 dentition (only for males), one pair of permanent
incisors, two pairs of permanent incisors, three pairs of permanent incisors
and four pairs of permanent incisors following Wilson and Durkin (1984) (Ta-
ble 1). Body condition score (BCS) was assessed subjectively and scored using
the 5 point scale (1= very thin, 2 = thin, 3 = average, 4 = fat and 5 = Very fat/
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obese) for both of the sexes according to Hassamo et al. (1986). Body score of an
animal was done by feeling the back bone with the thumb and the end of the
short ribs with ngers tips immediately behind the last ribs.
Table1. Size of samples of the studied ock
Breed Number of animals used for qualitative and quantitative measurements
Female Male
1PPI 2PPI 3PPI 4PPI 1-4PPI Total
Bonga 85 102 169 325 74 755
Horro 61 138 90 503 28 820
Total 146 240 259 828 102 1575
Estimate ages of sample population: 1PPI = 15.5 months; 2PPI months= 22.5 months; 3 PPI = 28 months; 4
PPI = 39 months (Wilson and Durkin, 1984).
Data Analysis
Qualitative data from individual observation were analyzed for the breeds and
sexes separately using SAS (2003). Chi-square test was employed to test for
independence between the categorical variables. Owing to the low number of
males in each dentition class, quantitative data sets were analyzed for the two
sexes (female and intact male) separately tting breed and dentition and their
interaction in the model (models 1). Four dentition classes for females namely
1, 2, 3 and 4 and two dentition classes for male 0-1 and ≥ 2 were used. The
General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS (2003) was employed to ana-
lyze quantitative variables. Tukey Kramer test was used to separate means
of effects with three or more levels which were signicant in the least squares
analysis of variance (SAS, 2003).
Model used for the least - squares analysis in females and males was:
Yijk =µ + Bi + Dj + (B x D)ij + eijk
Where: Yijk = Observed body weight or linear measurements
µ = Overall mean
B
i = the xed effect of i th breed (i = Bonga, Horro)
D
j = the xed effect of jth dentition classes (j = 1PP, 2PPI, 3PPI, 4PPI)
(B x D)ij = Breed by dentition interaction effect
e
ijk = random error
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Results and Discussion
Categorical traits
Bonga sheep
The proportion of categorical traits for Bonga sheep is presented in Table 2.
The Bonga sheep have a characteristic of fat-tailed which hangs just at the
hocks or below the hocks. About 67% of the sampled population had straight
and tip down ward tail where as the remaining 33% carry straight and twisted
end tail. In both of the sexes, the predominant coat pattern was plain (63.8%)
though the proportion of patchy (32.6) is high. The commonest color was brown
(46.9%) in both sexes, followed by mixture of brown and white (21.2%). This
result is in agreement with the earlier report of Tibbo and Ginbar (2004) that
the majority of Bonga sheep had brown coat color. The presence of wattle is low
(5.1%) in both sexes. This is in agreement with the work of Tibbo and Ginbar
(2004). It was observed that ruff is the feature of male (13.4%) and was absent
in females. Both the males and females were devoid of horn. Higher propor-
tions of females were docked (81.1%) whereas none of the males were docked.
A picture of representative Bonga ewe and ram are depicted in Fig. 1 and 2,
respectively.
Table 2. Summary of the qualitative traits in the female and male Bonga sheep
Character Attributes Sex Total
Female Male
No. % No. % No. %
Coat colour
pattern
Plain 448 63.8 100 63.7 548 63.8
Patchy 232 33.0 48 30.6 280 32.6
Spotted 22 3.1 9 5.7 31 3.6
Overall 702 100.0 157 100.0 859 100.0
Coat color type White 64 9.1 14 8.9 78 9.1
Brown 329 46.9 74 47.1 403 46.9
Black 20 2.8 1 0.6 21 2.4
Grey 5 0.7 2 1.3 7 0.8
Creamy white 34 4.8 8 5.1 42 4.9
White and black with
white dominant
11 1.6 7 4.5 18 2.1
Brown and White
with brown domi-
nant
151 21.5 31 19.7 182 21.2
Brown and White
with white dominant
70 10.0 15 9.6 85 9.9
Black and white with
black dominant
18 2.6 5 3.2 23 2.7
Overall 702 100.0 157 100.0 859 100.0
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Character Attributes Sex Total
Female Male
No. % No. % No. %
Head prole Straight 557 79.3 35 22.3 592 68.9
Slightly convex 145 20.7 122 77.7 267 31.1
Overall 702 100.0 157 100.0 859 100.0
Tail conforma-
tion
Straight and tip
down ward
91 69.6 43 62.3 134 67.0
Straight and twisted
end
40 30.5 26 37.7 66 33.0
Overall 131 100 69 100.0 200 100.0
Wattle Present 41 5.8 3 1.9 44 5.1
Absent 661 94.2 154 98.1 815 94. 9
Overall 702 100.0 157 100.0 859 100.0
Ruff Present - - 21 13.4 21 13.4
Absent - - 136 86.6 136 86.6
Overall - - 157 100.0 157 100.0
Ear form Horizontal 74 10.5 11 7.0 85 9.9
Semi-pendulous 628 89.5 146 93.0 774 90.1
Overall 702 100.0 157 100.0 859 100.0
Figure 1. Adult Female Bonga sheep
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Figure 2. Adult male Bonga sheep
Horro sheep
The proportion of categorical traits for Bonga sheep is presented in Table 3.
Horro sheep is fat-tailed and the tail commonly hangs below the hocks. Straight
downward tail and twisted end tail were observed in 69.6% and 30.4% of the
sampled populations, respectively. In Horro breed the common coat pattern
was plain (87.5%). Brown coat color (56.2%) was predominantly observed fol-
lowed by creamy white (20.4%). This is in agreement with the earlier report of
Galal (1983) and Tibbo et al. (2004) that the majority of Horro sheep had brown
coat color.
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Table 3. Summary of the qualitative traits in the female and male Horro popula-
tion
Character Attribute Sex Total
Female Male
No. % No. % No. %
Coat color pattern Plain 715 87.5 60 87.0 775 87.5
Patchy 85 10.4 9 13.0 94 10.6
Spotted 17 2.1 - - 17 1.9
Overall 817 100.0 69 100.0 886 100
Coat color type White 34 4.2 4 5.8 38 4.3
Brown 454 55.6 44 63.8 498 56.2
Black 48 5.9 - - 48 4.4
Grey 9 1.1 - - 9 1.0
Creamy white 168 20.6 13 18.8 181 20.4
White and black with white
dominant 1 0.1 1 1.4 2 0.2
Brown and White with
brown dominant 61 7.5 7 10.1 68 7.7
Brown and White with
white dominant 39 4.8 - - 39 4.4
Black and white with black
dominant 3 0.4 - - 3 0.3
Overall 817 100.0 69 100 886 100.0
Head prole Straight 803 98.3 18 26.1 821 92.7
Slightly convex 14 1.7 51 73.9 65 7.3
Overall 817 100.0 69 100.0 886 100.0
Tail form Straight and tip down ward 574 70.3 43 62.3 617 69.6
Straight and twisted end 243 29.7 26 37.7 269 30.4
Overall 817 100.0 69 100.0 886 100
Wattle Present 49 6.0 3 4.3 52 5.9
Absent 768 94.0 66 95.7 834 94.1
Overall 817 100.0 69 100.0 886 100.0
Ear form Horizontal 23 2.8 - - 23 2.6
Semi-pendulous 794 97.2 69 100.0 863 97.4
Overall 817 100.0 69 100 886 100
Ruff
Present - - 24 34.8 24 34.8
Absent 45 65.2 45 65.2
Overall - - 69 100.0 69 100.0
However, solid white (4.3%) and solid black (4.4%) colors were rarely observed.
The higher proportion of animals with brown coat color could be a reection
of strong selection for animals manifesting brown color. Generally, horn is
not the feature of the breed. Wattle was observed only in 5.9% of the cases
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(6.0% females and 4.3% of males); ruff was identied only in about 34.8% of
the males. Similar proportion (5%) of wattle was reported for the same breed
from on-station ock (Tibbo et al., 2004). Some of the categorical traits like coat
color and tail type observed in both of breeds may appear to have economic
importance. The chi-square test of independence of categorical variables in the
two breeds sample population indicated that among the variables considered
in this study coat pattern, coat color, tail conformation and ear orientation
were found to signicantly (P<0.01) differ between the two breeds. More of the
animals in Horro had plain coat pattern, brown coat color, and semi-pendulous
ear orientation. A picture of representative Horro ewe and ram are depicted in
Fig. 3 and 4, respectively
Figure 3. Adult Female Horro sheep
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Figure 4. Adult Male Horro sheep
Live body weight and linear measurements
Breed effect: For female sheep, the results of least squares analysis indicated
that breed has a signicant effect (P<0.01) on body weight and other body mea-
surements except tail circumference and body condition score (P>0.05) (Tables
4 and 5). Bonga females had signicantly higher values for body weight, body
length, chest width, pelvic width, and ear length (P<0.01) than Horro female.
On the other hand, Horro ewes’ had greater values for chest girth, wither height,
and tail length (P<0.01). Results for body weight and linear measurements of
male sheep revealed that Horro males had signicantly larger (P<0.01) chest
girth, wither height, chest width, scrotal circumference and body condition
score than Bonga males (Tables 6 and 7). Bonga male on the other hand had
longer (P<0.01) ear length than Horro male. The disparity on the effect of sex
on body measurement might be associated with the fact that most data of the
males in Bonga sheep were taken from younger age group and for Horro they
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were from advanced age groups. The overall scrotal circumferences for Horro
and Bonga males were 27.17±0.48cm and 23.02±0.47cm, respectively. The val-
ues obtained for body weight in this study were lower than those reported by
Solomon et al. (2007). The much lower values in body weight in the present
study may be due to difference in pasture availability or animals of different
age groups were considered. Body weight in adult females of Bonga sheep is
higher than most indigenous sheep breeds (Sisay, 2000; Solomon, 2007). Fig-
ures for body length, height at wither and chest girth in females of both breeds
observed in this study were higher than those reported for central highland
sheep, rift valley and north-western highland sheep (Sisay, 2000) and Gumuz
sheep (Solomon, 2007). The value of scrotal circumference for Bonga ram is
within the rage of earlier report of Tibbo and Ginbar (2004) which was 22 to
30cm. The observed scrota circumference for Horro male was the same as that
reported previously for the breed (Solomon and Thwaites, 1997) which was
27cm. A scrotal circumference is an indirect measure of ram fertility and used
to asses breeding soundness of ram and it has high heritability (Söderquist
and Hulten, 2006).
Age effect: In females of the two breeds, age was found to strongly inuence
(P< 0.01) live body weight and other linear measurements with exception of
ear length, tail circumference, tail length and body condition scores (P>0.05).
The insignicant difference for these traits doesn’t mean there is no growth,
rather it implies that there is no much difference for adult animals. Animals
in dentition group 3 and 4 had higher values than those of dentition groups 1
and 2. This shows that younger animals (in dentition one and two) were still
growing compared to animals at advanced age. Likewise, in males, dentition
signicantly (P<0.01) affected body weight, body length, chest girth; wither
height, tail length, and scrotal circumference (P<0.05). Nsoso et al. (2004) also
reported these trends in Tswana sheep. For body weight, body length, chest
girth and wither height in females of both breeds, larger variation was observed
between animals in dentition 6 and 7. The lower variation observed between
animals in dentition 3 and 4 was due to the attainment of matured body weight
at those ages. This is in accordance with the report of Samuel and Salako
(2008) who reported a sharp decline in body weight and other traits between
age groups 3-4 years and 4-5 years in West African Dwarf goat. The fact that
the two breeds reached their highest body weight and linear measurements
(BL, CG, and WH) at their oldest age group (4PPI) is explained by physiology,
as large sized animals continue to grow until maturity (Mekasha, 2007). This
further conrmed that the two breeds under consideration are classied as
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large and late maturing. This is in agreement with ndings of Mekasha (2007)
that large sized indigenous bucks reach maturity at later age as compared to
early maturing small sized bucks.
Table 4. Least squares means (LSM) ± standard error (SE) for the effects of breed,
dentition and breed by dentition interaction on the live body weight and body measure-
ments in female Bonga and Horro sheep breeds
Effects and
level
NBW BL CG WH CW
Overall 1487 30.76 ± 0.27 68.28 ± 0.11 73.36 ± 0.13 68.77 ± 0.11 14.15 ± 0.05
C.V 14.35 4.97 5.19 4.69 11.12
R2 0.29 0.19 0.24 0.17 0.08
Breed ** ** ** ** **
Bonga 688 31.87 ± 0.19 69.16 ± 0.15 72.92 ± 0.17 68.12 ± 0.14 14.52 ± 0.07
Horro 792 27.65 ± 0.21 67.40 ± .164 73.81 ± 0.19 69.43 ± 0.16 13.78 ± 0.08
Age groups ** ** ** ** **
1PPI 146 26.81 ± 0.37a 66.19 ± 0.29 a 70.62 ± 0.33 a 67.17 ± 0.27 a 13.63 ± 0.13 a
2PPI 247 28.62 ± 0.29 b 67.38 ± 0.22 b 72.31 ± 0.25 b 68.26 ± 0.21 b 13.92 ± 0.10 a
3PPI 259 30.81 ± 0.29 c 68.99 ± 0.22 c 74.35 ± 0.25 c 69.41 ± 0.21 c 14.36 ± 0.10 b
4 PPI 825 32.79 ± 0.16 d 70.56 ± 0.13 d 76.19 ± 0.14 d 70.26 ± 0.12 d 14.68 ± 0.06 c
B × D Ns Ns Ns ** Ns
Bonga
1PPI 85 28.69 ± 0.48 67.20 ± 0.37 70.19 ± 0.4 66.82 ± 0.35 14.07 ± 0.17
2PPI 102 31.12 ± 0.42 68.41 ± 0.33 72.20 ± 0.37 68.10 ± 0.31 14.24 ± 0.15
3PPI 169 32.79 ± 0.34 69.63 ± 0.26 73.93 ± 0.29 68.33 ± 0.25 14.79 ± 0.12
4 PPI 325 34.88 ± 0.25 71.40 ± 0.19 75.34 ± 0.22 69.22 ± 0.18 14.97 ± 0.09
Horro
1PPI 61 24.92 ± 0.57 65.18 ± 0.44 71.03 ± 0.49 67.51± 0.42 13.18 ± 0.20
2PPI 138 26.12 ± 0.57 66.36 ± 0.29 72.43 ± 0.33 68.42 ± 0.28 13.59 ± 0.14
3PPI 90 28.84 ± 0.47 68.37 ± 0.36 74.76 ± 0.41 70.49 ± 0.34 13.93 ± 0.17
4 PPI 503 30.71 ± 0.19 69.71 ± 0.15c 77.03 ± 0.17 71.29 ± 0.15 14.39 ± 0.07
a,b,c,d means in the same column with different superscripts within the specied dentition group are signi-
cantly different (P<0.05); Ns = Non-signicant (P>0.05); ** P < 0.01
Scrotal circumference differed signicantly between the age-classes (P<0.05).
As age advances scrotal circumference tends to increase. But, to give conclu-
sive information further study is suggested with large sample size. Despite the
lower body weight recorded for Horro ewe, body condition score was not signi-
cantly (P>0.05) different between females of the two breeds. This showed that
in some cases there was no direct relationship between body weight and body
condition score. This phenomenon is attributed to the fact that body condition
score reects body lipids more than body weight as the later is affected by gut
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contents which vary according to the type and quantity of feed available. This
fully agrees with reports of Nsoso et al. (2003) and Cisse et al. (2002) who in-
dicated that body weight in Tswana goat and in Sahel goats, respectively did
not always parallel with body condition scores.
Table 5. Least squares means (LSM) ± standard error (SE) for the effects of breed,
dentition and breed by dentition interaction on the live body weight and body measure-
ments in female Bonga and Horro sheep breeds
Effects and
level
NPW EL TL TC BC
Over all 1487 20.33 ± 0.05 11.55 ± 0.03 33.62 ± 0.21 16.00 ± 0.17 2.48 ± 0.02
C.V 7.32 8.05 11.20 20.00 28.46
R2 0.04 0.01 0.07 0.01 0.03
Breed ** ** ** Ns Ns
Bonga 688 20.52 ± 0.06 11.62 ± 0.04 32.07 ± 0.37 15.92 ± 0.30 2.52 ± 0.03
Horro 792 20.15 ± 0.07 11.48 ± 0.05 35.18 ± 0.19 16.08 ± 0.15 2.44 ± 0.03
Age groups ** Ns Ns Ns Ns
1PPI 146 19.92 ± 0.13 a 11.48 ± 0.08 33.16 ± 0.49 15.99 ± 0.41 2.44 ± 0.06
2PPI 247 20.22 ± 0.09 ab 11.47 ± 0.06 33.60 ± 0.45 15.50 ± 0.37 2.47 ± 0.05
3PPI 259 20.49 ± 0.09 bc 11.63 ± 0.06 33.93 ± 0.41 16.35 ± 0.34 2.52 ± 0.05
4 PPI 825 20.69 ± 0.05 c 11.61 ± 0.03 33.81 ± 0.28 16.16 ± 0.23 2.49 ± 0.03
B × D Ns Ns Ns Ns NS
Bonga
1PPI 85 20.21 ± 0.16 11.59 ± 0.10 31.52 ± 0.85 16.83 ± 0.70 2.38 ± 0.08
2PPI 102 20.43 ± 0.14 11.57 ± 0.09 32.05 ± 0.83 15.14 ± 0.68 2.46 ± 0.07
3PPI 169 20.49 ± 0.12 11.67 ± 0.07 32.40 ± 0.71 16.15 ± 0.59 2.58 ± 0.05
4PPI 325 20.94 ± 0.08 11.64 ± 0.05 32.29 ± 0.53 16.22 ± 0.43 2.65 ± 0.04
Horro
1PPI 61 19.62 ± 0.19 11.38 ± 0.12 34.79 ± 0.49 15.15 ± 0.41 2.51 ± 0.09
2PPI 138 20.01 ± 0.13 11.38 ± 0.08 35.16 ± 0.33 15.87 ± 0.27 2.49 ± 0.06
3PPI 90 20.51 ± 0.16 11.59 ± 0.09 35.46 ± 0.41 16.56 ± 0.34 2.46 ± 0.07
4 PPI 503 20.45 ± 0.07 11.59 ± 0.04 35.33 ± 0.17 16.10 ± 0.14 2.33 ± 0.03
a ,b,c,d means on the same column with different superscripts within the specied dentition group are signi-
cantly different (p < 0.05); Ns = Non-signicant (P>0.05); ** P< 0.01
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Table 6. Least squares means (LSM) ± standard error (SE) for the main effect of breeds
and dentition and breed by dentition interaction on the live body weight and body
measurements in male Bonga and Horro sheep breeds
Effects
and level
NBW BL CG WH CW SC
Over all 102 30.68 ± 0.85 68.78 ± 0.65 73.06 ± 0.75 69.09 ± 0.62 14.74 ± 0.25 25.09 ± 0.34
C.V 21.45 7.09 7.72 6.77 12.55 8.37
R2 0.19 0.22 0.35 0.38 0.10 0.53
Breed Ns Ns ** ** ** **
Bonga 74 29.70 ± 0.17 68.27 ± 0.89 70.0 ± 1.03 66.53 ± 0.85 14.07 ± 0.35 23.02 ± 0.47
Horro 28 31.66 ± 1.23 69.30 ± 0.94 76.12 ± 1.08 71.66 ± 0.90 15.42 ± 0.36 27.17 ± 0.48
Age groups ** ** ** ** Ns *
1PPI 76 27.83 ± 1.06 66.19 ± 0.81 70.89 ± 0.93 66.96 ± 0.77 14.758 ± 0.31 24.39 ± 0.36
≥ 2PPI 26 33.54 ± 1.33 71.36 ± 1.01 75.23 ± 1.17 71.24 ± 0.97 14.73 ± 0.39 25.80 ± 0.57
Ns = Non-signicant (P>0.05); * P < 0.05; ** P< 0.01; BW
Table 7. Least squares means (LSM) ± standard error (SE) for the main effect of breeds
and dentition and breed by dentition interaction on the live body weight and body
measurements in male Bonga and Horro sheep breeds
Effects and level N PW EL TC TL BCS
Over all 102 19.48 ± 0.32 10.98 ± 0.12 22.15 ± 0.69 36.46 ± 0.68 2.97± 0.10
C.V 12.37 8.20 23.27 13.87 26.56
R2 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.22 0.17
Breed Ns ** Ns Ns *
Bonga 74 19.03 ± 0.45 11.33 ± 0.17 20.85 ± 0.97 35.40 ± 0.96 2.71 ±0.138
Horro 28 19.92 ± 0.47 10.65 ± 0.18 23.46 ± 0.97 37.52 ± 0.95 3.23 ± 0.15
Age groups Ns Ns Ns ** Ns
1PPI 76 18.86 ± 0.40 10.95 ± 0.16 21.30 ± 0.83 34.35 ± 0.82 2.82 ± 0.13
>2PPI 26 20.09 ± 0.51 11.03 ± 0.19 23.00 ±1.09 38.58 ± 1.07 3.12 ± 0.16
Ns = Non-signicant (P> 0.05); *P < 0.05; ** P<0.01
Conclusion
The two breeds can be classied as large breeds and emphasis should be given
for their improvement and conservation since they better thrive and produce
where disease and internal parasites are prevalent. To ll the information gap
and to explore the genetic potential of Bonga sheep there is a need to under-
take performance testing studies under improved management conditions.
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Acknowledgements
Financial support for this study was obtained from the Austrian Development
Agency. This study is part of an on-going mega project being implemented by
International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)-
International Livestock Research Centre (ILRI) - University of Natural Re-
source and Applied Sciences (BOKU) and Ethiopian research systems. The au-
thors would like to particularly thank Bako and Bonga Agricultural Research
Centers for facilitating this study. We also extend our sincere appreciation to
Adiyo Kaka and Horro district staffs of Agriculture and Rural Development
for their unreserved support and involvement in data collection process. We
are also grateful for the smallholder farmers who participated in this study.
Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (OARI) is greatly thanked for granting
study leave for the senior author.
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Effect of time of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotro-
phin Administration on Oestrus Synchronization Ef-
ciency and Fertility in Blackhead Ogaden Ewes
Zeleke Mekuriaw
Bahir Dar University, Department of Animal Science and Technology
Email: Zeleke_Mekuriaw@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract
A study was conducted on 84 Blackhead Ogaden (BHO) ewes to evaluate the ap-
propriate time of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin (PMSG) administration
in relation to Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP, 60mg) sponge withdrawal on
oestrous response and fertility. The treatments include administration of 300IU
PMSG at (1) Twenty-four hours prior to MAP sponge withdrawal, (2) at MAP
sponge withdrawal or (3) control (without PMSG administration). Regardless of
the time of administration, oestrous response and pregnancy rate were higher
(P<0.01) in PMSG administered than control groups of ewes. Similarly, the time
to onset of oestrous was earlier (P<0.01) in PMSG administered than in control
groups of ewes. However, there was no signicant difference (P>0.05) in all param-
eters between PMSG administered groups of ewes. In conclusion, administration
of 300IU PMSG either at 24 hours prior to or at MAP sponge withdrawal is impor-
tant to attain better synchrony of oestrus and increased pregnancy rate from BHO
sheep kept under extensive management conditions of Eastern Ethiopia.
Key words: Blackhead Ogaden; ewe; MAP sponges; oestrous synchroniza-
tion; PMSG
Introduction
The BHO sheep is found mainly in the eastern and south-eastern lowlands
of Ethiopia. This sheep breed is the second largest in number next to camels
in the lowland areas of Ethiopia. Meat from this breed of sheep plays a vital
role in the local economy of Ethiopia and as a source of foreign currency. Ap-
parently, little effort has been made to improve productive and reproductive
performances of this sheep breed despite a great ambition of pastoralists to im-
prove productivity by controlled mating (Girma, 1990). To this end, the owners
apply traditional practices to match the lambing season with the availability
of water and feed to improve the survival rate of the offspring and to match the
136 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 135-143
Zeleke Mekuriaw
slaughter age of animals with the season of highest market demand. However,
the traditional attempt to synchronize lambing season with availability of for-
age and water is not accurate. Thus, the current productive and reproductive
performances of the BHO sheep are far below the owners’ and the country’s
needs (Girma, 1990).
Taking into consideration the importance of this specic sheep breed on one
hand and lack of scientic information to support the traditional attempts to
synchronise oestrus on the other hand, this study was initiated to assess the
response of this sheep breed to controlled-breeding techniques practised in
other European sheep breeds. Previous study by Zeleke (2003) indicated that
oestrus response of BHO sheep to MAP and Fluorogesterone acetate (FGA,
40mg intravaginal sponge treatments for 14 days period to be 90.2 and 93%,
respectively. It has also been stated that the two intravaginal sponge types did
not have signicant difference in inducing oestrus. However, there is a paucity
of information regarding the resultant pregnancy rate following intravaginal
sponge treatment and time of PMSG administration in relation to sponge with-
drawal. Thus, the synchronization efciency in terms of inducing oestrus and
fertility by using MAP sponge treatment and time of PMSG administration
relative to MAP sponge withdrawal were evaluated in this experiment.
Materials and methods
Study site
The experiment was conducted at Haramaya University, which is situated
25km from the town of Harar and 42km from Dire-Dawa, Ethiopia. The site is
located 9024”N latitude, 4105”E longitude, and at an altitude of 1980m above
sea level. The annual total rainfall and the mean maximum and minimum
temperatures of the area are 870mm, 22.90C and 7.80C, respectively (Heluf,
1982).
Experimental animals and their management
One hundred and twenty ewes (2 - 2.5 years and 15 – 26 kg body weight) were
purchased from pastoralists. All animals were drenched with a broad-spec-
trum anti-helminthes, dipped with a standard acaricide solution for external
parasites and were vaccinated against pasteurollosis and anthrax. All sheep
were provided with fresh clean water throughout the experimental period and
allowed to graze on natural pastures for about 8 hours a day (8:00 h - 12:00 h
in the morning and 14:00 h - 18:00 h in the afternoon). At the end of the ad-
137
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Zeleke Mekuriaw
aptation period, 84 non-pregnant ewes weighing between 20 and 26 kg were
selected and treated with intravaginal MAP Sponges (60 mg; Upjohn) for 14
days.
PMSG treatment
At the end of the MAP sponge treatment period, ewes were randomly allotted
to groups of 29, 27 and 28 animals, respectively. The 1st and the 2nd groups were
treated with 300IU PMSG at MAP sponge withdrawal and 24h prior to sponge
withdrawal, respectively, whereas the 3rd group was kept as a control (admin-
istered with sterile physiological solution, i.e. 0.9% NaCl Solution).
Oestrus observation
The signs of oestrus were observed at 8-hourly intervals following MAP sponge
withdrawal for a period of 96 hours. Intact rams tted with aprons were used
for heat detection. The ewes were kept in their respective groups, and each
group was observed trice daily for a period of 30-minutes. Between 13 and 28
days after AI, all ewes were monitored twice daily for return to oestrus.
AI procedures
Semen was collected from healthy rams with the aid of the articial vagina.
Following each semen collection and prior to its use for articial insemination,
the viability of the sperm was microscopically evaluated according to standard
procedures (Watson, 1990). Fresh semen was diluted at a ratio of 1:2 with ster-
ile skimmed cow milk. Cervical insemination with 0.1ml diluted semen (150 x
106 sperm/insemination) at 53-55 hours following MAP sponge withdrawal was
performed.
Statistical analysis
The general linear model (GLM) procedures of SAS were used to run analysis
of variance test for the effect of time of PMSG administration on the time to
onset of oestrus and the duration of the induced oestrus. The categorical mod-
eling (CATMOD) procedures of SAS were used to test the effect of duration of
progestagen treatment and time of PMSG administration on pregnancy rate
and oestrous response. The treatment means were compared by Duncan’s mul-
tiple range test (DMRT) as described in Gomez and Gomez (1984).
138 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 135-143
Zeleke Mekuriaw
Results
The effects of time of PMSG administration relative to MAP sponge withdraw-
al on oestrus response is indicated in Table 1. The response to oestrus was
signicantly higher (P<0.01) in PMSG treated than in controlled ewes.
Table 1. Effect of time of PMSG administration in relation to Medroxyprogesterone
sponge withdrawal on oestrous response in Blackhead Ogaden ewes
Time of PMSG administration n Oestrous response (%)
24 hours prior to MAP sponge withdrawal 29 29(100.0a)
At MAP sponge withdrawal 27 27(100.0a)
Control (without PMSG administration) 28 21 (75.0b)
Overall 84 77 (91.7)
a, b Values in a column with different superscripts differ signicantly (P<0.01)
n number of ewes
The duration of the induced oestrus was not signicantly affected by the time of
PMSG administration relative to MAP sponge withdrawal. The interval from
MAP sponge withdrawal to the onset of oestrus was, however, signicantly
longer (P<0.01) in control ewes, compared to those treated with PMSG at 24
hours prior to MAP sponge withdrawal or at sponge withdrawal (Table 2).
Table 2. Effect of time of PMSG administration on time to onset and the duration of
induced oestrus in Blackhead Ogaden ewes
Time of PMSG administration n Time to onset of
oestrus (h)
Duration of Oestrus
(h)
24 hours prior to MAP sponge withdrawal 29 32.1b± 2.4 45.6±2.7
At MAP sponge withdrawal 27 38.2b ± 2.5 46.6±2.8
Control (without PMSG administration) 21 48.8a±2.9 42.8±3.2
a, b Means in a column with different superscripts differ signicantly (P<0.01)
n number of ewes
Pregnancy rate was signicantly lower (P<0.01) in control ewes, compared
to ewes given PMSG administration regardless of the time of administration
(Table 3). Furthermore, PMSG administration at the time of MAP sponge
withdrawal resulted in a signicantly higher (P<0.05) pregnancy rate, com-
pared to the administration of PMSG at 24 hours prior to sponge withdrawal.
Similarly, the non-return rate was signicantly lower (P<0.05) in control ewes,
compared to ewes administered PMSG at 24 hours prior to sponge withdrawal
or at MAP sponge withdrawal. There was, however, no signicant difference
in the non-return rate between ewes administered with PMSG at MAP sponge
139
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Zeleke Mekuriaw
withdrawal and those administered at 24h prior to MAP sponge withdrawal.
In all cases, the values obtained for the non-return rates were higher than
those for pregnancy rates (63.1% vs. 73.8%).
Table 3. Reproductive performance following oestrous synchronisation and articial
insemination in Blackhead Ogaden ewes
Time of PMSG administration n Pregnancy rate (%) Non-return rate (%)
24 hours prior to MAP sponge withdrawal 29 20 (69.0a) 24 (82.8a)
At MAP sponge withdrawal 27 20 (74.1a) 22(81.5a)
Control (without PMSG) 28 13 (46.4b) 16(57.1b)
Overall 84 53 (63.1) 62(73.8)
a,, b Means in a column with different superscripts differ signicantly (P<0.05)
n number of ewes
Discussion
In the present experiment, only seven out of 84 ewes failed to exhibit overt
signs of oestrus. Three of these seven animals had lost their MAP sponges at
one stage of the treatment period although these were immediately replaced.
The oestrous response value obtained in this experiment is comparable to the
values reported in the literature (Greyling and Brink, 1987; Crosby et al., 1991;
Greyling et al., 1997; Rosado et al., 1998; Zarakawi et al., 1999). This implies
that BHO ewes maintained under traditional management conditions also re-
spond to MAP sponge treatment.
Attainment of signicantly higher (P<0.01) oestrous response in PMSG ad-
ministered ewes, regardless of the time of application, compared to the control
(Table 1) in this experiment is in agreement with Knight et al. (1992), Arting-
sih et al. (1996), Cordova et al. (1999) and Cline (2001) who reported a low dose
of PMSG administration results in compact and predictable oestrus in ewes
treated with MAP sponges.
The time of PMSG administration relative to MAP withdrawal did not signi-
cantly inuence oestrous response. This disagrees with the previous results
of Zhang and Yuan (1988) who reported oestrous synchronization rate to be
100% in does treated with PMSG 48h prior to MAP withdrawal, compared to
does treated with the same amount of PMSG but at sponge removal (66.7%).
Probably, the gap between 24 hours prior to MAP withdraws and at sponge
withdrawal may be too short to affect oestrous response in the present experi-
ment.
140 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 135-143
Zeleke Mekuriaw
Several factors may inuence the extent of the interval between the removal
of MAP sponge and the onset of induced oestrus. Generally, oestrus starts at
about 36 hours after MAP withdrawal, although some ewes may be in oestrus
as early as 24 hours or as late as 48 hours (Gordon, 1997). The overall mean
time interval between intravaginal progestagen sponge withdrawal to the on-
set of oestrus in the present trial (Table 2) is in agreement with Gordon (1997)
and Vancleef et al. (1998) who reported the time to oestrus to be 36h in ewes.
The current result is also fairly comparable to the ndings of Greyling et al.
(1997) in MAP (60mg) synchronized Merino ewes during the natural breeding
season (30.5 hours). However, the interval observed in this study was shorter
compared to the values obtained by Greyling and Brink (1987) in MAP treated
Karakul ewes (62.5±18.7h). This discrepancy in the time of oestrous onset may
be due to breed, nutritional and/or seasonal differences.
The signicantly shorter (P<0.01) interval from MAP withdrawal to the onset
of oestrus in ewes administered 300IU PMSG compared to control (Table 2) is
in line with the available literature (Zhang and Yuan, 1988; Eppleston, 1991;
Knight et al., 1992; Artingsih et al., 1996), who reported the use of PMSG in
combination with progestagen sponges to shorten the time from sponge with-
drawal to the onset of oestrus. The shortening of the onset of oestrus in PMSG
treated ewes may be due to the hastening effect of PMSG on follicular matura-
tion.
The main focus of controlled reproduction is to obtain optimum fertility rate
at prescribed time. Although the average lambing rate recorded in this experi-
ment (Table 3) could not be considered as optimum, it would encourage further
study as controlled breeding techniques like articial insemination and oe-
strous synchronization have never been tried before in BHO sheep in Ethiopia.
In fact, the lambing rate recorded in the present study agreed with the values
of Greyling et al. (1988) and Hill et al. (1998) who reported the mean pregnancy
rate following MAP treatment and AI in Merino ewes to be 63.5% and 64.6%,
respectively.
The difference between the pregnancy rate and the non-return rate was very
big (63.1% vs. 73.8%), probably due to the occurrence of embryonic resorption
and/or occurrence of silent heat in some of the experimental animals.
In the present experiment achievement of signicantly higher (P<0.05) fer-
tility rates (pregnancy and non-return rates) from ewes administered with
PMSG, compared to control indicates the importance of PMSG administration
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Zeleke Mekuriaw
in improving pregnancy rate from oestrous synchronized BHO ewes. The high-
er fertility rate achieved in PMSG administered groups is in line with many
previous works (Zhang and Yuan, 1988; Eppleston et al., 1991; Knight et al.,
1992; Artingsih et al., 1996; Cordova et al., 1999; Cline, 2001). The result of the
present experiment, however contradicts the reports of Romano et al. (1996),
who recorded similar fertility rates between ewes administered 250IU PMSG
or no PMSG. Perhaps, 250IU PMSG administered in their study might have
been below the threshold level to signicantly affect fertility rate. Unlike the
previous reports of Zhang and Yuan (1988) who indicated an increase in fertil-
ity when PMSG is administered 24 hours prior to pessary removal, compared
to PMSG administration at sponge withdrawal, there were no signicant dif-
ferences in fertility rates between the two groups in the current trial. However,
the results of the present trial are in agreement with Eppleston et al. (1991),
who stated that the time of PMSG administration relative to progestagen with-
drawal could not improve fertility, except shortening the time of ovulation.
In conclusion, administration of 300IU PMSG either at 24 hours prior to, or at
progestagen sponge withdrawal has paramount importance in attaining better
synchrony of oestrus and increased lambing rate from BHO sheep kept under
traditional management conditions in Eastern Ethiopia.
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mercial conditions, a survey. Theriogenology, 49 (4), 697-709
Knight, T.W., O’-Neill, K., Ridland, M., Hamilton, G., Death, A. and Wyeth, T.,
1992. Effects of month and PMSG on the interval from CIDR removal to ovula-
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Romano, J. E., 1996. Comparison of uorgestone and Medroxyprogesterone
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College Dublin, Ireland.
Effects of Energy and Bypass Protein Supplementa-
tion on Feed Intake, Milk Yield and Composition of
Crossbred Lactating Goats
Taye Tolemariama*, Shiv Prasadb and T.K. Wallib
a Jimma University, college of Agriculture and veterinary medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethio-
pia
b National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal-132001, Harayan (India)
Abstract
Thirty crossbred lactating goats were assigned according to randomized complete
block design in to ve groups of six animals each to study the feed intake, milk
production and composition for a period of 180 days. All groups received iso-ni-
trogenious (18% CP) concentrate, but varied energy densities. Groups I was used
as a control being fed about 720 g/d/animal of DM from concentrate to provide
medium energy. Lactating goats in group II were provided similar feed to the
control but varied by formaldehyde treatment of the protein concentrate. Group
III were fed with 20 % higher, whereas groups IV and V were given 20% lower
amount of concentrate than the control. However, the mustard cake for group V
was protected with formaldehyde. Average daily milk yield of group III (1.37±0.06)
was signicantly higher (P<0.05) than those of groups I (1.20±0.05), IV (1.19±0.06),
and V (1.18±0.06). Milk yield (1.26±0.05) in group II was similar (P>0.05) to other
treatment groups. Fat corrected milk (FCM) yield and milk composition (fat, SNF,
protein and formalin) were similar (P>0.05) among all the groups. The high and
medium energy groups consumed signicantly (P<0.01) higher dry matter (10%)
as compared to the two low energy fed groups. However, there was no variation
(P>0.05) in nutrient intake as percent of body weight, gross energy of lactation
and net return from sale of milk among treatment groups indicating proportional
consumption of nutrient to their performance. In conclusion, provision of higher
energy than the control improved the milk yield by 15% per animal compared to
animals fed on lower energy levels. However, they had higher nutrient intake lead-
ing to higher production cost, so that future work is suggested using large herd size
to conrm the small variations obtained under this trial.
Keywords: bypass protein; energy; feed intake; goat; milk yield
* Corresponding author: email: tayetolaa@yahoo.com
146 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 145-157
Taye Tolemariam, et al.
Introduction
The contribution and population of goat is immensely increasing world wide,
especially in developing countries (Devendra, 2001; Olivier et al., 2005). These
countries, however, face feed inadequacy with respect to quantity and quality
(Adugna et al., 2000; Walli, 2005). Poor nutrition results in low production and
reproductive performance, loss of body condition and increased susceptibility
to diseases and parasites (Osuji et al., 1993).
Feeding strategies like supplementation of energy and/ or rumen bypass pro-
tein were suggested as a solution for improved ruminant animal productiv-
ity (Chatterjee and Walli, 2003; Walli, 2005). However, feed supplementation
especially of protein concentrates incurs much cost and could be wasted dur-
ing rumen degradation system. For this reason, several recommendations
were suggested in facilitating proper utilization of highly degradable proteins
through protection of their rumen degradability (Sampth et al., 1997; Sahoo
and Walli, 2007). Moreover, Formaldehyde treatment (at 1.2 g/100 g CP) of
mustard cake improved the rumen undegradable protein resulting in signi-
cant increase in milk production of cows (Morgan, 1985) and goats (Sahoo and
Walli, 2005). Moreover, the feeding of goats at higher plane of energy improved
the efciency of feed utilization and milk production (Srivastava et al., 1994),
optimizing growth and reproductive performance of female sheep under graz-
ing condition (Hossain et al., 2003).
Formaldehyde treatment is not only effective in protecting protein degrada-
tion in the rumen, but is also cheap and required in small doses (Walli, 2005).
Hence, it can be applied in developing countries like Ethiopia to improve the
nutrient utilization from local oil feeds like noug seed cake. Sahoo and Walli
(2005) reported net return per lactating goat per day was Rupees† (Rs) 7.30 in
groups fed on formaldehyde treated mustard cake compared to Rs 4.8 in the
control. There are also reports on non signicant inuence of supplementing
bypass protein to various groups of lactating animals (Clark et al., 1975; Small
and Gordon, 1990), which implies further verication of such controversies.
The effects of various levels of energy and the use of bypass protein technol-
ogy have been studied independently to increase the productivity of animals.
However, information is lacking on relative comparison of feeding bypass pro-
tein at different energy densities on performance of lactating goats. Therefore,
the objectives of this study was to investigate the effect of varying levels of
† 1 Ethiopian Birr= 5 Indian Rupees (in 2005)
147
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Taye Tolemariam, et al.
energy and bypass protein on feed conversion efciency, economic efciency,
milk yield and composition of crossbred lactating goats.
Materials and methods
Study site
The study was carried out at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (India)
for a period of 180 days. National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal is situated
in eastern zone of Haryana state at an altitude of 250 m above sea level on
29.42oN latitude and 79.54oE longitude. The minimum ambient temperature
falls to near freezing point in winter and maximum goes approximately up to
45 oC in May / June months of summer. The annual rainfall is close to 700 mm,
most of which is received from July to September (Prasad, 1994).
Experimental Design
Thirty Alpine-Beetal crossbred lactating goats were divided into ve, having
six animals in each following a completely randomized design (Gomez and
Gomez, 1984), to study the inuence of varying levels of energy and bypass
protein on feed intake and production performances. The lactating goats were
weighed using weighing scale with precision of 0.01 for seven days. Then six
goats with average of 37.33±1.57 kg body weight and 1.36±0.05 kg/day were
randomly allotted to the ve treatment groups (Table 1). Care was taken to
avoid variation in age and parity of the animals.
A concentrate mixture comprising maize grain, wheat bran, mustard cake,
mineral mix and common salt was used for all treatments but with varied pro-
portion (Table 1). All groups received concentrate mix made iso-nitrogenious
(18% CP), but varied in energy densities. Groups I was used as a control being
fed about 720 g/d/animal of DM from concentrate to provide medium energy
adjusted per NRC (1981). Lactating goats in group II were provided similar
feed to the control but varied by formaldehyde treatment of the protein concen-
trate (mustard cake). Group III were fed with 20% higher, whereas groups IV
and V were given 20% lower TDN than the control and protecting the protein
in group V. All animals were provided the concentrate at two installments
per day (every morning at 9:00 AM and afternoon at 1:00 PM). Green fodder
was provided ad lib from Berseem (Trifolium alexandrium). The ration was
changed every two weeks depending on change in body weight, milk yield as
well as feed dry matter. Mustard cake in the concentrate provided to groups II
and V was treated with 1.2% formalin (40% formaldehyde) equivalent to 1.2 g
148 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 145-157
Taye Tolemariam, et al.
of formaldehyde per 100 g CP of cake in accordance with Chatterjee and Walli
(2003).
Table 1. Chemical composition (%) and level of ingredients offered for the different
groups
Feed* Chemical composition (%) Average amount
offered (g/d/animal)
TDN contribution
(from both fodder and
concentrate)
Ash OM CP EE CF NFE concentrate fodder (g/d/animal) % of
NRC
Maize fodder 9.40 90.60 8.50 1.78 27.10 29.72
Berseem 6.80 93.20 14.63 30.40 31.20 2.65
Concentrate *
I 10.20 89.80 19.62 3.56 10.20 53.22 800 5537.03 576 100
II 11.42 88.58 19.42 3.78 13.47 49.34 800 5537.03 576 100
III 10.00 90.00 19.85 1.76 10.60 61.22 930 5537.03 692.75 120
IV 11.00 89.00 19.13 3.21 11.57 55.67 666.67 5277.78 460 80
V 8.80 91.20 19.64 2.96 8.60 58.07 666.67 5277.78 460 80
* Concentrates I, II, III, IV and V refer to the concentrates ration formulated for the respective groups
Feed intake was daily recorded from weighed quantity of feed offered and re-
fusal per individual. The costs per quintal of feed as well as daily labour cost
per animal per day were included to estimate total operational cost of milk pro-
duction. The xed costs were not used in the economic analysis since the farm
is already well established and makes similar impact for all the groups. The
daily average nutrient intakes of the animals and the relative feed conversion
efciency into milk were used to determine the feed utilization and economic
efciencies.
Milk yield of individual doe was recorded each day from pooled weights of the
morning and evening milk production. However, the daily record of milk yield
was pooled to obtain the weekly milk yield of individual goats for statistical
comparison. Samples of morning and evening milk were collected every two
weeks for the analysis of the chemical compositions. Each time 100 ml of milk
sample was collected in clean plastic bottle after uniform mixing of total milk
in bucket. Representative amount from each sample was used for estimation
of fat, Solids non-fat (SNF), and protein (AOAC, 1995) and formalin content as
per Bansal and Singhal (1990).
Statistical Analysis
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Taye Tolemariam, et al.
The data on periodic effects of the treatment on feed intake, milk yield & com-
position and efciency parameters were analyzed using Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) with Generalized Linear Model procedure of SYSTAT (SPSS, 1996).
Means were separated using Tukey’s HSD multiple comparison technique
whenever ANOVA showed signicant variation.
Results and Discussions
Feed utilization and economic efciencies
The results for nutrient intake of lactating goats showed statistically signi-
cant (P<0.01) variation among the groups (Table 2). The high and medium en-
ergy groups had signicantly (P<0.01) higher total dry matter, TDN and crude
protein intakes as compared to the two low energy groups, regardless of the
bypass protein. Moreover, lowering the energy level by 20% than NRC with or
without bypass protein resulted in 10% reduction of dry matter intake than the
medium and high energy groups. Therefore, variation in intake was attributed
to energy level in the diet rather than protection of proteins.
Table 2. Least squares means ± SE for feed utilization and economics of the experimen-
tal feeds given to lactating goats
Intake I II III IV V
DMI-g/d** 1471.25a±33.97 1482.17a±33.97 1545.65a±33.97 1367.27b±33.97 1352.33c±33.97
TDN Intake
(g/d)**
966.65 a±18.52 973.20a±18.52 1027.28a±18.52 889.91 b±18.52 885.59 b±18.52
CP intake (g/d)** 238.08 a±5.90 239.76 a±5.90 249.73 a±5.90 227.83 b±5.90 226.46 b±5.90
DMI (kg/100kg W) 3.99±0.13 3.81±0.13 4.21±0.13 3.72±0.13 3.72±0.13
DMI (g/kg
BW0.75)
98.44 ±4.44 95.13±4.44 95.91 ±4.44 92.01±4.44 91.38±4.44
Gross Energy of
Lactation (%GEL)
22.94±1.36 23.57±1.36 25.53±1.36 25.53±1.36 26.03±1.36
Milk Yield (kg)/kg
DMI*
0.78 b±0.01 0.81ab±0.01 0.85 a±0.01 0.83ab±0.01 0.85a±0.01
Total feed cost
(Rs/d)**
5.10 c±0.01 5.65 b±0.01 5.91 a±0.01 4.60 d±0.01 5.07 c±0.01
Labour cost (Rs/d) 1.50±0.00 1.50±0.00 1.50±0.00 1.50±0.00 1.50±0.00
Overall cost
(Rs/d)**
6.60 c±0.01 7.15 b±0.01 7.41 a±0.01 6.10 d±0.01 6.57 c±0.01
Gross income
(Rs/d) from milk
@10/kg*
11.63ab±0.47 12.39ab±0.47 13.29a±0.47 11.44b±0.47 11.45ab±0.47
Net return (Rs/d/
animal)
4.99±0.49 5.09±0.49 5.86±0.49 5.21±0.49 4.68±0.49
Means in a row having different superscript are statistically different.; * P<0.05, ** P<0.01
Earlier works by Clark et al. (1975) did not nd signicant variation in dry
matter intake between sheep provided formaldehyde treated and untreated
150 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 145-157
Taye Tolemariam, et al.
feed. However, Crawford and Hoover (1984) reported increased dry matter in-
take by lactating cows fed formaldehyde treated soybean meal. Similarly, Sa-
hoo and Walli (2005) found that formaldehyde protected proteins resulted in
increased dry matter and TDN intakes by lactating goats. Singh et al. (1986)
reported increased dry matter and TDN intakes with increase in energy level
to lactating goats. Similar report was given by Liu et al. (2005), where higher
energy level improved dry matter intake of sheep. However, Hossain et al.
(2003) didn’t nd any variation in dry matter and crude protein intake of graz-
ing sheep by provision of additional energy density.
The trend in weekly nutrient intake of lactating goats (Fig. 1) showed a gradu-
al increase up to the tenth fortnight and then declined thereafter perhaps due
to change in climate, nature of feed and production level.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
1234 5678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Weeks
DMI (g/d)
I
II
III
IV
V
Figure 1: Weekly Dry matter intake (kg) of lactating goats
The feed conversion efciency in terms of kg milk yield per kg dry matter in-
take showed signicant variation (P<0.05). Groups III and V had higher milk
yield (kg) per kg dry matter intake than all the rest (Table 2). While the bet-
ter efciency by group III could be due to increased milk yield; the lower feed
intake in relation to milk production by group V compared to group I could be
explained for the difference in their efciency. On the other hand, the variation
in gross energy of lactation among the groups was statistically non-signicant
(P>0.05) because the amount of energy (TDN) utilized was proportional to the
level of milk/FCM produced in each group.
151
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Taye Tolemariam, et al.
In agreement with the present study, Srivastava et al. (1994) reported feeding
goats at higher plane of energy resulted in increased efciency of feed utili-
zation and production of milk. Such an increase did reect that with higher
levels of energy in the ration, more of it was available as a precursor of milk
in the mammary gland. However, Karanjkar et al. (1993) indicated that the
Sannen x Osmanabadi (F1) goats couldn’t utilize higher levels of TDN (120 or
140%) more efciently for milk production. The same study suggested that the
lower gross energy efciency observed was attributed to lower milk yield by
the goats, especially during the last weeks of lactation.
Due to differences in dry matter intake, the feed cost in rupees (Rs/d) was
higher for the high energy group (III) followed by groups II, I and V in that
order and the lowest cost was shown by group IV (Table 2). The variation in
cost within the two medium energy as well as two low energy groups was due
to cost of formaldehyde treatment rather than feed intake. The gross income
(Rs/d) was higher for group III as compared to IV (P<0.05) due to better milk
yield, while there was no signicant variation among the rest of the treat-
ment groups. When net return was considered, there was no variation (P>0.05)
among the groups due the fact that group III which had better milk yield and
sale, also had higher cost for the higher DMI than IV. However, some of these
variations in net return could be crucial for a farm with large herd size so that
the higher return from group III relative to the others could be considered.
Hence, it is suggested that future study would be geared to large herd size,
different species of lactating animals and varied production level to verify the
economic benets.
Little information is available to support economics of feeding bypass protein
to lactating animals. Sahoo and Walli (2005) reported net return per lactating
goat per day at Rs 7.30 in formaldehyde treated group compared to Rs 4.8 in
the control. Garg et al. (2003) and Garg et al. (2005) also found formaldehyde
treated bypass protein was economical for milk animals (local cows, crossbred
cows and buffaloes) producing 5 to 8 liters of milk per day under farm condi-
tion. Similarly, Walli et al. (2004) found that the feed cost was reduced by Rs
0.60/day in lactating crossbred animals fed formaldehyde treated cake.
Milk yield and composition
152 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 145-157
Taye Tolemariam, et al.
The least squares means and standard errors for milk yield and composition of
lactating goats is presented in Table 3. The results indicated that the groups
signicantly (P<0.05) varied in milk yield. Group III had signicantly (P<0.05)
higher milk yield (by about 15% per animal) than all the other groups, except
group II. However, there was no variation (P>0.05) in fat corrected milk (FCM)
and, all milk constituents studied. Though milk yield was variable, the statis-
tically similar values obtained for the fat composition in this trial diluted the
variation in FCM yield of the lactating goats.
The weekly milk yield (kg/d) in Fig 2 showed a similar and steady increase for
all groups up to the 8th week and slowly declining there after, which is a typical
lactation curve. The decline in milk yield could also be attributed to changes in
climate (commencement of summer season at the end of April) leading to slight
reduction in weekly dry matter intake (Fig 1).
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
12345678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Weeks
Milk yield/d (kg)
I
II
III
IV
V
Figure 2: Weekly milk yield of lactating goats
Reports on the effect of formaldehyde treated cakes on milk production of lac-
tating animals have shown variable effects, which may be due to several fac-
tors apart from the optimum level used for the treatment. Feeding of formal-
dehyde treated soyabean meal to cows had no signicant effect on milk yield
or milk protein synthesis at 0.9% (Clark et al., 1975) and on milk yield of cows
(Small and Gordon, 1990). Feeding of crossbred dairy cattle at 30% lower level
of energy and/or protein than recommended was also found to be more eco-
153
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 145-157
Taye Tolemariam, et al.
nomical, without inuencing efciency of milk production and its composition
(Ashok and Singh, 1997).
However, positive result in milk yield was reported upon formaldehyde treat-
ment of the oil seed cake fed to cows (Morgan, 1985; Kim et al., 1992), buffaloes
(Chatterjee and Walli, 1998) and goats (Sahoo and Walli, 2005). Sampath et
al. (1997) reported higher FCM yield on lactating crossbred cows fed formalde-
hyde treated groundnut cake (9.4 kg/d) than the control group (7.8 kg/d). Walli
et al. (2004) reported that the feeding of formaldehyde treated rape seed meal
showed 15.13% increase in milk yield in crossbred cows over the untreated
groups (from 18.9 kg/d to 10.35 kg/d).
Similarly, the positive inuence of energy supplementation on milk yield has
been reported in cows (Prasad, 1994) and lactating goats (Singh et al., 1986;
Srivastava et al., 1994). Higher energy level improves the availability of nutri-
ents for the mammary glands during milk synthesis.
Reports on the inuence of energy level and/ or bypass protein supplementa-
tion on milk composition are also variable. Most of the researchers (Hadji-
panayiotou, 1992; Sahoo and Walli, 2005) however, didn’t report any variation
in milk fat and protein while Crawford and Hoover (1984), Morgan (1985),
Garg et al. (2003) reported increased fat content of milk due to supplementa-
tion of energy and/or bypass protein.
Lack of signicant variation in milk formalin residue and its relatively lower
concentration than the limits given by Liteplo et al. (2002) was another encour-
aging factor to be noted for those who are on the virtue of expanding the use
of bypass technology in high and medium yielding dairy animals. According to
Liteplo et al. (2002) for the general population, dermal exposure to concentra-
tions of formaldehyde, in solution, in the vicinity of 1–2% (10 000–20 000 mg/
liter) is likely to cause skin irritation; however, in hypersensitive individuals,
contact dermatitis can occur following exposure to formaldehyde at concentra-
tions as low as 0.003% (30 mg/liter). Therefore, the range of milk formalin
detected during this study (Table 3) is below the minimum risk level set for
hypersensitive individuals. Moreover, study made by Mills et al. (1972) using
C14 labeled formaldehyde, has shown that the chemical gets metabolized in the
body of the animal especially liver to non-toxic forms, mainly carbon-dioxide
and methane by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. No detectable formalin
was also recovered in milks of animals fed formaldehyde treated mustard cake
154 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 145-157
Taye Tolemariam, et al.
and even the plasma urea concentration of the treated group was lower than
animals fed on non treated feeds (Sahoo and Walli, 2005).
Table 3. Least squares means ± SE for milk yield and composition for lactating goats
Parameter I II III IV V
Milk yield (kg/d)* 1.20 b±0.05 1.26ab±0.05 1.37 a±0.06 1.19b±0.06 1.18b±0.06
FCM (kg/d) 1.31±0.07 1.37±0.07 1.50±0.07 1.32±0.07 1.32±0.07
Fat (%) 4.20±0.06 4.20±0.06 4.19±0.06 4.19±0.06 4.25±0.06
Solids non-fat (%) 8.26±0.02 8.28±0.02 8.31±0.02 8.28±0.02 8.32±0.02
Protein (%) 3.50±0.11 3.68±0.11 3.64±0.11 3.513±0.11 3.37±0.11
Formalin (µg/ml) 1.43±0.35 1.14±0.35 1.19±0.35 1.29±0.35 1.22±0.35
* Means in a row having different superscript are statistically different at P<0.05
Conclusions
Energy densities at NRC recommendation as well as 20% higher concentrate
supplementation than the control improved the nutrient intake and milk yield
(15% per animal) but with higher production cost than the two low energy
groups, regardless of bypass protein. The feed conversion in terms of milk yield
per unit dry matter intake was improved either by provision of higher energy
or bypass protein at low energy, while economic efciencies didn’t show conclu-
sive trend to favor the levels of energy and/or bypass protein. Therefore, future
works should be geared towards large herd size to conrm the results of small
differences in return obtained under this trial regarding supplementation of
energy concentrates and/or bypass protein.
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A survey on the occurrence of anthelmintic resis-
tance in nematodes of sheep and goats found in dif-
ferent agro-ecologies in Ethiopia
Desalegn Lidetu*
National Animal Health Diagnostic & Investigation Center, 04 Sebeta, Ethiopia
Abstract
A survey was conducted on the occurrence of anthelmintic resistance in nematodes
of communally grazed sheep and goats belonging to 17 small-holder peasant farm-
ers and to two institutional farms found in different agro-ecologies. The efcacies
of albendazole and levamisole were tested by fecal egg count reduction (FECR)
tests. Resistance was seen in three out of the 22 ocks belonging to smallholders
and was suspected on one farm. The percentage reductions were 67%, 77%, 85%,
and 92% with the 95 % condence intervals below 86%. On Debre-Birhan and Ha-
wasa University farms, the level of resistance to albendazole and levamisole were
in a range of 45% to 65%. Resistance was suspected in a ock of sheep on one small-
holder farm, where a percentage reduction of 94% and 95% was observed with the
lower 95% condence interval less than 90%. Post-treatment fecal cultures indi-
cated that Haemonchus was the resistant nematode to both anthelmintics. This
survey indicates that anthelmintic resistance to nematode parasites is developing
gradually. Appropriate measures need to be implemented without delay.
Keywords: Anthelmintic resistance, FECR, farms, goats, nematodes, sheep.
Introduction
Resistance is an inevitable consequence of the use of anthelmintics, and the
history of parasite resistance to anthelmintics started with the rst report on
phenothiazine resistance in sheep in the USA by Drudge et al. (1957). After
ve decades, the problem has become an important limiting factor in the con-
trol of nematode parasites of ruminants. The geography of resistance is wid-
ening and numerous instances of anthelmintic resistance in Africa have been
reported, e.g. in Cameroon (Ndamukong and Sewell 1992), Kenya (Maingi et
al., 1996), Tanzania (Ngomuo et al., 1990), Zimbabwe (Boersema and Pandey
1997), and Mozambique (Atanasio et al. 2002). In South Africa, anthelmintic
resistance has become a major problem with 90% of farms harbor resistant
helminth strains (van Wyk et al. 1997a, b).
* Mailing address: PO Box 5988, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. E-mail: deslidetu@yahoo.com
160 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 159-175
Desalegn Lidetu
Ethiopia is among the few countries in Africa where anthelmintic resistance
was not reported (Anonymous, 2004). Because of among other reasons, the
frequent and continuous use of same class of anthelmintic and inappropriate
dosage rates it was unlikely that resistance could not occur. In the absence of
other alternatives, worm control continues to rely on anthelmintics because of
their high performance and, their use is likely to continue in the foreseeable fu-
ture as the rst and foremost line of defense against parasites (Martin, 1985).
This study aims to investigate the occurrence of resistance to anthelmintics in
selected areas in Ethiopia, by using the fecal egg count reduction test.
Materials and Methods
Study areas
East and North Shewa zones located in the regional States of Oromia and Am-
hara respectively were identied as the study areas. East Shewa is situated in
the Great Rift Valley where the altitude is between 1200-1700 meters above
sea level. The Great Rift Valley extends its vast escarpments, cliffs, rivers and
plains from the red sea southward through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and
Malawi to end into the Zambezi river in Mozambique. The valley is some 50-60
Km wide. Several large lakes occur along the study areas. North Shewa is in
the highland area where the altitude is more than 2000 meter above sea level
(Fig. 1).
In East Shewa the climate is hot and dry with unpredictable rains that vary
from year to year. The annual rainfall averages 600 mm and the mean annual
temperature is about 26oC. Relative humidity is between 50-80%. Daily mini-
mum and maximum atmospheric temperatures, relative humidity and rainfall
data were collected at Metehara Sugar Factory Research Center, Adamitulu
Agricultural Research Center and the National Meteorological Services Agen-
cy.
161
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 159-175
Desalegn Lidetu
Figure 1. Map of East Shewa showing sub-districts where the study sites located. North Shewa is
not expanded as only one sub-district was studied.
The climate in north Shewa is characterized by a long, cool rainy season (June-
September) that accounts for 75% of the annual rainfall, a short, rainy warm
season (February-May) and a dry, cold season (October-January). The annual
rainfall averages 960 mm and the mean maximum temperature ranges from
14-23oC and the mean minimum from 7-18oC. The climate data for north She-
wa was obtained from the National meteorological services agency.
A systematic sampling procedure was followed to select the study sites. Firstly,
a list of all accessible districts found in both zones was prepared. The districts
were selected from this list. Similarly a list of peasant farmer’s villages that
met certain criteria, such as accessibility by vehicle all year round, availability
of veterinary clinics, animal health representatives from the local Peasant As-
162 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 159-175
Desalegn Lidetu
sociation, farmers’ villages where questionnaire survey on the management
of worms took place, willingness of peasant farmers to participate in the cur-
rent study, the availability of more than 15 sheep or goats on the farm with
a nematode egg count of more than 500 per gram of feces, and the assurance
that animals in the ock were not treated in the last 8-10 weeks, was pre-
pared. Twenty two smallholder farms in 17 localities and two institutional
farms (Debre-Birhan sheep breeding and improvement center in north Shewa,
and Hawasa University (the then Debub University) goat farms in east Shewa
were selected. Thus, a total of 24 farms were involved in this study (Table 1).
Study animals
Sheep and goats belonging to the peasant farmers in East Shewa were of
the local breeds and they were of the East African type (Galal, 1983 cited by
Gatenby, 1986). The indigenous goats at Hawasa University were of mixed lo-
cal breeds. For ease of reference we kept the name “rift valley goats,” as they
were identied by the university farm. In general the goat breeds that were
used in this study were the rift valley goats, and their crosses with Toggen-
burg or Anglo-Nubian, and pure Toggenburgs. Ten, fteen, or more goats (<12
months old) were identied to be included in the study. The animals were
divided into different breed groups, namely local rift valley goats, crossbred
with Toggenburgs or Anglo-Nubians, and pure Togenburgs, all of them with
the same worm population on the same farm to detect differences in the extent
of resistance.
At Debre Birhan in north Shewa, ocks of Menz sheep breed, exotic sheep breed
namely Awasi and their crosses with Menz which were mostly (<12 months
old) were used in the study. No goats were included in the study as there were
no goats in the selected study sites. On every peasant farm up to 15 sheep or
goats with their worm eggs per gram (epg) counts more than 500 were divided
into three treatment groups, the albendazole, levamisole and non-treated posi-
tive control groups. Animals were randomly allocated to each of the groups and
each animal was identied by an ear tag with a code number.
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Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 159-175
Desalegn Lidetu
Table 1. Location and number of sheep and goats in the anthelmintic resistance
survey
Number. Survey zone Location of smallholders Number of
Farms
Number of
Sheep
Number
of Goats
1 East Shewa zone Shashemene 1 - 35
2 Meki 2 26 26
3 Zewai 2 30 30
4 Dugdabura 1 - 23
5Wolenchiti 2 - 26
6 Fentale 1 22 20
7 Alemgena 1 - 30
8 Arsi negele 1 25 35
9 Boset 1 - 22
10 Chabi 1 30 35
11 Modjo 2 35 35
12 North Shewa
none Karano 1 27 -
13 Yato 1 37 -
14 Chacha 1 45 -
15 Faji 1 30 -
16 Sululta 1 20 -
17 Sheno 2 45 -
18 DSBIC DSBIC1 1 45 -
19 HU HU 1 0 197
TOTAL 24 417 514
1Debre Birhan Sheep Breeding & Improvement Center; Hu = Hawasa University, - = No Animals Sampled
Anthelmintics
Albendazole (albenol) and levamisole were selected for this study, to represent
the benzimidazoles and imidazothiazoles. The anthelmintics that had been
used mostly frequently and for six consecutive years were used. The anthelm-
intics were identied based on the ndings of a questionnaire survey where the
drugs did not change for over four or more years in the study area (Desalegn,
2005). The anthelmintics used in the present study were suspensions for oral
use and administered to the animals with 10 or 20 ml plastic syringes. One ml
albenol contains 100 mg albendazole. The recommended dose equals 1ml/20kg
body weight. Double of the recommended dose was given to goats. A dose of 5
mg kg-1 of albendazole and 7.5 mg kg-1 levamisole were given to each animal.
164 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 159-175
Desalegn Lidetu
The dose rates for sheep were based on the manufacturer’s dose rates, while
goats were given one and a half to two times’ higher dose because of pharma-
cokinetic differences (Gillham and Obendorf, 1985). Each animal was drenched
according to its actual weight in kg.
Determination of fecal egg count
Faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was used to determine changes in
fecal egg count using the method of Coles et al. (1992), as advocated by the
World Association for the Advancement of Parasitology (WAAVP). Feces were
collected from the rectum of each sheep and goat and placed in clean specimen
bottle. Fecal samples were kept in a cool-box and transported to the laboratory
at Sebeta. Samples were examined the same day using a modied McMaster
technique (Hansen and Perry, 1994). Fecal samples were recollected 14 days
from the same animals after the rst treatment. For an anthelmintic to be
fully effective no worms should survive following the time taken to empty the
intestine(3 days for LEV, 8 days for BZs, MLs 14-17 days), i.e. allowance has to
be made for temporary suppression of egg production and timing are based on
best guesses (Coles et al., 2006). Pre-treatment samples with fewer than 100
epg were omitted from this experiment.
The use of arithmetic means in the method of Coles et al. (1992) has been con-
sidered to be a more stringent criterion reected in a more conservative esti-
mation of therapeutic activity of drugs (Vercruysse et al., 2001). The method of
Presidente (1985) was used calculating the geometric means as it is considered
appropriate estimate of central tendency and has less potential for misinter-
pretation. The method of Presidente (1985) was used merely to observe the dis-
tinctions of the methods. The following formulas were used to assess FECRT.
1. FECRT%=100
×
(1-[T2 /C2]) - Coles et al. (1992) use arithmetic means, 95%
condence level is provided; resistance is present if the percentage reduction
is less than 95% and the lower 95% condence limit for the reduction is less
than 90%. In this formula the T2 and C2 designate the counts after treat-
ment, using the arithmetic means.
2. FECRT%=100
×
(1-[T2/T1] [C1/C2]) - Presidente (1985) uses logarithmic
transformation of egg counts to stabilize variances. Efcacy is corrected for
changes that occur in the control group by the equation listed. Resistance is
present if the percentage reduction is less than 90%. In this formula the T
and C were the geometric means for the treated and control groups and the
subscripts 1 and 2 designate the counts before and after treatment.
165
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Larval identication and counts
Pooled samples were collected from each group on the day of rst treatment
and again 14 days after treatment. To identify the species of nematodes pres-
ent, cultures were made and up to 100 larvae identied with the aid of the
descriptions of Reinecke (1983), van Wyk et al. (1997b) and van Wyk et al.
(2004).
Results
Tables 2 and 3 show the fecal egg count reduction percentages for the 22 small-
holder and the two institutional farms, which were calculated before and after
treatment, according to the methods proposed by the WAAVP (Coles et al.,
1992). Albendazole was tested on 21 smallholder farms, while levamisole was
tested on six farms. Of the 22 farms only six of them were tested both for al-
bendazole and levamisole. The fecal egg count reduction percentages tested
according to Coles et al. (1992) and (Presidente (1985) in sheep treated with
albendazole were {77%, 46} and {65%, 66%} at Chacha and Sheno in north
Shewa, and {67%, 65%} at Mojo in east Shewa respectively (Table 2). Albenda-
zole resistance was suspected on one of the smallholder farms at Shashemene
in east Shewa where the FECR% were {96%, 90%} (Table 2). Similarly, levami-
sole resistance was detected in goats on one of the smallholder farms at Zewai
in east Shewa, where the FECR% was {95%, 72%} (Table 2).
Resistance in a ock of sheep at Debre-Birhan government sheep farm showed
a 94 % reduction in the faecal egg count and the lower 95 % condence interval
was less than 90 (Table 3). Therefore, the results obtained at this farm sug-
gest that there was a low resistance or resistance can be suspected. Resistance
to both benzimidazole and levamisole groups of anthelmintics occurred in all
the goat herds on the Hawasa University goat farm. The level of resistance
ranged between 45 % & 65 % in the FECRT obtained in the Benzimidazole/
albendazole and levamisole tests both at institutional and at peasant farms
levels (Tables 3-6).
166 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 159-175
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Table 2. Results of FECRT of local breeds of sheep and goats on smallholder farms.
Numbers in brackets are the 95% condence intervals
Number Survey zone Localities Species n Drug
Coles et al.
(1992)
Presidente
(1985)
1 East Shewa Shashemene Goat 35 Albendazole 96 (88-99) s 90 (91-99)
2 Meki Sheep 26 Albendazole 98 (93-100) 91 (90-98)
3 Meki Goat 26 Levamisole 98 (90-100) 92 (91-99)
4 Zewai Sheep 30 Albendazole 98 (93-100) 91 (92-99)
5 Zewai Goat 30 Levamisole 95 (84-98) r 72 (65-90) r
6 Dugdabura Goat 23 Albendazole 99 (90-99) 92 (92-98)
8 Wolenchiti Sheep 22 Albendazole 98 (91-99) 93 (91-99)
9 Fentale Goat 20 Levamisole 99 (95-100) 90 (92-100)
10 Alemgena Goat 30 Albendazole 98 (93-100) 90 (92-99)
11 Arsi Negele Sheep 25 Albendazole 98 (93-98) 93 (91-100)
12 Arsi Negele Goat 35 Levamisole 98 (93-100) 91 (92-99)
13 Boset Goat 22 Albendazole 98 (91-100) 92 (94-100)
14 Chabi Sheep 30 Albendazole 99 (95-100) 88 (58-98)
15 Chabi Goat 35 Levamisole 98 (90-99) 92 (91-99)
16 Mojo Sheep 35 Albendazole 67 (25-86) r 65 (32-88) r
17 Mojo Goat 35 Levamisole 98 (93-100) 91 (90-98)
18 North Shewa Karano Sheep 27 Albendazole 98 (90-100) 92 (91-99)
19 Yato Sheep 37 Albendazole 98 (95-100) 93 (92-99)
20 Chacha Sheep 25 Albendazole 77 (50-89) r 46 (25-68) r
21 Faji Sheep 30 Albendazole 97 (90-99) 94 (93-99)
22 Sheno Sheep 45 Albendazole 65 (15-89) r 66 (25-79) r
s = low resistance (resistance suspected)
r = resistance
- = missing data
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Table 3. Results of FECRT on institutional farms
Localities Species Breed N Drug Coles et al. 1992 Presidente 1985
DSBIC Sheep MC 15 Albendazole 97 (88-99) s 86(72-98)
“ Sheep “ 15 Levamisole 95 (93-98) 84 (89-98)
HU Goat rv 15 Albendazole 86 (61-95) r 31(25-80) r
“ “ “ 15 Levamisole 89 (77-94) r 55 (27-72) r
“ “ Rvc 10 Albendazole 88 (71-95) r 24 (12-26) r
“ “ “ 10 Levamisole 93 (80-98) r 35 (2-65) r
“ “ Toggenburg 7 Albendazole 92 (77-98) r 50 (1-20) r
“ “ trc 10 Albendazole 71(28-88) r 12 (1-42) r
“ “ Trc 10 Levamisole 96 (82-99) r 32 (15-68) r
DSBIC =Debre-Birhan sheep breeding & improvement center, HU=Hawasa University
s = resistance suspected (low resistance), r= resistance, MC=Menz sheep crossed with Awasi
rv = local goat breed (HU goat farm refer them as rift valley goats)
trc = crossed with Togenburg
The results of pre- and post-treatment larval recovery in the anthelmintic
resistance test were determined using the faecal egg/ worm count reduction
test analysis using RESO a simple software method of calculation (1990). In
the pre-treatment larval cultures, Haemonchus was the predominant nema-
tode (75-89 %), while Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomum were present
in small numbers (1-11 %). Post-treatment faecal cultures indicated that Hae-
monchus was the only parasite recovered at the highest level and hence, resis-
tant to albendazole. Detailed results of the calculations on FECR are presented
in Tables 4-6.
168 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 159-175
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Table 4. Results of FECRT calculated using RESO according to Coles et al., 1992 in
goats and sheep on smallholder farms in East Shewa
Zeway Mojo
Goats
control
Goats
Treated
Sheep
control
Sheep
Treated
Goats
Control
Goats
Treated
Sheep
control
Sheep
Treated
Drench number 20 20 10 20 15 20 15 20
Arith.mean epg
(pre) 1013 1135 860 805 973 1220 933 1055
Arith.mean epg
(post) “ 80 “ 45 “ 40 933- 305
Variance (FEC) 411238 376079 347100 9974 482095 6737 463810 223658
% Reduction 92 95 96 67
Variance (Reduc-
tion) 0.25 0.29 0.24 0.16
Upper 95% c.l. 97 98 99 86
Lower 95% c.l. 78 84 88 25
Interpretation R R LR R
Post treatment L3
H. contortus 87 89 90 80 90 74 88 80
T. colubriformis 10 11 7 15 10 16 12 14
O. columbianum 3 0 5 0 10 0 6
Benzimidazole/ albendazole treatment: Pre-treatment L3= 89 H. contortus; 11 T. colubriformis and 5 O. colum-
bianum larvae were recovered froma pooled samples
Table 5. Results of FECRT calculated using RESO according to Coles et al. 1992 in
sheep on smallholders farm in north Shewa
Sheep
control 1
Sheep
Treated1
Sheep
control 2
Sheep
treated 2
Sheep
control3
Sheep
treated3
Drench number 10 20 7 15 15 15
Arith.mean epg (pre) 855 805 757 640 650 1067
Arith.mean epg (post) “ 45 “ 27 “ 113
Variance (FEC) 347111 9974 469524 3524 116071 24095
% Reduction 95 96 85
Variance (Reduction) 0.29 0.35 0.24
Upper 95% c.l. 98 99 95
Lower 95% c.l. 84 86 58
Interpretation R LR R
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Sheep
control 1
Sheep
Treated1
Sheep
control 2
Sheep
treated 2
Sheep
control3
Sheep
treated3
Post-treatment L3
H. contortus 90 80 94 89 91
T. colubriformis 7 15 15 0 0
O. columbianum 0 5 0 0 0
Benzimidazole/albendazole treatment: 1 at Karano, 2 at Faji, 3 at cha-cha, “ = same mean epg count as above
Pre-treatment L3: 90 H. contortus, 10 T. colubriformis were recovered from pooled samples
Discussion
The results of the fecal egg count reduction percentage tests are in agreement
with studies carried out in South Africa (Van Wyk et al. 1997a, b; 1999), in
Kenya (Mwamachi et al., 1995), in Denmark (Maingi et al. 1996), in Malay-
sia (Pandey and Sivarja 1994) and in Peninsular Malaysia (Dorny et al.1994)
where resistance of Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus spp. to benzimidazoles
and levamisole was found.
The factors responsible for the occurrence of resistance on the study at small-
holders (peasant farms) can be speculated. The mean numbers of anthelmintic
treatments per year for goat and sheep as reported in the questionnaire sur-
vey (Desalegn, 2005) were between 2 and 4 during the wet seasons. The lower
frequency of treatments recorded at peasant farm level implies lower selection
pressure for resistance worms. However, other practices observed in the study
areas may have contributed to the occurrence of resistance. Prolonged use of
the same classes of anthelmintics, and the distribution and availability of drugs
of dubious quality, might have contributed to the development of resistance in
some ocks of sheep and goats belonging to smallholders. Under dosing was
also very common on the study farms and veterinary clinics because of the
probably under estimating of animals weight. Anthelmintic doses recommend-
ed for sheep were similarly used for the treatment of goats, which could have
promoted selection for resistant worms (Waller, 1987; Coles and Roush, 1992).
Reports on resistance of nematodes to anthelmintic are scanty from different
regions of the country. Bersissa and Abebe (2007) reported a high efcacy of
albendazole and tetramisole tested against H. contortus in experimentally in-
fected lambs with the Ogaden isolates of the parasite, which indicate that in
areas where farmers or pastoralists practice not frequent chemo-therapeutic
treatments has no yet developed resistant worms to drugs.
170 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 159-175
Desalegn Lidetu
The superscript 1, 2, 3 and 4 designate the albendazole and levamisole tests on mixed goat breed, rift valley crossed, rift valley local, crossed
Toggenburg breeds respectively. R- resistance, LR-low resistance. “ = the same mean epg count as above
Pre-treatment L3: 85 H. contortus, 15 T. colubriformis, 10 O. colombianum were recovered
Combined species Control Bz1 Lev1 Control Bz2 Lev2 Control Bz3 Lev3 Control Bz4 Lev4
Drench number 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 15 15 10 10 10
Arith mean epg (pre) 1 010 1 290 2 390 720 820 720 850 (821) 1 607 1 007 2 696 1 490 1 560
Arith.mean epg (post) “ 800 420 “ 90 50 “ 120 93 “ 790 80
Variance (FEC) 16 544 1 5111 510 667 315 111 7 667 5 000 491923 38 857 13 524 4 330 827 77 111 21 778
% Reduction 92 58 88 93 86 89 71 96
Variance (Reduction) 0.25 0.31 0.16 0.26 0.23 0.11 0.18 0.43
Upper 95% c.l. 97 87 95 98 95 94 88 99
Lower 95% c.l. 77 33 71 80 61 77 28 82
Interpretation R R R R R R R LR
Post-treatment L3
H. contortus 87 89 90 79 90 74 88 80 91 75 86 72
T. colubriformis 10 11 7 15 10 16 12 14 5 15 14 18
O. columbianum 3 0 6 0 10 0 6 4 10 0 10
Table 6. Results of FECRT calculated using RESO according to Coles et al., 1992 in goats at Hawasa Univesrity goat farm
171
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The mean number of anthelmintic treatments at Debre-Birhan sheep breeding
and improvement center and at Hawasa University goat farm (6 or 8 times per
year) was much higher than treatments carried out at peasant farms level.
The use of the same groups of anthelmintics more frequently and for a number
of years was very common in most of the government as well as private vet-
erinary clinics. In the questionnaire survey that was carried out in the area,
the majority of animal health workers (87-90 %) used benzimidazole groups of
anthelmintics for four or more consecutive years before changing to a different
group, like levamisole or for short periods with ivermectins (Desalegn, 2005).
Unless control measures are designed and uniformly applied, anthelmintic re-
sistance has the potential to spread rapidly and widely. This is likely to fur-
ther aggravate the “ill thrift” or nutritional inadequacies, poor helminth con-
trol and husbandry practices in small ruminant production in the area, and
may further enhance selection for resistance. Possible introduction of worms
to sheep and goat rearing farms or areas from within and outside the country
which may be resistant to anthelmintics can also play the role in spreading
the problem of resistance. For example, goats imported from New Zealand to
Slovakia had multiple resistances to anthelmintics (Varady et al. 1993 cited in
Maingi et al. 1996). Newly introduced animals to any farm should be treated
with effective anthelmintics and held in a conned area for up to 48 hours be-
fore they are allowed to graze freely. This gives ample time to kill the worms
inside the host animals.
Currently the responsibility of supplying and distributing of anthelmintics and
other veterinary drugs to regional, zonal or district level veterinary clinics has
been taken over by the zonal or regional bureau of agriculture of each of the
regional states in the country. This should have brought about changes in the
use of anthelmintics in most of the veterinary clinics. Conversely, because of
the Government’s free market economic policy, several private companies im-
port veterinary drugs in bulk from various manufacturers in Africa, Europe
and Asia and distribute these products in Ethiopia. This has contributed to-
wards reducing the shortages of drugs. Anthelmintics of which the sources are
not known are often available in the open market (guilt), and peasant farmers
purchase them because of their trade names and affordable prices (Desalegn,
2005). However, no attempt has been done so far to study the quality and
therapeutic values of anthelmintics that are being sold in most of the open
markets through out the country. Waller (1997) stated that adulterated and/or
anthelmintics of dubious quality obviously lead to development of resistance.
Problems that require serious attention from the drug regulatory authority
172 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 159-175
Desalegn Lidetu
include the marketing of same group of anthelmintics under different trade
names, formulations and presentation of the drugs.
Using the arithmetic mean, for calculating the percentage reduction in fecal
egg count (Coles et al., 1992) is universally accepted because it provides a bet-
ter estimate of the worm egg output and it is a more conservative measure of
anthelmintic efcacy. In the current study both the arithmetic and geometric
mean methods of calculating the percentage reduction in fecal egg count con-
rmed resistance (Tables 2 and 3) and Tables (4-6) in the ocks of sheep and
goats that were examined.
The number of farms examined in both north and east Shewa were too few to
represent the small holder farms in the country to declare the development
and occurrence of anthelmintic resistance. However, conclusions can be made
on the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance among the sheep and goat ocks
in the smallholders of the two zones. The anthelmintic resistance tests that
were carried out at Hawasa University using the local and cross-bred goats
showed the occurrence of resistance mainly by Haemonchus contortus.
In order to reach a better understanding and positive decision on the current
anthelmintic resistance situation in the country, a broader and extensive sur-
vey, involving more farms in other regions and at a national level, is crucial.
Resistance to albendazole and levamisole should also be conrmed by other
tests and observations, such as a controlled study or in vitro testing. This
study, however, reports the anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of
sheep and goats that occurs in selected areas of the country and will be an
emerging problem to which attention should be paid.
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank Dr Girma Abebe for his kind permission to con-
duct the study at the goat farm of Hawasa University. The author also thanks
Dr. Van Wyk for his valuable advise and the laboratory Technicians at the
National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center for their inputs
during the eld and laboratory activities.
173
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Desalegn Lidetu
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Ecological distribution of honeybee chalkbrood dis-
ease (Ascosphaera Apis) in Ethiopia
Aster Yohannes1*, Amsalu Bezabeh2,, Betre Yaekob1, Desalegn Begna2, Yoseph Shifer-
aw1, Yosef Kebede2, Nohe Kebede3
1Holetta Agricultural Research Centre, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research,
P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel. 251112370300
2Holetta Bee Research Center, P.O.Box 22, Holota, Ethiopia
3International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abstract
This study was conducted in Oromia, Amhara and Benishangul-gumuz regional
states of Ethiopia. It was aimed to assess the infection and distribution rates of
honeybee chalk brood disease (HCBD), analyse association of the disease with dif-
ferent bioclimatic zones and determine seasonal occurrence of the disease in Ethio-
pia. One- hundred and thirteen (113) peasant associations from 33 Woredas of the
study regions were selected and 264 beekeepers were interviewed. A total of 1871
honeybee colonies from 133 apiaries were diagnosed externally and internally for
HCBD. The infection rates of chalk brood disease in Amhara, Oromia and Bene-
shangul Gumuz Regional States were 37.12%, 19.89% and 17.93% respectively
while distribution rates in same regions were 87.5%, 56.56%, and 33.33%. Simi-
larly, the infection and distribution rates of HCBD were varied from zone to zones.
High proportions of the respondents reported that HCBD occurred from September
to November (43.6%) and from March to May (34.8%). There was signicant honey
yield variation between infected with HCBD and uninfected honeybee colonies (P
< 0.001). Moist dega, moist weina dega and wet weina dega were identied to be
the best suitable ecological zones for HCBD distribution. We concluded that there
is high distribution of HBCD in all areas. Therefore; there is a need of avoiding
transfer of honeybee products and by products from infected colonies to different
places, awareness creation among beekeepers, strengthening colonies and design
appropriate control strategies to combat the disease.
Key words: Ascosphaera apis (A. apis), Chalk brood, ecology, Ethiopia, Hon-
eybee brood disease, bioclimaitic zones, seasonal occurrence
Introduction
Beekeeping in Ethiopia is a long-standing agricultural practice. Though bee-
keeping is practiced as a sideline activity, many of the rural farming com-
* Corresponding author: asteryohannes@yahoo.co.uk
178 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 177-191
Aster Yohannes, et al.
munity generate substantial income from honey and beeswax selling and get
benet from the diverse use of honey. The current national average honey yield
is estimated at 30 thousand tons per annum. This contributed 23.75% to the to-
tal Africa honey production and 2.48% to the total world production (MOARD,
2005). The current national beeswax yield is also estimated at 3 thousand tons
per annum. Ethiopia is currently known to be one of the ten leading producers
of honey and beeswax in the world (MOARD, 2005). Moreover, beekeeping has
high contribution in enhancing food security, poverty reduction and food pro-
duction through pollination of crops. This economically and ecologically impor-
tant insect has been attacked by various pathogens (fungi, bacteria, parasite
etc.). Fungi are commonly saprophytes of dead bees and combs. Some of the
fungal species such as Ascosphaera apis, Aspergillus spp. and few others are
considered to be honeybee fungal pathogen (Glinski and Buczek, 2003).
Honeybee chalk brood disease (HCBD) is a fungal disease principally attack-
ing the brood of honeybees (Apis mellifera L. Himenoptera: Apidae) with ulti-
mate death of infected larvae. It is caused by a fungus called Ascosphaera apis.
At rst the uffy white mould covers dead larvae inside recently capped cells
and later they dry and become black or white mummies. HCBD is reported to
be most frequent in damp condition. The disease is widespread among honey-
bees in Europe and North America; infection rates in colonies of different areas
in western Canada range from 20 %-39 % (Nelson et al., 1977). Yakobson et
al., 2003 reported that in Israel, chalkbrood was considered by the beekeepers
to be the most important brood disease. These authors also indicated that in
Germany levels of chalkbrood infection were generally low (1-15%) probably
due to the favourable climatic conditions and nectar availability and the high-
est infection rates were observed in the hot and humid months between June
and October (Yakobson et al., 2003). Although chalkbrood is aggravated by
dump condition it is seldom found in New Zealand even in high rainfall district
of West Coast of South Island during hot period (Bailey, 1959; Bailey, 1967;
Bailey and Ball, 1991).
In Africa it was rst reported from Tunisia (Heath, 1985).In the study con-
ducted in Egypt to asses losses in honey yield due to chalkbrood disease in
clover and chinus honey yields, it was found to be 18.41 % and 18.33 % re-
spectively (Zaghlou et al., 2005). In Ethiopia chalkbrood disease was reported
in the beginning of the year 2001. It was detected for the rst time in the api-
ary of Holetta Bee Research Centre (HBRC) and its surroundings (Dessalegn,
2001, 2006). About 27 % of honeybee colonies in West Shewa, East Shewa,
North Shewa and Arsi zones of Oromia Regional State were infected by HCBD
179
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 177-191
Aster Yohannes, et al.
(HBRC, 2004). Currently reports claiming the existence of the disease are com-
ing from all directions in the country indicating that HCBD of honeybee is
becoming a threat to the development of beekeeping sector.
Therefore, to ensure sustainable beekeeping it is of paramount important to
generate information on prevalence and infection rates, analysing association
of the disease with different bio-climatic zones and seasonal distribution of
honeybee chalkbrood disease in Ethiopia.
Materials and Methods
Study area
The study was conducted in Illuababor, Jimma, West shewa, Arsi and East
Wollega zones of Oromia, South Wollo, West Gojam and North Gonder zones of
Amhara and Asossa zone of Beneshangul Gumuz regional states from March
2004 to November 2006. The selected representative Woredas were from East
Wollega (Diga, Leka Dulecha, Gutowayu, Sibu Sire), Jima (Goma, Mana, Gera,
Kersa), Illababora (Metu, Bedele, Chora, Yayo Hurumu),West Shewa (Bako,
Cheliya, Ambo), Arssi (Limubilbilo, Tiyo, Robe, Bokoji), South Wollo (Desie zu-
ria, Kalo, Ambasel, Amahra Saynt), North Gonder (Adiareqey, Gonder zuria,
Layarmacho, Chilga),West Gojam (Baherdar zuria, Bure, Mecha) and Asosa
(Asosa, Maokomo, Bambasi ). Purposive and stratied random sampling tech-
niques were used to select the nine zones and 33 woredas (district) and peas-
ant associations based on honey production potential, high number of honey-
bee colonies, accessibility and willingness of the beekeepers to participate in
the study. Moreover, the study sites that were suspected to be entry areas for
HCBD from outside of the country and major agro-ecological zones were repre-
sented. One hundred and thirteen (113) peasant associations from 33 Woredas
of the study zones were also randomly selected. The selection at all level was
performed with ofces of MOARD and Keble’s representatives. Geographical
coordinate and altitude of the study areas were recorded using Garmin 4.5
hand- held Global Positioning System (GPS)
Survey, sampling and diagnoses of honeybee brood diseases
The sampling units were households keeping apiaries. A total of two hundred
and sixty-four beekeepers (households) were randomly selected from the dis-
tricts and interviewed using pre-structured questionnaire, which helped to
assess the distribution of the disease, effects on general production or yield of
honey and its seasonality. Each respondent was interviewed to estimate honey
180 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 177-191
Aster Yohannes, et al.
yield from infected and uninfected colonies at the same time since the majority
of inspected colonies were found positive for HBCD.
Data were collected in single visit interviews during the main brooding seasons
of the study areas. A total of 1871 honeybee colonies from 133 apiaries (1594
honeybee colonies from 111 apiaries in Oromia, 132 honeybee colonies from 16
apiaries in Amhara and 145 honeybee colonies from 6 apiaries in Beneshangul
Gumuz regional states respectively) were diagnosed clinically by external and
internal examination of the colonies (Hornitzky, 2001). External examination
include observation of the colonies management, type of hives, dead brood/
mummies/ removed by worker bees in front of hives and in the entrances of
honeybees. The internal examination was performed by opening the hives
when suspected for chalkbrood disease and observe clinical evidences of the
disease that are characterized by dead larvae in capped cells , dried/mummi-
ed/cadaver reminiscent of a small piece of chalk, which become dark if fruit-
ing bodies of fungi are formed (sporulating mummies) (Hornitzky, 2001).
The prevalence and infection rates of honeybee chalkbrood disease were analy-
sed using descriptive statistics. T test was used to compare honey yield of in-
fected and uninfected colonies.
Infection rate (%) = (Number of bee colonies that were found positive/ Total bee colonies
examined) x 100,
Distribution rate (prevalence) (%) = (Number of study sites where the diseases were found/
Total numbers of sites where samples were
collected) x 100
Ecology of CHB disease causative agent
The geographical position of localities where HCBD occurred was recorded us-
ing Garmin 4.5 hand- held Global Positioning System (GPS) to establish the
ecology of the disease. Number of inspected colonies, existence of infection and
infection rate of HCBD were presented along northing and easting data and
used as input for BIOCLIM ecological niche analysis with DIVA-GIS software
(Busby, 1991) and WORLDCLIM 30x30 arc-second global climate data (Hij-
mans et al., 2005).
181
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Aster Yohannes, et al.
Bioclimatic data selection
Bioclimatic variables are derived from the monthly temperature and rainfall
values in order to generate more biologically meaningful variables. These are
often used in ecological niche modelling (e.g., BIOCLIM, GARP). The biocli-
matic variables represent annual trends (e.g., mean annual temperature, an-
nual precipitation); seasonality (e.g., annual range in temperature and precipi-
tation) and extreme or limiting environmental factors (e.g., temperature of the
coldest and warmest month, and precipitation of the wet and dry quarters).
BIOCLIM’s denition of a quarter is any 13 consecutive weeks, (or any con-
secutive 3 months if running with a monthly time step) and is not necessarily
aligned to any calendar quarters. For example, the driest quarter will be the 13
consecutive weeks that are drier than any other set of 13 consecutive weeks.
Bioclimatic variables are coded as follows: Annual Mean Temperature; Mean
Diurnal Range; Isothermality; Temperature seasonality coefcient of varia-
tion; Maximum Temperature of Warmest Period; Minimum Temperature of
Coldest Period; Temperature Annual Range (5-6); Mean Temperature of Wet-
test Quarter; Mean Temperature of Driest Quarter; Mean Temperature of
Warmest Quarter; Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter; Annual Precipita-
tion; Precipitation of Wettest Period; Precipitation of Driest Period; Precipita-
tion Seasonality coefcient of variation; Precipitation of Wettest Quarter; Pre-
cipitation of Driest Quarter; Precipitation of Warmest Quarter; Precipitation
of Coldest Quarter.
This scheme follows that of ANUCLIM model, except that for temperature
seasonality the standard deviation was used because a coefcient of variation
does not make sense with temperatures between -1 and 1).
Generating the suitability prediction
When running BIOCLIM with the observation points as input, the input le
needs to contain the independent variables used in the creation of the surface
coefcient les. For BIOCLIM, the variables are usually the latitude (or North-
ing), longitude (or Easting) and elevation. The prole is a statistical summary
of the bioclimatic parameters from each location and contains the following
values for each bioclimatic parameter:
182 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 177-191
Aster Yohannes, et al.
Not suitable,
0 to 2.5 percentile (low),
2.5 to 5 percentile (medium),
5 to 10 percentile (high),
10 to 20 percentile (very high),
20 to 34 percentile (excellent)
BIOCLIM computes the bioclimatic parameters for all of study sites, and then
summarizes them, parameter by parameter to describe the climate that the
causative agent HCB disease was found in.
Results
Infection and distribution rates of honeybee chalkbrood disease
In this study chalkbrood disease was found in all study regions (Oromia, Am-
hara and Beneshangul Gumuze Regional States) except dry bereha and moist
bereha. The disease was detected in the majority of the study areas in these
regional states (Table 1).
Table 1. Infection rates of CHB disease of honeybees in nine Zones of the study area
Region Zone No. Colony diagnosed CHBD+ (%)
Oromia E/Wollega 171 20 (11.7%)
Jimma 499 127 (25.45%)
Illu abbabor 418 81 (19.38%)
W/Shewa 279 24 (8.6%)
Arsii 227 65 (28.63%)
Amhara
South Wollo
N/Gonder
25 16 (64%)
58 11 (18.97%)
W/Gojam 49 22 (44.9%)
Beneshagul Gumuz Assosa 145 26 (17.93%)
Grand Total 1871 392 (21%)
There was HBCD infection and distribution rates variation within and among
the study regions. Infection and distribution of HCBD was found to be higher
in Amhara Regional State compared to Oromia and Beneshangul Gumuze Re-
183
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 177-191
Aster Yohannes, et al.
gional States (Fig. 1 and Table 4). The infection rate in Amhara, Oromia and
Beneshangul Gumuze Regional States was 37.12%, 19.89% and 17.93% respec-
tively and distribution rate was 87.5%, 56.56%, and 33.33% in Amhara, Oro-
mia and Beneshangul Gumuz, respectively (Fig. 1). Though there was no much
infection rate variation between Oromia and Beneshangul Gumuze Regional
States, the distribution rates of HCBD was varied in both regions (Table 4).
Figure 1. Chalk brood infection and distribution rates in Oromiya, Amahara and Beneshangul
Gumuze Regional States
19.89
37.12
17.93
58.56
87.5
33.33
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Oromiya Amahara Benesha ngu Gumuz
Regional States
Rates in percentage
Infection rate
Distributi on rate
Figure1. Infection and distribution rates of CHB disease of honeybees in three regional states of
Ethiopia
The infection rates of HCBD were varied from zone to zones in all regions.
In Oromia the highest infection rate was found in Arsi (28.63%), followed by
Jimma (25.45%) and Illuababor (19.38%) zones. The lowest infection rate was
found in West Shewa (8.6%) and East Wollega (11.7%) zones (Table 1).
In Amahra the highest infection rate of HCBD was recorded in South Wollo
zone (64%) followed by West Gojjam (44.9%) and North Gonder (18.97%) in
the descending order (Table 1). Similarly the distribution rate was found to be
much higher in West Gojjam (100 %) and North Gonder (80%) zones of Amhara
Regional State while in Oromia the most affected zones are Jima (95.24) and
Iluababora (64.7%) (Table 4).
Honeybee chalkbrood disease occurred during all seasons in study areas except
June to August (Table 2). High proportions of the respondents reported that
chalk brood disease occurred during September through November (43.6%)
184 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 177-191
Aster Yohannes, et al.
and March through May (34.8%). These two seasons are times of honeybee
brooding in Ethiopia and are conducive for Ascosphaera apis germination and
sporulation in different parts of the study regions.
There was signicant honey yield difference between infected and uninfected
honeybee colonies by chalkbrood disease (p < 0.001). Chalkbrood disease af-
fects honey yield negatively. In this study it is indicated the HCBD reduces the
annual honey yield by 64 % (Table 3).
Table 2. Seasonal occurrences of chalk brood disease in the study regional states (%)
Region Zone No. Season
September to
November
December to
February
March to
May
June to August
Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. %
Amhara N. Gonder 12 5 41.7 2 16.7 5 41.6 0 0
W. Gojjam 23 11 48 5 21.6 7 30.4 0 0
S.Wello 17 5 29.4 7 41.2 5 29.4 0 0
Oromia Jimma 43 20 46.5 14 32.5 9 21.0 0 0
I/ Ababor 36 16 44.4 10 27.8 9 25.0 1 2.6
E. Wellega 28 11 39.3 4 14.3 13 46.4 0 0
W.Shewa 38 10 26.3 5 13.1 23 60.5 0 0.0
Arsii 52 29 55.8 6 11.5 16 30.8 1 2.0
Beneshangul Asosa 15 8 53.3 2 13.3 5 33.3 0 0
Total 264 115 43.6 55 20.8 92 34.4 2 0.8
Table 3. Mean honey yield (Kg) comparison between chalkbrood disease infected and
uninfected honeybee colonies in the study regional states
Status of honeybee
colony
N Mean Sta. dev. Minimum
Honey yield
Kg/colony
Maximum
honey yield
Kg/colony
Infected 264 2.43a 5.17 0.0 45
Uninfected 264 6.15b 11.10 0.3 80
Means with different letters are signicantly different (p < 0.0001)
185
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Aster Yohannes, et al.
Table 4. Distribution rate (%) of honeybee chalkbrood disease in study Regional States
Region Zone HCBD distribution percentage
Amhara N. Gonder 80.0
W. Gojam 100
S. Wollo 75
Oromiya
Oromiya
Jima 95.24
Ilubabor 64.7
E. Wollega 25.0
W. Shoa 40.0
Arsi 45.45
Beneshangul Gumuz Asosa 33.33
Ecology of CHBD
Bioclimatic predictions
A map of suitability was generated using the conditions described above by the
19-bioclimatic factors. The resulting map indicates the likelihood of presence
of HCBD under the climatic conditions picked under each point of observation
where HCBD was detected. Subsequently, the map was visually compared to
the 19 individual climatic maps. Out of 19 climatic factors used in the model
annual mean temperature, Isothermality, mean temperature of the wettest
quarter, precipitation of wettest quarter, precipitation of warmest quarter and
precipitation of coldest quarter seem to have explanatory power for the models
result more than the rest. This observation is conrmed by nding quasi-iden-
tical result when only six of the climatic factors used (Figure 2 and 4).
Comparison with Agro-climatic zones
Overlaying the raster data obtained from the Bioclim model on a raster of
agro-climatic zones’ classes can give us a picture of how the disease is likely to
be distributed according to the Ethiopian climate zones (Figure 3).
It was found that dry alpine, dry bereha and moist bereha areas are not suit-
able for the occurrence of chalk brood disease at all. On the other hand a signif-
icant portion of the area within the very high and excellent suitability classes
lies in the moist dega, moist weina dega and wet weina dega climatic zones,
9.1%, 10.4%, and 14.9% respectively.
186 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 177-191
Aster Yohannes, et al.
Figure 2. BIOCLIM model using all variables (A) and selected variables (B) for prediction of HBCD
occurrence.
B
A
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Aster Yohannes, et al.
Figure 3. ACZ of Ethiopia- Distribution of observation sites with CBD positive
percentages
Discussion
During the survey period attempts were made to inspect different brood dis-
eases along with HCBD. However, chalk brood disease was the only brood dis-
ease detected in all parts of the study areas. The results of the present study
clearly demonstrated that chalk brood disease was widely distributed in Am-
hara, Oromia and Benishangul Gumuz regional states of Ethiopia.
The infection rate and the distribution rate unequivocally indicated the se-
riousness of the disease. The infection rate observed in this study (17.93 %
-37.12 % as summarized by regions) was similar to infection rate reported from
western Canada where it ranged from 20% - 39% (Nelson et al., 1977). It was
also observed that there was difference in rates of infection and distribution
among the different zones of Oromia and Amhara. It was found that in those
zones where bee production extension package has been practiced and where
various beekeeping equipments were distributed had relatively higher distri-
bution rate (for example West Gojam, (100%), Jima (95.24 %) of HCBD than
188 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 177-191
Aster Yohannes, et al.
Figure 4: BIOCLIM model using only selected variables for prediction of HBCD occurrence
in those zones where relatively little intervention was done like Asosa and
East Wolega (Table 4). This observation has probably led to the conclusion that
the distribution of the causative agent of HCBD might be associated with de-
livery of contaminated apiary equipments. For instance, wax foundation sheet
contaminated with spores of A. apis was shown to be a source of HCBD (Flores
et al., 2005).
Based on the observations made, older hives, poor sanitation, negligence of
the beekeepers to keep clean apiaries and lack of awareness about the dis-
ease among the beekeepers and other agricultural development workers found
to be the prominent factors that might contribute for the high infection and
wider distribution rate across all regions in the country. Seasons between Sep-
tember to November and from March to May were found to be peak seasons
for occurrence of HCBD, which coincides with the brood rearing time of the
year in the respective study sites. These months represent the cold, humid and
hot seasons, which are conducive for multiplication of the causative agent of
HCBD. Hence it agreed with the observation made by (Gilliam et al. 1977) who
189
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 177-191
Aster Yohannes, et al.
observed that heavy infestation in the USA through out the year even when
average monthly temperatures were 29 oC.
A signicant portion of the area within the very high and excellent suitability
classes lies in the moist dega, moist weina dega and wet weina dega climatic
zones, 9.1%, 10.4%, and 14.9% respectively. This nding agreed with the fact
that HCBD is more prevalent in damp and cool conditions and aggravated
when the brood is chilled (Dadant et al., 1975, Desalegn, 2006).
Conclusions
The signicant prevalence and rapid spread of chalk brood disease and loss
of honey production up to 64% due to the disease necessitates prompt atten-
tion from the relevant bodies for urgent implementation of appropriate control
measures including setting up policy that could facilitate execution of monitor-
ing activities. These may include control of movement of honeybee products,
by-products and apiary equipments that could serve as a source of contamina-
tion and infection. In spite of the loss that the disease is incurring, there was
lack of awareness about the importance of the disease among woreda beekeep-
ing experts and the beekeepers themselves. The disease has not been recog-
nized and all concerned bodies have taken no measures. Therfore, awareness
creation is very important among all stakeholders.
So far there are no successful chemotherapeutic options for treatment or con-
trol of HCBD. Maintaining strong healthy colonies has been demonstrated to
reduce the effects of chalkbrood disease elsewhere. Introduction of good man-
agement practices that could help to stop propagation of the pathogen should
be in place. Hence, it is recommended to investigate practicable and effective
options to control CHBD under Ethiopian condition. These may include investi-
gation of potent chemicals that could help to disinfect apiaries and beekeeping
equipments and to treat infected colonies and exploration of improved manage-
ment practices that could help to reduce incidence and spread of HCBD.
Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge the funding agency, World Bank, for nancing
this project and the heads of ARF/ARTP/ secretariat ofce at the Ethiopian
Agricultural Research Institute for facilitating the implementation of the proj-
ect. Holetta Agricultural Research Centre, National Animal Health Research
Centre and Holetta Bee Research Centre also deserve gratitude for providing
all required facilities to execute the project. We owe our appreciation for Zonal
190 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 177-191
Aster Yohannes, et al.
and Woreda ofces of MOARD for their cooperation in selecting study areas
and apiaries, beekeepers that allowed us to work on their hives. Researchers
and technical assistances of all research centres deserve appreciation for their
unreserved effort.
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epidemiological study of chalkbrood disease in Israel, Germany and Thailand.
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Effect of nitrogen on morphological characters, yield
and quality of forage oat (Avena sativa L.)
Aklilu Mekasha1, Y.P. Joshi2 and Alemayehu Mengistu 3
1 Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research; P.O.Box 436; Nazareth, Ethiopia. Email: akli-
lumekasha@ yahoo.com
2 G.B. Pant Universities of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar- 263145, India
3 Agricultural Researches and Development Consultant, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abstracts
Experiment was conducted at the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture
and Technology, India to study morphological characters, yield and quality of for-
age oat (Avena sativa) under different levels of nitrogen. The soil of the experimen-
tal site was Beni silty clay loam under the order Mollisol, slightly alkaline in reac-
tion (7.3), low in available nitrogen (238 kg ha-1 ), medium in organic carbon (0.7%),
P2O5 (47.3 kg ha-1) and K2O (284.37 kg ha-1). The experiment was conducted in a
Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications consisting of ve levels
of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1) and two forage oat varieties namely
Kent and UPO-212. The result revealed that increased application of nitrogen sig-
nicantly (P< 0.05) affected morphological characters of the crop. Higher number
of shoot, leaves and dry matter accumulation were recorded at 120 kg N ha-1 with
maximum plant height, leaf area index, emergence count and lodging percentage
being at 160 kg N ha-1. Green forage, dry matter, crude protein and digestible dry
matter yields were signicantly (P < 0.05) higher upto 120 kg N ha-1 with better
quality forage in terms of digestibility and crude ber content. Between the two
varieties, UPO-212 revealed signicantly (P < 0.05) higher performance in terms
of most morphological characters with signicantly (P < 0.05) higher green forage,
dry matter, digestible dry matter and crude protein yields than Kent. Whereas,
crude protein and digestible dry matter contents were better in Kent than in UPO-
212.
Key words: Forage oat; morphological characters; nitrogen levels; quality;
yield
Introduction
The mismatch between general paucity in area devotion to forage cultivation
at 6.9 million hectares for the last four decades and the livestock population
growing at 1.4 per cent per annum is the challenge to the Indian feed produc-
tion. The available feed resource in the country is merely meager. Only 550
194 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1193-207
Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
million tons dry fodder from crop residues, pasture and grazing resources; 370
million tons green fodder from cultivated forages, tree fodders, weeds and sug-
ar cane tops is available against the 949 million tons dry fodder, 1136 million
tons green forages and 6.0 million tons concentrates (Hazra and Singh, 1996;
ICAR, 1997) required to feed the livestock population of the country.
In efforts to bridge the gap, oat has gained great attention particularly in the
northern and western parts of the country where the climate is very conducive
for production. To date, several varieties have been released (Mishra and Ver-
ma, 1992; Bhagmal, 1998) which are grown on over 100 thousand hectares of
land (Hazra and Singh, 1996) with 35 to 50 tons ha-1 green forage productivity
(Hazra and Singh, 1996). On the other hand, there is a long established uni-
versal fact that apart from genetics, the external factors viz, climate, nutrient
and humans managerial interventions, collectively called environment, con-
tributes up to 79.96% to the full production potential of a crop (Gezahegn et
al., 2008). Climate mainly through temperature and moisture, determines the
spatial and seasonal distribution of crops, while nutrients play decisive role on
growth and productivity of the crop in its area of adaptation.
Among the essential nutrients to plant, nitrogen is the most important element
taken-up by plants (Miles and Manson, 2000). Both the deciency and excess
supply of this nutrient has adverse effect on growth and yield of crops, animal
health and on socio-economic and environmental welfare. As one way to get out
of it, interests of identifying genetic differences in responsiveness to nitrogen
fertilizer are intensifying. Producers, agricultural consultants and researchers
often see genotypic variation as one way to ne-tune fertilizer management
(Below, 1995). There is a desire to develop or identify genotypes that perform
well under low nitrogen supply or conversely to nd genotypes that will re-
spond to high fertility conditions (Below, 1995). Therefore, it was with this in
mined that study was conducted using two commercial varieties of forage oat
to see the response to different levels of nitrogen in terms of morphological
characters, yield and quality.
Materials and Methods
The study was conducted at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture
and Technology, India, situated at an altitude of 243.8 meters above mean sea
level between 29.5o N latitude and 79.3oE longitude. The region is character-
ized by subhumid tropical and subtropical climate having shallow water table
and gentle slope with mean annual rainfall of 1385mm.The air temperature
195
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 193-207
Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
ranges from below 10OC in winter to over 40OC in summer. The soil was slight-
ly alkaline in reaction (7.3), low in available nitrogen (230 kg ha-1), medium in
organic carbon (0.7%), P2O5 (47.3 kg ha-1) and K2O (284.37 kg ha-1).
Experimental design, treatments and layout
The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)
with four replications. The treatments consist of ve nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80,
120, and 160 kgha-1) and two forage oat varieties namely Kent and UPO-212.
Kent was introduced from USA in 1960’s and adapted well to the Indian con-
dition. It is a medium to late maturing variety with long, narrow and droopy
light green leaves; resistant to rust, blight and lodging (Singh, 1998). Whereas,
UPO-212 is a medium late variety released from Pantnagar in 1990. It is resis-
tant to crown rest, blight, lodging and shattering (Mishra and Verma, 1992).
The two varieties and the ve levels of nitrogen were combined factorally mak-
ing a total of ten treatments each with gross and net plot size of 4 m x 3 m = 12
m2 and 2 m X 2 m = 4 m2, respectively in four replication.
Experimental plots management
The eld was disc-ploughed once followed by two cross harrowing and plank-
ing. Seeds were sown at 100kg ha-1 seed rates by drilling in rows with 25 cm
spacing in between. Each plot was supplied at planting with a uniform two-
third quantity of the total dose of nitrogen through urea as per treatment, 40
kg ha-1 K
2O as murate of potash and 60 kg ha-1 P
2O5 as single supper phos-
phate as basal dressing. The remaining one-third of the total dose of nitrogen
left after basal application was top-dressed 30 days after sowing. Irrigation
was given to all plots a week after planting and subsequently at 20-25 days
interval depending on moisture /precipitation/ condition and the need of the
crop. A total of 4 irrigations were given to meet water requirement of the crop.
Herbicide 2-4,D was also applied 25 days after sowing at 1.0 kg ha-1 a. i. and
supplemented with hand-weeding once 50 days after sowing.
Data collection and Analysis
Morphological characters
The crop was harvested at 50% heading stage(D50)after taking measurement
on plant height (PLH) and counting number of shoot (NSH) from a half meter
row length. The entire herbage from the half meter row length was cut close to
the ground and separated into leaves and stem; count was taken on number of
196 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1193-207
Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
green leaves (NGL), number of dry leaves (NDL), and total number of leaves
(TNL). Leaf area, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulations through
leaves (DMAL), stem (DMAS), and whole aerial plant part (TDMA), and the
leaf to stem ratio (L/S) were all determined (Aklilu and Alemayehu (2007).
Lodging percentage (LGP) was determined as percentage of the ratio of lodged
area to the total area of the plot as given by Bhat et al. (2000). Emergence
count (EGC) was taken at 15 days after planting by counting all plants from
0.5 meter row length.
Yield and quality
For the purpose of yield determination, the entire herbage from the net plot
area (2m x 2m) was cut close to the ground, fresh weight was measured and the
green forage yield (GFY) in q ha-1 determined. Subsamples of about 250 g was
taken from each plot and dried in oven at 70OC to constant weight from which
the dry matter content (DM) and the dry matter yield (DMY) in qha-1 were
determined. For crude protein, crude ber and digestibility determination,
the oven-dried samples were ground by laboratory Willey mill to pass 1 mm
sieve size; two hundred mg samples were analyzed for total nitrogen content
by Micro-kjeldhal method (Jackson, 1973) and the nitrogen content was multi-
plied by 6.25 to determine the per cent crude protein content (CP). The crude
protein yield (CPY) in qha-1 was determined by multiplying the DMY with the
CP and dividing by 100. The crude ber content (CF) was determined accord-
ing to the procedure of AOC (1980). At the same time, ve gram of the ground
sample was incubated in rumen of three rumen stulated animals for 72 hours
according to Ørskov and McDonald (1979). And the digestibility of the samples
(DDM) were calculated by dividing the difference in dry weight between the
before and the after incubation with that of the weight before incubation multi-
plied by 100. Digestible dry matter yield (DDMY) in qha-1 was then determined
by multiplying DMY with that of the DDM divided by 100.
Finally the data on all parameters were subjected to analyses of variance for
RCBD as described by Cocharan and Cox (1957) at probability level of 5 per
cent.
Results and discussions
Morphological characters
Analyses of variance showed signicant (P<0.05) difference in all morphologi-
cal characters due to application of different nitrogen levels (Table 1). PLH,
197
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 193-207
Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
NSH, NGL, NDL, TNL, LAI, DMAL, DMAS, TDMA, and EGC all increased
with levels of nitrogen. Maximum NSH (51.9), NGL (158), NDL (83.4), TNL
(241.4), DMAL (33.25), DMAS (86.13) and TDMA (119.38) were recorded at
120 kg N ha-1, while the PLH, LAI, EGC and LGP continued to increase up to
the maximum level of nitrogen, indicating the need for higher amount of nitro-
gen to establish apparatuses involved in photosynthesis (Below, 1995).
Application of nitrogen at beyond 120 kg N ha-1, however, resulted in slight
decrease in NSH, NGL, NDL and TNL. The observed decrease might be due to
increased EGC, because of nitrogen effect, which might have caused death of
weaker and less competitive tillers (Joshi, 1996) and decomposition of leaves.
Sexton (1995) also observed leaf losses associated with low light intensity in
crop canopy. The observed increase in LAI (Table 1) with nitrogen could also
be due to enhanced synthesis of enzymes, co-enzymes, chlorophyll and other
nitrogen containing compounds (Rusel, 1973) which are essential for full ex-
pansion of individual leaf. Higher leaf area enables the crop to intercept more
solar energy and synthesize more sugars for higher dry matter accumulation
as reported by Saxena et al. (1971), Tiwari et al. (19 71), Verma (1984) and
Chakraborty et al. (1999). A positive correlation of dry matter accumulation
with LAI has also been documented by Rao et al. (1978) and Joshi (1980). The
observed increase in total dry matter accumulation with the increasing levels
of nitrogen could thus be due to better root growth and uptake of other essen-
tial elements (Hopkins et al., 1994; Brady and Weil, 2002) with increased LAI
and more light interception (Dhaliwal et al., 1984).
Though not signicant (P>0.05) the D50 of present study decreased progres-
sively with levels of nitrogen from 111.6 days to 105.1 days. The implication
is that application of nitrogen hastens plant growth and development to early
maturity. Likewise the leaf to stem ratio of present study declined signicantly
(P<0.05) with successive level of nitrogen from 0.54 at 0 kg N ha-1 to 0.37 at
160 kg N ha-1. The reason could be due to more accumulation of dry matter in
the stem than in leaves (Table 1) and leaf senescence as reported by Sexton
(1995).
Between the two varieties UPO-212 showed signicantly (P<0.05) superior per-
formance with respect to most morphological characters vis PLH, NSH, NDL,
TNL, LAI, DMAS, TDMA, D50 and LGP. It was also responsive to higher doses
of nitrogen in terms of TNL, DMAS, TDMA and PLH (Table 2). The higher dry
matter accumulation of UPO-212 could be due to more assimilatory surface
areas reected by more number of shoots with higher LAI (Table 1). The dry
198 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1193-207
Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
matter accumulation through leaves however, was signicantly (P<0.05) high-
er in kent than in UPO-212. The possible reason might be better leaf thickness
and specic leaf weight which were not considered in the present study. But
Rao et al. (1978) reported negatively correlated leaf area index with specic
leaf weight in some genotypes.
The higher total dry matter accumulation in UPO-212 might be doing to the
observed L/S and late heading (Table 1). Collin et al. (1990) also reported more
dry matter accumulation in late heading genotypes than in early heading gen-
otypes. Higher percentage of lodging was also observed in UPO-212 which
might be due to nitrogen-induced excessive vegetative growth (Das,1996)
and more number of shoots with greater crop canopy development (Pinthus,
1973).
Yield and quality
Application of nitrogen signicantly (P<0.05) affected the measured yield and
quality parameters (Table 3). The GFY increased up to the maximum dose
of nitrogen, while the increase in DMY, CPY, and DDMY was only up to 120
kg N ha-1 with a short fall thereafter, indicating that application of nitrogen
above this dose level might not be benecial under similar environmental and
management conditions. Similar trends of increase in yield were reported by
several authors, among which Thakuria and Gogoi (2001) in experiment with
three levels of nitrogen (0, 40, and 80 Kg N ha-1) noticed signicant improve-
ment in GFY with 80 kg N ha-1 and DMY with 40 kg N ha-1. Hasen et al. (2000)
also investigated increased GFY and DMY both up to 160 kg N ha-1. Singh et
al. (2000) in turn reported 55.5, 85.5 and 106.5 percent increment in green for-
age yields each with application of 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha-1, respectively. The
increase in green forage yield with nitrogen at above 120 kg N ha-1 level could
be attributed to lush growth of the crop with formation of more protoplasm
and increase in cell volume. Since protoplasm is highly hydrated, there would
be more succulent plant growth with excessive moisture in tissues as the level
of nitrogen increased (Das, 1996). The DM content of present study thus de-
creased with successive levels of applied nitrogen (Table 3) and the observation
corroborates reports of Kumar et al. (2001), Thakuria and Gogoi (2001) and
Singh et al. (2000). The decrease in DM content with increased level of nitrogen
might be due to loss of signicant portion of the weight of plant tissue upon
dehydration.
199
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 193-207
Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
Contrary to the DM and DDM, the CP and CF of present study showed increas-
ing trend which is in agreement with Ayub, et al.(2001) in Maize and Ammaji
and Suryanaraana (2003) in sorghum. The implication is that application of
nitrogen made more nitrogen to be available in soil for increased uptake and
contents in plant tissue. The increase in CF with nitrogen level could also be
related to the observed decrease in L/S (Table 1). Kilcher and Troelsen (1973)
found much higher structural cell wall constituents in stems than in leaves of
oat. Since the structural carbohydrates (lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses)
are less digestible, the observed increase in CF with nitrogen levels might have
reduced the DDM in plant tissue (Table 2). The observation is in agreement
with Collin et al. (1990) and Kumar et al. (2001) who found more indigestible
components of bre with increased levels of nitrogen. Kilcher and Troelsen
(1973) also reported negative correlation of digestibility with lignin in oat.
Between the two varieties UPO-212 revealed signicantly (P < 0.05) higher
GFY, DMY, CPY, and DDMY (Table 3) with signicantly (P< 0.05) more re-
sponse to the higher doses of nitrogen at 120 and 160 kg N ha-1 (Table 4)
which is in conformity with earlier reports of Kumar et al. ( 2001). The higher
yield of UPO-212 over Kent could be due to better genetic makeup of the vari-
ety with inherently higher potential for taller growth, more number of shoots,
and leaves, better LAI, and more dry matter accumulation (Table1 and 2).
In the present study UPO-212 also showed non-signicantly (P>0.05) more DM
than Kent (Table 3 and 4) which is in conformity with reports of Kumar (2001).
The higher dry matter content of UPO-212 might be due to the observed more
number of days taken to attain 50% heading, more dry matter accumulations
in stem and lower L/S. This is in agreement with ndings of Collin et al. (1990)
who reported more dry matter content in late heading cultivars than in early
heading cultivars. The higher crude bre content observed in UPO-212 than
in Kent (Table 3 and 4) could also be due to more structural carbohydrates
deposit such as, lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses.
In the present work Kent showed higher digestible dry matter content than
UPO-212 is in agreement with ndings of Raghubanshi et al. (2002) and Ku-
mar et al. (2001). The higher digestible dry matter content in Kent could be
due to more L/S in Kent than in UPO-212 is in agreement with the higher
digestibility of leaves than stem reported by Kilcher and Troelson (1973). The
non-signicantly (P> 0.05) higher CP observed in Kent (Table 3 and 4) con-
tradicts Raghubanshi et al. (2002) and Kumar et al. (2001). The deviation of
the present nding might be due to combined effects of high nitrogen induced
200 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1193-207
Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
lodging and late heading in UPO-212 (Table 1). Lodged plants are often sub-
jected to nutrient loss due to leaf shattering and decomposition. Similarly late
heading cultivars have less crude protein with more ber contents than early
heading ones (Collin et al., 1990) 1990. In the present work UPO-212 recorded
signicantly (P<0.05) higher crude ber content than Kent is in agreement
with Raghubanshi et al. (2002).
Conclusions
Apart from genetics, the type and level of management also inuences the
yield and quality of forage crops. In the present study application of nitrogen
signicantly affected the morphological characters, yield and quality of the
crop. The observation revealed that, increased application of nitrogen fertilizer
increased plant height, number of shoot, number of leaves, leaf area index, and
dry matter accumulations. The increase in these yield contributing traits has
been reected in yield and quality of the crop. The green forage yield increased
up to the maximum dose, while the increase in dry matter, crude protein and
digestible dry mater yields were up to 120 kg N ha-1. The dry matter and the
digestible dry matter contents of the crop however decreased with increased
levels of nitrogen while there was consistent increase in crude protein and
crude ber contents. The present study also revealed varietal difference in re-
sponse to levels of nitrogen. UPO-212 showed superior performance with re-
spect to most morphological characters and thus gave more green forage yield,
dry matter yield, crude protein yield and digestible dry matter yields with
more dry matter and crude ber contents than Kent. Kent however, revealed
more crude protein and digestible dry matter contents than UPO-212. In a nut-
shell, it can be concluded that application of nitrogen up to 120 kg ha-1 might be
recommendable for higher biological yield and further work need to be done to
exploit more varietal differences in improving fertilizer use-efciency.
Acknowledgment
The execution of this activity was made possible with nancial support of the
Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute (EIAR) through the Agricultural
Research and Training Project (ARTP).
201
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Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
Morphological characters
PLH
(num-
ber
0.5m-1
row)
NSH
(number
0.5m-1
row)
NGL
(number
0.5m-1
row)
NDL
(number
0.5m-1
row)
TNL
(number
0.5m-1
row)
LAI DMAL
(g 0.5m-1
row)
DMAS
(g 0.5m-1
row)
TDMA
(g 0.5m-1
row)
L/S EGC
(number
0.5m-1
row
D50
( days)
LGP
(%)
Nitrogen level
(kg ha-1)
0 113.9d 33.6d 101.1d 54.6b 155.6d 4.11d 22.38c 41.80d 64.18e 0.54a 26.4c 111.6a 0
40 134.6c 41.8c 113.3c 76.6a 189.9c 6.65c 28.38b 65.50c 93.88d 0.43b 27.8bc 106.0b 0
80 145.4b 48.3b 129.4b 79.4a 208.8bc 7.78b 31.38a 77.00b 108.38c 0.41bc 28.9abc 104.5b 0
120 149.1a 51.9a 158.0a 83.4a 241.4a 8.33a 33.25a 86.13a 119.38a 0.39bc 29.6ab 104.1b 16.3b
160 151.2a 49.5ab 136.0b 79.5a 215.5b 8.40a 31.75a 85.13a 116.88b 0.37c 31.0a 105.1b 28.1a
SEm+ 0.8 1.1 3.6 5.8 7.6 0.14 0.73 1.55 0.50 0.02 0.8 1.1 2.7
LSD (p < 0.05) 2.8 3.3 10.5 16.9 21.9 0.42 2.14 2.94 1.43 0.04 2.5 3.3 7.8
Variety
Kent 130.4b 43.3b 130.4 68.3b 193.0b 6.99b 30.95a 68.38b 99.33b 0.45 31.2a 104.9b 2.3b
UPO-212 147.3a 46.9a 127.6 81.1a 211.5a 7.05a 27.90b 73.84a 101.74a 0.38 26.3b 107.7a 15.5a
SEm+ 1.0 0.7 2.3 3.8 5.9 0.90 0.47 0.98 0.31 0.01 1.3 0.6 1.7
LSD (p < 0.05) 1.8 2.1 NS 10.7 13.9 0.26 1.35 1.86 0.90 NS 3.9 1.72 4.9
Table 1: Effect of applying different levels of nitrogen on morphological characteristics of forage oat
Figures with different alphabetical letters in a column are signicantly different at P< 0.05
PLH= Plant height, NSH= Number of shoot, NGL= Number of green leaf NDL= Number of dry leaf, TNL= Total number of leaf, LAI= leaf area
index, DMAL = Dry matter accumulation through leaf, DMAS= Dry matter accumulation through stem, and TDMA= total dry matter accumula-
tion through aerial plant part, L/S leaf to stem ratio, EGC= Emergence count, D50= days to 50% heading, LGP= lodging percentage and NS= non
signicant
202 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1193-207
Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
morphological characteristics
PLH
(number 0.5m-1
row)
NSH
(number 0.5m-1
row)
NGL
(number 0.5m-1
row)
TNL
(number 0.5m-1
row)
DMAS
(g 0.5m-1 row)
TDMA
(g 0.5m-1 row)
Nitrogen level
(kg ha-1)
Kent UPO-212 Kent UPO-212 Kent UPO-12 Kent UPO-212 Kent UPO-212 Kent UPO-212
0 89.5g 38.4h 30.8de 36.5d 95.8f 106.5ef 174.5d 137.0e 40.62g 42.97g 62.38h 65.97g
40 126.8f 142.5d 35.3de 48.3b 108.3ef 118.3de 181.0cd 198.8bcd 62.75f 68.25ef 89.25f 98.50e
80 148.6bc 142.2d 46.5bc 50.0b 133.5bc 125.3cd 187.8cd 229.8b 74.00de 80.00cd 103.25d 113.50c
120 151.4b 146.8c 48.0b 55.8a 174.8a 141.3b 210.5bc 272.3a 81.50bc 90.75a 112.75c 126.25a
160 134.9e 166.6a 56.8a 42.3c 139.8bc 132.3bc 211.3bc 219.8 83.00bc 87.25ab 114.00c 120.00b
SEm+ 1.4 1.6 5.12 10.7 2.20 0.70
LSD (p < 0.05) 4.0 4.7 14.86 31.1 6.38 2.02
Table2: Interaction effect of level of nitrogen and variety on morphological characteristics of forage oat
Figures with different alphabetical letters in a column are signicantly different at P< 0.05
PLH= Plant height, NSH= Number of shoot, NGL= Number of green leaf, TNL= Total number of leaf, DMAS= Dry matter accumulation
through stem and TDMA= total dry matter accumulation through aerial plant part
203
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 193-207
Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
Yield and quality
GFY
(kg ha-1)
DMY
(kg ha-1)
CPY
(kg ha-1)
DDMY
(kg ha-1)
DM
(%)
CP
(%)
DDM
(%)
CF
(%)
Nitrogen level (kg ha-1)
0 239.2d 51.3e 3.8d 40.1e 21.4ab 7.3d 78.0a 27.7e
40 345.5c 75.1d 6.1c 58.0d 21.8a 8.1c 77.2ab 29.3d
80 418.8b 86.7c 8.3b 65.7c 20.7ab 9.5b 75.6abc 30.4c
120 491.2a 95.6a 10.4a 71.4a 19.5bc 10.7a 74.7bc 31.2b
160 495.2a 93.6b 10.1a 69.4b 18.9c 10.7a 74.2c 31.9a
SEm+ 4.9 0.4 0.1 0.6 0.5 0.3 1.0 0.1
LSD (p < 0.05) 14.3 1.2 0.3 1.7 1.49 0.8 2.9 0.3
Variety
Kent 379.1b 77.1b 7.5b 59.1b 20.3 9.7 76.7 29.8b
UPO-212 407.5a 83.9a 8.0a 63.1a 20.6 9.5 75.3 30.5b
SEm+ 3.1 0.3 0.1 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.06
LSD (p < 0.05) 9.1 0.7 0.2 1.1 NS NS NS 0.2
Table 3: Effect of application of different level of nitrogen on yield and quality of forage oat
Figures with different alphabetical letters in a column are signicantly different at P< 0.05
GFY= Green forage yield, DMY= Dry matter yield, CPY=Crude protein yield, DDMY=Digestible dry matter yield, DM= Dry matter
content, CP= crude protein content, DDM= digestible dry matter content, CF= crude ber content and NS= non signicant
204 Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 1193-207
Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
Yield and quality
GFY
(kg ha-1)
DMY
(kg ha-1)
CPY
(kg ha-1)
DDMY
(kg ha-1)
CF
(%)
Nitrogen level (kg ha-1) Kent UPO-212 Kent UPO-212 Kent UPO-212 Kent UPO-212 Kent UPO-212
0 235.4f 243.3f 49.9h 52.8g 3.6g 4.0f 39.8g 40.3g 27.4i 28.0h
40 313.2e 378.9d 71.4f 78.8e 5.7e 6.5d 56.2f 59.7e 29.0g 29.5f
80 418.2c 419.4c 82.6d 90.8c 7.3c 9.3b 62.8d 68.6c 30.1e 30.7d
120 471.2b 508.3a 90.1c 100.9a 9.5b 11.2a 67.0c 75.9a 30.9c 31.5b
160 483.8b 506.3a 91.2c 96.0b 9.3b 10.8a 68.2c 70.7b 31.1c 32.7a
SEm+ 6.9 0.7 0.2 0.8 0.14
LSD (p < 0.05) 20.2 1.6 0.5 2.4 0.14
Table 4: Interaction effect of nitrogen and variety on yield and quality of forage oat
Figures with different alphabetical letters in a column are signicantly different at P< 0.05
GFY= Green forage yield, DMY= Dry matter yield, CPY=Crude protein yield, DDMY=Digestible dry matter yield and CF crude ber content
205
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Aklilu Mekasha, et al.
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Assessment of the prevailing handling, transporta-
tion, marketing and quality of eggs collected from
local scavenging hens in Bure district, North-West
Ethiopia
Fisseha Moges*1, Abera Mellesse2 and Tadelle Dessie3
1 Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.o.Box 27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
2 Hawassa University, P.O.Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia
3 International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
* Corresponding author: smog@yahoo.com
Abstract
A repeated and cross-sectional survey together with egg quality analysis was con-
ducted in seven selected farmer’s kebele of Bure district, North West Ethiopia. The
major objective of the study was to assess the prevailing handling, storage and
quality of local/scavenging hen eggs in the district. A formal survey with struc-
tured questionnaire was used to collect all the relevant data, using a multi-stage
sampling technique (purposive and random). Seven farmer kebeles (2 from high-
land, 3 from mid-altitude and 2 from lowland agro-ecologies) and a total of 280
village chicken owner households were considered for the study. In addition 1000
local hen eggs were collected in all seasons and egg sources (markets and producer)
and used for the study. Internal and external egg quality traits including: egg shell
color, egg length (EL), egg width (EWd), shape index (SI), shell weight (EW), shell
thickness (ST), Albumen height (AH), yolk height (YH) and Hough units (HU)
were measured. The results indicated that 71.4% of village chicken owners stored
eggs inside earthen material (clay) together with grains or straws. The majority of
village chicken owners (69.3%) of the study district were involved in selling of eggs.
Selling of eggs was done in various places including: urban markets, local markets
and farm gates. Women & children (43.2%) were the most important members of
the household that were involved in marketing of eggs in the district. Large pro-
portion of the chicken owners (66.4%) use hand carrying to transport eggs to mar-
kets. Plastic containers (festal) and grass made bags (locally called ‘kofeda’) were
used. The average egg weight was 43g (ranged 34-60g). The mean egg width and
egg length measurements were 37.2mm and 50.8mm, respectively. Thus, the aver-
age shape index percentage was calculated and found to be 73.2%. The average
albumen height and yolk height were 4.1mm and 15.1mm, respectively. The mean
Hough unit was calculated using albumen height and egg weight and found to be
66.5 (ranged 36.4-84.8). The average egg shell thickness measurements for sharp
region, equatorial region and blunt regions were 0.27mm, 0.26mm and 0.24mm,
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227
210
respectively. Hence the average egg shell thickness was found to be 0.26 mm. It
was generally noted that local hen eggs collected from Bure district were poor in
quality as compared to the quality of eggs collected from intensively managed local
hens. And this indicated that the quality of local hen egg’s of the district could be
partially improved by chicken management interventions such as; proper housing,
feeding, health care and good handling of eggs.
Keywords: local chicken’s ecotypes, scavenging, internal and external egg
quality traits, phenotypic correlation.
Introduction
In Ethiopia chickens are the most widespread, and almost every rural family
owns village birds, which provide a valuable source of family protein and extra
cash incomes (Tadelle et al., 2003). The number of chicken ocks per house-
hold of most Ethiopian rural community is small in number and containing
birds from each age group (Tadelle and Ogle, 1996). The total chicken popula-
tion in the country is estimated to be 32.2 million (CSA, 2005). The majorities
(94.12%) of these birds are indigenous breeds/ecotypes and maintained under
a traditional system with little or no inputs for housing, feeding or health care
(CSA, 2005).
Although eggs contain approximately 74% water, they are potentially impor-
tant and balanced source of essential amino acids as well as some minerals
and vitamins. Egg proteins contain all essential amino acids and therefore egg
protein is used as standard for measuring the nutritional quality of other food
products (FAO, 2003). A typical egg would contribute 3-4% of an adult’s aver-
age energy requirement per day and has approximately 6.5g of protein (Sparks,
2006). Furthermore, chicken meat and eggs come in small packages and could
be stored in hot climates under local conditions more easily than most foods of
animal origin. Eggs keep their quality at room temperature without spoilage
for at least 10 days to 2 weeks if stored in cool places (Sparks, 2006).
External and internal qualities of eggs are of major importance to the egg in-
dustry worldwide. However, they are not being given a due attention in the
developing world, where the majority of the eggs are coming from free scaveng-
ing village chicken, as compared to that of the developed world (Juliet, 2004).
Egg’s internal and external quality could be inuenced by factors like; genetic
factors, environmental factors (such as temperature, relative humidity and the
presence of CO2), hen age, nutrition status, egg storage condition and storage
time (Juliet, 2004). A good quality egg should be free from internal blemishes
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227 211
such as blood spots, pigment spots and meat spots (Hamilton, 1982). In numer-
ous researches, it has been reported that the external and internal quality of
chicken eggs had signicant effects on the hatchability of fertile eggs, weight
and development of the day-old chicks and marketability of eggs (Nordstrom
and Ousterhout, 1982).
The signicance of the egg as a protein source for the nourishment of humans
led the consumers to demand for some qualities in this nutrient (Uluocak et
al., 1995). External and internal qualities of eggs are of major importance to
the egg industry worldwide. However, they are not being given a due attention
in the developing world, where the majority of the eggs are coming from free
scavenging village chicken, as compared to that of the developed world (Juliet,
2004).
To date there are no detailed studies conducted in the region and the study dis-
trict targeted on a comprehensive description of the prevailing handling and
storage of local hen eggs and assessment of internal and external quality of
marketable eggs. Therefore, the study was designed to (1) assess the existing
handling, storage, consumption, marketing and transportation of eggs; (2) as-
sess the purpose/function of eggs in the district; and (3) evaluate the external
and internal quality of local hen eggs.
Materials and methods
Description of the study district
The study was conducted at Bure district found in Amhara National Region-
al State (ANRS), North-West Ethiopia. According to ANRS-BoFED (2007),
the study district has an agricultural household size of 39,323 (6370 female
and 32953 male) and he total human population was estimated to be 281,310
(141,683 males & 139,627 females). From the total human population, 85 %
were rural community and 15% were urban dwellers (Bure, 2007). The study
district has a total of 27 kebeles, from which 5 are urban and 22 are rural kebe-
les. Burie, the administrative and commercial center of the district, is located
420 kms North-West of Addis Ababa and 148kms South-West from Bahir-Dar
town. The study district has a total land area of 2207.2 km2. The average al-
titude is estimated to be 1689masl (ranged 728-2832masl). The mean annual
rain fall is estimated to be 1689.4mm (ranged 713-2832mm) and the average
temperature is 18.97oc (ranged 13-24oc).
Fisseha Moges, et al.
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212
Livestock is considered as an important component of the prevailing crop-live-
stock mixed farming systems of the study district. Small holder farmers of the
study area owned various livestock species such as; cattle, sheep, goat, chicken
and equines. According to Burie (2007), the study district is reported to have a
total population of 129,265 for cattle, 39,066 for sheep, 6,895 for goats, 16,335
for donkeys, 479 for mules, 188,310 for chicken and 13,329 bee hives.
The study district contains all the three agro-ecologies: highland (‘Dega’), mid
altitude (‘Woyna daga’) and lowland (‘Kola’) with the higher proportion (77%)
of mid altitude agro ecology. The district is known to have highest potential for
crop and livestock production in the region. In the study district, crop produc-
tion is highly related to village chicken production, with high seasonal uctua-
tion of feeds availability, high prevalence of disease and other production and
marketing constraints (Burie, 2007).
Selection of the study sites and sampling techniques
A multi-stage sampling procedure (purposive & random) was applied for the
study. Hence, the study district was purposively selected and divided in to
three agro-ecologies based on altitude as: highland (>2500masl), mid-altitude
(1500-2500masl) and low-land (<1500masl). Then, two rural kebeles from the
highland, two rural kebeles from lowland and three rural kebeles from mid
altitude were selected based on agro-ecology representation, village chicken
production potential and accessibility. Therefore, a total of 7 representative
rural kebeles were selected for the study purposively.
All village chicken owner households found in all the selected rural kebeles
were freshly registered and then a simple random sampling technique was
applied to choose 40 village respondents in each of the selected farmer kebeles
by giving equal chance for those farmers having different ock size, chicken
husbandry systems and other related practices. Hence, a total of 280 village
chicken owner households were interviewed using a pre-tested structured
questionnaire.
In addition, 1000 local hen eggs (500 from markets and 500 directly from
producers) were collected in different seasons (dry and rainy) of the year and
market types (primary and secondary) and transported to Andassa Livestock
Research center for analysis. The eggs were collected from all agro-ecologies of
the study district and each egg was evaluated for internal and external quality
with in 2 days of collection. A representative data from 600 eggs were used for
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227 213
analysis and the rest of the eggs were removed due to various problems like,
rupture of yolk during breakage, presence of very thin shells, etc.
Data Collection
All the relevant data were collected through personal and house to house in-
terviews using structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis. Some of the
internal and external egg quality traits measured and the method of measure-
ment/calculation were presented as follows:
I. External egg quality parameters:
1. Egg weight (g), (measured using digital weighing material/balance)
2. Shell thickness (mm), (measured using digital caliper)
3. Dried Shell weight (g), (measured using digital balance after drying with
drying oven)
4. Egg shape index (%), [calculated using the formula: (Egg width/Egg
length)*100]
5. Egg shell color (evaluated using visual observation)
II. Internal egg quality parameters:
1. Yolk height (mm), (measured using tripod micrometer)
2. Albumen height (mm), (measured using tripod micrometer)
3. Presence of blood spot and meat spot, (using visual observation)
4. Yolk color (measured using yolk color fun, ranged 1-15)
5. Hough Unit (HU), [calculated using the formula: HU = 100log (AH
-1.7EW0.37+7.6) where; HU = Hough unit, AH = Albumen height and EW =
Egg weight] (Haugh, 1937)
Data management and statistical analysis
The qualitative and quantitative data-sets were analyzed using appropriate
statistical analysis software (SPSS, 2002). The Duncan multiple range test and
LSD were used to locate treatment means that are signicantly different. The
phenotypic correlation values related to egg quality traits were determined by
the Pearson Correlation Analysis (Snedecor and Cochran, 1980). More speci-
cally descriptive statistics and general linear model (GLM) were
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227
214
used for the study. Tables and gures used to present summary statistics such
as mean, standard deviation and percentages.
The following regression models were employed as applicable to each case: Y
= a + bx (simple linear regression); Y = a + b1X1 + b2X2 +… bkXk (multiple regres-
sions). Where; Y = dependent/response variable (egg weight), a = intercept (the
value of the dependent variable when the independent is zero), b = regression
coefcient and x = the independent variable (egg length, egg width).
The following linear models used during analysis of quantitative data: Model
statement regarding the effect of egg source on various egg quality param-
eters:
Yij = µ + mi +εij
Where: Yij is the egg quality performance parameter estimate for egg j in egg
source i, µ is the overall mean, mi is the xed effect of independent variable,
egg source (i=2; market and farm gate) and εij is the error. The effect of agro-
ecology was not considered when analyzing data
Results and discussion
Purpose of village hen eggs
According to interviewed village chicken owners egg hatching for replacement
(71.7%) was the rst function/purpose of eggs in the study district (Table 1).
The second and the third purpose of eggs in the study district were sale for
cash income (58%) and home consumption (68.6%), respectively. Tadelle and
Ogle (1996) reported that the major uses of eggs in rural societies of central
Ethiopian high lands were hatching for replacement (51.8%), sale for cash in-
come (22.6%) and home consumption (20.2%).
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227 215
Table 1. Purpose of local hen eggs in Bure district, North-West Amhara, Ethiopia
(N=280).
Purpose of
eggs
Agro-ecology Total
(Study district)
High-land
(N=80)
Mid-altitude
(N=120)
Low-land
(N=80)
1st
(%)
2nd
(%)
3rd
(%)
1st
(%)
2nd
(%)
3rd
(%)
1st
(%)
2nd
(%)
3rd
(%)
1st
(%)
2nd
(%)
3rd
(%)
Sale for
income 15 60 17.5 18.3 42.9 27.5 7.5 70 18.8 14 58 21.4
Hatching for
replacement 70 25 12.5 70.8 31.3 9.2 75 22.5 6.3 72 26 9.6
Home con-
sumption 15 15 70 10.8 25.8 63.3 17.5 7.5 75 14 16 69
1st = First purpose eggs; 2nd = Second purpose eggs; 3rd = Third purpose eggs
Consumption of eggs in the study district
The current study identied that 52.8% of village chicken owners of the study
district consumed eggs only during religious/cultural holidays, 42.5% consumed
every time when needed and available, 2.5% when only they got sick and 2.2%
reported that they never eat eggs. The result of the current study also showed
that there were no any cultural/religious taboos against rearing a special type
of chicken, not to eat chicken products and not to sell chicken & eggs. This was
similar with the ndings of Tadelle et al., (2003), who reported that there were
no any cultural/religious taboos relating to consumption of eggs and chicken
meat, like those for pig meat, in central high lands of Ethiopia.
Storage/handling of eggs in the district
Concerning storage of eggs for incubation, sale and consumption purposes;
71.4% of village chicken owners (mainly rural women) stored eggs inside earth-
en material (clay) together with grains or straws. It is observed that the use of
grains and straws with eggs protect eggs from breakage and provide suitable
environment while storage. Regarding duration of egg storage, it is observed
that 95% of village chicken owners in the study district stored eggs until the
end of 1 clutch period and the hen started broodiness characteristics. Figure 1
showed some pictures of various locally made containers used for egg storage
in the district.
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227
216
Earthen pot with grains Earthen pot with straws
Mud made container with grain
Figure 1. Locally made containers used for egg storage in the district.
Egg transportation and marketing
The result of the current study indicated that 69.3% of village chicken owners
of the study district were involved in selling of eggs. Selling of eggs was done
in various places of the study area including: urban markets, local markets
and farm gates. Women & children (43.2%) were the most important members
of the household that were involved in marketing of eggs in the district. Most
consumers of the study area (75%) preferred to buy and consume scavenging
hen eggs as they were considered to be tasty and the dark colored yolk was
commonly favored.
Urban market was the rst priority place for most chicken owners (70%) of
the study area for sale of eggs followed by nearest local markets and farm
gate sales. The price of eggs was not similar during the year; it was gener-
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227 217
ally low during the Orthodox Christian fasting months. In addition to selling,
exchange of fertile eggs (mainly eggs from exotic chicken breeds) with other
village chicken producers was common in the study area.
The result of the current study revealed that majority of chicken owners
(66.4%) used hand carrying (using piece of cloths with grains/straw) to trans-
port eggs to markets. Plastic containers (festal) and grass made bags (locally
called ‘kofeda’) were also used to transport eggs to markets. Figure 2 showed
some pictures of egg transportation and marketing in the district.
Transport of eggs with a piece of cloth & grain
Marketing of eggs in local markets
Figure 2. Egg transportation and Marketing in the district
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227
218
External egg quality
The result of the study revealed that 49% of eggs collected from the study
district were white shelled, 45% were light brown shelled and 6% were cream
color shelled (Table 2). The result indicated that local chicken ecotypes of the
study district were producing eggs with a mixture of shell colors. Similarly,
Halima (2007) reported that the shell color of eggs collected from local hens of
North West Ethiopia were a mixture of white, light brown and cream colors.
The result also indicated that only 34% of the eggs collected from the study
area were with clean shells.
The result of the current study showed that the average weight of eggs was 43g
(ranged 34-60g). There was no any signicant difference in average weight of
eggs collected from different sources. The result was similar with the reported
42.9g by Hallima (2007), for eggs collected from seven local chicken ecotypes
of North West Ethiopia. Teketel (1986) also reported an average egg weight of
46g for Ethiopian local chicken. Similar results were also reported by Asuquo
et al. (1992) for eggs of Nigerian local breed chicken, which was 40.6g. Olori
and Sonaiya (1992) also reported an average egg weight of 38.9g, 37.1g, & 37g
for Brown, Light Brown & White Nigerian local chicken, respectively. How-
ever; the average egg weight result (43g) obtained from this study was higher
than the reported egg weight range of 35-39g by Ahmed (1994) for Bangladesh
indigenous scavenging chicken eggs.
The result of the current study indicated that the average dry shell weight of
local hen eggs of the study district was 3.3g. However, a relatively higher aver-
age dry shell weight of 3.95g and 5.7g were reported by Halima (2007) for eggs
collected from intensively managed local hens of North West Ethiopia and RIR
chicken breeds, respectively.
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227 219
Table 2. External qualities of eggs collected from Bure district, North West Ethiopia,
(N=600)
parameters
Egg Source Grand Mean
(N=600)
Market purchase
(N=300)
Farm gate
(N=300)
Shell color (%)
White (W)
Light Brown (LB)
Cream (C)
50
44
6
48
47
5
49
45
6
Sanitary status of eggs (%)
Clean
Dirty
22
88
45
55 34
66
Crackness of eggs (%)
Normal 100 100 100
Egg weight (g) (Mean + SD) 43.2+5.0a
(35-60)*
43.2+3.5a
(34-54)
43.2+4.3
(34-60)
Dry shell weight (g) (Mean + SD) 3.3+0.1a
(2-2.6)
3.2+0.2a
(2-2.7)
3.3+0.2
(2-2.7)
Egg width (mm) (Mean + SD) 37.9+2.8b
(31.6-45.9)
36.3+3.2a
(31.6-54.5)
37.2+3.1
(31.6-54.5)
Egg length (mm) (Mean + SD) 51.8+3.5b
(42.9-59.8)
49.8+4.1a
(39.0-59.8)
50.8+3.9
(39.0-59.8)
Shape index (%) (Mean + SD) 73.3+3.2a
(63.9-82.4)
73.1+4.9a
(64.7-100)
73.2+4.2
(63.9-100)
Average shell thickness (mm)
sharp region (Mean + SD)
equatorial region (Mean+SD)
blunt region (Mean + SD)
Average egg shell thickness
(Mean + SD)
0.30 +.04
0.26 +.03
0.24 +.03
0.25 +.03a
(0.18-0.34)
0.27+.03
0.27 +.03
0.24+.03
0.26 +.03a
(0.20-0.34)
0.27 +03
0.26 +.03
0.24 +.03
0.26 +0.03
(0.18-0.34)
a,bLeast squares means with different superscripts with in a raw are signicantly different
(P < 0.05); * Numbers in brackets are range values
The result of the study indicated that the mean width and length of local hens
eggs collected from different sources of the study district were 37.2 mm and
50.8 mm, respectively. Accordingly, the average shape index percentage was
calculated and found to be 73.2%. The result did not show any signicant dif-
ference between eggs collected from different sources with regard to average
shape index percentage. The shape index percentage result (73.2%) obtained
from this study was higher than the reported 66.9% for eggs of Nigerian Fulani
chicken ecotypes (Fayeye et al., 2005) and this indicated that local hen eggs col-
lected from the study district were more circular than that of Nigerian Fulani
eggs. The “normal” chicken egg is elliptical in shape. Eggs that are unusual in
shape, such as those that are long and narrow, round, or at-sided cannot
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227
220
be placed in Grades AA or A. The higher and lower shape index measurement
showed the deviation of eggs from its normal (oval) shape, which has an inu-
ence on hatchability performance. In addition, round eggs and unusually long
eggs have poor appearance and do not t well in cartons so are much more
likely to be broken during shipment than are eggs of normal shape.
The average shell thickness measurements of eggs for sharp region, equatorial
region and blunt region were 0.27 mm, 0.26 mm and 0.24 mm, respectively.
The result also revealed that the sharp region shell was relatively thicker than
both the blunt region and equatorial region shell. Based on the above shell
thickness measurements, the average shell thickness was calculated and found
to be 0.26 mm. The result was lower than the reported 0.71mm & 0.69mm by
Halima (2007) for eggs collected from intensively managed local chicken eco-
types of North-West Ethiopia and RIR chicken breeds, respectively. Similarly,
Teketel (1986) reported a mean egg shell thickness of 0.35mm for Ethiopian lo-
cal breed chicken eggs. Asuquo et al. (1992) also reported an average egg shell
thickness of 0.30 mm and 0.35 mm for Nigerian local breeds and Isa-Brown
breed chicken eggs, respectively.
The result of the current study also showed that there was no signicant differ-
ence between eggs collected from different sources of the study area, with re-
spect to average egg shell thickness. The recognized lower average shell thick-
ness (0.26 mm) might be attributed to deciency of calcium and phosphorus
sources in scavenging feed resource basis, which was the major feed source for
village birds of the study area.
Internal egg quality
The average yolk height and albumen height measurements of local hen eggs
collected from different sources of the study area were 15.1mm and 4.1mm,
respectively (Table 3). The average Hough unit value was calculated using al-
bumen height and egg weight measurements and found to be 66.5. The result
revealed that there was no signicant difference between eggs collected from
markets and farm gates with related to average Hough unit values.
The average Hough unit value obtained from this study was higher than the
reported 61.1 by Halima (2007) for eggs collected from local chicken ecotypes
of North-West Ethiopia and lower than the reported 81.0 by the same author
for eggs collected from intensively managed RIR chicken breeds. Asuquo et al.
(1992) also reported higher Hough unit values of 79.8 and 89.9 for eggs col-
lected from Nigerian local hens and Isa-Brown chicken breeds, respectively.
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227 221
The current study indicated that local hen eggs of the study district could not
be categorized as best in quality based on the obtained average Hough unit
value (<72). The lower Hough unit value recorded in this study might be at-
tributed to poor handling and storage of eggs until sale or hatching. Therefore,
technological interventions focused in increasing awareness of village chicken
owner farmers on proper handling and storage of eggs could be important.
The yolk color of local hen eggs was estimated using roach color fun (ranging
1-15). Each egg was examined by 3 observers and the average value was cal-
culated and recorded. Accordingly, the mean yolk color of local scavenging hen
eggs of the study district was calculated to be 8.6. The average yolk color result
(8.6) indicated that local scavenging hens of the study area are producers of
yellow yolk colored eggs. The survey also indicated that yellow yolk colored
eggs were more favored by consumers of the study district.
The mean yolk color result (8.6) obtained from this study was higher than
the reported 3.48 and 4.0 by Halima (2007) for eggs collected from intensively
managed local hens of North-West Ethiopia and RIR chicken breed hens, re-
spectively. Pavlovski et al. (1981) also reported that the yolk color score of free
range local hens was higher compared to eggs collected from hens managed
under intensive chicken management condition. The higher yolk color value
obtained from the current study indicated that scavenging feed resource bases
of the study area were rich in xanthophylls, some of which are precursors of
vitamin A.
Table 3. Internal quality of local hen eggs in Bure district North West Ethiopia,
(N=600)
Traits/Variables
Egg Source Grand mean
(N=600)
Market purchase
(N=300)
Farm gate
(N=300)
Yolk height (mm) (Mean + SD) 15.1+1.2 a
(8.4-18.4)*
15.2+1.4 a
(11.3-17.5)
15.1+1.3
(8.4-18.4)
Albumen height (mm) (Mean+SD) 3.9+0.74 a
(2.3-6.7)
4.2+2.60 a
(2.1-7.6)
4.1+1.93
(2.1-7.6)
Hough Unit (HU) (Mean+SD) 66.2+6.8a
(45.2-84.8)
66.9+7.5 a
(36.4-81.7)
66.5+7.2
(36.4-84.8)
Average yolk color (1-15) 8.5+1.5 a
(5.3-11.3)
8.7+1.4 a
(6-11.7)
8.6+1.5
(5.3-11.7)
a,bLeast squares means with different superscript with in a raw are signicantly different
(P < 0.05); *Numbers in brackets are range values
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227
222
Phenotypic correlation of external egg quality traits
The results of this study revealed that egg weight (EWt) was signicantly and
positively correlated (P<0.01) with most external egg quality traits like; egg
width (EWd), egg length (EL), egg shape index (SI), egg shell thickness (ST)
and dry shell weight (SW) (Table 4). The result was inline with the ndings
of Farooq et al. (1989) and Abanikannda et al. (2007), who reported positive
correlations between egg weight and other external egg quality traits like;
shell weight, egg width, egg length, shape index and shell thickness. However,
the signicant positive correlation value (0.12) between the egg weight & egg
shape index obtained in this study was in disagreement with the negative cor-
relation reported by Iscan and Akcan (1995).
Egg width was also positively correlated with other external egg quality traits
like; egg length, egg shape index and dry shell weight. Egg length was negatively
correlated with shape index and positively correlated with shell weight. Shell
thickness showed a signicant positive correlation with dry shell weight.
Table 4. The phenotypic correlations between external egg quality traits, (N=600)
External egg quality traits EWt (g) EWd (mm) EL
(mm)
SI
(%)
ST
(mm) SW(g)
EWd (mm) 0.49**
EL (mm) 0.45** 0.78**
SI (%) 0.12 0.44** -0.22
ST (mm) 0.16 0.04 0.1 -0.05
SW (g) 0.52** 0.09 0.09 0.12 0.38**
EWt = Egg weight, EWd= Egg width, EL= Egg length, SI= Shape index, SD= Shell density, ST= shell thick-
ness, SW= Shell weight
** Correlation is signicant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed)
Phenotypic correlation of internal egg quality traits
A detail of the phenotypic correlation of internal egg quality traits is presented
in Table 5. Statistically signicant positive correlation (P<0.01) was observed
between albumen height and other egg quality traits like; yolk height and
Hough unit. Similarly, signicant and positive correlation was recorded be-
tween yolk height and Hough unit. Akbas et al. (1996) also reported signicant
positive correlations between internal egg quality traits including, yolk height
and the albumen height (0.48), yolk height and Hough unit (0.52) and albumen
height and Hough unit (0.97). Likewise, Ozcelik (2002) reported signicant
positive correlation between albumen height and the Hough unit (0.97).
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227 223
Table 5. The phenotypic correlations between internal egg quality traits, (N=600)
Internal egg quality traits Albumen height
(mm)
Yolk height
(mm)
Hough unit
(HU)
Albumen height (mm) 1.0
Yolk height (mm) 0.19 1.0
Hough unit (HU) 0.41** 0.38** 1.0
** Correlation is signicant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed)
Phenotypic correlation between internal and external egg quality
traits
The result of the current study indicated that egg width (EWd) showed signi-
cant and negative correlation with yolk height (-0.27) and Hough unit (-0.23)
(Table 6). A signicant negative correlation was also recorded between egg
weight (EWt) and Hough unit (-0.13). Correspondingly, Ozcelik (2002), Iposu
et al. (1994) and Shawkat (2002) reported signicant negative correlations be-
tween Hough unit (HU) and egg weight (EWt).
Positive correlation was observed between egg weight (EWt) and other inter-
nal egg quality traits including, albumen height (0.1) and yolk height (0.1).
Likewise, Silversides (1995) & Zhang et al. (2005) reported signicant positive
correlation between egg weight (EWt) and albumen height. In this study, sig-
nicant negative correlation was observed between egg length and other inter-
nal egg quality traits including, yolk height (-0.24) and Hough unit (-0.27).
Table 6. The phenotypic correlations between external and internal quality traits,
(N=600).
Traits EWt
(g)
EWd
(mm)
EL
(mm)
SI
(%)
AH
(mm)
YH
(mm)
EWd (mm) 0.49**
EL (mm) 0.45** 0.78**
SI (%) 0.12 0.44** -0.2
AH (mm) 0.1 0.02 0.01 0.01
YH (mm) 0.1 -0.27 -0.24 -0.069 0.19**
HU -0.13 -0.23 -0.27** 0.034 0.41** 0.38**
EWt = Egg weight, EWd= Egg width, EL= Egg length, SI= Shape index, AH = Albumen height, YH= Yolk
height, HU= Hough Unit
** Correlation is signicant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed)
Fisseha Moges, et al.
Eth. J. Anim. Prod. 9(1) - 2009: 209-227
224
Prediction equations of selected egg quality traits
The result of the current study indicated that egg weight (EWt) could be pre-
dicted from egg length (EL) and egg width (EWd) measurements separately
with sufcient reliability (R2 = 20.3% and 24.3%, p<0.05). However, a better
and more reliable estimate was obtained when both egg length (EL) and egg
width (EWd) were tted into the model (R2 = 25.4 %) (Table 7). The result of
the present study was in line with the ndings of Yakubu et al. (2008) with
regard to the positive estimation of egg weight (EW) from egg length (EL) and
egg width (EWd).
Table 7. Prediction equations of selected egg quality traits, (N=600)
Functions R2 (%) Signicance
Y1 = 0.69X1 + 18.03 * 20.3 * (+ve)
Y1 = 0.5X2 + 17.55 * 24.3 * (+ve)
Y1 = 0.18X1+0.51X2+14.98 * 25.4 * (+ve)
Y1 = Egg weight; X1= Egg length; X2=Egg width
R2 = Coefcient of determination; *p < 0.05
Conclusions
The current study indicated that local/scavenging hen eggs were more pre- •
ferred for the existing domestic market mainly due to the presence of yellow
colored yolks.
The lower internal and external quality trait measurements (like; egg •
weight, shell thickness, Hough unit) recorded in this study, as compared to
the observed results in intensively managed local hen eggs in other studies,
indicated that the quality of eggs could be improved by relatively simple
changes in management interventions such as, proper housing, feeding,
health care of local birds and good management/handling of eggs.
As most of village chicken husbandry (feeding, housing, and health care), •
egg storage/handling and marketing activities of the study district are
implemented by women, provision of successive trainings to rural women
would be essential for future improvement of the sector.
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Information for Contributors
General
Ethiopia is one of the countries endowed with a large number and diverse live-
stock resources. The spectacular land formation, ranging from mountain chains
with peaks of over 4500 m asl to areas below sea level, has created diverse cli-
matic conditions with variable agro-ecological zones and rich biodiversity. This
unique variability has afforded the country for the evolution and development
of different agricultural production systems. Different species and breeds of
livestock have been domesticated and used for various purposes. The different
production systems and the economic and social roles that livestock play in the
livelihood of millions of smallholder farmers is substantial. The proper exploi-
tation of this large number and diverse livestock resource in the country has
remained a great challenge to all professionals engaged in livestock produc-
tion. This has also afforded a number of national and international organiza-
tions a great opportunity to undertake research and development activities to
ensure proper utilisation and conservation of these resources.
In order to co-ordinate such efforts and to streamline the research and develop-
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professionals and associates to present and discuss research results and other
relevant issues on livestock. Currently, ESAP has a large number of member-
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successfully organised about 10 annual conferences and the proceedings have
been published. The ESAP Newsletter also provides opportunities to commu-
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Book
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thor and should indicate the institution, the year the work was done, and the
full title of the thesis as a footnote.
Abbreviations
Follow standard procedures.
Units
All measurements should be reported in SI units. (e.g., g, kg, m, cm)
Table 1. The following are examples of SI units for use in EJAP
Quantity Application Unit Symbol or expres-
sion of unit
Absorption Balance
trials
Grams per day g d-1
Activity Enzyme Micromoles per minute per gram μmol min-1 g-1
Area Land
Carcass
Hectare
Square centimetre
ha
cm2
Backfat Carcass Millimetres Mm
Concentration Diet
Blood
Percent
Gram per kilogram
International unites per kilogram
Milligram per 100 mL
Milliequivalents per litre
%
g kg-1
IU kg-1
Mg dL-1
Mequiv L-1
Density Feeds Kilogram per hectolitre Kg hL-1
Flow Digesta
Blood
Grams per day
Milligrams per minute
g d-1
mg min-1
Growth rate Animal Kilogram per day
Grams per day
Kg d-1
g d-1
Intake Animal Kilograms per day
Grams per day
Grams per day per kg bodyweight0.75
Kg d-1
g d-1
g d-1 kg-0.75
Metabolic rate Animal Megajoules per day
Watts per kg bodyweight
MJ d-1
W kg-1
Pressure Atmosphere Kilopascal KPa
Temperature Animal Kelvin or degree Celsius K or oC
Volume Solutions Litre
Millilitre
L
ML
Yield Milk produc-
tion
Litres per day L d-1
Radioactivity Metabolism Curie or Becquerel Ci (=37 GBq)
Units with two divisors should be written with negative indices (e.g., kg ha-1 yr-1). The use of solidus (/) should
be reserved for units written in full (e.g., mole/kilogram) or to separate a physical quantity and unit (e.g.,
yield/ha). Units should be chosen so that the numeric component falls between 1 and 10 or 1 and 100 when
using one or two signicant gures, respectively (e.g., use 31.2 mg than 0.0312 g).
Membership to the Ethiopian Society of Animal Pro-
duction (ESAP)
Membership advantages
Some of the personal benets afforded to active members of the Ethiopian So-
ciety of Animal Production (ESAP) include the following:
A convenient means of keeping up-to-date on current scientic and produc- •
tion developments;
An avenue for personal involvement in fostering high standards and profes- •
sional developments in Animal Science;
To receive a printed copy of the Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production •
(EJAP);
Receiving copies of the Society’s newsletter, Membership Directory, and ad- •
vanced registration information for national meetings;
Eligibility to present abstracts at national meetings and to submit man- •
uscripts for publication in the Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production
(EJAP);
Eligibility to provide personal leadership to the eld of animal science by •
serving on the Executive Committee of the society or by accepting other
society assignments; and
Eligibility to be selected for prestigious society-sponsored awards •
Eligibility for membership
Membership is open to individuals interested in research, instruction or exten-
sion in Animal Science or associated with the production, processing, market-
ing and distribution of livestock and livestock products.
Application form for Membership
Application for Membership
Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (ESAP)
Name__________________________________________________________
First Middle Last
Mailing Address:________________________________________________
Current Employment:___________________________________________
Company/Institution:____________________________________________
Phone:_________________________________________________________
FAX:__________________________________________________________
E-mail:_________________________________________________________
Type:
Professional
Student
Other___________ Specify:_______________________________
Signature: ____________________Date:_____________________
Bank Account: Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Andinet Branch
Account Number 1369
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Mailing Address
Three copies of the manuscript along with an electronic form on a diskette (Word format)
should be sent to:
The Editorial Ofce
Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production (EJAP)
C/o Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (ESAP)
P.O.Box 80019
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: (+251-1) 15 83 39
The Editorial Ofce assumes no responsibility for the loss of the manuscript
in the process of mailing. Authors are advised to retain copies of their submis-
sion.
Subscription and Communications
Information to Subscribers
Subscription rates for one year (one issue), including airmail, are as follows:
Local Foreign
Institution 50 (Birr) 25 (US$)
Individuals 25 (Birr) 10 (US$)
All business correspondences about subscriptions, back issues, single copies,
change of address and claims for missing issues should be sent to:
The Editor-in-Chief
EJAP Editorial Ofce
C/o ESAP Ofce
P.O.Box 80019
Addis Ababa; Ethiopia;
Tel: (+251-1) 15 83 39
Members of the Executive Committee of ESAP
Dr. Tadele Dessie (ILRI, Ethiopia), President
Ato Tezera Getahun (PFE), Vice President
W/ro Yalemeshet W/Amanuel (Debre Zeit), Vice Secretary
Dr. Tamrat Degefa (EIAR, Debre Zeit), Editor in Chief
Ato Fekede Feyissa (EIAR, Holleta), Associate Editor-in-chief
Dr. Emiru Zewdie (WWS, Addis Ababa), Accountant (Account‘s Ofcer)
Dr. Nuru Adigaba (HBRC, Holeta), Auditor
W/t Rehrahie Mesn (EIAR, Holleta), Treasurer
Dr. Zelalem Yilma (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), Liaison Ofcer
W/t Selamawit Tadesse (ESAP), Ofce Secretary
