Research Article
Characterization of Indigenous Goat Mating Experiences and Production Performances in North Western and Western Zones of Tigray Region, Ethiopia
Teweldemedhn Mekonnen*,
Shishay Markos,
Kibrom Esak,
Tesfay Ataklti
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, December 2023
Pages:
83-92
Received:
29 October 2023
Accepted:
27 November 2023
Published:
8 December 2023
Abstract: The survey was conducted before the ignition (before October 2020) of the war in Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. Although Ethiopia is a host for many goat populations, productivity is below their potential. Goats are essential for the resource-poor-farmers of the country. Randomly selected respondents of Begait (102), Hassan (106) and Arado (181) which totaled 389 participated in the survey. Statistical Package for Social Science software was used for data analysis. About 93% of the interviewees were male headed households. Almost all (99%) of the respondents did not practice goat fattening, and was a neglected activity. About 59% of the respondents reported that their bucks were born in their own flock. The respondents used a combination of own buck (68%) and bucks outside of their flocks (83.3%). Uncontrolled mating (77%) was mainly practiced due to the fact that most goats browse in communal lands. Unknown ratios (25%) of buck to does were practiced, and a ratio of one buck to all does in the flock (32%) used. Begait (Tahtay Adiabo) and Hassan (Kafta Humera) goat populations were significantly different (P<0.005) in age at first mating (AFM) of both male and female, age at first kidding (AFK), number of kids born per doe Reproductive Life Time (RLT), kidding to mating interval, and single and twin births. Mean (±SD) age at first kidding (AFK) of Begait, Hassan and Arado goats was 13.15±1.9, 12.45±1.4 and 14.56±3.1 months whereas the mean number of kids born in reproductive lifetime of Begait, Hassan and Arado does were 12.41±4.5, 15.15±4.9 and 12.85±4.8, respectively. It was also noted that the mean kidding to mating interval (days) of Begait, Hassan and Arado does was 98.32±26.3, 79.90±41.9 and 112.79±67.9, respectively. There was lower single birth in Hassan goats (70.65%) than in Begait (74.53%) and Arado (73.50%) goats. It was also noted that the litter size at birth of Hassan goat (1.33) was better than the litter sizes of Begait (1.29) and Arado (1.27) goats. However, there was high mortality rate of kids in Begait (26.4%) than in Hassan (16.5%) and Arado (15.7%) kids. The wet season mean (±SD) daily milk yields (liters) and lactation lengths (months) of Arado does (0.38±0.1; 0.75±0.3) were lower and shorter than Begait (0.67±0.3; 1.77±0.4) and Hassan (0.70±0.2; 1.79±0.5) does, respectively. Selection and mating, buck to doe ratio, Begait and Hassan milking practice should be a focus of goat keepers and stakeholders. On-station performance evaluations and genetic characterizations of Begait and Hassan goat populations are essentially needed.
Abstract: The survey was conducted before the ignition (before October 2020) of the war in Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. Although Ethiopia is a host for many goat populations, productivity is below their potential. Goats are essential for the resource-poor-farmers of the country. Randomly selected respondents of Begait (102), Hassan (106) and Arado (181) ...
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Research Article
Selection Response on Growth and Milk Production Performance of Abergelle Goat Managed Under Station Condition in Wag-Himra, Ethiopia
Yeshiwas Abebe Walle*,
Mulatu Alamirew Gobeze,
Bekahagn Wondim Wondim,
Wubneh Kibert Aklog,
Adane Woreta Bahiru,
Alemu Demilie Demlie,
Tigabu Limenh Limenh
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, December 2023
Pages:
93-98
Received:
4 November 2023
Accepted:
21 November 2023
Published:
22 December 2023
Abstract: Background and Objective: Aberegelle goat was small in body size and highly resistant to the harsh environment in the low land of Wag-himra. The objective of the study was to conserve the indigenous Abergelle goat and improve growth and milk production traits through selective breeding. Materials and Methods: The selection of bucks was done once a year using indexed estimated breeding value of yearling weight and their respective dam milk yield performances. A total of 469 for body weight and 345 for milk yield records were used for performance evaluation Top-ranked bucks selected from the flock were used as replacements at the nucleus while the surplus bucks were disseminated to nearby villages. The general linear model procedure of SAS software (version 9.0) was employed to evaluate the body weight and milk yield of the breed during the last five years (2016-2020). Results: The overall birth-, three-month-, six-month-, nine-month- and yearling weights were 1.98, 6.5, 8.6, 11.4, and 13.8 kg, respectively. The overall lactation milk yield, average daily milk yield, and lactation length were 17.64 kg, 0.30 kg, and 8.45 weeks, respectively. Within the last five consecutive selections years’ birth weight has increased from 1.64±0.04 to 2.3±0.02 kg, weaning weight from 5.6±0.25 to 7.5±0.15kg, and yearling weight from 13±0.43 to 15.2±0.27kg. Conclusion: Wet season birth was important for increasing milk production and lactation length. Nucleus flocks in the station the growth traits and milk traits can be improved by selection and selection at the station once a year. The Selection of breeding bucks should be at the age of six months and nine months before the breeding bucks went market for sale.
Abstract: Background and Objective: Aberegelle goat was small in body size and highly resistant to the harsh environment in the low land of Wag-himra. The objective of the study was to conserve the indigenous Abergelle goat and improve growth and milk production traits through selective breeding. Materials and Methods: The selection of bucks was done once a ...
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Research Article
Flock Composition and Socio-Economic Characteristics of Village Chicken Production System in Western Zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Shishay Markos*,
Berhanu Belay,
Tadelle Dessie
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, December 2023
Pages:
99-116
Received:
28 November 2023
Accepted:
14 December 2023
Published:
26 December 2023
Abstract: A survey was conducted in Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia to assess flock composition, ownership, and gender roles in chicken production, as well as factors affecting chicken product consumption. Multi-stage sampling procedures were used to select three districts, nine sample peasant associations, and 385 respondents. Data was collected through a pretested, structured questionnaire and focused group discussions, and analyzed using SPSS software. The size of chicken flocks per household varied significantly among the three agroecologies, with an overall mean of 24.35±10.69 chickens per household. The effective population size (Ne) and rate of inbreeding (∆F) were calculated to be 1263.69 and 0.04, respectively. Chicken and egg consumption were found to be influenced by cultural and religious festivals, farmer status, agroecology, breed, plumage color, shank type, comb type, feather distribution, and age. In all agroecologies, large-scale farmers had higher average annual chicken and egg consumption per household compared to small-scale farmers. The average annual chicken consumption per household was 7.76±0.68 for small-scale farmers and 20.79±0.68 for large-scale farmers. Similarly, the average annual egg consumption was 67.52±3.13 for small-scale farmers and 182.27±3.13 for large-scale farmers. Across the agroecologies, there were consistent preferences for certain plumage colors for chicken consumption. Red-colored chickens were ranked 1st, followed by greyish-colored chickens in 2nd place, and multicolored chickens in 3rd place. Chickens with full white and black colors were primarily used for mystical purposes in the study. The care of chickens involved participation from all family members, although the level of responsibility varied. Both husbands and wives were involved in the decision-making process related to chicken product utilization. Understanding flock composition, factors influencing chicken product consumption, ownership, and gender roles is essential for effective chicken breeding strategies.
Abstract: A survey was conducted in Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia to assess flock composition, ownership, and gender roles in chicken production, as well as factors affecting chicken product consumption. Multi-stage sampling procedures were used to select three districts, nine sample peasant associations, and 385 respondents. Data was collected through a...
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