1,720,981 research outputs found
Forage options, opportunities and constraints for smallholder farmers: SmaRT Project Sites in Ethiopia
No full textThe objective of the study was to assess options and perceptions on best fit forages for smallholder farmers in selected districts of Abergele, Doyogena and Menz mama in Ethiopia. The study revealed that although farmers have information on forage production and utilization, existing forage options were not properly tapped by smallholder farmers. This is associated with shortage of land or planting material. Hence, as land continues to be a limiting resource, introduction and adaptation of high yielding and palatable forages, access to planting materials as per agro-ecologies can promote livestock intensification in the study areas
Effect of Nutritional Flushing Using Long-Term Energy and Protein Supplementation on Growth Performance and Reproductive Parameters of Doyogena Ewes in Ethiopia
No full textNutritional flushing has the potential to increase reproduction in small ruminants. Utilization of locally available feed resources is imperative if smallholder farmers are to adopt improved nutritional strategies for flushing sustainably. The current experiment investigated the effect of four isonitrogenous (14.7% crude protein) rations formulated to supply low (Lo-ME) or high (Hi-ME) metabolizable energy based on enset leaf (Ensete ventricosum) and commercial concentrate and the effects on local Doyogena ewes in Ethiopia. The current finding indicated the supplementation of both enset leaf and concentrate enhanced the performance of local ewes
Local agro-industrial by-products offer feasible options to supplement breeding rams in mixed farming systems of Ethiopia
No full textThe study assessed the supplemental effect of flushing Menz breeding rams with local agro-industrial by-products on their reproductive performance and semen quality. It recommends the use of wheat bran-based supplementation strategies to enhance the reproductive performance, semen quality, and the potential of Menz rams to serve ewes
Evaluation of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) hay as a basal diet for growing local sheep in Ethiopia
No full textThe study was conducted to determine feed intake, digestibility, and body weight (BW) change of Washera sheep fed on desho grass and natural pasture hay as a basal diet and supplemented with concentrate mixtures. Twenty-five intact male sheeps with body weight of 19.4 ± 1.89 kg (mean ± SD) were used in randomized complete block design. The dietary treatments were 100 % natural pasture hay (NPH) (T1), 75 % NPH+25 % desho grass hay (DGH) (T2), 50 % NPH+50 % DGH (T3), 25 % NPH+75 % DGH (T4), and 100 % DGH (T5). Equal amount of concentrate mixture (CM) (300 g DM/ day/h) was supplemented in all of the five treatments. The result of laboratory chemical analysis revealed that the CP content of the basal diets increased with increased proportion of desho grass hay inclusion in the treatments at the expense of natural pasture hay. Total DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF intake and digestibility was significant (P < 0.05) and in the increas- ing order of T1<T2<T3<T4<T5. The average daily body weight gain (ADG) of experimental sheep was significantly (P < 0.05) higher as proportion of desho grass increased from 0 to 100 % in the basal diet. The result indicated that desho grass can be used as a basal diet for local sheep with better performance than natural pasture hay-based diets
Ecological and Socio-Economic Implications of Free Grazing in Ethiopia: A Review
No full textLivestock production in the tropics (including Ethiopia) is mainly sustained on free grazing as a major feed source. It is a known fact that the practice of livestock grazing is important for the growth of green biomass and composition of plant communities on grazing-lands. Moreover, grazing has the beneficial impact on biodiversity as extensive grazing contributes to the aesthetic and leisure importance of pastures. The practice can also contribute to the production of healthy feed of high quality. Grazing by livestock can also be used as a tool to limit the expansion of weeds and shrubs in open landscapes, but in most cases cannot stop or reverse natural succession. The conservation and protection of pastures requires the careful selection of razing management and appropriate number of grazing animals. Grazing species differ in their preference of habitat and plant species, which can enable the effective use of mixed grazing systems with different animal species. Thus, for purposes of biodiversity conservation, grazing should be combined with other practices, such as mowing, cutting or burning. Improper use of pasture such as both overgrazing and under grazing creates a threat for its biodiversity. Thus, both abandonment and overly intensive management of pastured grassland are harmful for biodiversity and should be avoided. Optimum grazing can be a tool to maintain or enhance biodiversity of grazed areas. The question, of which method or combination of methods is most suitable and most feasible in a particular area, depends on local biological and socio-economic factors. Research findings suggest that existing agro-environment schemes based only on blanket stocking rates are too crude to increase plant diversity and that site conditions must also be taken into consideration. In Ethiopia, the increase in number of livestock coupled with increase in human population has resulted in shrinkage of grazing lands and animals are limited to graze on overgrazed communal lands, road side and aftermath grazing and limited supplementation of straw. Besides, soil erosion and deforestation has worsened the situation. In line with this, one of the contributing factors to poor soil fertility, land degradation and erosion is the free grazing of animals. Free grazing is common practice in Ethiopia except in areas where grazing lands are limited in size and where the farming system favors growth of perennial cash crops. Strategic research is required into methods of achieving compliance with environmental protection and sustainable agricultural practice in developing countries including Ethiopia. In order to increase outputs from livestock, conserve soil and moisture and reforest degraded and over grazed communal grazing lands, controlling animals from freely grazing can be taken as alternative option of the negative effect of free grazing. This paper reviews ecological and economic benefits of free grazing, the effect of over grazing on natural resources and techniques to reduce the negative effect free grazing in Ethiopia
Smallholder farmers livestock production and marketing in Bahir Dar Zuria District, Northwestern Ethiopia
No full textEvaluation of the agronomic, utilization, nutritive and feeding value of Desho Grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum)
No full textThis study comprised of field survey, agronomic trial, laboratory and animal evaluation of desho grass. A total of 240 households (hh) were involved in the field survey conducted to assess the status of desho grass production and utilization in Burie Zuria and Doyogena districts, with the use of pre-tested and semi- structured questionnaire. The grass was planted at mid and highland altitudes using vegetative root splits in randomized complete block design to determine the effects of altitude and harvesting dates (90, 120 and 150 days after planting) on morphology, dry matter (DM) yield and chemical composition of desho grass. Feeding & digestibility trials were conducted using 25 Washera yearling rams with mean body weight of 19.4+1.89 kg in randomized complete block design to evaluate the feed potential of desho grass as a basal diet.Agronomic results revealed that desho grass performs well both in mid and high altitude areas and represent potential livestock feed resource at early stage (90 to 120 days after planting) of feeding.The daily DM intake and mean daily body gain of the experimental sheep showed significant improvement (P<0.05) with increased level of inclusion of desho grass into the basal ration. The digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF were significantly different (P<0.05) among the treatments (in the order of T1<T2<T3<T4<T5). The result of the feeding trial indicated that desho grass hay could safely be included at 50-100% into small ruminant basal ration at the expense of natural pasture hay in Ethiopia. The grass performed well in both mid and highlands, multifunctional in use and appropriate for smallholder farming systems of the country
Determinants of the utilization of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) by farmers in Ethiopia
No full textA study was conducted to document how smallholder farmers in Ethiopia utilize desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) and explain the determinants of alternative and competing uses of the grass. The study was conducted using a semi- structured questionnaire for 240 farmers in the districts of Burie Zuria and Doyogena, complemented with input from key informants and secondary data. The dependent variables tested were the use of desho grass as a feed, multipurpose uses of the grass and types of livestock fed. To test the effect of the explanatory variables on the dependent variables, separate univariate Probit models were used. Although the majority of respondents can read and write, about 23% of respondents were illiterate. The average desho grass-producing farmer in the sample owned 0.95 ha of farmland and 3.56 tropical livestock units; average household size was 6.5 people with a household head who was typically male (91% of households). Eighty percent of respondents in Burie Zuria and all respondents in Doyogena district depended solely on rain for desho grass production. Fifty-eight percent in Burie Zuria and 65% in Doyogena district applied either manure or artificial fertilizer to the grass. Weeding of desho grass was not practiced by any respondents in either district. Sixty percent of farmers used desho grass as a feed and 35% used it for more than a single purpose. Forty-two percent of farmers who fed desho grass did so to only lactating cattle, 3% fed it to small ruminants and 53% fed it to all livestock species. There were significant negative correlations (P<0.01) between both experience in production of desho grass and access to training in its production and utilization, and its utilization as a feed. Seventy percent of farmers in Burie Zuria and 13% in Doyogena have received training in desho grass production. To expand the utilization of the grass to as many farmers as possible, further training should be provided. A multi-faceted approach would be needed for the 23% of illiterate farmers over the 2 districts
Evaluation of the agronomic, utilization, nutritive and feeding value of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum)
Get PDFThis study comprised of field survey, agronomic trial, laboratory and animal evaluation of desho grass. A total of 240 households (hh) were involved in the field survey conducted to assess the status of desho grass production and utilization in Burie Zuria and Doyogena districts, with the use of pre-tested and semi- structured questionnaire. The grass was planted at mid and highland altitudes using vegetative root splits in randomized complete block design to determine the effects of altitude and harvesting dates (90, 120 and 150 days after planting) on morphology, dry matter (DM) yield and chemical composition of desho grass. Feeding & digestibility trials were conducted using 25 Washera yearling rams with mean body weight of 19.4+1.89 kg in randomized complete block design to evaluate the feed potential of desho grass as a basal diet. The dietary treatments studied were; 100% Natural Pasture Hay (NPH) (T1), 75% NPH+25% Desho Grass Hay (DGH) (T2), 50% NPH + 50% DGH (T3), 25% NPH+75% DGH (T4), and 100% DGH (T5). All the treatment groups were supplemented with 300 g/h DM of concentrate & data on feed intake, daily body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency & fecal samples were collected during the 90 and 7 days of feeding and digestibility trial respectively. The field survey data were analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics and probit model using SAS 9.2. The agronomic characteristics and laboratory analytical data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and correlation analysis of SAS 9.2. Animal evaluation data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA of SAS. Tukey’s Honest Significant Test was used to separate means that showed significant difference. The results of the field survey revealed that the mean landholding, livestock holding and family size of the respondents was 0.95 hectare, 3.56 tropical livestock units and 6.5 persons/hh, respectively. The proportion of farmers who use desho grass as a feed were 60% and 35% use it for more than one purpose including feed. About 42, 3 and 53% of the respondents reported that they feed desho grass to lactating cattle, small ruminants and to all livestock species respectively. There was significant positive correlation (P<0.01) between experience of desho grass production practice and utilization for different purposes in the study areas. About 43% of desho grass producers have received training on desho grass production and utilization. The utilization of the grass for many purposes is not well practiced by many farmers, due to in adequate extension services and lack of training. The results of the agronomic trials indicated that leaf length per plant (LLPP) of the grass planted in mid altitude (28.98 cm) was greater than that (21.81 cm) planted in the high altitude. Highest harvesting date significantly increased (P<0.05) plant height (PH), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), leaf length per plant (LLPP) and re-growth dates (RGD). The DM yield of desho grass significantly increased, while crude protein (CP) content significantly decreased (P<0.05) as the harvesting date increased from 90 to 150 days. Agronomic results xviii revealed that desho grass performs well both in mid and high altitude areas and represent potential livestock feed resource at early stage (90 to 120 days after planting) of feeding. The daily DM intake and mean daily body gain of the experimental sheep showed significant improvement (P<0.05) with increased level of inclusion of desho grass into the basal ration. The digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF were significantly different (P<0.05) among the treatments (in the order of T1<T2<T3<T4<T5). The result of the feeding trial indicated that desho grass hay could safely be included at 50-100% into small ruminant basal ration at the expense of natural pasture hay in Ethiopia. The grass performed well in both mid and highlands, multifunctional in use and appropriate for smallholder farming systems of the country
Effects of altitude and harvesting dates on morphological characteristics, yield and nutritive value of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin.) in Ethiopia
No full textThe effects of altitude and harvesting period on the performance of desho grass were evaluated in Ethiopia. A factorial arrangement of treatments was employed with a combination of two altitudes and three harvesting dates. Planting and management of desho grass was undertaken according to recommendations for the species. The data collected consisted of the plant height, number of tillers, number and length of leaves, leaf-to-stem ratio and fresh yield. Chemical analysis of the constituents of the desho grass samples was completed according to standard procedures. All data were subjected to two analysis of variance procedures and Pearson correlation analysis, with significance tested at p<0. 05. The results indicated that most morphological characteristics were not significantly different due to altitude except the leaf length per plant. Harvesting dates significantly affected the number of leaves per plant, leaf-to-stem ratio and dry matter yield. Both altitude and harvesting date significantly affected the crude protein content, yield and fiber fractions. The calcium content was significantly different only regarding harvesting date. However, the phosphorus content was significantly affected by altitude. The dry matter content and yield were positively correlated with parameters such as plant height, leaf length per plant, crude protein ( CP) yield, fiber fractions ( neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber) and with each other. The CP content was positively correlated with the CP yield. The overall results indicated that desho grass was more affected by harvesting date than altitude. Generally, desho grass performed well both at mid and high altitude in Ethiopia and could be a potential livestock feed in the country
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