Authors : Demerew Getaneh, Sandip Banerjee and Mestawet Taye
Abstract: Cattle reared at South Omo of Southern Ethiopia play important roles in the livelihood of the people residing in the area. However, due to the remoteness of the area very few scientific studies have taken place and most of the cattle in the region are yet to be studied. The objective of this study was to identify the prevailing cattle production/husbandry practices of Malle cattle. Data were collected through semi-structure questionnaire, field observations and focus group discussions. A total of 360 cattle with different ages were selected randomly from different locations. Data was evaluate using non parametric tests viz. chi-square (χ2) and analysed using descriptive statistics. The major feed resource was natural pasture and source of water was from river. Mating was panmictic and the cattle were raised for milk, income, draft power, dowry, besides others. Body size and conformation, coat color and growth rate were criteria in selecting breeding bulls while cows were selected based on their milk yield, coat color and reproductive efficiency. Reported production constraints were feed and water shortage, disease and recurrent drought. The average age at first mating, age at first calving, calving interval and length of dry period of cows were 45.25±0.87, 58.78±0.73, 22.7±0.63 and 3.15±0.13 months, respectively. The average ages at first mating of bulls� were 46.8±0.83 months. Mall cattle showed well adapted under the prevailing harsh environmental conditions. However, communities must be advised on proper rangeland management and improvement measures.
Demerew Getaneh, Sandip Banerjee and Mestawet Taye, 2019. Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Malle Cattle Reared in Malle District South Omo Zone of Southwest Ethiopia. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 18: 323-338.