Assessment of productive and reproductive performance of disseminated Abera sheep to different districts of Sidama Region, Ethiopia
Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Hawassa Agricultural Research Center, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
Research Article
Comprehensive Research and Reviews in Biology and Pharmacy, 2022, 01(01), 013-023.
Article DOI: 10.57219/crrbp.2022.1.1.0033
Publication history:
Received on 21 July 2022; revised on 27 August 2022; accepted on 30 August 2022
Abstract:
Small ruminant production such as sheep production is an important activity for smallholders, particularly for resource poor farmers in many parts of the country. The aim of this study is to assess productive and reproductive performance and to identify constraints affecting sheep productivity in selected districts of Sidama region, Ethiopia. Two stage purposive sampling strategies was employed to select study area. In the first stage, four districts such as Bursa, Arbegona, Gorche and Melga were selected based on information indication of place that Abera ram distribution taken place. Then, in the second stage two kebeles from each district were purposively selected to carry out research work. Thirty individuals have been selected and improved Abera ram was selected from each study woreda. Selection of individual was based better experience in animal husbandry and modality in the kebele. A total of 120 individuals were selected for this study based on criteria. Data were collected through semi-structured formal questionnaires and focus group discussions. The mean age at first service for male Abera cross sheep in Arbegona, Bursa, Melga and Gorche districts were 7.23 ± 1.33, 7.43 ± 0.85, 7.0 ± 1.61 and 7.24 ± 1.24, respectively. The mean age at first service for female Abera cross sheep in Arbegona, Bursa, Melga and Gorche districts were 7.5 ± 1.33, 7.63 ± 1.27, 7.2 ± 1.27and 7.5 ± 1.47, respectively. The mean age at first lambing for Abera crossbred ewes were 14.3 ± 2.5, 13.68 ± 2.12, 14.45 ± 2.7 and 14.78 ± 2.55 months for Arbegona, Bursa, Melga and Gorche, respectively. The current mean lambing interval for Abera crossbred ewes were 9.6 ± 1.32, 9.83 ± 1.48, 9.6 ± 1.42 and 9.7 ± 1.36 months for Arbegona, Bursa, Malga and Gorche, respectively. The improvements in reproductive performance of sheep after Abera sheep crossbreeding were observed in all districts when compared to their local counterparts. The Abera rams and its crossbred progeny showed high adaptation to locally available feeds and waters and tolerance to disease and parasite load in the areas. Moreover, crossbreds from the ram were better preferred by the farmers for their overall merit of both adaptation and productivity. Disease prevalence and shortage of feed are the most important sheep production constraints and therefore efforts should be made on improving veterinary service and the feed availability.
Keywords:
Productive; Reproductive; Performance; Disseminated; Sidama
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