Evaluationof Management Levels and Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cattle Demonstrated to Smallholder Farmers in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

Astudy was conducted in three districts (Dirre Inchinni, Walmara and Ada’a Berga) of West Shewa Zone of Oromiya National Regional State to evaluate the management levels, and production and reproductive performance of dairy cattle on smallholder farms. A total of 90 households (Dirre Inchinni-15, Walmara-47 and Ada’a Berga-28) having at least one crossbred dairy cattle were purposively selected and individually interviewed. The sample respondents had an average experience of 7.16 (range 4.93-12.78) years in dairy production. Theyon averaged owned 1.71 milking cows, 1.40 dry cows, 1.62 pregnant cows, 1.37 heifers and 1.46 calves. The average milk yield at first parity was 9.61 litters (L)/cow/day ranging from 8.54-10.50 L/cow/day. There was variation (P<0.05) in milk yield among the districts with the highest (10.50 L/cow/day) recorded at Ada’a Berga. The longest lactation length (10.27 months) was reported at Dirre Inchinni with no significant difference (P>0.05) among the districts. The average number of service per conception was 2.0, ranging from 1.93 at Ada’a Berga to 2.18 at Walmara. The average age at first calving was 30 months with a narrow range of 28.80 to 30.20 months. Similarly, calving interval ranged between 13.23 to 14.81 months with a mean of 14.26 months. Most (92.9, 46.7 and 80.2%) of the respondents in Ada’a Berga, Dirre Inchinni and Walmara, respectively, were using artificial insemination for breeding their animals. Dairy cattle were housed in separately constructed houses according to majority of the respondents. About 75.6% and 96.7% of the respondents respectively produce improved forages and purchase supplementary feeds for their dairy animals.River was reported to be the main source of water for animals mainly during the dry season. In general, the farmers in the study area apply improved dairy cattle management practices with better daily and lactation milk yield, and reproductive performance of the animals as compared to other areas with less crossbred dairy animals. Thereforeit is recommended to share the experience of the farmers in the study area to other farmers and implement intensive trainings to make the dairy sector more productive.Finally, it would be necessary to conduct cost-benefit analysis or analysis of production costs to clearly understand the contribution of dairy farming tothe livelihood of smallholder farmers.