A Review on Evaluation of Productive and Reproductive Performance and Major Constraints of Indigenous Sheep: An Ethiopian Perspective

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the productive and reproductive performance and major constraints of indigenous sheep in Ethiopian perspective. Ethiopia is home for at least 9 breeds and 14 traditional sheep populations. Sheep are the second most important species of livestock next to cattle in Ethiopia. The productivity of sheep mostly based on the reproductive performance of sheep. The age at first sexual maturity may be affected by weaning season and post weaning nutrition and thus through good management age at first sexual maturity could be substantially improved. Arsi Bale and Horro sheep have short lambing interval from other indigenous sheep. Litter size of Ethiopian sheep breeds like Menz and Afar sheep breeds is low (which is almost close to one lamb per lambing while breeds like Horro and Washera are more prolific with litter size of 1.35 and 1.2, respectively. Ethiopian indigenous sheep are characterized by slow growth, late maturity and low production performances. Feed shortages, both in quality and quantity, high prevalence of diseases and parasites, shortage of water; lacks of markets are the major constraints sheep production in Ethiopia. As the conclusion reproductive performances like litter size, age at first lambing and lambing interval are important traits of sheep production. Ethiopian indigenous sheep are characterized by slow growth, late maturity and low production performances. Therefore, on farm performance evaluation of sheep is required to understand effect of seasons and year on productive and reproductive of small ruminants. Keywords: Constraint; indigenous sheep; productive; reproductive; performance DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-13-02 Publication date: July 31 st 2022