Community Perception on Breed Selection and Feeding Practice among Small Holder Dairy Farmers in Tiyo District, Arsi Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey carried out at Tiyo district of Arsi zone from October 2015 up to April 2016. The objective of study includes assessing smallholder dairy farm reproductive performance and associated production problems. Data collected from selected four kebeles; in two agro-ecological zones namely, Dega and Woina Dega. Questionnaires subjected for two groups of household who own local and cross breeds. 384 informants who have at least one local or cross breed cow included in selection. Among the informants 65% of them have attended elementary school and followed by 15% illiterate and the remaining were diploma and degree holders. Local breeds kept by less educated farmers than educated ones. Feeding practice depends on season and learning status, where feeding practice significantly different (p<0.05) between wet and dry season, and in higher educated groups, they use more concentrate feed regardless of the season. The overall average daily milk yield per cow, lactation length and calving interval of local breeds were 1.06 ± 0.65 liter, 10.29 ± 2.28 months and 3.1 ± 0 years, respectively. Whereas, cross breeds had 6.49 ± 1.65 liters, 16.79 ± 2.83 months and 2.63 ± 0.43 years, respectively. The difference in parameters were significant (p<0.05) between local and cross breeds. Butter and cheese mostly supplied to local markets by local breed owners, whereas whole milk marketing well experienced by cross breeders. This may be associated with better milk production in cross breeders. On the other hand, informants have mentioned the problem of abortion, delay in first calving, long calving interval, mastitis and retained fetal membrane with the prevalence of 11.49%, 7.8%, 20.3%, 9.9%, 2.08% and 0.26%, respectively. In general, this study shown dairy cow management gap in the area. To reduce the problems noted, AI and veterinary services and forage and fodder development has to be improved. Awareness creation among farmers and stakeholders is also paramount important.