Abstract
The feed assessment tool (FEAST) was used to characterize the farming and livestock system. Prior to data collection, a sustainable livelihoods framework (SLF) approach was used in August 2012. The result of the study depict that the contribution of grazing to dry matter (DM), metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) content was relatively high for the above average group farmers who reserve more land for the growth of grazing pasture and crop residue (barley and wheat) through land renting. Due to limitations of grazing and crop residue resources farmers in the below average group were forced to use the purchased feeds and it contributes more to the CP, ME and DM of the total diet of their livestock in the order of importance. The problems that were raised by the farmers encompass shortage of feed, unavailability of credit services, shortage of veterinary service and lack AI service. The study recommends the development of herbaceous forage legumes and fodder trees species which can mitigate the constraints of feed scarcity. Training on cost effective livestock ration formulation techniques to reduce the feed shortages observed and to supply the livestock with quality and palatable feeds requires due attention. Key words: Feed, livestock, crude protein, dry matter, metabolizable energy.
Highlights
Ethiopia is known for its large and diverse livestock resource endowments
The study was conducted by researchers from Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (KARC) with technical backstopping from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
On the basis of land holding status, noticeable differences were observed on the number of the respondents in the above and below average groups, where 30% of the farmers in the above average group are landless farmers as compared to landless is nil in the below average group (Figures 3 and 4)
Summary
Ethiopia is known for its large and diverse livestock resource endowments. The combined factors responsible to low benefit obtained were low emphasis withdrawn to the sector and poor husbandry (poor feeding, diseases management, housing and technology) accessed and supplied (Mohammed et al, 2004). Nowadays the demand for livestock products is increasing from time to time due to the population increase in the country as well in the world. Making improvements in the raised factors so as to enhance our livestock’s productivity and production helps the country to ensure food security and to earn benefits from the sector. Characterization of the farming and livestock production of an area and formulating the proper technology and feeding system could support for the improvement in productivity of the livestock
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