Characterization of Goat Production System in Shifting and Permanent Farming Systems in Western Ethiopia

2016-07-20T09-27-24Z
Source: International Journal of Livestock Research
Yilma Tadesse, Alemayehu Abebe, Shibeshi Zerihun, Tesfaye Debelu, Workineh Tezera.
This study was conducted in two zones and one special district in Western part Ethiopia to assess the production system, economic importance of goats, identify the major constraints and to suggest appropriate interventions of goat production in the region. Seven districts representing permanent farming system (PFS) and shifting farming system (SFS) were selected for the present study. Households (HHs) rearing goats and who are accessible were purposely selected (102 HHs from each farming system (FS)). Data was collected using exploratory study, cross-sectional survey, focus group discussions, structured questionnaire, key informant interviews and review of secondary sources. Data was analyzed using JMP-5 and SPSS software and reported using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that goat keepers in PFS were better educated than in SFS. There was no significant variation in family size and land size among HHs in the FSs. In both FSs, goats were primarily kept for income and home consumption. The major feed resources included indigenous browses, open grasslands, hillsides, swampy areas and aftermaths. Thatched houses with slatted floors were commonly used goat shelters in the FSs. Goats on average produce 0.5lts of milk per day during early lactation. In SFS goats attain weaning age later than goats reared in PFS, but relatively longer kidding interval was reported in PFS. Peste des petits Ruminants, Contagious Caprine Pluero Pneumonia, Foot and Mouth Disease, internal and external parasites and abortion were the major health problems in both FSs and shortage of grazing land in PFS in particular. It was generally observed that, both the production and reproductive performances of goats in the study areas were low which in turn affect their contribution to household wellbeing. Therefore, interventions aiming at improving goat husbandry practices should be in place to exploit their potential contribution to goat raisers.


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