Department of Animal Science

URI for this collectionhttps://rps.wku.edu.et/handle/123456789/45805

Department of Animal Science

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Effects Of Integrated Vermicompost And Npsb Fertilizers, And Cutting Intervals On Dry Matter Yield And Nutritional Value Of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) In South Sodo Woreda, East Gurage Zone, Centeral Ethiopia
    (WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) HAILU SEIFU
    This study was conducted in South Sodo Woreda, East Gurage Zone, and Central Ethiopia, to evaluate the effects of integrated NPSB fertilizer and vermicompost, and cutting intervals on the growth, biomass yield, and nutritional value of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Two factors factorial experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 16 treatment combinations (T1: Control (0kg/ha NPSB fertilizer+0 ton/ha vermicompost (VC)); T2: 0 kg/ha NPSB+2.5 ton/ha VC; T3: 0 kg/ha NPSB+5 ton/ha VC; T4: 0 kg/ha NPSB+7.5 ton/ha VC; T5: 50 kg/ha NPSB+0 ton/ha VC; T6: 50 kg/ha NPSB+2.5 ton/ha VC ; T7: 50 kg/ha NPSB+5 ton/ha VC; T8: 50 kg/ha NPSB+7.5 ton/ha VC; T9: 100 kg/ha NPSB+0 ton/ha VC; T10: 100 kg/ha NPSB+2.5 ton/ha VC; T11: 100 kg/ha NPSB+5 ton/ha VC; T12: 100 kg/ha NPSB+7.5 ton/ha VC; T13: 150 kg/ha NPSB+0 ton/ha VC; T14:150 kg/ha NPSB+2.5 ton/ha VC; T15: 150 kg/ha NPSB+5 ton/ha VC; T16: 150 kg/ha NPSB+7.5 ton/ha VC) and three CUTTING INTERVALS s (1st cut, 2nd cut and 3rd cut) with three replications. Soil samples were analyzed for physicochemical properties before sowing, and agronomic parameters such as plant height, tiller number, leaf count, leaf-to-stem ratio, and days flowering were recorded. Biomass yield was assessed at 50% flowering, while forage quality was determined by analyzing it for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL). The results demonstrated that integrated fertilizer management significantly (P achieved the highest dry matter yield (10,57t/ha representing 39.08% increase over the control. Cutting intervals also influenced yields, with the third cut producing 27% higher biomass than the first. Economic analysis showed T11 yielded the highest net benefit (350,600 ETB/ha) and marginal rate of return (4,510%). Additionally, higher fertilizer rates promoted early flowering in T11 in which 50% of flowering achieved at 60.21 days compared to 74 days in the control. These findings highlight the synergistic effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers in improving alfalfa productivity and nutritive value. Integrating 100 kg NPSB/ha with 5 t/ha vermicompost (T11) proved to be the most effective treatment, supporting its adoption as a sustainable fertilizer management strategy for enhanced forage production.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    EVALUATION OF Moringa olifera LEAF MEAL AS AN ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN FEED INGREDIENT IN LAYERS RATION
    (Wolkite University, 2025-01-30) FIKADU DESSE GIRMA
    The study was conducted to evaluate effects of Moringa Olifera Leaf Meal (MOLM) inclusion in” “layers ration on egg laying performance, egg quality parameters and the economic feasibility of” “using MOLM as alternative protein source in the ration of Bovans brown hens. A total of One” “hundred and eighty Bovans Brown hens aging 18 weeks were used for the experiment. The” “experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four treatments, each” “replicated three times with 15 hens each. The layers were fed with ration containing MOLM at” “the levels of 0 in (T1), 5 in (T2), 10 in (T3) and 15% in (T4). The experiment lasted 11 weeks. The” “amount of feed intake per hen per day was 117.3gm in T1, 116.37gm in T2, 119.74gm in T3 and” “115.32gm in T4.Feed conversion ratio was 0.26 in T1, 0.29 in T2, 0.33 in T3 and 0.29in T4.” “Average egg weight was 59.94g in T1, 63.79g in T2, 65.65g in T3 and 62.84g in T4. The hen day” “egg production was 50.9 in T1, 51.43 in T2, 63.21 in T3 and 52.58% in T4. Most of the egg” “quality parameters were higher in T3 except egg shape index, albumin height, yolk height,” “albumin height and albumin ratio that were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. Higher yolk” “color was observed for T3 and T4 compared with T1. Yolk length was higher (p<0.05) for T2” “and yolk ratio was higher (p<0.05) for T1. The partial budget analysis indicated that the” “inclusion of 10% (T3) of MOLM reduces total feed cost compare to the control treatment and” “other treatments. Therefore, it is concluded that addition of 10% of MOLM cloud be used in the” “layers diet as recommended level as an alternative protein source to enhancing the productivity” “and to reduce the feed cost in the poultry industry.” “
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    ESTIMATION OF GENETIC AND NON-GENETIC PARAMETERS FOR PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF CROS- BRED DAIRY CATTLE AT HOLETA AND DEBER ZEITE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTERES, ETHIOPIA
    (WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-05) DABA AJEMA KITESSA
    The comparative estimation of genetic and non-genetic parameters of productive and reproductive traits of local and cross-bred dairy cattle conducted at Holeta and Debre Zeit Agricultural research Centers based on long-time recorded data generated for the last 46 and 33 consecutive years was used for this study. The average lactation milk yields of dairy cattle in both research centers were 14 24.32 ± 41.56 for local, 2334.08 ± 28.63 for 50%, 2354.08 ± 28.63 for 50% -75% and 2108.32 ± 41.56 (L) for >75%. The mean average of lactation milk yield (LMY) for all cross bred was 2265.49±32.94 (L) whereas the average LMY for locals was 1424.32 ± 41.56 (L). Lactation milk yields of cross-bred dairy cows with different exotic blood level in both research centeres were highly significant (P < 0.001). Genotype, calving years, location of the centers, calving season and parity were significant (P < 0.05). The average lactation length (LL) of dairy cattle in both research centeres were 204.43 ± 2.60 for local, 285.06 ± 2.32 for 50%, 282.5 ± 2.32 for 50-75%, and 273.04 ± 2.19 days for >75%, and the mean average lactation length (LL) was 280.2±2.28 days for cross bred and 204.43± 2.60 days for locals. Cross-bred dairy cows with different exotic blood level (local, 50%, 50% -75%, and >75%) in both research centres were highly significant (P < 0.001). The average calving interval(CI) of dairy cattle in both research centers was 478.31 ± 7.69 for local, 472.85 ± 5.88b for 50%, 482.75 ± 5.85 for 50% -75%, and 503.56 ± 5.77 days for >75% with the mean average calving interval of 486.39±5.83 days for crossbred dairy cattle. Calving interval (CI) of cross-bred dairy cows with different exotic blood levels (local, 50%, 50-75% and >75%) in both research centres were highly significant (P < 0.001). Age at first calving (AFC) were 1171.62+39.40, 1103.49+ 29.42, and 1184.28+29.56 days for local, 50%, 50-75% and >75%), respectively with a coefficient of variation 17.31% in both research centres. AFC is not significant (P>0.05) between the two research centers. The average days open and number of services per conception of dairy cattle in both research centres were 268±58.9 and 2.18±45.9 for locals, 195±35.7 and1.45±35.6 for 50%, 185±43.3 and 1.25±55.4 for 50%-75%, and 165±38.7 and 1.22±45.4 for>75%, respectively. The variance of analyzed factors such as centres, calving year andcalving season were not significant (P>0.05) in number of services per conception. Location of the centres and calving year were significant (P < 0.05) in number of days open. Parity and calving season were not significant (P>0.05) in number of days open. Parity wassignificant (P<0.01) in number of services per conception while genotype was highly significant (P<0.001) in days openand number of services per conception. Direct heritability xviranged from 0.043 in calving interval to 0.393 in age at first calving for the dairy herd maintained at Holeta agricultural research center. The phenotypic correlation among the pairs of traits investigated ranged from 0.022 in lactation length and age at first calving to0.931 in total milk yield and lactation length. The repeatability values for the traits analyzed ranged from 0.133 in calving interval to 0.244 in total milk yield for the dairy herd maintained at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center. In general, the increasing and decreasing genetic trends over the observed year and seasons show that making the right decision for the right selection of breeds and culling unproductive breed which leads to dairy cattle production and reproductive performance improvement through good farm management conditions in the right environmental conditions.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    ASSESSING THE CONTRIBUTION OF BANANA PRODUCERS’ COOPERATIVES IN ENHANCING VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT IN CASE OF ARBA-MINCH ZURIYA WOREDA, GAMO ZONE, ETHIOPIA
    (WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-01) YETSENA YAKOB TAKA
    This study aims to assess the contribution of banana producer cooperatives in enhancing value chain development. Two-stage sampling procedures were used for the selection of 113 sample household heads. Both primary and secondary data were used for this study. Both descriptive and econometric analyses method were used. The result of the Likret scale indicates that the majority of members of banana-producing cooperatives have a positive perception towards the socioeconomic impact of cooperative in value chain development. Banana producers received higher returns when they sold their banana directly to rural retailers. The result of the econometric analysis by the probit regression model the variables were age educational level farm size income access to information and awareness about cooperatives was found to significantly determine banana producers’ decision to join banana primary cooperatives. Major challenges of primary banana producer’s cooperatives in the study area were lack of capital illegal traders little awareness about cooperatives cheating in weight balance and fluctuation of the domestic banana price. In addition opportunities in the study area were the availability of suitable agro-ecology and the existence of cooperative experts at the Kebele level. From the finding it is therefore recommended that the locale government and other concerned bodies give special attention to encouraging and attracting rural producers to cooperatives because cooperatives are the basis for value chain development.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    ASSESSMENT ON MILKING AND HANDLING PRACTICES, MICROBIAL QUALITY AND SAFETY OF RAW COW MILK IN KOLFEKERANIO AND LEMIKURA SUB-CITIES OF ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
    (Wolkite University, 2023-01) KURIBACHEW ENDALE GODANA
    Raw cow milk serves as a good medium for microbial growth due to its complex biochemical composition and high water activity, Because of this character, the quality and shelf-life of milk is forced to be degraded. This study was conducted in Kolfekeranio and Lemikura sub cities of Addis Ababa to evaluate milking practice, microbial quality and safety as well as antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria in raw cow milk. Two districts were purposively selected from each sub-cities based on dairy potential. Small, medium and large-scale dairy farmers in the selected districts of study area owning dairy cattle for milk production were the targeted population. A total of 161 dairy producers were selected randomly based on proportion from each farm scale and interviewed individually using semi-structured questionnaire. For milk quality evaluation, 61 samples of raw cow milk were collected from producer’s container and transported by icebox to the laboratory. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25.0. The result showed that the milking method practiced in the study area is hand milking. All the respondents wash their hands before milking but among them 27.3% of them washes with water only and 72.7% of them wash their hand with soap and water. The majority of the respondents use plastic materials for milking (83.9%), and milk storage (68.3%) respectively. The overall mean (±SD) of raw cow’s milk for standard plate count (SPC), E. coli count (EC), Coliform Count (CC) and Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC) were 6.24±1.43, 2.44±0.56, 4.34 ±1.27 and 2.87±1.02 log10cfu/ml respectively. Salmonella was not detected in the collected milk sample and the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was 37%. The isolated S. aureus bacteria were 100% susceptible for antibiotic drugs like Amikacin, Gentamicin, Kanamycin, Erythromycin, Tylosin, Clindamycin and Florenicol. On the other hand S. aureus was 87% susceptible and 13% intermediate for Enfrofloxacin, 78.3% susceptible and 21.7% resistance for Tilcimosin, 60.9% susceptible and 39.1% resistance for Tetracycline, 95.7% susceptible and 4.3% intermediate for Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole. Based on the result of the current study, milk samples contained higher microbial load than National and International standards and contains pathogenic bacteria which will result in public health risk to the consumer. All concerned bodies in dairy industry should get public education about hygienic milk production to reduce the risk of milk borne pathogens and losses due to rejection resulting from contamination.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    INVESTIGATION ON ETHNOVETERINARY MEDICINAL PLANTS AND NON PLANT REMEDIES USED FOR TREATMENT OF LIVESTOCK AILMENTS IN YEM SPECIAL DISTRICT, SNNPRS, ETHIOPIA
    (Wolkite University, 2023-06) ABIYOT SISAY NANO
    Most Ethiopian farmers rely on locally available plants to treat diseases of their domestic animals. Such knowledge needs to be recorded and transferred to generations before it is eroded. The aim of this study was to investigate the ethnoveterinary medicinal plant and non-plant remedies used for treatment of livestock ailments in Yem Special District, Southern Ethiopia. Sixty-seven informants were purposively selected from seven study kebeles. Semi-structured interviews, field observations and focus group discussions were used to collect ethnoveterinary information. The data were analyzed using quantitative approaches. A total of 151 plant species and 25 non plant remedies were used in the treatment of 49 livestock ailments based on 26 signs and symptoms. Plant family lamiaceaeand non-plant remedies meat of porcupines were frequently used. The most frequently harvested plant parts were leaves (66.2%). Pounding (87.3) was the most commonly used method of remedy preparation whereas the most widely used method of administration is oral (67.5). The majority of medicinal plants (82.2%) were harvested from the wild. Herbs(35.1%) were the dominant growth form. In this study, the highest relative importance, relative ferequence of citation values and most preferred medicinal plant species for the most frequently cited disease was Olinia rochetiana A. Juss. Ensete ventricosum was used for various purposes by the local people. The highest informant consensus factor values were gastrointestinal and end parasites (0.71) disease categories. Calpurnia aurea. (Ait.) Benth showed the highest fidelity level value (95%) in dermatological and ectoparasitesand from non plant remedies, faces of aardvark (100%) in reproductive and bile of animals(100%) in gastrointestinal and endoparasite disease categories. The Plant species with the highest use value was; Cordial africana Lam (6). The current study shows that medicinal plants and non-plant remedies are still the major animal health care system in Yem Distrct. Hence, Conducting phytochemical screening and clinical trials of the MPs with high informant consensus and FL, and plant species and animal identified as sources of traditional medicine in the area should be conserved.