Department of Animal Science
URI for this collectionhttps://rps.wku.edu.et/handle/123456789/45805
Department of Animal Science
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Item RESPONSE OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) HYBRIDS TO PLANT DENSITY IN NONO DISTRICT, WEST SHOWA ZONE, ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2023-03-01) ABERA WORKINEH SHEMETETo increase maize yield in a positive environment, it's important to suit the planting density and cultivar. Field research were carried out in 2021 under rain-fed conditions in Nono district of West Shewa zone in two locations (Silk Amba and Jiru Gemechu), to decide the effects of plant density levels on maize hybrids reproduction, growth, yield and yield components. The study included four maize hybrids (BH540, BH546, Damote and Limu) and three planting densities (44,444, 53333 and 67,667 plants ha−1 ) in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with 3 replications. Results revealed that location (Loc) had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced most measured phenological, growth, yield and yield components of maize. Across environments hybrids significantly (P_< 0.05) affected all measured parameters. Planting density had additionally affected a few growth, yield and yield components of maize drastically . Across environments, the lowest grain yield (7.88 ha-1 ) was observed from BH540 (oldest hybrid). No significant yield increase observed beyond 53,333 plats ha-1 , and recommended to be the superior planting density for the maize hybrids included on this study in the district. Compared to the district's existing suggested planting density of 44,444 plants ha-1 , planting density of 53,333 plants ha-1 produced greater than nine quintals ha-1 yield advantage. At both locations, BH540 and BH546 both had comparable outcomes. On the other hand, Pioneer hybrids, Damote and Limu resulted the highest yield of 12 and 12.32 t ha-1 respectively at Silk Amba, whereas, at Jiru Gemechu, the highest yield was recorded from Limu (10.64 t ha-1 ) hybrid and was also corresponding to BH546 (9.31 t ha-1 ) and Damote (9.99 t ha-1 ) suggested differential response of hybrids in different environments as a result of Loc x H interaction. This study provided further evidence that the growth and yield of maize are significantly influenced via environment, genotype, plant population, and interactions. It also made the point that optimizing planting density to match the high-quality performing variety should be taken into account as new varieties are delivered and advocated particularly environments.Item SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES EVALUATION OF PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION PERFORMANCE, EGG QUALITY AND CARCASS CHARACTERSTICS OF INDIGENOUS CHICKEN UNDER TRADITIONAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN KAFFA ZONE, SOUTHWESTERN ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2024-04-01) ADDISU GEBREYESUSThe study was conducted in three purposively selected districts of Kaffa Zone in South Western Ethiopia People’s Regional State with the objective of evaluating production and reproduction performances, egg quality traits and carcass characteristics of local chickens reared under traditional production method. Total of two hundred fifty-five (255) households were selected purposively from nine kebeles of different agro-ecology in the districts by the agriculture and natural resource office, development agents and kebele committees based on potentails for indigenous chicken’s populations, production experiences, accessibility and representativeness of the area. Three kebeles from each district of the each agro-ecology types were selected based on altitude levels, presences of indigenous chickens’ and the experience of chicken production selected by district agriculture and natural resource office experts, kebele Development agents and by kebele representatives’. And the proportion of HH number was determined by the number of populations with in the specific sampling area and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Total of two hundred seventy (270) fresh eggs were collected from each kebeles of every agroecology types. Total of eighteen (18) representative indigenous chickens (9 male and 9 female) and three (3) male and three (3) female chickens per district were used for carcass yield evaluation. The results shown flock size per household was 10.72 with 1:2.3 cocks to hen ratio. The mean age of cockerel at first mating and pullet at first egg laying in the study area (Chena, Bita and Cheta) and agro-ecology (high-land, mid-land and low-land) were (5.63 and 6.35) and (5.51 and 5.92) months, respectively. The average number of eggs per clutch and the annual egg production per year in the study area and agro-ecologies (high-land, mid-land and low-land) were (13.83 and 47.6,) and (13.9 and 45.83), respectively. The mean number of eggs incubated, hatchability and survivability in the study districts (Chena, Bita and Cheta) were (11.62, 80.3% and 64.8%) and agro-ecologies (high-land, mid-land and low-land) were (11.61, 9.4 and 80.82%), respectively. The study outcomes of the areas shown variations in production and reproduction performances, egg quality traits and carcass characteristics among the studied xv districts and agro-ecologies. Indigenous chickens generally can best fit with low management inputs under scavenging production systems in terms of their productive and reproductive performances. Therefore, additional studies should be conducted to assess more about the effects of different agro-ecologies and districts on indigenous chickens under scavenging production system which were not covered in this study.Item EFFECT OF PRE-EMERGENCE HERBICIDES AND THEIR COMBINATIONS ON WEEDS INFESTATION YIELD COMPONENTS AND YELD OF CHICKPEA (Cicer arietum L.) AT EZHA WOREDA GURAGE ZONE, SOUTH ETHIOPIA.(wolkite university, 2021-06-01) TADELE BEKELE TABOGEChickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important pulses cultivated in Ethiopia. Chickpea is the third important food legume both in area and production after common beans and faba beans in Ethiopia. This is below the potential yield of chickpea at research center as well other major chickpea producing zones in Ethiopia. Among the factors responsible for low yields in chickpea; weeds is the major one. Hence, field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of herbicides and their combination on yield component and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietum L.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Pre-emergence herbicides (Pendimethalin and S-metolachlor) were applied alone at different rate, their reduced dose combination with herbicides as well as supplemented with one hand weeding, only one hand weeding, and two hand weeding; completely weed free and weedy treatments. Applying the herbicides alone at different rate reduced density and dry matter of the weeds in chickpea as compared with control. The result indicated S-metolachlor was the most effective herbicide for controlling weed species presented in the experimental site as compared with Pendimethalin in relation with application at different rate alone. Among the herbicides applied S-metolachlor at 1.0kg ha-1 supplemented by one hand weeding at five weeks after emergence gave the highest yield components and yield as well as net benefit of chickpea (Cicer arietum L.). However; weed free, Hand weeding at 2 and 5 WAE treatments was the most effective treatment for controlling the weeds and increasing the chickpea yield compared with other treatments. But weed control through hand weeding is costly and non-available at critical time. Therefore; it is suggested when labours are not easily available, applying S-metolachlor at 1kg ha-1 supplemented by one hand weeding at five weeks after emergence is the best option of effective chickpea production. However, further study has to be done under different seasons and locations to exploit the recommendation of the present studItem ASSESSMENTS OF THE PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES OF LOCAL AND CROSS BRED DAIRY CATTLE IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF GURAGHE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2025-07-03) ABEBE HAILEMARIAM ABDELAThe study was conducted at Meskan, S/sodo and Endegagn in Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia, aimed to assess the Productive and Reproductive Performance of Local and Cross Bred Dairy cattle .Three districts namely Meskan, Endegagn and S/Sodo were purposively selected based on AI services. A total of 379 respondents (155 from Meskan, 102 from Endegagn and 122 from S/Sodo) systematic sampling selected. All the collected data were analyzed using SPSS version of 20. Average daily milk yield of local and Crosse bred dairy cows in Meskan, S/sodo and Endegagn district daily milk yiled of were found1.33±0.05, 1.31±0.13, and 1.3±0.05 liters, respectively. Whereas crossbred cows produced 6.42±0.44, 4.67±0.34, and 2.9±0.24 liters, respectively. Total lactation length Local and crossbred cows in 4.16±0.13, 3.27±0.21and1.54±0.221liters, respectively Meskan, S/sodo and Endegagn whereas crossbred cows. 4.9±0.1, 3.23±0.2and2.61±0.22 liters, respectively.AFC Local and Cross bredcows39.35±2.06, 37.2±2.0 and36.23±1.4 months respectively. Whereas crossbred cows 28.5±2.1, 26.02±1.7 and25.04±1.3 months, respectively.(CI) Local and Cross bredcows19.14±1.6,17.5±1.4and15.5±1.5liters,respectively. Whereas crossbred cows17.5.±1.01, 15.02±0.97and10.51±1.02 liters, respectively The estimated daily milk yield of local and crossbred cow were found to be 1.31±0.12 and 4.61±0.34 liters, respectively. The estimated lactation yield of local and crossbred dairy cow in the study area were 350.2±1.74and 1489.31±11.89liters, respectively. The average age at first service of local and crossbred dairy heifers in the study areas were37.6±1.82 and 26.52±1.70 months, respectively. The ages at first calving (AFC) of the indigenous and crossbred were 48.24±2.24and 37.65±2.10 months, respectively. The average calving intervals of local and crossbred dairy cows in the study area were 17.38±1.2 and 14.34±1.0 months, respectively. In parametrs we have studied crossbred animals are showing better performancs, than the local animals, even though both are showing low performances Generally, concluding the production and reproductive performances of dairy cattle the study area will be difficult without, coordinated interventions from all the stakeholders. Specially With focuses on feed helth, environment etc. With proper management.Item EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GARLIC (Allium sativum l.) EXTRACT LEVELS INCLUSION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMERCIAL BROILER(wolkite university, 2022-06-02) AYELU DAGNACHEWCommercialization of chicken farming and improvement of production efficiency has led to be the adoption of a range of additives as growth promoter. Antibiotic-based growth promoter have long been utilizing as animal feed additives. Wide spread usage of these substances has resulted in an escalation of antibiotic resistance and the accumulation of antibiotic residues in animal product. Because of these weaknesses there is rising interest in employing natural growth promoters. Therefore, this study has conducted on the effects of different garlic extract levels inclusion on the growth performance and carcass characteristic of broiler. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments, each replicated three times with 15 birds each. 180 chicks with similar body weight were used for this trial and were randomly distributed to the four treatments. They were T1 (NC, basal diet and drinking water), T2 (PC, basal diet + drinking water with oxtetracycline (0.2 g/ 10 litter), T3 (basal diet + drinking water (1.5% GEX)) and T4 (basal diet + drinking water (3% GEX). During the trial periods daily feed intake and weekly body weight were recorded and carcass evaluation was made. The result obtained that, the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of birds were significantly (P<0.05) improved by 1.5 and 3% GEX inclusion levels. Most of carcass trait such that slaughter, dressing, breast, liver and GIT weight were highly (P< 0.05) affected by 1.5 and 3% GEX inclusion levels. Reduced abdominal fat weight and percentage (P< 0.05) was recorded in GEX inclusion levels. Generally, based on the results of the current study garlic extract at 1.5 and 3% inclusion levels in drinking water should be considered as potential growth promoters that may replace the antibiotic in broiler farm.Item SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES ASSESSEMENT OF MAJOR LIVESTOCK FEED RESOURCES, FEED BALNCE AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE IN SODDO DISTRICT, EAST GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2025-07-02) GETU GIRMA BIRBOThe objective of this study was to assess livestock feed resource, feed balance and nutritional values at different agro ecologies of Soddo district, east Gurage zone, central Ethiopia. The kebeles of the district were stratified in to two agro- ecological zones and representative kebeles were selected from the two agro-ecology. .A total of 166 sampled respondents were selected by simple random sampling and data were collected by using semi- structure questionnaire interview and personal observation. The result of the study showed that the livestock production system in the district was a mixed crop-livestock production system. The overall family size per household was 6.72±0.27in high land agro ecology and 7.45±0.33in midland agro ecology , the average cattle population per household was 7.17±0.30 heads (6.84TLU), and the overall land holding was 1.29±0.325 ha per household in this study. . In the highland agro-ecology of the study areas, the major feed resources of cattle were crop residue, natural pasture, and Enset leaf while it was natural pasture and crop residue in midland agro-ecology. Annual feed supply in the district satisfies 68.9% and 79.7% TDM; 44.83% and 39.36% TDCP, and 69.46% and 83.25% TME of the maintenance requirement of livestock in TLU per year in highland and midland agro-ecologies, respectively. Major livestock constraints are shortage of feed, high-cost feed, inadequate extension and training service. Therefore, different intervention strategies are needed to improve the husbandry practices, mainly to improve the feed resource available and. Cattles feed deficit was serious problem and needs strong intervention and attention by the concerned bodies.Item CHARACTERIZATION OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES OF EXOTIC CHICKENS UNDER DIFFERENT AGRO-ECOLOGIES IN EZHA DISTRICT OF GURAGE ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2022-12-04) GIZEYATU CHERU W/SENBETThis study was conducted to assess the management practices, productive and reproductive performances of exotic chickens under different agro-ecologies, from March 2021 to September 2021 in Ezha district of Gurage zone, Ethiopia. A total of 280 (165 from highland and 115 from midland) households were randomly selected households from six peasant associations (PAs) were used in the study to collect primary data using semi-structured questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21and mean differences were compared using Independent-Sample T Test. The result indicated that using extension package exotic chickens keeping as a parameter showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the two agro-ecologies of the study area. The results obtained showed that the mean flock size of the study area was 10.5 chickens/household and types of exotic chicks to chicken owners showed that the majority of the respondents (80%) used Sasso breed the rest (20%) used Bovans brown. 90.4% of the respondents used separate house for their chicken from both agro-ecologies. However only 133(54.5%) of the respondent kept the chicken in a house at the time of both day and night. Regarding the feeding activities, majority 235(83.9%) was scavenging in addition to supplementary feed. Whereas, (11.1%) were homemade feed and only (4.3%) used formulated balanced diets feed. 279(99.6%) of chicken owners provide supplementary feed for their chickens and also (99.6%) of the respondents provide water to their chicken. About (68.6%) of the respondents vaccinate their chickens and (35.7%) use modern drugs to treat sick chickens. Newcastle (80.8%) vaccine is the most frequently used vaccine in the area. New castle disease (68.9%) and Fowl thiphoid, Gumboro and Foul pox disease (31.1%) were the major poultry diseases with relatively high prevalence. About (41.1%), (21.1%) and (19.3%) of the respondent reported that weasel, eagle and wild cat as major predators, respectively. (97.5%) of the respondent has market access for products. Most respondents (97.1%) get the extension service from the extension agent and (74.3%) of them get the training about chicken production. The mean egg number/ hen /year were calculated to be (224.37 and 223.44) for the highland and midland respectively. The mean age at first egg was reported to be (5.88 and 5.83) months for highland and midland hens respectively. Exotic village chicken productivity estimating parameters like eggs/hen/year, number of clutch/hen/day, market age of cock and hen, sexual maturity of hen and age at 1st egg were showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between agro-ecologies. Market weight of Sasso cock was reported to be (3.27 and 2.99) Kg and hen (3.0 and 2.88) Kg for the highland and midland respectively. There was no variation (P<0.05) between agro-ecologies. Thus, improving the overall management system such as improved feeding, recommended housing and health care extension packages could be a better strategy to increase the egg and meat production potential of exotic chickens under village management condition. The outstanding effort has been made to improve farmers raising a small number of exotic chickens to increase their chicken number under semi-intensive production system to play a role to improving chicken production and productivity.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, 2023-05-04) KURIBACHEW ENDALE GODANARaw 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 subcities 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 ice box 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.Item ASSESSMENT OF BEEKEEPING PRACTICES AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HONEY PRODUCED IN YEM ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA REGION, ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2025-07-03) MIHRET ABEJEEthiopia is home to a rich in honeybee foraging flora and the highest Africa’s honeybee population due to its unique ecological and climatic circumstances, with more than 10 million bee colonies. This study was aimed at generating research-based information on the characterization of beekeeping practices and quality analysis in Yem Zone, Central Ethiopia Region. Accordingly, from a total of 376 honey producers, a household interviews, field observation, and key informant discussions were used to gather relevant information from three potential districts. The three selected districts were; Deri zuria, Fofa and Toba districts, representing highland, midland and lowland agroecologies, respectively. Moreover, laboratory experiment on honey Physico-chemical analysis was conducted at Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Post-harvest management laboratory. For the qualitative data, a chi-square test was employed to check the existence of significant associations between variables at a 95% significance level using SPSS software. While, honey quality parameters were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS software version 9.4. As a result, among the total participantsˌ 98.7% were male headed households while 1.3% of them were female headed. About 52.8% of beekeepers have 29-45 years of honeybee rearing experience followed by who have above 45 years (27.2%) and16-18years(18ˌ1%),8-15years(1,9%) beekeeping experience . About 58.7% of farmers own initial bee colony by catching swarms followed by inherited from their parents (36.0%), buying from other farmers (2.9%) and few farmers get a starting colony by purchasing from local markets. During this study, farmers mentioned several trees used for hanging bee hives in their areas; however, Warka(cordia vasta)(41.1%), Sholla (Ficus sycomorus)(27.1%), and Wanza(cordia africana) (24.0%) were identified as the top three trees for hanging their bee hives. Regarding catching of bee colonies, commonly farmers install bees by hanging hives (92.5%) and collect swarms from forest or farmland areas. Significantly higher (80.5%) proportion of farmers harvest their honey product from October to December followed by April to June (18.1%). Moreover, plastic containers (75.2%) were commonly used to store honey followed by clay materials (8.8%) and metallic (9.1%) containers. 59.2% of farmers reported that they harvest 5-7kg of honey followed by 3-4 kg (40.3%) of honey per year from a traditional hive. Likewise, 44.3%, 32.2% and 22.9% of the survey member harvest 11-12kg, 7- 10kg and 13-15kg of honey from a transitional hive, respectively. Similarly, from a frame hive about 10-20kg of honey was harvested. The customized practices by farmers to identify the xiii physical quality of their honey were based on color (56.5%) of the honey followed by taste (30.4%) of the honey. The major reported constraints encountering beekeepers in the study districts were low honey production, shortage and diminishing of bee foraging plants, drought, pests and predators. Furthermore, the mean values of physicochemical analysis of honey samples for all parameters shown a significant (p < 0.05) difference across the study areas. Accordingly, the overall mean values were 34.06 meq/kg, 3.92, 79.43 brix, 0.07%, 0.43, 18.35% and 9.25 Pas for Titratable acidity, pH, Total soluble solids, Ash, Water acidity, Moisture content and Viscosity, respectively. The observed quality findings were in an acceptable range of a quality honey. Thus, the study provided guiding baseline information for further honey production development interventions in the study areas. However, the reported major constraints should be solved to exploit the existing high potentials. Furthermore, further researches on physicochemical and microbial quality analysis were recommended to verify the best quality of the honey in the study areas, which we have not considered some parameters due to budget limitations.Item AVAILABILITY OF LIVESTOCK FE PRACTICES AND COPING STRATEGI MAREKO SPECIAL WOREDA WEYA WAMISHO GUMATO SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES AVAILABILITY OF LIVESTOCK FEED RESOURCES, FEEDING COPING STRATEGIES WITH DRY SEASON WOREDA DISTRICT OF, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2025-12-04) WEYA WAMISHO GUMATOThe study was aimed with to study assess the availability of Livestock Feed Resources, Feeding Practices, Coping Strategies with Dry Season and estimate the DM yield of available feed resources. Household survey was involved by interviewing a total of 138 respondents which comprises three Keble’s from midland and two kebeles from the lowland agro-ecologies. The collected data from, quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS, version 22. The results revealed that the dominant feed resource in the area were crop residues (94.2. %), natural pastures(2.89%) , fodder trees (1.44%) and improved forage 1.45% The feed utilization practices in the area were free grazing(52.17%),Tethering (41.3%) and Stall feeding (6.53%).. The study results showed that a total of 561.533 tones of dry matter are produced for total TLU values of 673.92 but in actuality1536.5376 tones of dry matter is required for the surveyed existing stocks regardless of the nutritional content of the dry matter. Quantification estimate clearly showed that the time of abundant feeds availability in the study kebeles were only 4.38 months. The findings of this study have shown that almost all the respondents experienced acute scarcity of feed supply during the dry season and use crop residues (68.84%), purchase forage (rent grazing land) 5.79%, reduction of stock 7.24%, fodder trees 13.04% and purchase concentrates 5.07%. Livestock feed production and utilization practices were mainly crop-residues-pasture-based, improvement in feeds and feeding systems is needed through introducing improved forage species, improving the quality of crop-residues, over-sowning pasture land with suitable legume forages specie and conserving feeds when abundant in suppl