College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
URI for this communityhttps://rps.wku.edu.et/handle/123456789/45803
College of Agriculture & Natural Resource
Browse
Item ASSESSEMENT OF MAJOR LIVESTOCK FEED RESOURCES, FEED BALNCE AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE IN SODDO DISTRICT, EAST GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2025) 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 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 TAKAThis 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.Item ASSESSMENT OF BEEKEEPING PRACTICES AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HONEY PRODUCED IN YEM ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA REGION, ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2025) 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 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 ASSESSMENT OF DAIRY CATTLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND EVALUATION OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION IN GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ALEMITU SIMACHEW ABATE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES DAIRY CATTLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND EVALUATION OF THEIR MILK MICROBIAL QUALITY AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION IN GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA(wku, 2024) ALEMITU SIMACHEW ABATEMilk provides essential nutrients and is an important source of dietary energy, high quality proteins and fats, but it is an excellent medium for growth of many kinds of microorganisms under suitable conditions. A cross sectional study was conducted to assess dairy cattle management practice and evaluate chemical composition and microbial quality of raw cow milk in a selected district of Gurage zone, Central Ethiopia region. Two districts were purposely selected based on their dairy cattle potential. Then the districts were stratified in to highland and midland agro-ecologies. For the survey part, data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires from a total of 373 respondents that were randomly selected based on proportionality from each kebele of the two study districts. Beside, a total of 80 milk samples were collected from the udder of the animal and storage container for microbial quality and chemical composition analysis. The current study showed that, 35.4% of the respondent in the study area were practicing natural pasture as feed source and common house with humans (91.2%). The study also revealed that, the majority of the respondents milking their cows in a barn, Washing their hands before milking, but, they are not Washing the udder before milking which was 63.5%, 83.1%, and 72.1% respectively. In addition, the majority of respondents were not practicing cleaning milk equipment, milking near the barn area and udders washing. The overall mean value of fat, protein and ash content of the milk in the study area were 4.12 ± 0.14, 3.35 ± 0.06 and 0.62 ± 0.01% respectively. Significant difference (P<0.05) were noted the fat and ash percentage in the milk collected from highland and midland agro ecology. The overall mean of total bacterial counts and coliform counts were 6.48 ± 0.15 and 4.98 ± 0.10 log cfu/ml respectively. Both total bacterial counts and coliform counts showed significant differences between milk collected from udder and storage containers (P<0.05). However, significant differences were not observed on coliform count among the different agro ecology. In general,- the result indicated that milk collected from the two districts were poor in bacteriological quality and did not meet the international milk quality standard, whereas the chemical composition was adequate about depend on Ethiopia standared level. Therefore, adequate sanitary measures and hygienic practice should be taken at all stages from washing hands before milking to storage containers of the producer.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 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 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.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 ASSESSMENTS OF DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES, AND THE MAJOR FEED RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT DIFFRENT AGRO ECOLOGIES OF MESKAN DISTRICT, EAST GURAGE ZONE, CENTERAL ETHIOPIA(wku, 2025-05-01) ADEM REDI SIRMOLOThe objective of this study was to assess the productive and reproductive performance dairy cattle, and availiablity of major feed resouces at diffrent agro ecologies of Meskan district, east gurage zone, centeral Ethiopia. The kebeles of the district were stratified in to two agroeclogical zones and representative kebeles were selected from the two agro-eoclogies. .A total of 376 sampled respondents were selected perpesively and data were collected by using semistructure questionnaire interview, focus group discussion, and personal observation. The result of the study showed that the dairy production system in the district was a mixed crop-livestock production system. The overall family size per household was 6.72±0.20, the average cattle population per household was 7.17±0.3 heads (6.84TLU), and the overall land holding was 1.29±0.325 ha per household in this study. About 64.1% and 35.9% of households in the study areas indicated that the producing milk and milk products were used for consumption and sale, respectively.In the highland agroecology of the study areas, the major feed resources of cattle were crop residue, natural pasture, IBP, enset leaf, and leaf midribs, while it was natural pasture, crop residue, IBP, and maize Stover in midland agroecology. Annual feed supply in the district satisfies 68.9%, 79.7% TDM, 44.83%, 39.36% TDCP, and 69.46%, 83.25%TME of the maintenance requirement of livestock in TLU per year in highland and midland agroecologies, respectively. Major dairy cattile constraints are shortage of feed , poor genetic potential of indigenous breed, high-cost feed ,inadequate extension and trainig service,limitation of AI technicians ,Nitrogen and Bull semen , animal disease , reproduction problem and shortage of manpower. The major cattle diseases observed in the district were parasites, mastitis, black leg, lumpy skin disease, and anthrax. It could be concluded that, due to poor husbandry practices, the productive and reproductive performance of local cows was low. Therefore, different intervention strategies are needed to improve the husbandry practices, mainly to improve the feed resource available and the indigenous breed through crossbreeding to increase the milk production and productivity. Cattles feed deficit was serious problem and needs strong intervention and attention by the concerned bodies. Key words: Chemical composition, Constraints ,Item 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 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) 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 supply.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 supplItem CHARACTERIZATION OF INDIGENOUS CHICKEN PRODUCTION, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES AND EGG QUALITY TRAITS IN EZHA DISTRICT OF GURAGE ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2022-02-04) MECHAL TESSEMA NECHIBOThe main objective of this study was to characterizes indigenous chicken production, reproductive performances and egg quality traits in Ezha district of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Generally, a multistage sampling procedure was applied for the selection of both kebeles and households. From Guraghe Zone, Ezha district was purposively selected based on its potential for indigenous chicken population and accessibility. In the first stage, the district was stratified into two based on agro-ecology i.e highland (3 kebeles) and midland (3 kebeles). In the second stage, representative kebeles were selected from each agroecology purposively based on indigenous chicken production potential and transport accessibility. Then, households that have two or more indigenous chickens & have experiences on chickens’ husbandry practices were identified and listed. In the third stage, a simple random sampling technique was used to select households from each kebele. Lastly, data on both qualitative and quantitative variables were collected from 318 selected households by using a semi-structured questionnaire. In addition, a total of 120 freshly laid eggs from indigenous village chickens were collected from the selected survey members and transported to Debrezeit Agricultural ResearchCenterfor external and internal eggs quality traits analysis. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. The research finding revealed the main objectives of chicken production in the study area were for both income generation and consumption (50%), while (30.5%) for consumption, and (19.5%) only for immediate income generation. The survey results revealed that about (40.9%) of the respondents constructed separate chicken house, (77.4%) practised of scavenging system with supplementary feeding, (88.4%) provided water for their chicken and (79.5%) of the respondents faced diseases outbreaks. The survey also revealed that the mean number of eggs laid/clutch, numbers of days/clutch/hen, the clutch number/year and annual egg production/hen of local chicken ecotypes were (13.9 eggs, 22.5days, 3.9 clutch number and 53.8 eggs), respectively. The study also revealed that the overall mean age at first mating of male chickens and the age at first egg of female chickens were 5.9 and 6.5 months. This study obtained significantly lower productive and reproductive performancesfrom highland chicken ecotypes. The analysis of the study revealed that egg quality parameters like egg weight, egg length, egg shell weight, egg shape index, albumin weight, albumin width, yolk width and yolk index were significantly different (P<0.05) among the two agro-ecologies. These observed variations might be attributed to various factors such as management differences, quality, and quantity of feed, and production environments in which the animals were maintained. So, the productivity of indigenous village chickens could be enhanced by relatively simple changes in management techniques (feeding, housing, and health care) that promote improvement in productivity and reduction in mortality. Therefore, governmental organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders should play their role in developing producers' knowledge and capacity.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, 2022-02-04) 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 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 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, 2022-07-04) 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 productivityItem CHARACTERIZATION, CLASSIFICATION AND MAPPING OF SOILS OF MEGECHA MICRO-WATERSHED, EZHA DISTRICT, GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2023-06-01) ALEMU WEGU JEZAThe study was conducted at Megecha Micro-Watershed Ezha District in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. Because of a diversified geography, climatic conditions, and geology, Ethiopia has a variety of soil resources which were studied at small scales 1:250,000, with high levels of generalization. Site specific soil characterization and classification can serve as initial step in creating baseline information for developing land use planning and management practices. Therefore purpose of this study was to characterize, classify and mapping soils of Megecha micro-watershed, to generate baseline information, for formulating the management alternatives for different soil types identified. Four representatives Pedon were opened at the upper, middle and low slope position and soil field description was made. A total of 17 disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from each genetic horizon. The results of the study revealed that color, consistency, texture, bulk density (BD) and of the soils varied with the slope position and soil depth. Lower BD, darker red color and soft (dry) consistency were observed at the upper slope position whereas higher BD, very dark gray color and hard (dry) consistence were observed in the low slope areas. The depth of the soils was very deep (200+cm) and the textural classes varied from silt to clay, Soil reaction (pH) (5.3 to 6.3) categorized by moderately acid to slightly acidic, Soil organic carbon (SOC) (0.58 to 2.99%) content was categorized as low to high, Available Phosphorus (P) (0.28 – 1.20 mg kg-1 ) was rated as inadequate range, Total Nitrogen (N) (0.02 to 0.27% ) content was rated as very Low to high, C: N ratio varies from (6.43 to 29) ) and found in low to high range, Soil CEC varied from (5 - 47 cmolc kg-1 ) categorized as very low to very high and PBS (19.19 to 87. 19%) was categorized as very low to very high. Regarding the soil classification Pedon 1 classified as Chromic Alisols (Epidystric), Pedon 2, Chromic Alisols (Dystric), Pedon 3 Hablic Alisols (Dystric) and Pedon 4 Pellic Vertisols (Hypereutric).The soil map was developed for these identified soils types. Thus, in introducing new agricultural technologies like application of lime, use vermin compost and soil and water conservation practices were needed to the study area, the local variations in soils should be considered for a sustainable agricultural developmentItem DETERIMINANTS OF FARMER PARTICIPATION TO WHEAT CLUSTER FARMING AND ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC ROLE IN SODO WOREDA, EAST GURAGHE ZONE, CENTERAL ETHIOPIA(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-04) GIRMA KOTO GUDACluster farming is an agricultural practice that involves organizing and grouping together farmers within a specific geographic area based on proximity of their farm plots and it increasingly recognized as a viable means of improving smallholder economy in money developing countries .Ethiopia’s farming system is dominated by Smallholder farmers who accounts for 96 percentage of total cultivated area generated 95 percent of total production. Agriculture has not been used to its full potential for development in Ethiopia due to low productivity and low-level of value addition of smallholder. Enhancing productivity and value addition among smallholder farmers is broadly perceived as a main strategy which is achieved through promoting agricultural cluster farming approach. This thesis is focused on studying determinants farmers’ participation decision of wheat cluster farming and its role in Sodo Woreda of Eeast Guraghe zone of central Ethiopia. In this study both primary and secondary data were used. The primary data were collected from a sample of 274 household heads randomly selected by using two stage sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics include mean, standard deviation, ratio, frequencies, and range. Econometrics models such as Binary probitand OLS model were employed to analyze the data. Variables, sex of house hold headed, farm size, training access and mechanization use were significantly affect wheat cluster farming in the study area. Lastly this study recommends that actors should invest on linking farmers of both sexes to enhance wheat cluster farming participation of farmers. Mechanization use positively influenced wheat cluster farming participation decision and extent of cluster participation level the government and concerned body should organize farmers and facilitate credit facilities for them to buy different agricultural tools. Training access significantly influenced farmers ‘participating in wheat cluster farming so the concerned body should train farmers to bring a good result.Item Determinants of Rural Household Income in Gedeo zone Yirga Cheffe woreda(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) Surafel ShisemaEven though, Yirga chef e Wereda is one of the most cereal crop producers in Gedeozone the rural farming households’ income is very low. Thus, this study, focuse donidentifying the micro-level factors that determining the rural household income in the Wereda. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for the selection of sample respondents. The district was stratified in to three kebeles based on distance from woreda's town and three kebeles were selected using simple random sampling. Usingsimple random sampling technique 98 sample respondents were selected from eachkebeles. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview. Boththedescriptive and econometrics statistics (OLS estimation model) were appliedfor analyzing data. Descriptive statistics were applied to characterize the sample households’ demographic, economic, institutional and environmental factors. TheOLS estimation result indicated that from nine explanatory variables five variables which are, Education (EDUC) at 5%, of farm activity (OFFA) at 5%, Soil fertility of land (SFERT) at 1%, CREDIT at 10%, improved farm input (IMFI) at 5%significance level. Generally, both the descriptive and econometrics statistics wereanalyzed and clearly interpreted. It is recommended that the farmers should adopt credit; farmers should be allowed to have long term of -farm employment to augment the farming sectorItem DETERMINATES OF MARKET SUPPLY OF COFFEE BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN MESKAN DISTRICT, EAST GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2025-12-04) BELAYNEH KASSA NIBERIEThis study aimed to assess the determinants of market supply of coffee by smallholder farmers in Meskan Woreda, East Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. A survey of 386 households was conducted using simple random sampling methods during the 2014/15 Ethiopian calendar year. The study used structured questionnaires to collect primary data, which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including multiple linear regression and chi-square tests. The results revealed that factors such as the sex of the household head, family size, livelihood diversification strategies, access to irrigation, and average annual coffee production significantly influenced the market supply of coffee. The chi-square test further indicated a significant relationship between the market supply of coffee and factors like livelihood diversification strategies, access to irrigation, access to credit, proximity to markets, cooperative membership, and access to infrastructure. The study found that 63.2% of the variation in coffee supply to the market could be explained by these factors. The study recommends targeted policies and interventions to enhance the productivity of coffee farmers, including improving access to irrigation and credit, providing training and support, fostering collaboration, and encouraging diversification to ensure a steady supply of coffee to the market while promoting sustainable agricultural practicesItem EFFECT OF BLENDED NPSB FERTILIZER RATES AND INTRA-ROWSPACINGONGROWTH AND YIELD OF ONION (Allium cepa L.) UNDER IRRIGATIONCONDITION IN GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA(wolkite university, 2022-07-04) YEKITE TEREFE ZEWDIEThe onion is one of Ethiopia's most important vegetable crops, and it is usedvirtuallyevery day as a spice and vegetable in Ethiopian cuisine. However, its productivityisstilllow due to various limiting factors such as low soil fertility, improper plant densityorspacing, disease and pests and lack of production technologies appropriate todif erentvarieties and agro-ecological conditions. Haphard fertilizer application andintrarowplant spacing are among others the most important once. To this ef ect, the present studywas initiated to evaluate the ef ects of NPSB fertilizers and intra-rowspacingonthegrowth and yield performance of onion variety of Bombay red under Enemor districtconditions during the “irrigation” season. There were 12 treatment combinationswhichconsisted of four levels of NPSB fertilizers (0, 122, 244 and 366kg ha -1) and threelevelsofintra-row plant spacing (7.5cm, 10cm and 12.5cm). The experiment was laidout inRandomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement and underthreereplications. Results of the statistical analysis showed that the treatments hadhighlysignificant (p ≤ 0.01) dif erence on the their interaction ef ect on both the growthandyield parameters tested (i.e. plant height, leaf number, bulb diameter, bulb length, weightof onion bulbs as well as marketable, unmarketable and total bulb yield). Generally, thetreatment combination of 244kg ha -1 and 7.5cm intra-row spacing recordedthelargestmarketable bulb yield of 41.2t ha -1 , total bulb yield of (41.34t ha -1), harvestingindexof77.17%, and the lowest unmarketable bulb yield of 0.14t ha -1 . Results of the correlationanalysis also showed that almost all the tested parameters of onion werehighlysignificantly and positively correlated with the marketable bulb yield of onion. Besides, asrevealed by the partial budget analysis, the combined treatment of 244kg ha -1 NPSBand7.5cm intra row spacing resulted in the highest net benefit increase of Birr 893,390whencompared with the other treatments combinations. Hence, the combined applicationof244kg ha -1 of NPSB fertilizers and intra-row spacing 7.5cm is recommendedforonionproduction in Enemor District as well as areas with similar agro-ecological conditions.However, since the study was conducted only for a single season and in only onelocation,further research is recommended to be carried out in more other locations as well asatdif erent seasons.