College of Agriculture & Natural Resource

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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, YETSENA
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.
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
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-04) ALEMITU SIMACHEW ABATE
Milk 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.
EFFECT OF BLENDED NPSB FERTILIZER RATES ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF MUNG BEAN VARIETIES IN CHEHA DISTRICT, GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-06) TIGIST FENTAHUN MEHARIE
Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.), is a recently introduced grain legume crop with high potential uses and export demand. However poor crop management practices, including improper NPSB fertilization rate and absence of improved varieties contributed to low productivity in the study area. Hence a field experiment was conducted in Cheha district, Gurage Zone to evaluate the effect of blended NPSB fertilizer rates on the yield and yield components of mung bean varieties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were 16 treatment combinations, comprising two mung bean varieties (NVL-1 and Rasa) and eight blended NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 25, 50, 75,100, 125, 150 and 175 kg ha-1). The results showed that the highest values for most growth parameters and yield components were obtained with the application of 175 kg ha-1 NPSB. Results from the main effect of NPSB fertilizer rates indicated that the highest values for plant height (75.83), total number of branches (8.43), total number of nodules (22.91 and 22.6), number of effective nodules (13.41and 13.01) hundred seed weight (35.5g) and above ground dry biomass (5606.3 kg ha-1) were obtained. The interaction between variety and NPSB rate significantly influenced several growth and yield traits. The combination of Rasa variety with 175 kg ha-1 NPSB resulted in the highest days to 50% flowering (55.66 days),days to 90%physiological maturity (88.33 days), number of pod per plant (31), number of seed per pod(13.91), grain yield (1403.33 kg ha-1) and harvest index (24.97%).The partial budget analysis indicated that the combination of rasa variety with 175 kg ha1 NPSB gave the highest net benefit (48,928 Birr ha-1) with 1113.2% marginal rate of return. Therefore, the use of 175 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer with Rasa variety are recommended for optimal mung bean yield and economic benefit in the study area and similar agro ecology. These findings provide valuable insights for farmers and researchers to enhance mung bean production and address yield limitations in Ethiopia. However, since the result is only on one season and one location, further research is recommended to be carried out across more seasons and locations.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GARLIC (Allium sativum l.) EXTRACT LEVELS INCLUSION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMERCIAL BROILER
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2022-09) AYELU DAGNACHEW,
Commercialization 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
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GARLIC (Allium sativum l.) EXTRACT LEVELS INCLUSION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMERCIAL BROILER
(Wolkite University, 2025-01-30) AYELU DAGNACHEW
Commercialization 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.” “
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MOLASSES ON ELEPHANT GRASS (PENNISETUM PURPEREUM) AND DESHO GRASS (PENNISETUM PEDICELLATUM) SILAGE QUALITY
(Wolkite University, 2025-01-30) SIRAJ MEHDI
In tropical region inadequate quality and quantity of feeds are the major constraints to” “livestock production sector. Most of feed resources are low in nutrient content to meet nutrient” “requirements of maintenance, production and reproduction. The experiment was conducted to” “investigate the effect of different levels of molasses on elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)” “and desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) silage quality in Wolkite University. The aim of” “this study was to identify the effect of different levels of molasses on silages quality of elephant” “grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum). Elephant grasses” “were harvested from Wolkite University dairy farm and desho grasses were harvested from” “around Wolkite town from farmer’s backyard when they were at the ages of medium stages of” “growth. The harvested grasses was chopped up to 2cm particle size each weighing 2kg each” “silage materials treated with different levels of molasses (0%, 3% and 5%), packed in 2kg” “holding plastic bags silo, doubled it and stored in thatched barn. Treatments were assigned to” “a completely randomized design in factorial arrangement (2x3) with three replications. The” “silage was opened after 30 days, analyzed for sensory qualities; chemical composition and in” “vitro DM digestibility. Treated silages had better appearance qualities than the control” “silages. All of the silages had good and very good degrees in organoleptic test method based” “on DM, PH. The treated silages had lower PH compared with the control (p<0.05).The” “control group had lower DM content than treated silages (p<0.05). Elephant grass silages” “had higher CP, CF and temperature than desho grass silages. Desho grass silage produced” “higher quality and preserved better than Elephant grass as indicated by higher sensory” “qualities, ether extract, invitro dry matter digestibility and stability. But lower PH, DM, Crude” “Protein and Crude Fiber. Desho grass with 5% molasses showed that its silage contains” “higher Moisture, IVDMD and EE (C. fat) than elephant grasses. Silages with 5% molasses” “had higher quality than silages mixed with 0% and 3% molasses levels as indicated by higher” “DM, EE and IVDMD, but lower PH and NDF. Therefore, it was concluded that Elephant and” “Desho grasses ensiled with 5% molasses level was the most optimal techniques to achieve” “high quality silage fermentation under smallholder farmers.” “
EFFECT OF INTER ROW SPACING AND VARIETIES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF FENUGREEK (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) AT WOLISO DISTRICT, SOUTH WEST SHOA ZONE, ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-05) LETA ABEBE BEDADA
Fenugreek (Trigonella- foenum-graecum L.) is a legume crop which is used as a spice, vegetable, animal feed and medicinal plant. Inter row spacing is one of the yield limiting factors on fenugreek production. A field experiment was conducted at Woliso Polytechnic College during the 2023/2024 cropping season. To evaluate and determine the combined effect of inter-row spacing (10cm, 20cm, 30cm and 40cm) and varieties (Burqa, Chala, Ebbisa, Wereilu and one local variety for check) on yield and yield components fenugreek. The experiment was laid out under Randomized Complete Block Design with Factorial arrangement and three replications. Based on the data analysis, the higher yield and yield components were recorded from planting of fenugreek with the wider inter-row spacing of 40cm. The shortest days for 50% flowering (44.6 days), the shortest days for 90% maturity(117.9), the highest number of primary branches (6.73), the highest number of pods per plant-1(29.33), the highest number of seeds per pod-1(21.6), the highest pod length(19.3), the highest 1000g seed weight (20.6), the highest above ground biomass (3568.33Kg ha-1), the highest harvesting index (40.2% and the highest seed yield (1586) were recorded from the 40cm inter-row spacing followed by 30cm. On the other hand, the lowest yield(324.66 kg ha-1) and yield attributes were recorded when the crop was grown under the smallest inter-row spacing of 10cm. The higher number of primary branches, number of seeds pod-1(21), pod length (19.3), 1000g seed weight (20g) and seed yield (1586 kg ha-1) were recorded from Burka inter acted with 40cm followed by Chala, Wereilu, and Ebbisa verities whereas the lower grain yield and yield component was recorded from with the interaction of 10cm. From the current research-based yield and yield component planting of Burka variety with 40 cm inter row spacing is performing well and recommended to the local farmer to increase the yield of fenugreek crop.
EFFECT OF RHIZOBIUM INOCULATION (MB003) AND NPSB FERTI LIZER RATES ON GROWTH YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF MUNG BEAN (Vigna radiate (L.) WILCZEK) VARIETIES IN MISRAK MESKAN DISTRICT EASTERN GURAGE ZON
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-05) MOHAMMED WULCHAFO BADKARO
Lack of adequate information on the use of Rhizobium strain and nitrogen-phosphorus-sulfurboron(NPSB) fertilizer rates are the major yield limiting factors for producing mung bean in the study area. Thereforethe study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the nodulation, growth and yield responses oftwo varieties of mung bean (Vigna radiate (L.) Wilczek) at differ ent rates of NPSB fertilizer andRhizobiuminoculates. A field experiment was carried out during the main cropping season of 2021/22 at Misirak Meskan District in Farmers Training Center (FTC). The treatments combinations were two levels of Rhizobium inoculation (with and with out), twomung bean varieties N-26 (Rassa) and NVL-1(Nassa) and four levels of NPSB fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1). The experiment was arranged in a 2×2×4 factorial combination in randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil samples were collected from the experimental field at (0-30cm depth) before planting and after harvest to determine selected soil physicochemical properties. Data on growth, nodulation, yield and yield components were rec ordedand subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results on soil physicochemical proper ties analyzed before planting and after harvest showed significant differences due to the com bined effects of NPSB fertilizers and Rhizobium inoculation. Crop phenology (days to 50% flow ering and days to physiological maturity), growth (plant height, number of primary and second ary branches, shoot fresh and dry weight, root dry weight), and nodulation (number of nodules, nodule fresh and dry) weight of mung bean varieties were significantly affected by NPSB fertiliz er rates and Rhizobium inoculation. Moreover, theinteraction effects of NPSB fertilizer rates, Rhizobium inoculation and mung bean varieties showed significant effects on number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, a hundred seed weight, harvest index, grain yield and above ground biomass. The highest mean value of grain yield(2105.77 kg ha-1) was obtained from a combined effect of 150 kg NPSB ha-1and Rhizobium inoculation from variety N-26 which result ed in 61.28% followed by (2078.90 kg ha-1) which was increased by 62.07% at the rate of 100 kg NPSB ha-1increase over the control (1290.37 kg ha-1). Furthermore, the number of seeds per plant, a hundred seeds weight, above ground dry biomass and HI of mung bean were recorded the highest mean values (607.33), (7.50 g), (4241.67 kg ha-1) and 0.483, respectively at the rate of 150 kg NPSB ha-1fertilizer with a Rhizobium inoculation. The partial budget analysis re vealed that the maximum(ETB108600.6 ha-1) net benefit was obtained from combined applica tion of rhizobium inoculation and 100 kg NPSB ha-1from variety N-26 with MRR of 10130%And minimum (ETB 68572.8 ha-1) net benefit was obtained from the control. A net benefit ad vantage of 63.14% (ETB 68572.8 ha-1) when compared with the maximum and minimum net benefit. Hence, Rhizobium inoculation with application of 100 kg NPSB ha-1could be tentatively recommended for mung bean production in Misirak Meskan area. However, the experiment should be repeated over years and locations to provide valid recommendations appropriate for the study site.
EVALUATION OF Moringa olifera LEAF MEAL AS AN ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN FEED INGREDIENT IN LAYERS RATION
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2022-10) FIKADU DESSE GIRMA, FIKADU
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.
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.” “
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, 2024-01) ADDISU GEBREYESUS
The 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 agro ecology 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. Themean 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.
GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SELECTED ETHIOPIAN INDIGENOUS CHICKENS USING SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEAT MARKERS
(Wolkite University, 2025-01-30) SHIBRU TEKLE TULU
The present study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and population structures of three” “Ethiopian local chickens, namely Horro, Jarso, and Tilili, using 16 SSR markers. In addition,” “the Koekoek breed was used for comparison purposes. Chicken populations were purposively” “selected and a total of 95 individuals were selected using simple random sampling. Genomic” “DNA was extracted using a salting-out protocol. Different molecular markers and statistical” “parameters were used to estimate the genetic diversity and relationship among the genetic” “groups studied. A total of 97 alleles have been detected, with an average value of 6.062 alleles” “per locus, and 16 alleles were unique to specific chicken populations. Polymorphic information” “content ranged from (0.54) MCW0183 to (0.85) LEI0166, with an average value of 0.67 per” “locus. Across all studied populations, the mean observed heterozygosity and expected” “heterozygosity were 0.026 and 0.60, respectively. The Shannon information index varied from” “(I = 0.83) MCW0098 to (I = 1.57) LEI0166. AMOVA showed that genetic variance varied by” “15% among populations, 82% within populations, and 3% within individuals. According to” “UPGMA, the Horro and Tilili populations were grouped, while the Jarso population was” “distinct and the Koekoek breed was distinct as expected. The studied population showed high” “genetic diversity within populations, and the Jarso ecotype showed the highest genetic diversity” “and a number of unique alleles. The SSR markers used in this finding were polymorphic and” “useful for determining the genetic variation of Ethiopian local chicken ecotypes. The” “information obtained will be used for genetic conservation and national breeding program” “efforts.” “
GENETIC DIVERSITY AND POPULATION STRUCTURE ANALYSIS OF SELECTED ETHIOPIAN INDIGENOUS CATTLE BREEDS USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-12) BRUK ALEMU TEKLE
The present study aimed to evaluate genetic diversity, population structure, and level of admixture of four Ethiopian cattle populations namely (Guraghe Gofa , Hamer, and Mursi). Sixteen microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of the four ecotypes. Genomic DNA was extracted from bovine blood samples with a genomic DNA extraction salting out method. Ninety-one DNA samples from four (Guraghe (n = 25), Gofa (n = 25), Hamer (n = 25), and Mursi (n = 16)) Ethiopian cattle populations were genotyped. A total of 191 alleles were detected, ranging from 8 to 23 alleles per locus. The mean number of alleles and the observed and expected heterozygosity were 11.9, 0.053, and 0.79, respectively. The FIT, FIS, and FST overall F-statistics have mean values of 0.94, 0.94, and 0.096, respectively. The genetic variation between populations accounted for 9.6% of the total genetic variation. Gene flow (2.56) was observed in allfour populations. Genetic distances, such as PCoA and dendrogram, reveal a close relationship between Hammer and Mursi as compared to Guraghe and Mursi. Factorial correspondence analysis (FCA) and the Structure analysis assigned four Ethiopian populations independently; however, Hamer and Mursi showed a relatively higher degree of admixture than Guraghe and Gofa. It can be concluded that Ethiopia's indigenous cattle populations have a high degree of genetic diversity; These results may be useful in determining current and future breeding programs as well as management and conservation strategies for Ethiopia's indigenous animal genetic resous
GROWTH AND BULB YIELD OF ONION (Allium cepa Var. cepa) VARIETIES IN RESPONSE TO NPSB FERTILIZER AT CHEHA DISTRICT, GURAGE ZONE
(Wolkite University, 2025-01-30) TESHOME DENBU BIZUNEH
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops commercially grown” “in the world. It is a high value and income generating vegetable crops for most small scale” “farmers and commercial growers in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of onion is low at” “national as well as regional levels; due to various limiting factors such as lack of” “improved varieties and low soil fertility. Accordingly, a field experiment was conducted to” “evaluate growth and yield response of onion varieties to NPSB fertilizer rates at Cheha” “district, Guraghe zone during 2022 cropping season. The experiment was consisted of four” “onion varieties (Bombay Red, Nafid, Nafis and Nasik Red) and four levels of NPSB” “fertilizer (0, 195, 244 and 293 kg ha-1) combined factoriallly and laid out in Randomized” “Complete Block Design with three replications. Yield and yield related parameters were” “recorded and subjected to analysis of variance. The analysis of variance for agronomic” “parameters showed that the main effects; variety and application of NPSB blended” “fertilizer rate were significant for almost all traits. Similarly all yield and yield related” “traits were significantly influenced by the interaction of varieties and NPSB fertilizer rate” “except plant height. The highest values for most of the response variables were recorded” “from variety Nafis combined with NPSB at rate of 293 kg ha-1.The partial budget analysis” “revealed that the highest net benefit 414255(ETB ha-1) with acceptable MRR was obtained” “from the variety Nafis combined with application of 244 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer. Hence,” “the use of Nafis onion variety and application of 244 kgha-1 NPSB fertilizer rate was” “economically feasible and can be recommended for optimum production of onion in the” “study area and other areas having similar agro-ecology. However, as the experiment was” “done for only one season and single location, it has to be repeated over seasons and” “locations to have conclusive recommendation.” “
RESPONSE OF CHICKPEA (Cicer arietinum L.) TO VARIETIES, INOCULATION WITH MESORHIZOBIUM STRAINS, AND APPLICATION OF BLENDED NPSB FERTILIZER AT CHEHA DISTRICT, GURAGE ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(Wolkite University, 2025-01-30) GASHAW NAHUSENAY GEBRE-EGZIABHER
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major legume crop in Ethiopia and provide multiple” “benefits, due to high nutritive value as well as the ability of the crop to enrich nitrogen poor” “soils due to biological nitrogen fixation with different strains of endosymbiotic” “Mesorhizobium spp. However, the effectiveness of the strains varies due to inherent” “physiological characteristics of the endo-symbionts, the host varieties, and nutrient” “availability in the soil. Its’ cultivation in the study area is constrained mainly by low soil” “fertility (low N, low soil OM, low available P, S and B) causing ineffective nodulation, and” “lack of improved agronomic practices. Therefore, the field experiment was conducted during” “the main cropping season of 2021/22 at Cheha district in Buchach Kebele with the objective” “of evaluating the effect of inoculation with Mesorhizobium strains and NPSB fertilizer” “application on nodulation, growth, and yield performance of different chickpea (Cicer” “arietinum L.) varieties. Factorial combinations of three Mesorhizobium strains CP-M41,” “CP-EAL 029, CP-M20b, and un-inoculated control, two NPSB levels (0 and 121 kg NPSB” “ha-1) and two chickpea varieties (Local and Arerti) were laid out in randomized complete” “block design (RCBD) with three replications. Analysis of variance showed that crop” “phenology, nodulation parameters, growth parameters, yield and yield components were” “significantly affected by the main effects. The effect was more pronounced in the interaction” “effect of different Mesorhizobium strains with NPSB application and varieties. The maximum” “values of most studied parameters were found from Arerti variety at the combined” “application of CP-M41 Mesorhizobium strain with NPSB fertilizer (121 kg ha-1) as” “compared with the single application and the control. The highest grain yield (3177.16 kg” “ha-1) was recorded from the use of Arerti variety at the combined application of NPSB” “fertilizer with CP-M41 Mesorhizobium strain, which resulted in 15.96%, 24.06% and” “37.93% increment over the use of Arerti x CP-M41 strain, Arerti x NPSB, and the control,” “respectively. From the economic point of view, the partial budget analysis of the study” “treatments revealed that the highest net return (102,092.6 ETB ha-1) with an acceptable” “marginal rate of return (618%) was gained from Arerti variety with the combined” “application of 121 kg NPSB ha-1 and Mesorhizobium strain CP-M41 inoculation. Hence, it” “can be concluded that the use of Arerti variety with combined application of 121 kg NPSB” “ha-1 with CP-M41 strain is found to be an appropriate combination to get higher yield and” “profit of chickpea crop at the study area. However, verification of the result on farmers’” “fields across season and areas could be required before wide use of this study to put the” “recommendation in firm ground.” “
RESPONSE OF CHICKPEA (Cicer arietinum L.)VARIETIES TO BLENDED NPSB FERTLIZER RATES IN EZHA DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2022-06) MARTA NEGASH ALEMU, MARTA
Chickpea production is presently restricted to a small area in Southern Ethiopia including Gurage Zone due to a number of limiting factors such as low soil fertility, diseases and pests, and lack of production technologies. To mitigate the low soil fertility, information regarding the actual rate of the newly recommended blended NPSB fertilizer and chickpea varieties are not yet known in the study area-Ezha District, Gurage Zone. Therefore, lack of recommended fertilizer rate and chickpea varieties were the main yield constraints in the area. Hence, an experiment was conducted during the 2021 cropping season to determine optimum blended fertilizer rate and well responded chickpea variety to NPSB rate for the study area. Four levels of NPSB (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1 ) and four chickpea Varieties (Habru, Dhara, Arerti and Dubie (standard check)) were used as treatments, and set in randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement of three replications. All the blended fertilizer rates were applied at planting. Surface soil samples was collected before sowing and analyzed. The result shows also recorded clay 34%, sand 26% and silt 40%, which indicates the soil textural class is clay loam.Anaalysis of this composite soil also 0.71% total nitrogen,14.3% organic matter,8.3% organic carbon,6.41ppm available phosphorus, boron 0.08mgkg1 (ppm), Total sulfur17.83% mg/kg(ppm) and 5.5 PH. On the other hand, the main factors of blended fertilizer rates and chickpea varieties were found statistically significant on the main effect blended NPSB fertilizer and verities (50% days of flowering and days of 90% physiological maturity) and also the main effect variyties plant height and hundred seed weight. The interaction of the main factors had also showed a statistically significant effect on above ground dry biomass, grain yield as well as agronomic efficiency. Generally, the treatment combination of 150 kg ha -1 NPSB and Arerti variety recorded the highest above ground dry biomass (7259 kg ha-1 ) and total grain yield (3538 kg ha-1 ). The result of partial budget analysis, showed that 150 kg ha-1 NPSB with Arerti variety gave the highest net benefit ( 140,439 ETB) with maximum marginal rate of return (4074%) when compared with the other treatments combinations. Hence, the combined application of 150 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizers with Arerti variety is recommended for chickpea production in Ezha District as well as areas with similar agro-ecological conditions. However, since the study was conducted only for a single season and in only one location, further research is recommended to be carried out in different locations and seasons.
RESPONSE OF GARLIC (Allium sativum L.) VARIETIES TO TYPES OF BLENDED FERTILIZERS IN MIHUR-AKLIL DISTRICT OF GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-07) HABTEMARIAM FIKADU BEREKA
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is one of the major vegetable and cash crops cultivated throughout the world including Ethiopia. Garlic productivity in Ethiopia (9.18t ha-1) is very low compared to the world average (18.4t ha-1. Its production is constrained by several factors including lack of productive varieties, improved agronomic practices, diseases and insect pests. Among these, inappropriate type of fertilizer and lack of improved varieties are the major ones. Hence, this experiment was conducted in 2023 at Mihur-Aklil District of Gurage zone, Ethiopia with the objective of investigating the effect of blended fertilizer type on growth, yield and yield attributes of garlic varieties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in three replications using 20 treatments formed from factorially combined five garlic varieties (Tsedey, Kuriftu, Chefe, Holeta and local) and four types of blended fertilizers (0, NPS, NPSB and NPSZn ). Data on different Phenological, growth, yield and yield related variables were collected and analyzed using SAS, version 9.3. The analysis of variance showed that most of the studied parameters were significantly affected by the interaction of the two factors. The highest total bulb yield (17.08t ha-1), marketable bulb yield (14.94 ha-1), bulb weight (37.27g), bulb diameter (24.27mm), plant height (77.8cm), leaf length (52.33) and leaf area (38.80cm2) was recorded from Tsedey variety at NPSB blended fertilizer type while the widest leaf width (1.04cm) was recorded from Tsedey variety treated with NPSZn blended fertilizer type and the highest clove weight (2.70g) was recorded from Kuriftu variety treated with NPSZn blended fertilizer type. The partial budget analysis result showed that the highest net benefit of 963881.281Eth-Birr ha-1was obtained from variety Tsedey and NPSB fertilizer. Thus, from the present study, the variety Tsedey and NPSB fertilizer are recommended for economic production in the study area and areas with similar agro-ecological settings. However, since the study was carried out only for one cropping season and in single location, it is as well recommended that to be repeated across seasons and locations.
RESPONSE OF POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.) VARIETIES TO BLENDED NPSB FERTILIZER ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY PARAMETERS AT GUMMER DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2022-03) DAMTEW GIRMA LEGESE
Potato is an important food security and cash crop in Southern Ethiopia including Gurage Zone. However, productivity of the crop in the zone is far below its potential due to an array of factors. For instance, inappropriate selection of varieties and lacking information regarding the actual rate of the newly recommended blended NPSB fertilizer in the potato producing areas including Gummer district. Cognizant of this, the present experiment was initiated and conducted in Gummer district under supplementary irrigation, during the 2021 Belg season, with the objective of assessing the response of different potato varieties to blended NPSB fertilizer rates. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement and having three replications. There were 12 treatment combinations, which comprised of three potato varieties (namely; Belete, Gudanie and a local check, Askot) and fourrates of blended NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 119,238 and 357 kg NPSB ha-1). The analysis of variance showed that the two main factors (blended NPSB fertilizer rates and potato varieties) had a statistically significant effect on all tested parameters except the effect of the blended NPSB fertilizer rates on days to 50% emergence. The interaction of the two factors had also showed a statistically significant effect on days to 90% maturity, plant height, main stem number per plant, total tuber number/hill, tuber yield per hill, large sized tuber yield, marketable and total tuber yields (t ha-1) and tuber dry matter content. Days to 90%maturity were delayed with increased rates of blended NPSB fertilizer for all tested varieties. The highest mean plant height (69.54cm) and number of main stems per hill (8.38) were obtained at 357 kg ha-1NPSB with Belete variety. The highest marketable tuber yield (34.40 t ha-1), total tuber yield (35.84 t ha-1) and tuber dry matter content of (26.75%) were obtained from Belete variety with the application of 238 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer. The results of the economic analysis indicated that the maximum net benefit (180660.7 Birr ha-1) with 3405.23% marginal rate of return was obtained from Belete variety with the application of238 kg NPSB ha-1Hence, the application of 238 kg ha-1 with Belete variety can be recommended or optimum potato production with the acceptable economic benefit in the study area and similar agro-ecology. However, since the result is only of one season and location, further research is recommended to be carried out across more seasons and locations.
SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, GROWTH AND YIELD OF BEETROOT (Beta vulgaris .L) AS AFFECTED BY BIOCHAR SOURCE AND RATE IN MESKAN DISTRICT, EASTERN GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA
(Wolkite University, 2023-01-30) WELYOU MOHAMMED BESHIR
Biochar application has been widely suggested as a highly improving soil property and fertilityreplenishment option to promote sustainable agriculture. The biochar amendment in the soil has receivedmore study in recent times to reclaim soil property and improve productivity. This study aimed toinvestigate the interaction effects of different sources (coffee husk, maize cob, and Enset leaf) and rates(0, 5, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1) of biochar on soil chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organiccarbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorus (Av. P) cation exchange capacity (CEC),growth (plant height, leaf (number, length and area), and yield (beet diameter, weight per (plant and pot)of beetroot at Meskan District. A factorial pot experiment was conducted at the greenhouse, and theexperiment was set up using a completely randomized design (CRD) with four levels of biochar and threetypes of biochar sources and replicated three. The ANOVA result indicates that a significant variationwas observed at P<0.05 among the interaction effects of source and rate of biochar on soil chemicalproperties like (pH, EC, OC, TN, and Av. P and CEC). The result of the analysis of variance specifiesthat pH and EC show a significant difference at p<0.05 among the interactions of source and rate ofbiochar. The highest values of soil pH and EC were 7.69±0.075 and 0.25±0.008 μm cm-1) respectivelyand the lowest was recorded in the control (6.46±0.075, 0.06±0.008μm cm-1) respectively. The ANOVAresults also state that a significantly varied value was recorded within the interaction effect of differentsources and rates of biochar on OC, OM, TN, Av.p., and CEC, and the highest value of OC, OM, TN,Av.p., and CEC was (7.93±0.15%, 13.68±0.29%, 0.76±0.01%, 21.5±0.49cmol. Kg-1and40.36±0.48mgkg-1) respectively and the lowest value (2.29±0.15%, 3.92±0.29%, 0.17±0.01%, 13.84±0.49mg kg-1 and28.68±0.48 cmol.Kg-1) respectively was recorded as untreated treatment. The ANOVA result alsoindicates that a significant variation was observed (P<0.05) among the interaction effects of source andrate of biochar on growth and yield of beetroot, like plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf areaand length, beet diameter, and beet weight per plant and per pot. The result of analysis of variance tableshows a significant variation in height. The highest value of plant height at the three growth stages was(25day, 50day and harvest) (18.56±0.67, 34.58±0.3and36.97±0.91 cm) respectively and the lowest valueof plant height was (14.85±0.67, 25.88±0.3 and 35.43±0.91 cm), respectively, were recorded in control.Similarly, ANOVA showed that a significant difference value (P<0.001) resulted in a leaf (number, lengthand area) within the interaction effect of source and rate of biochar. The highest values were(19.66±0.48, 34.14± 0.26cm and 826.83±16cm-2), respectively, and the lowest value (17.66±0.48,29.04±0.26cm and 327.87±16cm2) resulted in untreated soil. Likewise, a significant variation wasobtained (P<0.001) on beet (diameter, weight per plant and pot) within the interaction of the source andthe rate of biochar. The maximum value of (beet (diameter, weight per plant and pot)) was(6.61±0.013cm, 482.67±3.05g and 1458.33±10.91g) respectively, and the minimum value was(5.78±0.013cm, 343±3.05g, and 1062±10.91g) was recorded within the control. The economic analysisresult shows the highest net benefit was 1012,725,480 ETB ha-1 obtained at soil treated with 7.5 t ha-1Enset leaf biochar with an additional gain of, 21596% from every Birr invested .Finally, the studyconcludes that the interaction effects of different sources and the rate of biochar show a significantvariation among soil chemical properties, growth and yield of beetroot in a pot experiment. Futurestudies should articulate the study's need for additional biochar sources by increasing the rate over along period on research stations and farmers' fields in locations with diverse management practices.