Assessment of Major Dairy Husbandry Practices in Cheha Districts, Gurage Zone, South Nation Nationalities and People State, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Cheha districts with the objective of assessing major dairy cattle husbandry practices. Data were collected using semi – structured questionnaire, key informant interview and personal observation. Stratified random sampling was used for data collection. The woreda was classified into two parts (i.e. urban and rural) areas and three kebeles were selected purposively based on their dairy production potential. A total of 45 individuals were interviewed randomly, 15 from each kebele. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics like percentage, frequency, mean and ranges were used to interpret the data. The major feed resources reported in study area were a combination of natural pasture, hay, crop residues, and Agro – industrial by products like brewery waste and wheat bran in urban (66.67%) and rural (46.67%)areas. All small holder dairy cattle producers in study area kept their dairy cattle in stall barn house both in urban and rural areas. All respondents in both urban and rural areas provide water for dairy cattle purposively. About 80% and 90% of respondent indicated good access to veterinary service. Majority of the respondent in urban and rural area mentioned natural mating as the major breeding systems. It could be conclude that the veterinary service in the area was comparatively good, but improvement of other management is a crucial husbandry practice