ASSESSMENTS OF THE PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES OF LOCAL AND CROSS BRED DAIRY CATTLE IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF GURAGHE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The 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.