ASSESSMENT OF LIVESTOCK FEED RESOURCE AND FEEDING PRACTICE IN CHEHA DISTRICT OF GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This survey research was conducted with the objective of assessing livestock feed resources and feeding practices in Cheha district. Two representative kebeles were purposively selected in consultation with woreda officials based on their livestock production potential and accessibility. Ten voluntary farmers for interview were purposively selected from each kebele. Individual interview was administered using semi structured questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS and excel spread sheet. Averagefamily size in the study area was 3.6 with 2.15 active working members. Average land holding was 2.7 hectare. Poultry holding (6.55) was the highest livestock holding followed by cattle with cow holding (2.45) took highest share. Natural pasture was the first (Index=0.44) in terms of livestock feed by coverage in the total diet followed by hay (Index=0.23) and crop residue (Index=0.17). Majority of farm households indicated that feed availability is low during dry season (75%), and medium (70%) in wet season. Almost all farm households (100%) practice free grazing system during dry season while controlled grazing, and cut and carry feeding (55%) followed by controlled grazing alone (40%) practiced in wet season. Larger proportion of farmers (70%) accustomed to use supplementary feeding practice for their livestock. Enset (27.3%) was the most commonly used supplementary feed followed by food waste (21.3%) and Chat leftover (21.2%). Lactating cows were did have the highest access (25%) to supplementary feeds, followed by lactating ewe/due (20%) and fattening cattle (15%). Almost all farmers (100%) face feed shortage during dry season (100%) of the year. Majority of them purchase crop residue (40%) followed by grass purchasing (35%) and feeding enset (25%) as coping strategy. The output of the study indicated that there is a need of strong extension work towards boosting feed availability and quality.