Department of Animal, Range Land and Wildlife Science

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    Status of Beekeeping practices, Challenges and Opportunities among smallholder farmers around Desa’a Forest, Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-05-21) Hailemariam Hagos
    Desa’a forestland scape is one of the potential forest land coverage areas having high forest cover suitable for beekeeping. However, there was no systematic study being carried out to indicate status of beekeeping practices, challenges and opportunities associated with beekeeping in the study area. This study was therefore designed to assess status of beekeeping practices, opportunities, challenges and on improved beekeeping system having importance to address the challenges and to exploit the resources. The study was carried out in four purposively selected kebelles found in Desa’a forestland scape based on their potential in improved beekeeping. Accordingly, a total sample size of 200 beekeepers was selected using systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire, field observation and focal group discussion were employed to collect primary data. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, and standard deviation was used to analyze the data. Improved beekeeping system in the study area was dominated by male (91.5%) with average experience in improved beekeeping system 8.37 years, 92 beekeepers having only modern hive and 102 beekeepers have both modern and traditional hive. The study reveals modern hive was more productive 16.25kg per hive per year than tradition 7.25kg per hive per year in the study area. Plant species influenced the test and color of honey. Hence, honey produced especially from Hypoestes forskaoli, Leucas abyssinica,Becium grniform is a special white and highly demanded honey in Desa’a forestland. Beekeepers indicating a large amount of honey were harvested in October and November. However, low amount of honey harvested in July and September of the year. High demand and price of honey, presences of multiple bee flora, wide area closers, presence of supporting NGOs and governmental institutions, having indigenous knowledge of beekeeping and socio economic value as good opportunities to improved beekeeping in the study area. However, the study area having constraints frequent drought, absconding bee, lack of beekeeping skill, application of agrochemical, high cost of beekeeping material and disease, pests and predators. Governmental organization, NGOs, Extension service providers, research institutions and higher education institution have to focus on strengthen beekeeping cooperatives, farmer groups , delivering practical hand on training beekeeping , developing regulations on agrochemical pesticides and herb sides usage ,develop honey marketing centers and quality checking technology.
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    PARTICIPATORY DEFINITION OF BREEDING OBJECTIVES AND TRAIT PREFERENCE OF SHEEP PRODUCERS IN ATSBI DISTRICT, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA
    (Mekelle University, 2025-05-21) Tesfay Gebremariam Kahsay
    The study was conducted in the Atsbi district of Tigray, Ethiopia, with the aim of identifying the breeding goals and trait preferences of sheep producers. Data were collected through structured and open-ended questionnaires, as well as personal observations from 180 households across three peasant associations (Tabias).The results indicated that most respondents came from maleheaded households, were married, and nearly half were able to read and write. This suggests a strong potential for adopting improved technologies and enhancing performance in sheep production. Among various farming and non-farming activities, livestock provided the highest cash income, followed by crops (0.23), trading (0.17), and daily labor (0.16). Farmers raised various livestock species, with sheep forming the largest population, followed by chickens and cattle. The average sheep flock consisted of 11.8 heads, primarily made up of breeding ewes. Sheep were mainly raised for income generation, but they also served other purposes such as providing natural fertilizer, savings, meat, milk, and social value. The common criteria for selecting breeding rams included body size, growth rate, coat color, tail type, and active libido. For breeding ewes, the selection criteria included body size, lambing interval, age at first lambing (AFL), mothering ability, and milk yield. Interestingly, some farmers kept more rams than necessary, with 29.4% of flocks having no rams. This limited mating opportunities, as mating typically occurred only during grazing hours in communal pastures. Tigray highland sheep have demonstrated a potential AFL of 16.8 months and an average lambing interval of 8.47 months, with a milk yield of 0.36 kg. The peak lambing season occurs in November, October, and December. During the dry season, various feed resources are utilized, including natural pasture, fallow land, crop residues, hay, agro-industrial byproducts, and established pasture. Key constraints identified by farmers included drought (index: 0.18), feed shortages (0.17), and inadequate veterinary support (0.14).The study concludes that targeted interventions such as feed conservation techniques and disease control measures can significantly enhance sheep productivity and sustainability. This improvement will contribute to economic resilience for smallholder farmers.
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    Assessment on Honeybee Flora and Effects of Feed Supplementation on honeybee colony performance in Endamekoni District, Southern Tigray, Ethiopi
    (Mekelle University, 2025-04-28) Lemlem Meresa
    Beekeeping is the management of honeybee colonies for pollination of crops, and honey and other products. It plays a great role directly by providing valuable output such as honey, beeswax, queen and bee colonies, and other products such as pollen, royal jelly, and indirectly by providing nutritional, economic and ecological security. But like other agricultural sectors bee keeping activity is also affected by drought, and during dry season honey bee face a shortage of feed which reduces the production of honey, as well as affects the overall performance of honeybees. To solve this problem, supplementation of honeybee during dry season is an effective way to reduce the effect of the dry season on honeybee colonies. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate different supplemental protein feeds on honeybee productive performance during dearth periods. It also assesses bee flora and floral calendar of the study area. A survey was carried out in three tabias of EndaMekoni district (Mekan, Embhasti and Hizba). Data were obtained from 102 beekeepers by using structured questionnaire on demographic characteristics and honeybee management practices. In this study a survey identified 42 honey bee forage plants and their flowering periods, including Beciame grandiflorum, Hypoestes forskaolii, Leucas abyssinica, Eucalyptus spp., and Trifolium spp., which were found to be major sources of nectar and pollen. Constraints such as poor nutrition, inadequate management, pests, chemical exposure, and lack of knowledge and equipment were identified as key challenges in beekeeping. The experimental study was conducted in Mekan tabia from mid-February up to mid-May for three months trial period. During this study, twelve honeybee colonies were grouped into four treatments and three replications. Treatment diets were T1 (Control) T2 (Bean flour), T3 (Chickpea flour), and T4 (Lentil flour). Completely randomized design (CRD) was used to assign the experimental groups. Sugar syrup was supplemented equally to all experimental colonies for maintenance and to stimulate the colonies during dearth periods. Performances indicators such as brood area, pollen store, colony strength, and honey yield were measured. The results showed that significantly higher number of bee covered frames/hive was recorded in chickpea flour group (p<0.001, p<0.05, p<0.01), compared with the control, bean flour and the lentil flour groups, respectively. The mean consumption rate of chickpea flour (155.6±10.1g/colony/week) was notably higher (p<0.05; p<0.01) compared with the bean flour and lentil flour groups, respectively. The experimental colony received chickpea flour had significantly higher pollen area (p<0.05) compared with the lentil and control groups. Results showed significant differences (p<0.05) among the treatments. Colonies fed chickpea showed superior performance with 9.25 fully covered honeybee frames, 1506.25±140.4 cm² of brood area, 326.6±90.1 cm² of pollen store, and 25 kg of honey, compared to lower values in control colonies. Honey production (kg) in the honeybee colony not supplemented protein diets (7kg) showed markedly lower (p<0.001, p<0.05), compared with the colonies supplemented with chickpea flour (25kg) and bean flour (15kg), respectively. In sum, supplementing honeybees with protein feeds during dry seasons significantly enhances colony performance and productivity. Raising awareness among beekeepers on nutritional management is recommended for sustainable and profitability of apiculture.
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    Feed Resources Availability, Feeding Practice and Nutritional Composition for Dairy Cattle in Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-05-21) Hailemariam Teklu Meresa
    The study was conducted in Mekelle city in Tigray region with the aim of assessing the available of feed resources, feeding practices, and major opportunities and constraints of dairy production in relation to feed resources and evaluating the nutritional composition of the major feeds. The study area was selected using purposively sampling techniques. Accordingly, a total of 120 respondents, 60 households from each selected districts, Hadnet and Quiha subcities, were participating in the study. The respondents of urban dairy cattle producers were randomly selected. A survey was conducted on 120 households, key informants, and personal observations, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. A total of four types of major feed samples (wheat bran, wheat straw, barley straw and hatella) were collected from the study area for analyzing their nutritional composition and analysis using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). All the data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results of the study indicated that the feed resources identified were wheat bran, cereal straw, Hatella, formulated feed, hay, oilseed cake, vegetable leftovers, and seed screening. Wheat bran, cereal straw, and Hatella were the most dominant and common feed resources. During the study, high feed costs and feed supply shortages were the main constraints of dairy cattle production in relation to feed resources. The amount of concentrate feed provided for the dairy cattle was prioritize based on their production in average 5.31 kg of concentrate feed per a day was fed for milking cows and next pregnant cows (3.09 kg). Dry roughages (48.94%) and concentrate feeds (51.06%) were the feed proportion ration provided for dairy cattle, according to the study. There was a highly significant (P<0.001) difference in the nutritional composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and CF) of wheat bran obtained from seven flour manufacturers in Mekelle city and one outside of Tigray (unknown source). In a similar vein, the mean nutritional value of CP in wheat bran (11.92%), Hatella (25.71%), and cereal straw (3.46%) demonstrated a strongly significant (P<0.001) influence on feed types. Thus, bran and hatella are rich sources of protein, but straws are of inferior quality. ,
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    The Impact of War on Management Capacity, Wildlife Habitat Loss and Threats with Their Severity for Restoration in Kafta Sheraro National Park; Tigray-Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-05-21) Haftom Hagos Asgedom
    The study was conducted in Kaftasheraro national park, a protected area in the Tigray region of Ethiopia found and it investigates the losses on management capacity, intensification of conservation challenges and potential restoration strategies for kafta Sheraro national Park, which has faced significant ecological threats, particularly during and after the recent war in the region. For threat severity ranking and restoration strategies 30 park personnel were select assuming strong understanding of the local environment, wildlife, and conservation practices of the park. with 12 FGD and 12 key respondents from development agents, kebele administers selected to gather information in depth.a mixed-methods approach both descriptive and thematic analysis were used. descriptive and statistical analyses, including the calculation of the Protected Area Relative Threatened Index (PARTI), this research identifies the primary threats to the park and evaluates potential management strategies to enhance its conservation capacity. illegal gold mining, wildlife hunting, domestic animal grazing, and agricultural encroachment have been the most persistent threats to the Park, with these pressures intensifying during the war years. The war period saw a sharp increase in the severity of threats, as law enforcement and conservation efforts were severely diminished. Post-war, while some recovery measures have been implemented by EWCA, however due to the continuing instability in the area the park is separated in to two parts until this study have been done makes the park management impossible to start formal work.The study identifies War induced losses on management, park wildlife habitat and current threats such as expansion of farming land, irregular gold mining, fire, free grazing, wildlife poaching, and weak enforcement continue to hinder effective conservation. Several key management strategies among the most highly ranked strengthening law enforcement (mean score = 4.46), providing continuous capacity-building training to park staff (mean score = 4.2), and ensuring that local communities benefit from the park’s resources (mean score = 4.5). Additionally, the removal of encroaching settlements, and the restoration of degraded habitats were emphasized as critical steps for future conservation efforts. To do these urgent concern needed from regional, federal and international conservation concerned bodies to take actions on restoration of the park before the problems become non reversible for sustained conservation of the park for now and future generation.
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    Concentration of Heavy Metals and Microbial Quality in Cows’ Fresh Milk in Eastern and South Eastern Zones of Tigray Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-05-25) Asmeret Kidane Tekle
    Cow milk is important foods of daily nutrient especially, for infants, vulnerable groups, and elderly people. But milk may contain various toxic pollutants and microbial contaminants which are dangerous for health. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the concentration of heavy metals and microbial quality of cows’ fresh milk in the eastern and southeastern zones of Tigray. Two districts were selected from each zone: Kilite Awulaelo and Tsirae Wenberta (eastern), and Degu’a Tembien and Enderta (southeastern), with one tabia sampled per district; Aynalem, Mahbere Weyni, Limat, and Mahbere Genet, respectively. A total of 120 local breed lactating cows (30 per tabia), reared for over five years, were sampled. Fresh milk (50 ml per cow) was collected in sterile plastic bottles and transported at on dry ice. Heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry following acid digestion, HNO3 and H2O2. Microbial quality, including Total Bacterial Count (TBC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), and Total Yeast & Mold Count (TYMC), was assessed using standard culturing methods. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and Microsoft excel. The result showed that, the highest concentration recorded were Fe (26.660±15.076 mg/l) and Cd (0.0442±0.025 mg/l) in Tabia Aynalem, Cr (0.0725±0.048 mg/l) in Mahbere Genet, and Cu (1.519±0.314 mg/l), Ni (0.0506±0.030 mg/l), and Pb (0.0807±0.053 mg/l) in Tabia Lim’at. All heavy metals except Fe showed statistically significant variation among sites (P ≤ 0.05). Fe was higher from all the selected elements in all study areas, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb exceeded from FAO/WHO permissible limits in most areas. Microbial results showed the highest means of TBC (6.23±0.88 Log10 CFU/ml) and TYMC (5.36±0.58 Log10 CFU/ml) in Mahbere Weyni, and TCC (5.22±0.89 Log10 CFU/ml) in Aynalem. However, there were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in microbial counts across study areas. Generally this study indicates most of the selected heavy metals were higher from standards and microbial quality: TBC mostly higher from acceptable standards but TCC was classified as ‘very good’ in all study areas. Further study on heavy metals and microbial quality in milk on these study areas is important.
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    Effect of Soil Physicochemical and Irrigation Scheduling on Yield and water productivity of Irrigated Maize (Zea Mays) at Haiba Irrigation Scheme, Tigray, North Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2024-01-28) Yemane Adane
    In Tigray, traditional soil and water management practices have significantly undermined government efforts to achieve food security, particularly in areas with limited soil fertility and water resources. In such contexts, the application of soil fertility amendments and the adoption of appropriate irrigation techniques become critical priorities. This study aimed tevaluate the effects of soil physicochemical properties and irrigation scheduling on the yield and water productivity of irrigated maize (Zea mays) at the Haiba Irrigation Scheme, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural and soil and water management practices in the highlands of semi-arid Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for key physicochemical properties, including texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter content, and essential nutrient levels. Concurrently, field trials were conducted to assess different irrigation schedules, notably conventional and regulated deficit irrigation strategies, during the critical growth stages of maize. The crop water requirements were estimated using CROPWAT 8 software, allowing for a comparative analysis of scientific (CropWat) and traditional farmers' irrigation scheduling methods based on yield, crop water productivity (CWP), irrigation water productivity (IWP), and economic water productivity (EWP) during the 2019 cropping season. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) across three sites with three replications, incorporating two treatments. Statistical analyses were performed using Minitab and SPSS software. Results indicated that yield and yield components, along with CWP and IWP metrics, were statistically higher in the CropWat scheduling treatments compared to traditional methods (p < 0.05). The total average water applied was 790 mm for the CropWat method and 886 mm for the traditional method, revealing that farmers applied 12% more water than recommended, leading to over-irrigation. The CropWat scheduling method resulted in a water savings of 96.4 mm, sufficient to irrigate an additional 0.2 hectares. Maize yields under CropWat scheduling reached 5.25 t/ha, significantly higher than the 2.32 t/ha achieved with traditional scheduling. The improved crop water productivity (CWP), irrigation water productivity (IWP), and economic water productivity (EWP) reinforce the recommendation for adopting CropWat-based irrigation scheduling at the Haiba Irrigation Scheme. For successful adoption, it is essential to improve farmers' irrigation water management skills through targeted training and technical support from experts.
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    Effect of lactation stage, parity and season on physico-chemical properties and microbial quality of goat milk under smallholder farmers in Abergelle district Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2024-08-28) Daniel Kahsu Meresa
    Goat milk is the most nutritious milk but susceptible to microorganisms. Goat milk in Tanqua Abergelle of Tigrai has been used traditionally and its level of quality affected by several factors. However there is limited knowledge on the factors affecting its quality. The objective of this study was to assess the physico-chemical properties and microbial quality of goat milk at different lactation stages, parity and season. A total of 80 Abergelle dairy goats were selected to collect 240 milk samples for analysis of Milk Density, Milk Composition, level of mastitis Esertia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in three early, mid and late lactation stages, two parities and rainy and dry seasons. The study was arranged in factorial and Duncan’s multiple- range test method were used for mean separation at P<0.05. The study indicated, milk density was higher (p<0.05) in late lactation than early and mid-lactation. Whereas fat content was not significantly affected however numerical lower in early-lactation than the mid and late lactation, on the other hand SNF was stable between mid and late lactation. The milk microbial content, SCC and E-coli increased with increasing parity. The highest microbial level , SCC and E-coli content was recorded for early lactation and late lactation. The results from this study shows that microbial quality and physico-chemical properties and were not affected by season. Season didn’t affect, Moreover, parity and stage of lactation didn’t affect physico-chemical properties and microbial quality. The current study showed that goat milk quality and hygiene is affected by stage of lactation but not by season and parity. These result indicated that goat milk microbial quality may help to precisely implement milk hygiene and handling intervention under smallholder goat producers.
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    The productive and reproductive performance of local and crossbred dairy cows kept under rural and urban production systems in Endamekoni and Maichew town, southern Tigray, Ethiopia.
    (Mekelle University, 2024-11-28) Asmelash Birhanu
    This study assessed the productive and reproductive performance of local and crossbred dairy cows in rural and urban production systems of Endamekoni wereda in southern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. The primary objective was to address the lack of sufficient information regarding the reproductive and productive performance of dairy cows in this region, particularly for crossbreds with varying levels of exotic blood. To categorize cattle in to specific exotic blood levels (50%, 50-62.5%, 62.5-75% and >75%) breeding records, herd or farm records and traceback generation. Crossbred cattle consistently outperformed local breeds across all exotic blood levels. Age at first service (AFS) was significantly lower in crossbreds: 31.8 months for 50-62.5% exotic blood, 29.26 months for 62.5-75% exotic blood, and 18.52 months for >75% exotic blood, compared to 39.62 months for local breeds. Similar trends were observed for age at first calving, calving interval (CI), days open (DO), and number of services per conception (NS/C). Family size was larger in rural households compared to urban ones. Male-headed households were more prevalent than female-headed ones. The average age of household heads was within a productive range. Higher herd sizes were observed in rural production systems. Grazing was the primary feed type in rural areas, while artificial insemination (AI) was more prevalent in urban areas. Factors hindering AI adoption included shortages of technicians, bull services, and inputs. Dairy farmers prioritized access to improved feed and breeds. Urban farmers showed a stronger preference for improved breeds. Opportunities for optimizing dairy cattle productivity included increased AI usage, favorable climate, and access to brewery by-products. This study provides valuable insights into the reproductive performance of local and crossbred dairy cows in Endamekoni wereda. The findings highlight the potential benefits of crossbreeding and the importance of addressing constraints related to AI adoption and feed availability. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve dairy cattle productivity and support sustainable livelihoods in the study area.
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    Production and reproductive performances, trait preferences, breeding practices and egg quality parameters of improved chickens: the case of Eastern zone of Tigray region, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2024-09-25) Aregawi Gebremariam Kindeya
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the production and reproductive performances, trait preferences, breeding practices, and egg quality traits of improved chicken breeds in rural, peri-urban, and urban production systems in Adigrat town and Ganta-afeshum woreda of Eastern Zone, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 180 improved chicken breed owners were randomly selected based on proportional sampling and interviewed with a pre-tested structured questionnaire and focus group discussion methods were used to collect data. Ranking index, chi-square, independent sample test, and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The result of these studies revealed that the average mean body weight, mean age pullets at first laying, and number of eggs laid/hen/year, of Bovans brown was (1.63±0.47, 2.01±0.36, 1.64±0.19 kg), (5.54±0.69, 4.88±1.025, 5.46±0.73 months), (188.89±24.81, 220.94±24.91, 204.96±23.68), and Sasso chicken was (2.51±0.89, 2.81±0.68, 2.71±0.47kg), (5.85±0.82, 5.12±1.17, 5.84±1.04 months), (172.47±25.02, 194.71±23.15, 180.11±28.76), in rural, urban and peri-urban settings, respectively. Regarding the quality of eggs, the average mean weight of eggs of Bovans brown and Sasso is 59.52±4.26, 62.21±5.71, 60.42±4.04gm and 54.09± 6.76, 57.154±9.485, 56.63±5.55gm, in rural, urban and peri-urban settings, respectively. The average mean yolk color measurement of eggs is (9.60±1.50, 7.75±1.55, 8.25±2.17) for Sasso and (8.20±1.70, 6.80±1.58, 7.30±1.30) for Bovans Brown chicken breeds in rural, urban and periurban settings, respectively. Egg yield for Bovans brown chicken and body weight for the Sasso chicken breed are the most important traits preferred by the respondents. Lack of vaccines and occurrence of disease, lack of scientific knowledge in chicken management, and shortage of balanced feed are the major constraints that decrease the production and reproductive performance of improved chickens reported by chicken producers. In conclusion, Bovans Brown chickens are a better option for farmers whose main objective is to maximize egg size because they produce eggs with a higher egg weight than Sasso chickens in all production methods. Sasso chickens, on the other hand, might be advantageous to anyone looking for a breed that balances the production of meat and eggs. Therefore, it is recommended that good husbandry and management practices such as feeding strategy, housing and health care is demanded. In addition, there should be an appropriate intervention in disease prevention and control activities to improve production and reproductive performances of chicken at a largest rate.