Department of Animal, Range Land and Wildlife Science

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Abundance and Habitat Use of White-billed Starling (Onychognathus albirostris) in Human Inhabited Landscape: in case of Endayesus Campus Mekelle University, Tigray, Ethiopia.
(Mekelle University, 2024-02-18) Gebrekidan Teka
Ethiopia is known for its diverse and unique avifaunal resources. In modern sense the endemic and near endemic birds of Ethiopia can be used to provide early warning of environmental problems. This study was conducted from July 2023 to March 2024, covering both the wet and dry seasons. Limited research has been conducted on the abundance and habitat use of White-billed Starling. The objective of this study was to assess the abundance and habitat use of the White-billed Starling in the human-inhabited landscape of Endayesus Campus, Mekelle University Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. The study employed a line transect point count method to collect data on bird populations. The line transect point count method was specifically used for the bird survey. The study area was categorized into three habitat types: built areas, farmland, and forestland. Three, two, and one transects were established in each habitat type, respectively. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 software for statistical analysis, Microsoft Office Excel for descriptive statistics, and generalized linear mixed models for advanced statistical modeling. The results indicate that the White-billed Starling exhibited the highest abundance during the dry season (1915 individuals) and the lowest abundance during the wet season (435 individuals) at Mekelle University Endayesus Main Campus. The highest abundance of White-billed Starlings was recorded in built-up areas during the wet (337) seasons. Conversely, the lowest abundance was observed in forest land (40) during the wet season and farmland (42) during the dry season. Human inhabited landscape appears to be a favorable habitat for White-billed Starlings and other bird species due to its abundant food resources and suitable nesting sites. The integration of White-billed Starlings into human-inhabited areas, such as urban landscapes, is crucial as these birds have been observed utilizing such environments for feeding, roosting, and breeding.
Abundance, Diversity and Distribution of Medium and Large-sized Mammal Species in Wurna Community Protected Forest, Tanqua Mlash, Tigray, Ethiopia.
(Mekelle University, 2025-02-18) Tesfay Hadush
Medium and large-sized mammals are found in most forest and savannah regions of Africa and it is utmost important to protect them for the role they play in the ecosystem and beauty of nature. The study was conducted from July 2023 to March 2024 on species composition, diversity and distribution of medium and large-sized mammals in Wurna Community Protected Forest, Tanqua Mlash Woreda. Data were collected through direct and indirect evidence using both primary and secondary sources. The forest was stratified in to four habitat types, in each habitat type a representative line transects was selected and counting was employed during the early morning and late afternoon. Finally, the collected data was analysed using Excel, SPSS and Past 4.03 software in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 128 observations were compiled and nine medium and large-sized mammalian species were recorded in the forest. During the wet and dry seasons of the year, a total of 1,114 and 584 individuals were recorded respectively. The species diversity index and evenness of the area were H′ = 1.334 and J = 0.8288, respectively during the wet season. The strongest similarity in species composition, both across and within seasons, was found between woodland and riverine forest. There was a differences in species richness and abundance of the mammal species in the four habitat types between the dry and wet seasons (p < 0.05). The findings of the study revealed that Wurna Community Protected Forest supports a considerable number of medium and large-sized mammalian species, including the vulnerable P. pardus. Further investigation should be conducted on cause and effects of human mammal conflict in the study area. The federal and regional governments should legalize it as a wildlife refuge area to conserve mammalian species.
Ecology of the Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) and its Conflict with the Local Community in Gibe Sheleko National Park
(Mekelle University, 2025-02-18) Yrgalem Tsegay
This study aimed to assess the population size, feeding ecology, activity patterns, human- hippopotamus (hippo) conflict, and knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of the local community regarding the hippo in Gibe Sheleko National Park (GSNP). The research was conducted from June-August 2023 to JanuaryMarch 2024. Total ground counts, field observations, interviews, and questionnaires were used to collect data. The activity patterns were analyzed using scan sampling, while diet analysis involved identifying plant species based on feeding signs. A total of 22.67±7.47 individuals were recorded in the wet season, and 162.66±12.95 during the dry season, with a significant difference (F=131.407, P<0.05) in population size between the two seasons. In Boketa Seritii, Site Four had the highest average number of hippos, with 24±23.34 individuals, while Gibe Yabare, Site Six averaged 15.33±12.13 individuals. No significant differences in hippo populations were observed between the sites in the study area (F = 1.853, P > 0.05). The population comprised 92.5% adults and 7.5% young, with a sex ratio of 1:0.9 (male to female). Feeding and traveling activities peaked in the early morning and late afternoon, while resting peaked at midday. Hippos consumed 13 plant species from seven families, with Eriochloa fatmensis (17.1%), Typha latifolia (13.7%), Echinocloa pyramidalis (12.6%), and Cynodon dactylon (11.0%) being the most common. The main causes of human-hippo conflict were crop damage (60.4%), overgrazing (32.9%), and human injury and death (6.7%). While all respondents were aware the existence of hippo, only 36.18% supported conservation efforts, with 63.82% expressing no benefit from hippo conservation. Therefore, by fostering a better understanding of the ecological and economic importance of hippos, stakeholders can work towards sustainable management practices that benefit both the local community and the wildlife, ensuring the long- term preservation of this vital species in Gibe Sheleko National Park.
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.
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.
Effect of War on Livestock Production and Feed Resources Availability of Smallholder Farmers in Asgede and Tahtay koraro Woredas, Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia
(Mekelle University, 2025-02-15) Tsriti Gebremeskel Tareke
Livestock and crop production play vital roles at household and national levels in Ethiopia/Tigray. However, these sectors were damaged due to the war that happened in Tigray from 2020-2022. This study aimed to assess the effect of war on livestock production and feed resource availability of smallholder farmers in Asgede and Tahtay koraro woredas in northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia. To collect data a cross-sectional research type was used with a multi-stage sampling procedure involving 152 smallholder households from April 2024 to June 2024. Primary and secondary data sources were gathered through household interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 28 software. The study revealed the livestock population and crop yield were damaged significantly (p<0.001). Before the war, the average livestock holding per household was 18.46 Tropical Livestock Units (TLU) whereas, after the war it dropped to 3.23 TLU. Crop yield at household level also reduced from 22.93 quintals per year to 5.74 quintals after the war. Additionally, the total annual feed supply per household derived from crop residues and grazing lands dropped from 15,591 to 14,727 tonnes of dry matter. The war adversely affected livestock population, accessibility to feed and water sources, market access and extension services, made livestock more susceptible to diseases and led to a decline in overall productivity. It also caused inflation in livestock prices with cattle prices rising by 76.9%, sheep and goats by 78%, donkeys by 68%, camels by 50% and poultry by 50% as compared to prices before the war. This inflation led to decreased consumption of livestock products and reduced household incomes. Moreover, challenges such as insecurity, shortage of income, disease infestations and lack of extension services hindered the restoration of farming activities in the study areas. In conclusion, livestock production and feed resources declined after the war, resulting in starvation and various disease outbreaks among livestock and households. Therefore, immediate support from the government, development agencies, NGOs and other relevant authorities is essential for effective restocking and recovery of the livestock sector
Evaluation of commercial layer feed quality, husbandry practice and marketing systems of improved chicken breeds in the case of Mekelle and Samre.Tigry, Northern Ethiopia
(Mekelle University, 2024-10-25) Mulugeta Berihun Kelkay
This study evaluates the commercial layer feed quality, husbandry practices, and marketing systems of improved chicken breeds in urban and peri-urban production systems in Northern Ethiopia, focusing on Mekelle and Samre. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and March 2019, involving 100 chicken owners. The study used both primary data (collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews) and secondary data. Additionally, composite feed samples were analyzed chemically to assess feed quality. The findings reveal that the majority of chicken producers rely on purchased feeds, with 57.5% of respondents feeding their chickens three times a day. However, the quality of these feeds was found to be substandard, with the analyzed feed samples showing crude protein levels of only 8.2 %, far below the recommended 18%. Despite the widespread use of supplementary feeds, feed scarcity was common, particularly during the dry season. Housing practices varied, with most producers using semi-intensive systems, but many did not follow recommended housing designs, impacting chicken health and productivity. Health management practices were inconsistent, with only 68.7% of respondents vaccinating their chickens, primarily against Newcastle disease. The study also identified major constraints to improved chicken production, including poor feed quality, inadequate veterinary services, and lack of extension support. On the other hand, the availability of market access and credit facilities were seen as opportunities for growth in the sector. The study concludes that while there are significant challenges in the management and marketing of improved chicken breeds in Northern Ethiopia, there are also opportunities to enhance productivity through better feed quality, improved health management, and the development of formal marketing systems. The study recommends stricter regulation of feed quality, enhanced training and extension services for farmers, and the establishment of formal marketing structures to support the poultry industry in the region.
Farmers’ Perception on Pollination and the Influence of Honeybees and Other Insect pollinators on Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed Yield and Quality in Mekelle and Degua Tembien, Tigray, Ethiopia
(Mekelle University, 2025-02-15) Medhanye Araya Tadesse
Insect pollinators, particularly honeybees are important in enhancing seed yield and quality of crops. However, Farmers’ perception of pollination remains unstudied. This study was conducted to assess farmers’ perceptions on pollination service and to evaluate effect of honeybees and other insects on seed yield and quality of Nigella sativa. This study considered both field experiment and survey study. The survey was conducted in Degua-tembien, Tigray region, Ethiopia, with 179 households, FGDs and KIIs. Field experiment was conducted at Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, organized in randomized complete block design with three treatments including plots caged with honeybees, open pollinated and caged without insect pollinators; and each was replicated three times. The survey data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square with SPSS software; while the experimental data was analyzed statistically using one way ANOVA with R-software. The survey result showed 93.3% of respondents were unaware about pollination and none of them knew the contribution of honeybees and other insect pollinators in enhancing crop yield and quality. The experimental result indicated caged plots with honeybees had the highest seed yield (20.5 Qt./ha) followed by open pollination (19.58 Qt./ha) and caged without insect pollinators (13.75 Qt./ha). The germination percentage, 1000 seed weight, protein, oil and moisture content were also affected by the mode of pollination. However, ash and crude fiber content were not affected by the mode of pollination. So this result indicates, honeybees and other insect pollinators had a statistically significant effect on seed yield and quality of Nigella sativa, despite farmers’ lack of awareness. Honeybees were the most abundant insect pollinators in the open treatment, comprising 64.4%. As a result, farmers can gain 13,041,000 ETB/year net benefit of Nigella sativa via insect pollination. The study recommends training local farmers to improve awareness on chemical utilization and significance of pollination to enhance quality and yield performance of the crop; Farmers should be encouraged to utilize honeybee colonies for pollination to improve seed quality and yield of Nigella sativa. Further research is needed to determine the optimal number of honeybee colonies for specific areas and crops to maximize production and farmer income
Fertility control of Arvicanthis niloticus (Rüppel, 1842, Rodentia: Murinae) a major agricultural rodent pest: Implication for sustainable rodent pest management in Tigray, Ethiopia
(Mekelle University, 2025-02-18) Daniel Desta
Rodent pests, including the African grass rat (Arvicanthis. niloticus), cause significant agricultural damage in Tigray. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of Quinestrol (QE), Levonorgestrol (LV), and their combination (QL) on reproduction fertility of African grass rat A. niloticus. A total of 160 A. niloticus (80 males and 80 females) were used to evaluate bait acceptance and reproductive performance of A. niloticus at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 ppm. After ten days of acclimatization, the animals were fed the contraceptive baits for seven days for the females and fourteen days for the males before being paired and sacrificed for histological observation. The examination involved dissecting female animals over eight days and male animals over fifteen days, examined and weighted the reproductive organs of A. niloticus (ovaries, uterus, testes, seminal vesicles, and epididymis) to assess their reproductive health and fertility. Fertility control compounds significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced bait acceptance and body weight compared to control except LV at 10 ppm. Treatment and sex had significant interaction effects (p < 0.001) on bait acceptance and body weight. Treated females showing slightly higher bait consumption than males. Quinestrol (QE) and its combination (QL) significantly (p < 0.001) reduced reproductive organ in A. niloticus compared to untreated animals, while levonorgestrel (LV) had no such effect. Quinestrol also significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the weight of male reproductive organs and negatively impacted on sperm concentration and motility with increased sperm abnormalities, which contributed to its antifertility effect. There was significant difference (p < 0.001) in the weight of female reproductive organs (ovary, uterus) between treated and untreated rodents. Quinestrol and its combination (QL) treatment at higher concentrations were caused mild edema, increasing uterine and ovarian weight which indicates a physiological response to estrogen stimulation involving tissue explosion and fluid retention. Quinestrol at 50 ppm was evaluated for its impact on reproductive success and had significant effect on pregnancy rate and litter size when both male and female A. niloticus were treated. These results demonstrated that the reproduction rate of A. niloticus can be suppressed by Quinestrol which proved to have antifertility effect.
Honeybee Production System, Colony Selection Criteria and Performance in Different Agro ecological Zones of Ahferom District, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
(Mekelle University, 2025-02-15) Tuemay Wendm Mesfin
The study was conducted in Ahferom district, central zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia in 2023/2024 to investigate honeybee production systems, honeybee colony selection criteria and colony performance in different agro-ecological zones. Six Tabias were selected purposely to represent the lowland, midland and highlands. A total of 180 sample beekeepers were selected using simple random sampling method. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire, field observations, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA using SPSS software (version23). Two types of honeybee production systems. The overall mean number of colonies holding in traditional (4.12) and Modern (0.64) per household beekeepers. Population of worker bees, colour of worker bees, direction of comb building, aggressiveness, honey yield, age of colony, pests and predator resistance, honeybee behavior were the first ten most important parameters of colony selection criteria. Different indigenous knowledge of experiences was identified by the interviewed beekeepers. About 30 major honeybee floras were identified in the study area. Likewise, six poison plants for bee colony were identified by the beekeepers. An average honey yield of 7.17±6.08 in highland, 15.17±2.61 in midland and 16.62±3.056 kg/hive/year in lowland was harvested from traditional hive. Likewise, 14.73±9.14 (highland), 22.26±3.83 (midland) and 24.21±5.98 kg/hive/year (lowland) was obtained from modern hive. Honey production was significantly affected by hive types and agro-ecologies (p<0.05). Colony absconding was a key problem in beekeeping and more frequently and very serious absconding was observed in traditional hive with 95, 75 and 88% in highland, midland and lowland areas, respectively. About 70, 63 and 76% of the beekeepers responded the number of honeybee colony remains decreased in highland, midland and lowland areas, respectively. The major constraints affecting beekeeping development declared 14 major problems that hinder the development of beekeeping. An average of 4.26±4.53 honeybee colonies, 70.86 kg of honey lost per household and 78293 ETB total returns lost from the sale of bee colony and honey per household due to war damage
Local communities’ attitudes and willingness to participate in postwar wildlife restoration and conservation in Mt. Soloda Adwa communal forest, Tigray regional state, Ethiopia
(Mekelle University, 2025-02-18) Dawit Desta
Wildlife conservation has emerged as an increasingly critical global concern, necessitating the implementation of effective strategies. Community attitudes and engagement are pivotal in ensuring the success of these conservation efforts. However, assessments of community attitudes and participation in wildlife conservation remain inadequate. In Tigray, the impact of war has exacerbated wildlife and habitat degradation, highlighting the urgent need for restoration initiatives. Consequently, this study was conducted to evaluate the community's knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to engage in post-war wildlife restoration and conservation efforts in Mt. Soloda, Adwa. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques to assess community attitudes toward wildlife conservation. Data were collected through structured surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews involving 269 randomly selected households across four Kushets. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, applying descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-Square tests, Spearman's rank correlation and binary logistics. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed to contextualize the findings. The findings indicated that a majority of respondents (207) happy for the existence of wildlife in Mt. Soloda, whereas 62 respondents reported unhappiness (P < 0.001). Notably, 235 individuals demonstrated a willingness to actively participate in post-war wildlife restoration initiatives (P < 0.001), with age, education significantly influenced their willingness. Moreover, factors such as training program, costs and benefits, access to natural resources influenced active participation. Despite the community's post-war context, the study revealed a generally positive attitude and willingness to engage in wildlife conservation efforts. The study concludes that effective post-war wildlife conservation in Mt. Soloda necessitates an integrated approach that combines intensive training program, incentives, and long term sustainable utilization. Therefore, conservation programs must focus on alternative use of wildlife resources.
pecies Composition and Population Abundance of Medium and Large- Sized Mammalian Species and Human-Mammalian Conflict in Debre-Tserabi Monastery Forest, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
(Mekelle University, 2025-02-18) Samrawit Kidanemariam Teklu
Information regarding mammalian species composition and conservation status, as well as community perception towards wildlife conservation is lacking in Debre-Tserabi Monastery Forest. The presentstudywas conducted to assess the Species Composition and Population Abundance of Medium and Large-Sized Mammals, and Human-Mammalian Conflict in Debre-Tserabi Monastery Forest, Northern Ethiopia. The study was conducted in Debre-Tserabi Monastery Forest and the peripheral villages of the monastery forest from July 2023-June 2024 encompassing both the wet and dry seasons. The fragmented monastery forest was stratified into four major habitats based on the vegetation type as forest, shrubland, crop land and riverine with eight representative transects were randomly laid down across the habitat to assess the species diversity and estimate the mammalian abundance. The questionnaire surveys provided data on respondents’ pattern of human-mammalian conflict, community perception of wildlife conservation, and potential traditional mitigation measures applied for. The variation in the number of species among habitats and between seasons was tested using Chi-square test. The mean comparison of the observed values was analyzed using ANOVA. Shannon-Weaver diversity index, Simpson’s diversity index and Sorenson’s coefficient were computed to assess the diversity disparities among the surveyed habitats. A total of 2,633 individuals and 11 species of medium and large-sized mammals were recorded including the vulnerable Panthera pardus. The population abundance of mammals recorded in the forest (694), shrubland (1244), cropland (270), riverine (425) during the study. The abundance of mammalian species among the surveyed habitat types were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Chlorocebus pygerythrus was the most abundant species which accounted for 39.38% of the total population. Highest Shannon diversity index (H’) was recorded in the cropland habitat (H’ = 1.26). Seventy percent of the surveyed households suffered from both crop raiding and livestock predation by wild mammals. About 57.5% of the surveyed households had negative attitude towards the conservation of wild mammals. Researchers and relevant organizations should conduct awareness raising programs to improve community perceptions of the villagers, as well as restoration activities to reduce potential threats from wild mammals’ conservation.
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.
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.