Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam

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International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Science and Toxicology Research Article Open Access Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia Alemu Gashe and Awoke Kassa* Debre Markos University, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Department of Animal sciences.po.box269, Ethiopia.

Received: December 13, 2017; Accepted: March 08, 2018; Published: March 27, 2018

*Corresponding author: Debre Markos University, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Department of Animal sciences.po.box269, Ethiopia, Tel: +251-910514564, E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract The study was conducted in Gozamen district of East Gojam Zone of the Amhara region to assess the major feed resources, the grazing land

management of grazing land resources in the area. The survey data was collected by interviewing a total of 120 households by random selection condition, and the floristic composition and biomass yields of herbaceous species to generate baseline information which can be used for future mid and low altitudes]. From each altitude, communal and enclosed grazing areas were selected randomly. From each altitude 8 composites and 12 compositesof two rural-kebeles from enclosed from three and 12 altitudes composites [high, from mid communaland low].To grazing assess forgrazing herbaceous land condition, vegetation the and district 4 transects was stratified from each into altitude three altitudes of communal [high, grazing were selected. Thus, a total of 72 quadrats were used for herbaceous and 12 transects for woody species. For the natural pasture condition assessment, analyses of variance [ANOVA] were carried out by the General Linear Model [GLM] procedure of SAS. Mean separation was tested using

the least significant difference. The main feed resources to the livestock in all altitudes were natural pasture, crop residues and stubble grazing. During dry season, crop residues was the first livestock feed source followed by natural pasture in all altitudes. However, during wet season, natural pasture was the first livestock feed source followed by crop resides in all altitudes. In terms of dry matter [DM] crop residues contributed the highest proportion [66.7%] of the total feed sources. The DM obtained from crop residues significantly varied [P<0.05] among the altitudes. The total annual estimated available feed supply to maintain the livestock in the area satisfied only 79.4%. The conservation of feed resources in the form of hay in high, mid and low altitudes was 38.5, 80, and 22.5%, respectively. But, none of the respondents used silage in the study area due to inlack low of altitudeknowledge were how the to dominant make it. In species. the district, Altitude a total and of grazing 21 herbaceous have effects species on weregrazing identified land conditions [Table 4], and from biomass these 57, production. 24 and 19% The were average grasses, dry legumes and other species, respectively. Based on dry matter of biomass, Medicago polymorpha in high and mid altitudes and Eleusine floccifolia dry matter yield of grasses, legumes, and total biomass were higher in enclosed area than communal grazing areas in all altitudes. There were a matter yield of grasses, legumes and total biomass had a significant difference among altitudes in enclosed and communal grazing areas. The average grass species composition and basal cover with biomass. Crop residues and natural pastures are the major feed resources in dry and wet seasons, respectively.significant [P<0.01] The total interaction annual dry of altitudematter doesand grazing not meet on the biomass total livestockand species requirement composition. per There annum were in district.positive Furthercorrelation research of species and developmentcomposition, work is recommended to alleviate feed shortage through different options such as development of improved forages and alternative means of crop residue utilization and conservation of feed in the form hay and crop residues.

Keywords:

Grazing landAltitudinal types; Natural range; pasture; Botanical composition; Crop residues; Dry matter; Feed balance;

Introduction land shortage, lack of credit, poor management, low genetic quality of most indigenous breed, recurrent drought, and lack of technical skill on feeding [2, 31]. Ethiopia is the largest livestock producer in Africa, with 70.79 Feed problem is one of the major factors that hinders the million heads of cattle, 28.48 million sheep, 25.91 million goats, development and expansion of livestock production in Ethiopia livestock24.56 million were donkeys, found in 11.39Oromiya, million Amhara horses, and 8.08 South million Nations mules, and [3, 37]. Natural grazing land is the predominant feed sources 8.39 million camels, and 42.51 million poultry [15]. The largest for livestock in lowland and crop residues represent a large of livestock is low due to technical constraints to livestock proportion of feed resource in mixed crop livestock system of developmentNationalities oflike People absence regions of approved [16]. However, livestock the policy, production lack of rural infrastructure and services, inadequate specialists and feed sources cannot satisfy effective livestock production even skilled staff, feed constraints, prevalent animal diseases, grazing forEthiopia maintenance [28]. However, because theof low availability digestibility and and quality low intake of these of

Symbiosis Group *Corresponding author email: [email protected] Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia Copyright: © 2018 Kassa A, et al. livestock for the whole year round, as a result body weight gains of the distinct seasonal variation in relation to the annual rainfall obtained during the wet season may be lost totally or partially pattern. Therefore, the district is known for its critical feed shortage especially in the dry season. crop margins are also used for animal feed resources in some part Knowledge about the current grazing land resources is ofin Ethiopiathe dry season [37]. [5, 29]. Fallow lands, grazing of roadsides and absolutely necessary to maintain the optimum productivity and The Ethiopian highland regions account the largest share of sustainable use of the grazing land resources for the future. livestock population [63.2%] and the lowland account the lowest

landThere conditions, is insufficient and the information constraining regarding circumstances the feed in resources the area. hay,[36.7%] by products, [39]. In the improved country, fodder about and 61.5, others, 27.7, respectively6.4, 0.8, 0.08 [26]. and Therefore,in the study this area. thesis It is researchimportant was to gatherdesigned data with on the generalgrazing 3.5% [energy value] contributed natural pasture, crop residues, objective of assessing available feed and grazing land resources to common phenomenon which resulted in a serious feed shortage generate base-line information and it encompasses the following The seasonal fluctuation of availability of natural pasture is a the most critical periods are from February to May, when all feed resourceswhich affects are virtually production depleted and productivityand conservation of animals of crop [35,residues 30]. compositionspecific objectives and biomass as to assess yields the of herbaceous grazing land species. condition based on herbaceous and woody species. and to investigate the floristic Materials and Methods land is increasingly cultivated for crop production to satisfy the increasingis inadequate demands in highland of human of Ethiopia food. [13,This 30]. is the In highlandevident inareas, the Descriptions of the Study Area mixed crop-livestock farming systems of the highland areas crop Gozamen is one of the 18 districts in East Gojjam zone of residues were the main livestock resource [3]. Gozamen district is one of the 18 districts of Eastern highlands of Ethiopia at a geographical location of 100 10 460 Gojam Administrative Zone of Amhara National Regional State. Amhara National Regional State. It is found in the Northwestern Livestock production in the district is an integral part of the land use system. According to the reports of animal feed resources in and 100 350 120 N latitudes and 370 230450 and 370 550 520 study areas are mainly based on grazed native pastures and crop E longitudes and at a distance of 305 and 251 km from Addis residues, which are low in production and quality, resulting in surroundedAbaba and Bahirby Aneded Dar, respectively. and Debay Tilatgin Debre Markosin the east, is the Machakel capital poor animal performance[24]. Livestock feed supply from these of the district and it contains 25 rural-kebeles. The district was district and Abay River in the South [24]. and Debre Elias in West, Sinan district in North, Baso Liben natural pasture is characterized by seasonal fluctuation because

Figure 1: Geographical location of Gozamen Woreda

Citation: Kassa A, Gashe A (2018) Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional 2 of 12

Page State, Ethiopia. Int J Sci Res Environ Sci Toxicol 3(2): 1-12. Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia Copyright: © 2018 Kassa A, et al.

per composite] for herbaceous vegetation sampling units were has Thethree district agro-climatic has an altitudinal zones namely, difference Dega, of 1200-3510Woina-dega meter and sampling units were used for communal grazing land and 12 Kolaabove meter sea level. above Based sea onlevel these [24]. altitudinal The average differences, annual the rainfall district of compositesused. In the forassessment enclosed of areas, herbaceous 8 composites vegetation, for each12 composite altitude. the district was 1628 mm with the rainy season extended up About 4 composites samples units were used for each grazing land and altitude. A total of 72 quadrats were used for herbaceous vegetation and 12 transects [4 from each altitude] were selected to 6 months. However, the heavy rainfall is concentrated in the for woody vegetation. Sample collections conducted from mostMeher dominant season of soilJune types to September. are Nitosols, The maximumVertisols and and Cambisolsminimum while,average Pheazomes, temperatures Acrisols are 25oCand Leptosols and 11oC, are respectively associate soil[24]. types The in different parts of the district [12]. September 19 to October 21 when all pasture plants are expected toSpecies be fully-grown, identification and to over and 50% composition flowering stage analysis [42]. Agriculture is the mainstay of farmers in the district which is characterized by mixed crop livestock production systems. According to the most important crops grown in the district A plant was identified with the aid of manuals, by comparing with previously identified plants or specimens. The species to crops such as horse beans and chickpeas are produced. Oil seed withbe identified national herbarium were collected of Addis with Ababa its relevant University. plant On partsthe other and cropsare cereals [linseed like and wheat, Niger teff, seed], maize, Vegetables barley [onion, and oats garlic, [24]. potato, Pulse properly mounted in a press, coded and identified compared2 tomato, pepper and carrot] and fruits [banana, mango, papaya, quadrats. The samples were separated into grasses, legumes and orange and lemon] are also produced in the district. The district otherhand, thespecies species to determine composition the was percentage assessed composition from a 0.5 x of 0.5 each m has a livestock population of 155287 cattle, 97263 sheep, 8577 speciesBasal cover on dry matter weight basis [25]. livestockgoats, 25473 on the equines, range land56,920 and poultry it can compared and 10,019 the beehives stocking [24]. rate andthe determining population of the livestock carrying indicatedcapacity. that the Barden of the plant-soil interface of the living plant parts, were estimated in Data Collection Methods Basal cover, is the area occupied at the intersections of the 2 was divided into halves. Then, one half of it Grazing Land Condition Assessment quadrats of 0.5 m x 0.5m areas. For the surface of basal cover of species, the 0.5m Sampling procedures removed and transferred to the eighth for the purpose of visual estimationdivided into [11]. eighths. All plants in the selected 0.5m2 area were The sampled data were collected by stratifying the district into three altitudes [high, mid, and low]. Within these altitudes, Biomass assessment From each grazing site, the herbaceous species composition and yields were assessed by taking samples from quadrats. The randomthe grazing sampling lands were technique. further Enclosures stratified intoare twosmall sampling areas of areas land herbaceous species within the quadrats were harvested from protected[2 communal by the and different 2 enclosed local grazing farmers areas], for use using during stratified feed ground level and total fresh weights were measured immediately shortage season, by allowing the animals to graze, and they are after harvesting. The samples were separated into different mainly found around crop lands. They are established by the species and their fresh weights were determined and they farmers to have reserve forage for oxen and lactating animals. separately put in a paper bag. Samples in a paper bag were put The communal grazing areas are those grazing sites, exposed for 0C for 16 hours at mismanagements; it is out of the control of the communities and laboratory to determine the dry matter percentage [20]. freely allowing livestock to graze the land throughout the year. in an oven adjusted at a temperature of 105

2 Woody vegetation layer was demarcated in a separate way to make it homogenous [to allowIn sampledeach of the area grazing to have site, an two equal sampling chance block to be ofsampled] 100x100m and composition, density and heights of vegetation were considered. TheIn height the of each woody species vegetation in transect assessment, was measured the using species tape 2 each] for meter. The density of woody species were enumerated from each representative’s vegetation samples. This was further stratified transects [10mx10 m] areas. into three sampling plots having equal size [5x5m2 transects were Data Analyses selectedherbaceous randomly species. Then,from withincommunal 5x5 m,grazing 0.5 m xlands 0.5 m for quadrants woody vegetationwere used forassessment. herbaceous species. But, 10x10 m Data collected from feed assessment survey were analyzed by procedure of SAS[statically analysis system]. Descriptive For ease of data analyses a combination of three quadrats statistics such as mean, frequency, percentage and standard [composite] were used for herbaceous vegetation in each error of mean were used to present the results of survey data. grazing site. A total of 24 composite sampling units [3 quadrats

Citation: Kassa A, Gashe A (2018) Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional 3 of 12

Results and Disscusion This chapter includes demographic characteristics of Before the data were subjected to analyses,= µ+A the survey= datathe valuewere i i i households, land holding, livestock herd size, botanical ofstratified survey todata, three µ = altitudes overall mean, [high, Ai mid = effect and low]. of altitude The statistical For the composition of herbaceous and woody species, the effect of naturalmodel used pasture for survey condition data were:assessment, Y analyses where, Yof variance altitude and grazing on biomass and grazing land conditions. [ANOVA] were carried out by the General Linear Model [GLM] procedure of SAS. The experiments were arranged in a factorial Demographic Characteristics of Households experiment and the model includes the three altitudes [high, mid, Demographic characteristics of interviewed farmers included and low] and grazing types [communal and enclosed grazing]. age; family size and educational level of the respondents. [LSD]. The following statistical model was used for grazing Household Characteristics of the Respondents landMean condition separation analysis. was tested using the least significant difference

i with an overall average age of 47.3 years. The studied households pasture condition assessment, µ = overall mean, A = effect of The age of the respondents varied between 29 and 68 years Yijk = µ + A + Gj + Bk + AGij where, Yijk = the valuei of natural interaction effect of altitude and grazing types. had an average total family size of 5.9 [high = 6.1; mid = 5.7 and altitude, Gj = effect of grazing type, Bk = effect of block, AGij = low = 5.8 altitudes]. The average ages, total family size and sex of family size of the respondents among altitudes were no significant Table 1: Age and family size of the respondents in the study areas (Mean ± SE(standard[P>0.05] differences error )) [Table 1]. Altitude N Age Males Females Total family size 40 47.28±1.1a a 3.08±0.2a 6.13±0.26a

a a a a HighMid 40 3.05±0.1 2.70±0.2 a a a a Low 40 47.53±1.547.18±1.2 2.98±0.2 5.68±0.28 Overall 120 47.33±0.2 2.90±0.1 2.90±0.1 5.80±0.17 Educational Level of Respondents 2.98±0.1 2.89±0.1 5.87±0.14

authorlow levels stated of education that education of the ishouseholds the main haveissue an in influenceagricultural on primary and secondary school, respectively, while about 8.3 and adoption of improved poultry management practices [19]. Other 4.2%Out respondents of the total were respondents, attended basic 24.2 and religious 5.8% had education, attended development [especially primary and secondary schooling had higher impact on agricultural development compared to any could not read and write. This indicates the highest numbers of respondentsand the rest were of 56.7% illiterates of the in respondents all altitudes. were As indicated illiterates by who the primary and secondary schooling was low in all attitudes. [Table 2]other level of education] [14]. However, as the study area, the

Table 2: Education level of the respondents (%) in the study area Level of education Altitude Overall High Mid Low mean 60.0

Illiterate 57.5- 52.5 56.78.3 Basic Education 12.5 20.0 12.5 24.2 SecondaryPrimary School school 25.0- 27.5 - 15.0 2.5- 5.80.8 ReligiousPreparatory Education 2.5 4.2 Land Holding and Land Use Pattern 2.5 5.0 5.0 average farmland size owned per respondent in the study area Land is one of the most important resources required for any agricultural farming activities. The results indicate the Burie district of West Gojam zone, 1.8 ha in Amhara region and largest proportion of farm size was allocated for cultivation in 1.4was ha 1.95 in Ethiopiaha. This [48,figure 16]. was The greater overall than mean 1.3 private ha reported grazing by land in all altitudes, while the rest was allocated for private grazing, Banja homestead, fallow land, improved forage land and woody lands and Guagusa grazingper household land size [0.05 was ha] the was main less reason than for0.23 shortage and 0.27 of ha feed in in the areas and improved forage lands were very low. The overall study area. districts, rspectively [49]. This shows shortage of [Table 3]. In all altitudes, the land allocated for private grazing

Citation: Kassa A, Gashe A (2018) Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional 4 of 12

Table 3: ercent of woody plant species composition (%) in communal grazing land

ScientificP Name Local name Family name Altitude High Mid Low Overall Acacialahail Cheba - 60.6 27.3 42.2

Carissa edulis Agam Apocynaceae 3.1 33.6 25.84.3 12.7 Acacia abyssinia Grar Fabaceae 17.2 8.0

Maytenus spp Atet Celastraceae 16.35.6 14.60.9 13.8 Phooenix reclinata Zennbaba Arecaceae 4.4 7.5- 2.2 Rosa abyssinica Kega - - 10.00.9 3.6 3.3 Croten macrotachys Bisana Euphorbiaceae 10.0 10.0 16.1 11.6 Solanum spp Embuay Solanaceae - 1.8 2.2 1.1 Ficus sycomous Shola Moraceae - - 1.1 0.3 Ficus alicitolia Warka Moraceae - - 13.2 3.0 Cordial abyssinia Wanza Boraginaceae - - 11.8 3.0 The overall average total landholding varies among the Medicago polymorpha was the altitudes. The average farmland size owned per household in dominant species in both enclosed and communal grazing area of highBased and mid on biomass altitudes composition, of the herbaceous community [Appendix average farm size owned in mid altitude. The higher landholding Table 17]. This was in line with the study of in Northwestern ofhigh high and and low low altitudes altitudes was may significantly be due to higher expansion [P<0.01] of farm than land the without restriction by clearing of forest and low population the most dominant species contributed the highest amount of density of the area could have allowed individual farmer’s larger biomassEthiopian in highlands the fertilized [45]. Acommunity body of literature[18]. The suggesteddominance that of landholding. The average cropped land and homestead land of Medicago polymorpha in high and mid altitudes may be due to high precipitation and low temperature in high and mid altitudes average cropped land and homestead land of mid altitude. than in low altitude, and due to soil type and fast establishment high and low altitudes were significantly higher [P<0.01] than the characters of legume species in the study areas. Condition of the Grazing Land Botanical Composition of Woody Species Grazing land is any vegetated land that is grazed or has the potential to be grazed by animals [domestic and wild]. This term is all-inclusive and covers all kinds and types of land that can be Eucalyptus spp., grazed [7]. As obtained from the reports of respondents’ group JustitiaA total schemperina, of 22 woody Vernonia species spp., were Pedocarpus identified gracilor in the study and discussions, the sizes of the grazing land in all altitudes were Juniperusdistrict, of procera these ] specieswere found of which in private 5 species lands and [ the remaining decreasing from time to time. Moreover, according to the report in the communal grazing lands. of Gozamen Woreda The dominance of woody species was varied among altitudes land in the district was 18.1% of the total land, which is less than of the study district. The largest proportion of woody vegetation 21.2%, reported by Agricultural[40]. The main Office, reason the size for of reduction natural pasture of the was contributed by Acacialahail grazing lands was expansion of arable land for crop production; altitudes, respectively], while in mid altitudes, Carissa edulis this is in line with the study of in Burie district [48]. and Acacialahail contributed about[60.6 33.6 and and 25.8% 27.3%, in high respectively and low Botanical Composition of Herbaceous Species Carissa edulis, Acacia Abyssinia, Maytenus spp, Phooenix reclinata and Croten macrotachys are the common[Table 19]. species, In high but altitude,Rosa abyssinica, Maytenus spp and Croten In the district, a total of 21 herbaceous species were recorded. macrotachys Of these, 12 [57.1%] were different grasses species, 5 [23.8%] Carissa edulis, Acacia Abyssinia, Maytenus spp, Croten macrotachys, Rosa abyssinica, common Ficus speciesalicitolia in and mid Cordial altitude. Abyssinia In low common altitude, specieslegumes recorded; species on and dry 4 matter [19.05%] basis other 63.3, herbaceous32.0 and 4.7% species were [Appendix Table 17]. In the district, of the total herbaceous districts are important for livestock production. species. Many of the woody species identified in the study altitudegrasses, of legumes enclosed and and otherscommunal species, grazing respectively. area, respectively, However, and a total of 14 and 9 herbaceous species were identified in high Euphorbia species, Albizia gummifera, Croten macrota-chys, altitude of enclosed and communal grazing land d respectively. A FicusThe alicitolia, species Cordial identified Abyssinia, in communal Milletia ferrruginea,grazing land Phooenix include a total of 13 and 11 herbaceous species were identified in mid reclinata, Syzygium guineese, Rumex nervosus, Solanum spp., of enclosed and communal grazing lands, respectively. Dodonea viscose, Ficus sycomous, Rosa abyssinica, Acacialahail, total of 9 and 7 herbaceous species were identified in low altitude

Citation: Kassa A, Gashe A (2018) Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional of 12

Page 5 State, Ethiopia. Int J Sci Res Environ Sci Toxicol 3(2): 1-12. Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia Copyright: © 2018 Kassa A, et al.

Acacia atbalia, Acacia Abyssinia, Maytenus spp., and Carissa edulis, human factors [in high and mid lands, most farmers deforest the keret and chibeha. species composition [i.e. some species affect the growth of others Height class distribution and density of the woody species].woody species for firewood as charcoal], grazing of livestock, and species

of woody species increases [Table 20]. this was in line with the were the dominant vegetation, which could be considered as they In the study area, as altitude increases, the mean density In high and mid altitudes, the plants in 1-2 m height stratum and high moisture in high altitude. The overall mean density of heights of different woody browse species situation in the district shrubsfindings in of the [1, district43]. This was may greater be related than thewith mean better density soil fertility [2622 canare atmake the browsingthe area moreheight favorable of the animals. for browsing Hence, these animals, reachable while ha-1 -1] in the natural forest [22, 44]. dominant. The mean height of woody species in low altitude This] differenceof shrubs inmight semi-arid be due dry to lands livestock of Borana grazing and pressure, the density soil wasin low higher altitude, than in the high plants and inmid the altitudes, >4 m heightwhich may stratum be due were to type,of woody human plants pressure species and [7950 altitudes. ha [Table 4]

Table 4: The percentage of height class distribution and density of shrubs in the district Altitude Height (m) High Mid Low Overall 0.0 - 1.0 13.64 18.73

1.0 - 2.0 38.18 29.3860.0 6.45 41.32 2.0 - 3.0 10.63 23.6612.5 3.0 - 4.0 29.0917.27 - 19.567.16 1.82 - 7.53 13.22 b c a b > 4.0 1.38±0.04 4.40±0.2849.46 Total height Woody plant density ha-1 a b c 2.06±0.09 11600±2.39±0.102 271.6 The Effect of Altitude on Grazing Land Conditions15450±902.6 at 12000±902.6 7350±902.6 Different Grazing Types In the communal grazing area, woody plant density was The basal cover, species composition and grass species altitudes, and this was in line with the study of [1]. The possible reasonsignificantly for the lower lower [P<0.01] plant indensity low altitude in the thanlower in altitude high and could mid be associated with low precipitation in the lower altitude than 21].composition this was found in line in thewith enclosed the studies areas of were [1, significantly41]. The possible lower in the higher altitude. The mean woody vegetation density per reason[P<0.01] for in the low lower altitude basal than cover, in species high and composition mid altitudes and [Table grass species composition in low altitude could be associated with altitude categories than those found in the mid and low altitude hectare was higher [P<0.05] in communal grazing areas of high lower precipitation and high temperature than in the other zones. This might be lower atmospheric temperature and high precipitation in high altitude than in mid and low altitudes. The and grass species composition found in enclosed grazing areas higher woody vegetation density the better the grazing lands for two altitudes. However, the basal cover, species composition altitudes. This may be due to the management of enclosed area woody vegetation density for enclosure areas was not recorded grazing animals like cattle and sheep [1]. In the study areas, the bywere the no farmers. significant difference [P> 0.05] between high and mid because of the absence of private woody vegetation used for animal feed sources. The overall average value of the basal cover for the communal categoryIn communal than those grazing found areas,in high basal and mid cover altitude and grass ranges. species The possiblecomposition reason were for significantly the lower lowerbasal cover [P<0.01] and in grass low altitudespecies reasons for the higher basal cover in study area may be associated grazing areas was greater than 3.66 in Hamer district [1]. The composition in the low altitude could be associated with low precipitation and high temperature in the lower altitude than in with the soil type, climate condition, and altitude [550-1550 m.a.s.lThe Effect in Hamer of district]. Grazing [Table on Grazing5] Land Condition at Different Altitudes altitudethe higher categories, altitude. Theand speciesthis could composition be associated was nowith significant level of grazingdifference pressure. [P>0.05] This for indicatedthe enclosure that sitesspecies found composition in high and alone mid is not a good indicator of the condition of grazing land and this composition and basal cover were affected by types of grazing In the study area, the species composition, grass species observation concurred with the finding of [1]. management. The enclosed areas had a significantly higher Citation: Kassa A, Gashe A (2018) Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional 6 of 12

Table 5 The effect of altitude on grazing land conditions (mean±SE) at different grazing type

: Altitude Enclosed areas High Mid Low Overall 28.17±2.30a 26.17±2.30a b 23.31±2.3

a a b SpeciesBasal composition cover 6.67±0.41 15.60±2.304.00±0.41 a a b Grass species composition 4.12± 0.28 5.92±0.41 5.53±0.233.31±0.16 Communal grazing 3.50 ± 0.28 2.25±0.28 21.34±2.4a 17.67±2.4a b

a a a SpeciesBasal composition cover 9.71±2.4 16.25±2.4 a a b Grass species composition 4.67±0.293.17±0.26 4.50±0.29 4.00±0.29 4.39±0.12 a b c Woody density 2.92 ±0.26 2.25±0.26 2.78±0.15 15450.0±902 composition12000.0±902 in the enclosed7350.0±902 grazing areas could be7353±902.2 attributed to the better management and less opportunity for the vegetation 0.01][P<0.01] value value of basal of basal cover cover than than that that of communalof communal grazing grazing areas areas in to access and disturb the enclosed sites, in contrast to grazing in all altitudes. The enclosed areas had a significantly higher [P< pressure exerted on communal grazing area is more vulnerable The lower basal cover in the communal grazing areas might be for livestock grazing and trampling in the communal grazing dueall altitudes. to the high This grazing was in pressure line with in the communal studies of grazing [1, 9, 21 areas and than 27]. in enclosed areas. As indicated by the grazing pressure affects [2006]. This implies that decline in the grazing land condition areas. The result of this study supports the finding of Teshome the grazing land condition [1]. the livestock production. The similarity in species composition loss and compactness of the soil which in turn significantly affects andin communal grass species grazing composition areas have in athe direct enclosures negative and influence communal on grazing areas located in high and low altitude may be associated with the less grazing pressure in communal grazing areas [Table speciesIn mid composition altitude, thanthe enclousresthat of communal had a grazingsignificantly areas higher[Table 6]. 22].[P<0.01] The higher value species of species composition, composition, basal coverbasal and cover grass and species grass

Table 6: The effect of grazing on grazing land condition (Mean±SE) at different altitudes Altitudes Type of grazing High Enclosed grazing Communal grazing Overall mean

a b

SpeciesBasal composition cover 28.2±1.50a 4.67±0.4121.3 ±1.50a 24.80±1.5 Grass species composition 5.92±0.41 a 3.17 ± 0.37a 3.33±5.29±0.28 0.26 Mid 3.50± 0.37 26.17±3.27a 17.67±3.27b

a b SpeciesBasal composition cover 21.92±3.27 a b Grass species composition 6.504.17± ± 0.220.26 4.50± 0.26 5.58±0.18 Low 2.92 ± 0.22 3.54± 0.15

a b

a a SpeciesBasal composition cover 15.58±1.42 9.71±1.423.83±0.28 12.65±1.42 a a Grass species composition 4.00 ± 0.29 3.92±0.21 Interaction Effects of Altitude and Grazing2.25± 0.12 on Grazing similar2.25± to the 0.12 earlier study of [1]. The possible2.25± 0.08 reason for the Land Conditions interaction between altitude and grazing on biomass and species composition could be due to the variation of grazing pressure There was an interaction effect of altitude and grazing on between altitudes, and it could be the natural plant community of a site varies with altitude difference, as a result, they respond grazing land conditions in the study area. There were a significant differently to similar grazing effect and this result agreed with the [P<0.01] interaction of altitude and grazing on biomass and reports of [1, 6]. species composition [Appendix Table 9 and 10]. This was Citation: Kassa A, Gashe A (2018) Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional 7 of 12

Correlation among Variables Studied in Grazing Land such difference might be attributed to the variations in altitude. Conditions differences between the high and mid altitudes. The similarity of Correlation analysis of the variables in the study area shows But, the grass and legume biomass were no significant [P>0.05] that basal cover, species composition, grass species composition this measured biomass could be due to influence of management each other [Appendix Table 13]. This indicates that there was of enclosed areas undertaken by the farmers.In enclosed grazing anand increase biomass in were total found biomass to be positivelydue to increase correlated in [P<0.01] basal cover, with grassesarea, grasses and legumes species species contributed represented 52% of dry the matter dry matter, composition while species composition and grass species composition and this legumes 39.5%. This was different from the result of 86 and 2% of was agreed with [17]. Species composition and basal cover were around Ziway of enclosure area [50]. This difference might be due altitudes. This indicates that there was an increase in biomass toCommunal soil type and grazing altitudes land [1500-1700 masl in Ziway]. [Table 7] duepositively to increase correlated in species [P<0.05] composition with biomass and inbasal high cover. and Thelow The total dry matter biomass, grasses, legumes and others biomass in the enclosed grazing areas located in the low altitude grass species composition in high and mid altitudes. The species compositionspecies composition and grass was species positively composition correlated were [P<0.01] positively with communal grazing areas of high and mid altitudes [Table 24]. Thiswere was found in line to bewith significantly study of [1]. higher Therefore, [P<0.05] the total than biomass, in the biomasscorrelated in [P<0.05]low altitude. with biomass in mid altitude. The basal cover and species composition were positively correlated [P<0.05] with The better biomass in communal grazing areas located in the high total biomass of grass and legumes were influenced by altitudes. Biomass Production and mid altitude categories could be associated with the better The Effect of Altitude on Dry Matter Biomass at Different Grazing Types ofrainfall grass inand the other high species and mid between altitude mid than and in low low altitudes. altitude. This But, there was no significant [P>0.05] differences the total biomass Enclosed grazing land could be due to the variation of grazing pressure in the mid and low altitude [grazing intensity may be relatively lower in the low altitude than mid altitude]. increasingIn enclosed [from areas,low to thehigh overallaltitudes]. biomass This agreed of herbaceous with the The overall biomass yield of grasses, legumes and others vegetation significantly [P<0.05] increasing with altitude species were 1.02, 0.8 and 0.06 t ha-1 respectively [Table 24]. lower altitude may have higher atmospheric temperature and These values were different from the results of 3.4, 0.06 and 0.3 t lowfindings precipitation of [41, 46].which Possible affect plant reason growth. for this The may biomass be due yield to ha-1 of grasses, legumes and others were, respectively on natural of grass and legume, in enclosed areas of the high altitude of this could be associated with climate change, grazing pressure and legume biomass in the high and low altitude categories and andpastureland soil type around which affectZiway the [50]. plant The growth. possible [Table reason 8] for variation categories was significantly lower [P<0.05] than that of the grass -1 Table 7: Dry matter yield (Mean ±SE in t ha ) of the enclosed grazing at different altitudes Altitudes Total grasses Legumes Others Overall biomass a 2.42±0.38a a a

a a b b HighMid 2.59±0.31 2.31±0.28 0.08±0.010.97±0.59 4.38±0.466.03±0.85 b b b c Low 1.68±0.222.40±0.53 0.34±0.06 2.10±0.20 ±0.20c Overall 0.05±0.02 4.17±1.76 DM composition (%) 2.22±0.53 1.69 ±1.03 0.37±0.548.6 100.0 52.0 39.5 -1 Table 8: Dry matter yields (Mean±SE t ha ) of the communal grazing at different altitudes

Herbaceous Altitude Overall mean Family High Mid Low Grasses 1.41±0.08a b 0.70±0.080b 1.02±0.34

a b c Legumes 1.30±0.22 0.96±0.080.78±0.16 0.31±0.130 a b b Others 0.11±0.02 0.04±0.03 0.03±0.004 0.060.80±0.45 ±0.04 Total biomass 2.82±0.41a 1.78±0.11b 1.03±0.080c 1.87±0.80

Citation: Kassa A, Gashe A (2018) Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional 8 of 12

The Effect of Grazing on Biomass at Different Altitudes communal grazing areas. This was due to the variation of grazing inlegumes the enclosed were significantly and communal higher grazing [P<0.01] areas. in enclosed This argued area withthan the continuous grazing pressure resulted in decreased biomass thoseIn reportedall altitudes, in communal the total drygrazing matter areas. biomass This was value in obtainedline with in the enclosed areas was significantly higher [P<0.05] than production [1] . The average dry matter yield of grasses in low in enclosed area might be due to proper grazing management communal grazing areas. The difference of dry matter between aidsthe findings recruitment of [1, 8,and 9, 23,persistence 32, 33, 41, of 47].species The higherwhereas biomass poor enclosedaltitude was and significantly communal highergrazing [P<0.05] area may in enclosedbe under area grazing than grazing pressure caused loss of high yielding forage species, and management [communal] hastens the demise of species. High grazing land exposure to livestock grazing caused compact of plants may not compensate sufficiently for the biomass removed soil which reduces the amount of water and air those are enclosureby continues and grazing enclosed of areas animals. located But, in there all altitude was no categories. significant The[P>0.05] similarity differences in the measured in other other specie specie biomass biomass between could be due the and mid altitudes, the average dry matter yield of grasses and necessary for the reliable growth of plant roots [6, 42]. In high -1 Table 9: Effect of grazing types on biomass (mean ±SE in t ha ) of the diffetore thent a lselectivitytitudes of animal to graze these species. [Table 9] Types of grazing Overall mean Altitude Family Biomass Enclosed area Communal grazing High Grasses 2.60±0.31a 1.41±0.27b 2.00±0.27 Legumes 2.42±0.38a 1.30±0.22b 1.86±0.67 Others a 0.11±0.2a

a b Total biomass 0.97±0.59 2.82±0.41 0.54±0.604.43±1.83 a b Total grasses 6.03±0.85 a b mid Legumes 2.40±0.532.31±0.28 0.98±0.120.78±0.16 1.68±0.85 a a Others 0.08±0.01 0.04±0.03 1.55±0.850.06±0.03 Total biomass 4.38±0.46a 1.78±0.12b 3.08±1.42 Total grasses 1.68±0.22a b

a a low Legumes 0.34±0.06 0.69±0.080.31±0.13 1.20±0.55 a a Others 0.027±004 0.32±0.090.04±0.02 a b Total biomass 2.10±0.080.054±02 Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations lowest proportion1.03±0.19 of land sizes were allocated to1.56±0.58 crop production and grazing lands, respectively. The cattle species contributed Summary the largest herd sizes than other animals. The average number of The study was conducted in Gozamen district with the aim of assessing the major livestock feed resources, grazing land livestock species significantly varied among altitudes. condition of herbaceous and woody species, to investigate the stubbles were the major livestock feed resources. According to In all altitudes, natural pasture, crop residues and crop The survey data was collected by interviewing a total of 120 floristic composition and biomass yields of herbaceous species. second feed sources during wet and dry seasons, respectively in households, by random selection of two rural-kebeles from each the response of respondents, natural pasture was the first and altitude [high, mid and low]. To assess grazing land conditions, enclosed and communal grazing lands were selected randomly matter,all altitudes, crop residueswhile crop contributed residue was the firsthighest and dry second matter as basis source of from each altitude [high, mid and low]. From each altitude, theof feed total during feed sources. dry and wet season respectively. In terms of dry 24 quadrats [12 from enclosed and communal grazing] for herbaceous vegetation and 4 transects from each altitude of The use of improved forage as animal feed sources was communal grazing were selected. Thus, a total of 72 quadrats for not common in all altitudes due to shortage of land and lack of herbaceous and 12 transects for woody species were selected to awareness about it. The use of agro-industrial by-products as asses woody vegetation. animal feed sources in the study area was also not common due to high cost and no available in the area. The conservation of The overall average age and family size of the respondents feed resources in the form of hay in mid land was higher than the other two altitudes. None of the respondents used silage of respondents in all altitudes were illiterates. The largest and were 47.3 years and 5.87, respectively. The highest percentages

Citation: Kassa A, Gashe A (2018) Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional of 12

Page 9 State, Ethiopia. Int J Sci Res Environ Sci Toxicol 3(2): 1-12. Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia Copyright: © 2018 Kassa A, et al. for animal feed source in all altitudes due to the reason of lack of knowledge how to make it. The overall respondents fed the study areas. The total annual estimated available feed supply physically treated feeds to their livestock was low [26.7%] and [82.5%] did not cultivated improved forages as livestock feed in none of respondents applied chemical feed treatment methods. average natural pasture land per households in the district was The total estimated available feed supply to maintain the 18.1%to maintain of the thetotal livestock land, which in the is less area than satisfied 21.2% onlyin 2011. 79.5%. Grazing The had effect on basal cover, species composition, grass species composition and biomass at different altitudes. The total biomass livestock in the study area was satisfied only 79.5%. A total of 21 was higher in enclosed area than communal grazing areas in all biomassherbaceous composition, species were Medicago identified polymorpha in the study was area, the of dominantwhich 57, altitudes. species24 and 19%in both were enclosed grasses, and legumes communal and others, area of respectively. high and mid On Recommendations both enclosed and communal area of low altitude. A total of 22 altitudes, while Eleusine floccifolia was the dominant species in private land and the remaining was in communal grazing lands. Based on the summary and conclusions, the following Altitudewoody plant has effect species on werebasal identifiedcover, total of species which and 5 were grass found species in recommendations are suggested: of the total annual feed supply but they have low nutritive composition, biomass of herbaceous vegetation and density of value• The or bulk quality. amount Thus, of the crop-residues local farmers accounted should be about encouraged 66.7% and advised by any development organizations involved in livestock development on the physical [chopping and water lowerwoody [ vegetation.] in low In bothaltitude enclosed than in and other communal two altitudes. grazing Grazing areas, p<0.01 soaking] and urea treatment methods. alsothe basal has effect cover on and basal grass cover, species species composition composition, were grass significantly species

P<0.01] in enclosed than common in the study area due to awareness of farmers about composition and biomass at different altitudes. In all altitudes, improved• The use forages. of improved Thus, forage provisions as animal of extension feed sources services was notto the basal cover was significantly higher [ P<0.05] in farmers about the importance sown forage and forage developing in the communal area. In mid altitude, grass species composition strategies should be required. [andP<0.01 species] interaction composition of altitude were and significantly grazing types higher on biomass [ and enclosed than in communal grazing areas. There were a significant species composition. There were positively correlation [P<0.01] requirement per annum in district. Farmers should create of species composition, grass species composition, basal cover awareness• The total annualon how dry to matter balance does the not annual meet thedry total matter livestock feed and biomass with each other. The average dry matter yield of requirement of livestock and locally available feed supply. This total grasses, legumes and total biomass in enclosed areas were may be done by reducing herd size preferably replacing the less p<0.05] in low altitude than in high and mid productive animals with fewer more productive animals, proper altitudes. The average dry matter yield of total biomass, grasses significantly lower [ store of crop residues, conserving feed [hay] and cultivating improved forage. [p<0.05] in high altitude compared to mid and low altitudes. Theand legumesaverage dryin communal matter yield grazing of grasses areas were and totalsignificantly biomass higher were higher [P<0.05] in enclosed area than communal grazing areas in grazing areas was higher than in communal grazing areas in all • The average dry matter yield of herbaceous species in enclosed all altitudes. The average dry matter yield of legumes were higher altitudes. Thus, to increase the productivity of communal grazing [P<0.05] in enclosed area than communal grazing areas in high and mid altitudes. land management systems should be considered. Among these adjustingland which stocking is found rate, in large use coverage of rotational in alt grazing, itudes efficient over sowing grazing of Conclusion leguminous feed species. respondent, cultivated land contributed the largest proportion of In Gozamen district, from the total farmland size owned per the effect of altitudes and grazing on chemical composition of farm size, while the grazing land was very low. The main sources herbaceous• Detailed monitoring species. research is imperative to further investigate of livestock feed in all altitudes were natural pasture, crop residues and stubbles during wet and dry seasons. Crop residues Reference contributed the highest dry matter of the total feed sources. 1. Admasu Terefe, Tessema Zewedu, Abule Ebro. Rangeland dynamics in South Omo Zone of Southern Ethiopi Assessment of rangeland condition in relation to altitude and grazing types. Livestock a: However, chemical treatment of these feeds was not practiced in Research for Rural Development. 2010;22(10). ofall thealtitudes respondents even physical did not method conserve was livestock low. In the feeds district, in the natural form 2. Agricultural Growth roject-Livestock Market Development haypasture to feed was availablelivestock duringduring wet dry season season. in allNone altitudes. of respondents But, most (AG LMD). Value Chain Analysis for Ethiop Expanding Livestock P conserved feed in the form of silage in all altitudes due to lack Markets for the Small-holder roducers. U.S Agency for nternational P ia: of knowledge how to make it. Moreover, most of respondents Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2013; P I

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Citation: Kassa A, Gashe A (2018) Evaluation of Grazing Land Condition in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional 12 of 12

Page State, Ethiopia. Int J Sci Res Environ Sci Toxicol 3(2): 1-12.