American Journal of Agricultural Science 2017; 4(6): 126-137 http://www.aascit.org/journal/ajas ISSN: 2381-1013 (Print); ISSN: 2381-1021 (Online)

Assessment of Indigenous Sheep Production Systems in , Regional State,

Belete Asefa 1, Tadesse Abate 1, *, Eshetu Adugna 2

1Department of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Madda Walabu University, , Ethiopia 2Department of Animal and Range Sciences, District Livestock Agency, Bale Robe, Ethiopia Email address [email protected] (T. Abate) * Keywords Corresponding author Bale Zone, Citation Breeding Objectives, Belete Asefa, Tadesse Abate, Eshetu Adugna. Assessment of Indigenous Sheep Production Indigenous Sheep Types, Systems in Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. American Journal of Agricultural Science. Production System, Vol. 4, No. 6, 2017, pp. 126-137. Trait Preference Abstract The present study aims to describe production system of indigenous sheep types, selective breeding objectives and traits preferences of sheep types in five districts of Bale Received: April 25, 2017 zone (, , , Sawena and DaweKechan). The study was performed Accepted: October 18, 2017 based on household survey using structured questionnaires. Three kebeles from each Published: November 14, 2017 district and 20 households from each kebeles were sampled using simple random sampling techniques. For household survey, 300 households (60 from each district) were involved. Data were analyzed using SAS versions 9. Pastoral, agro pastoral and mixed crop livestock production system were the main production system in the study area with large proportion of sheep per house hold were found in Dinsho (15.6) and Goba (15.4). Across all the districts, Sheep were used primarily as a source of income generations through the sale of live animals with index value of 0.39, 0.42, 0.39, 0.38 and 0.37 for Agarfa, Dinsho, Goba, Sawena and Dawe Kechan District, respectively. In the study area selection was practiced both for male (70.33%) and female (86.33%) and appearance was the most selection criteria both for male and female sheep. Diseases, feed shortage and lack of good genotypes were the 1st , 2nd and 3rd production constraints with index value of 0.28, 0.19 and 0.18, respectively. The study indicated that the information obtained would assist in planning suitable conservation, improvement and extension programs for the indigenous sheep types.

1. Introduction In Ethiopia, sheep are reared mainly by smallholder farmers and are grazed in small flocks on communal open natural pastures. Ethiopia has a diverse indigenous sheep population numbering 25.9 million heads (CSA, 2010). of which, 75% found in the highlands where mixed crop-livestock systems dominate, while the remaining 25 percent of the sheep is reared in the arid pastoral areas of the lowland (DAGRIS, 2006). Sheep is important in the socio-economic lives of people around the world, particularly where crop production is unreliable and where livestock is the mainstay of livelihoods. Sheep have social and economic importance to the producers who keep indigenous breeds for meat, hair production and income generation (Tesfaye et al ., 2008). Ethiopia is home for at least 9 breeds and 14 traditional sheep populations, distributed across diverse ecology, production systems and communities or ethnic groups (Solomon American Journal of Agricultural Science 2017; 4(6): 126-137 127

et al ., 2007). As a result of their wide range of habitat, which is characterized by poor feeding, housing, breeding, behavioral and reproductive adaptations, sheep have evolved and health management that potentially hinders expected into a large number of different geographically separate income from the sale of animal (Dawit et al ., 2012). phenotypic forms or races varying in size, fleeces, The current study identify and categorize the existing conformation, muscling and coat color. Indigenous sheep sheep production system in bale zone, trait preference and breeds have a great potential to contribute more to the breeding objectives. This can open the door for researchers, livelihood of people in low input, smallholder and pastoral extension services to improve the productivity and production systems (Kosgey et al ., 2007), However, their sustainability of these farming systems and it also provides productivity is low due to several factors such as genotype, information needed in strategizing conservation and environmental and institutional constraints (Mulata, 2013). improvement programmes. Therefore, this study was under Characterizing the existing sheep production systems and taken to assess sheep production systems, to assess farmer’s analyzing their production constraints are important tools to selective breeding objectives and trait preferences in the diagnose the status and trends of the system, and thus to study area. identify areas for future interventions (Markos, 2006). Arsi bale sheep is distributed in highlands of bale zone, Arsi, 2. Materials and Methods Hararghe and Sidama (Workneh et al ., 2004). Bale zone is characterized by diverse agro-ecological settings constitute 2.1. Description of Study Area both lowland and highland where sheep play increasingly significant roles for communities that herd them. However, An on-farm survey was conducted in three highland most of the identified and locally recognized breeds of the districts of bale zone (Agarfa, Dinsho and Goba) and two region are not well characterized mainly about their lowland districts of bale zone (Sawena and Dawekechan) in production environment. Again, farmers and pastoralists in year of 2015/2016. Figure 1. Shows locations of the districts the area practices traditional type of sheep production system, that the study were conducted.

Figure 1. Districts in bale zone from which the study was conducted. 128 Belete Asefa et al. : Assessment of Indigenous Sheep Production Systems in Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

2.2. Sample Size and Sampling Techniques 2.4. Data Management and Statistical Analysis Sample size was determined based on the formula recommended by Arsham (2007) for survey studies. All data were coded and recorded in Microsoft excel sheet.

2 Survey results were summarized using descriptive statistics N=0.25/SE like mean, standard deviation and percentage. Indices were With the assumption of 3% standard error, a total sample calculated to provide ranking the reason of keeping sheep, size of 300 households were used for the study. Depending selection criteria for male and female sheep and the major on the information gathered from group discussion, reproduction and production problems, and calculated as: agriculture and rural development office experts, Index (I) = sum of (3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2 +1 for rank 3) development agents and communities, three high land given for an individual criteria (attribute) divided by the sum districts from bale zone and two low land districts were of sum of (3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2+1 for rank 3) for overall selected using purposive sampling technique and three criteria . Furthermore, rate of inbreeding was calculated in the kebeles from each districts and 60 households from each population. Effective population size for a randomly mated kebele were also selected by using simple random sampling population was calculated using the following formula. The techniques. rate of inbreeding (∆F) was calculated from Neas (×) 2.3. Data Collection ∆F= and Ne= Data was collected by using semi-structured questionnaire, Where Ne = Effective population size participatory appraisal and discussion with key informants. Nm = Number of breeding male population Data about various aspects of general household Nf = Number of breeding female population characteristics, livestock herd size and composition, husbandry practices, animal health aspects, breeding practices, herd dynamics, production and reproductive 3. Result and Discussion performance, trait preference and purpose of keeping sheep 3.1. Household Characteristics were gathered based on prepared questionnaire. A total of 15 participatory appraisal discussion groups The average household age and family size in the study (one per kebele) which contains 5-10 members per group area were given in Table 1. The average family size of the consisting of male and female farmers who were households in the study area were 5.4 ±0.3, 8.5 ±0.6, 7.7 ±0.4, purposively selected based on their good knowledge of 5.9 ±0.4 and 5.9 ±0.4 for Agarfa, Dinsho, Goba, Sawena and sheep production was organized. Development agents were Dawekechan, respectively. The average age of household involved in the identification of farmers for the group were higher for Dawekechan as compared with other districts. discussion. There is significance difference (p<0.01) between districts for average family size which is higher for Dinsho and Goba. Table 1. Average household and family size in the study areas.

Districts Household characteristics Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/k mean ± mean ± mean ± mean ± mean ± Av. HH age 43.33 ±1.7 bc 47.17 ±1.3 ab 39.58 ±1.5 c 44.1 ±1.5 ab 47.8 ±1.2 a Av. family size 5.4 ±0.3 b 8.5 ±0.6 a 7.7 ±0.4 a 5.9 ±0.4 b 5.9 ±0.4 b

Means with the same letter are not significantly different (p<0.05); HH = household; Av. = average

Educational level, sex of household and marital status of present study confirmed findings of (Workneh and J. respondents were given in Table 2. Majority of the household Rowlands 2004), who reported that the majority of the in the study area were illiterate (27.67%) followed by households (94%) in Oromia region were male headed, while primary school (20.67%). There is no significance difference the rest 6% were female headed. between districts for sex of household (p>0.05). Male and There is significance difference for marital status (p<0.05). female household constitute 78.67% and 21.33%. The report According to respondents in this study, the overall proportions of (Belete, 2013) in the same area where also showed that of married, unmarried, divorced and widowed households male headed were higher than female counter part. The were 87.33%, 3.33%, 3% and 6.33%, respectively (Table 2).

American Journal of Agricultural Science 2017; 4(6): 126-137 129

Table 2. Household characteristics in study area.

District Over all Household characteristics Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/k N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) Educational status Illiterate) 13(21.67) 4(6.67) 8(13.33) 26(43.33) 32(53.33) 83(27.67) Religious school 4(6.67) 9(15) 1(1.67) 8(13.33) 8(13.33) 30(10.00) Elementary (1-4) 2(3.33) 3(5) 4(6.67) 24(40.00) 20(33.33) 53(17.67) Primary (5-8) 17(28.33) 20(33.33) 23(38.33) 2(3.33) 0(0.0) 62(20.67) Secondary (9-10+2) 12(20) 23(38.33) 18(30) 0(0.0) 0(0.0) 53(17.67) Above 12(20) 1(1.67) 6(10) 0(0.0) 0(0.0) 19(6.33) X2-value 175.98** Sex household Female 12(20) 11(18.33) 12(20) 15(25) 14(23.33) 64(21.33) Male 48(80) 49(81.67) 48(80) 45(75) 46(76.67) 236(78.67) X2-value 1.07ns Marital status Married 49(81.67) 58(96.67) 54(86.67) 44(73.33) 57(95) 262(87.33) Divorced 2(3.33) 1(1.67) 2(3.33) 2(3.33) 2(3.33) 9(3) Widowed 3(5.0) 1(1.67) 4(6.67) 10(16.67) 1(1.67) 19(6.33) Un married 6(10) 0(0.00) 0(0) 4(6.67) 0(0.00) 10(3.33) X2-value 28.77**

*P<0.05; **P<0.01; x2 = Pearson Chi-square; N = Number of observation; ns = non significant

3.2. Composition of Livestock respectively. The present result revealed that the number of sheep per household was higher than the report of (Wossenie, Table 3. Livestockcompositionandtheir number per house hold in the study 2012; Dawit, 2012; Helen et al ., 2015) in eastern Hararghe area. zone but lower than black head Somali sheep breed (19.19) District (Means ± SE) in Somali region (Fekerte, 2008) Livestock Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/k Cattle 7.1 ±0.5 b 9.1 ±0.8 a 9.2±0.6 a 4.6±0.5 c 5.9±0.6 bc 3.3. Flock Size and Structure Sheep 8.3 ±1.1 b 15.6 ±1.2 a 15.4±0.9 a 8.4±0.7 b 9.7±0.5 b In total, 3549 sheep of 300 household were classified Goat 1.3 ±0.3 c 0.7 ±0.2 c 0.2±0.1 c 14.1±0.9 a 12.0±0.4 b according to age and sex (Table 4). The overall mean of Donkey 1.8 ±0.2 a 1.5 ±0.1 ab 1.4±0.1 ab 0.5±0.1 c 1.2±0.1 b bc a b c bc sheep flock size was higher for Dinsho district except for Mule 0.2 ±0.1 0.7 ±0.1 0.3±0.1 0.0±0.0 0.1±0.1 Horse 1.4 ±0.3 c 2.9 ±0.2 a 2.2±0.2 b 0.0±0.0 d 0.0±0.0 d castrated sheep which is higher for Goba district. Male Camel 0.0 ±0.0 b 0.0 ±0.0 b 0.0±0.0 b 2.3±0.4 a 2.2±0.4 a accounted about 36.8% of the flock and majority of them Chicken 3.1 ±0.6 bc 6.1 ±0.6 a 4.0±0.5 a 2.2±0.6 c 3.5±0.5 bc were suckling male (36.10%) and the number decrease as the age increase. This was due to the sheep were sold at the age Means with the same letter within the same row and class are not of weaning for the purpose of fulfilling the home requirement. significantly different at p (0.05); SE= standard error There were significant difference between districts in sheep The major livestock species in the study area were sheep, flock size and structure (p<0.05). The largest number of flock goat, cattle, donkey, horse, mule, chicken and camel (Table structure in the study area were matured female sheep across 3). Due to the fact that this study considered only those all the districts. The farmers remain their ewe for breeding households who had sheep, the number of sheep per purpose which accounted the greater portion of the newly household were higher. There is significance difference in born animals, while rams are either castrated or sold when number of sheep per household and other livestock species they reach market age. The present result is in line with (p<0.05). The number of sheep per household was higher in (Zelealem, 2012) but in contrast with the report of (Amelaml Dinsho (15.6) and Goba (15.4). In all districts of highland the et al ., 2015) where the largest sheep category is ram lambs number of animal per house hold is higher for sheep followed less than six month old (2.0 ±1.8) for Tocha special district by cattle where as for pastoral districts the number of animal of southern region of Ethiopia. per household were higher for goats followed by sheep. The In the study area, the ratio of male to female and the ratio number of goat and camel per household in pastoral area of mature male to mature female was 1:1.72 and 1:4.2, were higher than that of highland. This implies that the respectively (Table 7). The ratio of breeding ram to breeding livelihood of the society in pastoral area was mainly ewes was comparable with the report of (Amelaml et al ., depending on environmentally adapted and harsh resistant 2015) for Dawuro zone and konta special district sheep. In animals like camel and goats. The numbers of sheep per contrast this ratio is higher than 1:6.7 for Gumuz (Solomon, household were 8.3, 15.6, 15.4, 8.4 and 9.7 for Agarfa, 2007), 1:8.3 reported for Menz, 1:17.4 reported for Afar Dinsho, Goba, Sawena and Dawekechan districts, sheep (Tesfaye, 2008).

130 Belete Asefa et al. : Assessment of Indigenous Sheep Production Systems in Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Table 4. Flock size and structure in the study area.

Total sheep Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/k Sheep age group No % Mean±SE Mean±SE Mean±SE Mean±SE Mean±SE Suckling male lamb 471 13.27 1.4±0.2 a 1.5±0.2 a 1.8±0.2 a 1.6±0.2 a 1.6±0.2 a Suckling female lamb 444 12.5 1.3±0.3 b 2.5±0.2 a 1.6±0.1 b 0.8±0.1 c 1.2±0.1 bc Weaned male lamb 369 10.4 1.4±0.2 ab 1.5±0.2 a 1.7±0.2 a 0.6±0.1 c 1.0±0.2 bc Weaned female lamb 365 10.3 0.8±0.1 bc 1.9±0.2 a 1.9±0.1 a 0.5±0.2 c 1.0±0.2 b Matured male (> year) 342 9.6 0.6±0.1 b 2.2±0.3 a 2.1±02 a 0.3±0.1 b 0.5±0.1 b Matured female (> year) 1434 40.4 2.3±0.4 c 6.3±0.6 a 5.8±0.6 ab 4.6±0.3 b 4.9±0.3 b Castrated 124 3.5 0.2±0.1 b 0.3±0.1 b 1.4±0.3 a 0.0±0.0 b 0.0±0.0 b

Means with the same letter within the same row and class are not significantly different at p (0.05); D/K=Dawekechan

3.4. Farming Activities degrees of dependency of farming activities for income generation and for food were mainly based on farming Farming activities for their livelihood in the study area were practices in the study area. The result reveal that the society presented in (Table 5). Practicing of both crop production and mainly based on livestock rearing for cash income (65.67%) livestock rearing were the main farming system in Agarfa and for food (51.67%). This implies the areas have potential (93.33%), Dinsho (93.33%) and Goba (96.67%) where as for different livestock production and the livelihoods of the livestock rearing was the dominant farming activities in society in the study area are based on livestock production. Sawena (65%) and Dawekechan districts (73.33%). The Table 5. Farming activities in the study area.

Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/k Over all Farming activities N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) Livestock rearing 4(6.67) 2(3.33) - 39(65)) 44(73.33)) 89(29.67) Crop production - 2(3.33) 2(3.33) 3(5) 1(1.67) 8(2.67) Both 56(93.33) 56(93.33) 58(96.67) 18(30) 15(25 203(67.67) For cash Livestock rearing 43(71.67) 40(66.67) 16(26.67) 47(78.33) 51(85) 197(65.67) Crop production - 10(16.67) 13(21.67) 9(15) 7(11.67) 29(9.67) Both 17(28.33) 10(16.67) 31(51.67) 4(6.67) 2(3.33) 64(21.33) For food Livestock rearing 19(31.67) 22(36.67) 11(18.33) 49(81.67) 54(90) 155(51.67) Crop production 7(11.67) 26(43.33) 9(15) 6(10) 6(10) 54(18) Both 34(56.67) 12(20) 40(33.33) 5(8.33) - 91(30.33)

N= number of respondents

3.5. Feed Resource and Availability pasture as major feed resource for sheep. There are variation of availability of feed resource in lowland and highland Feed resources commonly used by farmers/pastoralist in districts. the study area across the different seasons are presented in In the study area both full days grazing and grazing early Table 6. The quantity and quality of available feed resources in the morning and afternoon (ware) were practiced. Herding for animals primarily depends upon the climatic and seasonal of sheep was the most dominant grazing method both in wet factors (Zewdu, 2008). In this study, natural pasture, Shrubs, season (82.67%) and dry season (58.33). This indicates that Tree/branch, crop residues, Concentrate, Khat left over and there is no free communal land and each farmer has their house left over are the common feed resources used. own land without releasing. Free grazing was practiced in According to the respondents in the study area, natural highlands after crops were collected and when aftermath was pasture was the main feed source for sheep in highland where available. Tethering were practice in Agarfa and Dinsho as shrubs and tree brunch were the most dominant feed districts because of it avoids crop damage; protect the stock resource in pastoral areas (Table 6). The main feed resource against theft, ease of protecting from predation and proper during wet season (47.67%) and dry season (31.67%) was utilization of the limited grazing land. The finding is also in natural pasture. The result is in line with the report of line with the report of (Amelaml et al ., 2015). (Amelaml et al ., 2015) and (Solomon, 2007) where natural Table 6. Feed resource and grazing system in the study area.

Agarfa Dinsho Goba Feed source WS DS WS DS WS DS N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) Pasture/grass 48(80) 39(65) 33(55) 38(63.33) 26(43.33) 18(30) Shrubs 2(3.33) - 8(13.33) - 3(5) 1(1.67) Tree/branch - - 2(3.3) - 2(3.33) 7(11.67) crop residues 3(5) 5(8.33) 5(8.33) 20(33.33) 5(8.33) 17(28.33) American Journal of Agricultural Science 2017; 4(6): 126-137 131

Agarfa Dinsho Goba Feed source WS DS WS DS WS DS N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) Concentrate 4(6.67) 8(13.33) 5(8.33) - 16(26.67) 17(28.33) Khat left over ------House left over 3(5) 8(13.33) 7(11.67) 2(3.33) 8(13.33) - Length of grazing

Full day 3(5) 1(1.67) 7(11.67) 4(6.67) 26(43.33) 28(46.67) Morning &afternoon 57(95) 59(98.33) 53(88.33) 56(93.33) 34(56.67) 32(53.33) grazing method

Free grazing 24(40) 17(28.33) 1(1.67) 50(83.33) 5(8.33) 34(56.67) Herding 31(51.67) 39(65) 55(91.67) 6(10) 55(91.67) 26(43.33) paddock - - 2(3.33) - - - tethered 5(8.33) 4(6.67) 2(3.33) 4(6.67) - -

Table 6. Continued.

Sawena D/K Over all

Feed source WS DS WS DS WS DS N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%)

Pasture/grass 21(0.35) - 15(25) - 143(47.67) 95(31.67) Shrubs 9(15) 20(33.33) 13(21.67) 16(26.67) 35(1.67) 37(12.33) Tree/branch 16(26.67) 16(26.67) 22(36.67) 15(25) 42(14) 38(12.67) crop residues - 11(18.33) 2(3.33) 13(21.67) 15(5) 66(22) Concentrate 2(3.33) 4(6.67) 1(1.67) 4(6.67) 28(9.33) 33(11) Khat left over 12(20) 5(8.33) 4(6.67) 7(11.67) 16(5.33) 12(4) House left over - 4(6.67) 3(5) 4(6.67) 21(7) 18(6) Length of grazing

Full day 17(28.33) 58(96.67) 29(48.33) 59(98.33) 82(27.33) 150(50) Morning &afternoon 43(71.67) 2(3.33) 31(51.67) 1(1.67) 218(72.67) 150(50) grazing method

Free grazing 12(20) 9(15) 1(1.67) 6(10) 43(14.33) 116(38.67) Herding 48(80) 50(83.33) 59(98.33) 54(90) 248(82.67) 175(58.33) paddock - - - - 2(0.67) - tethered - 1(1.67) - - 7(2.33) 9(3.00)

Table 7. Herding mechanisms of sheep in the study area.

Herding District Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/K Overall sheep flock herded as N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) Together with cattle 11(18.33) 4(6.67) 32(53.33) 14(23.33) 4(6.67) 65(21.67) Together with goat - - - 15(25) 31(51.67) 46(15.33) Together with calve 2(3.33) - - - - 2(0.67) Together with equine - 4(6.67) - - - 4(1.33) All herded together 31(51.67) 26(43.33) 16(26.67) - - 63(21) sheep is herded separately 16(26.67) 26(43.33) 12(20) 31(51.67) 21(35) 106(35.33) sheep herded as Male and female separate 6(10) 12(20) 9(15) 6(10) 5(8.33) 38(12.67) lamb separate 3(5) 3(5) 0(0) 4(6.67) 3(5) 13(4.33) All classes herded together 51(85) 45(75) 51(85) 50(83.33) 52(86.67) 249(83) Way of herding sheep of HH run as flock 52(86.67) 58(96.67) 46(76.67) 28(46.67) 35(58.33) 219(73) sheep of >1HH mix together 8(13.33) 2(3.33) 14(23.33) 32(53.33) 25(41.67) 81(27) Average no of HHMsh

2HH 6(75) 2(100) 4(28.57) 14(43.75) 4(16) 30(37) 3HH 2(25) - 10(71.43) 9(28.13) 10(40) 31(38.3) >3HH - - - 9(28.12) 11(44) 20(24.7)

N= number of household, HHMsh=household mixed sheep

other livestock (35.33%). Within flock of sheep all classes of 3.6. Herding sheep (male, female and male) were herded together. The Herding system of sheep in the study area was varied from reason is that the males in the herd are used for breeding and district to district based on the types of animal they have lambs were grazed with its mother since milk consumption is (Table 7). According to the report of respondents in the study not known in the study area. Mixing of sheep flocks of several area majority of them were herd their sheep separately from households was not practiced by most of the sheep owners and 132 Belete Asefa et al. : Assessment of Indigenous Sheep Production Systems in Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

they run their own flock (73%). Among household practicing disagreement with the report (Helen et al ., 2015) of where mixing of flock majority of them (38.3%) were three about 70% of mixed crop livestock and 55.6% of agro-pastoral household who mixed their flock of sheep. The finding was were practice mixing of flock of several household.

Figure 2. Grazing system in the highland district.

Figure 3. Grazing system in lowland district.

3.7. Water Source and Availability

Figure 4. Watering system in the study area.

According to response obtained from the respondent dam/pond water was the main water source for Sawena spring water was the major water source for Agarfa (46.67%), (53.33%) and Dawekachen (38.33%) district (Table 8). Dinsho (51.67%) and Goba (58.33%) district while According to response of the respondent, most of the ponds American Journal of Agricultural Science 2017; 4(6): 126-137 133

were old and less emphasis were given for it. In these area days (28.67%). Quality water is one factor of sheep ponds were serves both for human drinking and livestock. production which is related to healthy of sheep. Majority of Majority of sheep in the study area were watered with the water in the study area was mixed with soil/muddy both frequency of once a day (35.67%) followed by once in two during wet season (47.6%) and dry season (33.33%). Table 8. Water source and watering system in the study area.

Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/K Overall Water source N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) Bore hole 0(0) 7(11.67) 1(1.67) 1(1.67) 10(16.67) 19(6.33) Dam/pond - 5(8.33) 4(6.67) 32(53.33) 23(38.33) 64(21.33) River 20(33.33) 16(26.67) 18(30) 2(3.33) 6(10) 62(20.67) Spring 28(46.67) 31(51.67) 35(58.33) 8(13.33) - 102(34) Pipe water 7(11.67) - - 16(26.67) 20(33.33) 43(14.33) Rain water 3(5) - - - - 3(1) Frequency of watering Freely available 4(6.67) 14(23.33) 6(10) 36(60) 14(23.33) 74(24.67) Once a day 29(48.33) 21(35) 48(80) 3(5) 6(10) 107(35.67) Once in 2 day 27(45) 15(25) 6(10) 11(18.33) 27(45) 86(28.67) Once in 3 day - 10(16.67) 2(3.33) 10(16.67) 13(5) 35(11.67) Water quality Wet season Clean 14(23.33) 22(36.67) 40(66.67) 16(26.67) 14(23.33) 106(35.33) Muddy 46(76.67) 15(25) 20(33.33) 29(48.33) 33(55) 143(47.6) Salty - 19(31.67) - 12(20) 8(13.33) 39(13) Smelly - 4(6.67) - 3(5) 5(8.33) 12(4) Dry season Clean 20(33.33) 18(30) 56(93.33) 37(61.67) 1(1.67) 132(44) Muddy 32(53.33) 18(30) - 6(10) 44(73.33) 100(33.33) Salty 5(8.33) 24(40) 4(6.67) 12(20) 7(11.67) 52(17.33) Smelly 3(5) - - 4(6.67) 7(11.67) 14(4.67)

condition). The report of (Helen et al ., 2015) also 3.8. Sheep Housing Systems inconvenient with the present finding where in pastoral and Good housing can determine productivity by reducing agro pastoral production system kraal without roof is the stress, disease hazards and making management easier. In the dominant sheep house. Majority of farmers in Agarfa study area, sheep are housed in different ways (Table 9). (71.17%), Dinsho (93.33%) and Goba (61.67%) were housed Majority of household in highland were housed their sheep in the lambs with adult. This may be one cause of lamb separate house with roof while in pastoral district kraal mortality since lambs are susceptible to disease and poor without roof was the dominant types of housing system. The management. Majority of the respondent were not housed types of house and housing material were based on the their sheep with cattle (98.67%). Across all studied district availability of local material and to fit with the existing house cleaning were not practiced. Due attention must be environmental condition. Since in highland the climate given for these issue because poor housing and unclean condition is cold they make house for their sheep to protect house may cause occurrence of disease further reduction of from it. But, in lowland no need of upper cover of house production and productivity. (roof) and the wall is also air proof type (no need of warm Table 9. Housing and housing materials for sheep in the study area.

District Types of house Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/K Overall N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) Family house - 5(8.33) 4(6.67) - - 9(3) Separate house 48(80) 47(78.33) 41(68.33) 2(3.33) - 138(46) Veranda 7(11.67) 8(13.33) 15(8.33) - - 30(10) Kraal - - - 28(46.67) 51(85) 79(26.33) Open Yard 5(8.33) - - 30(50) 9(15) 44(36.67) lamb housed with adult Yes 43(71.17) 56(93.33) 37(61.67) - 2(3.33) 138(46) No 17(28.33) 4(6.67) 23(38.33) 60(100) 58(96.67) 162(54) sheep housed with cattle Yes 3(5) - - - 1(1.67) 4(1.33) No 57(95) 60(100) 60(100) 60(100) 59(98.33) 296(98.67)

N= number of respondents 134 Belete Asefa et al. : Assessment of Indigenous Sheep Production Systems in Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

3.9. Purposes of Keeping Sheep in the Study District Area Criteria Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/K I I I I I The purpose of keeping sheep by farmers/pastoralist in the wool 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 study areas is presented in Table 10. Knowledge of reasons tail type 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 for keeping animals is a prerequisite for deriving operational I= index = sum of (3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2 +1 for rank 3) given for an breeding goals (Jaitner, et al ., 2001). The primary purpose of individual criteria (attribute) divided by the sum of sum of (3 for rank 1 + 2 keeping sheep in Agarfa, Dinsho, Goba, Sawena and D/K for rank 2+1 for rank 3) for overall criteria . was reported for cash income with an index value of 0.39, 0.42, 0.39, 0.38, 0.37 and 0.39, respectively and followed by 3.11. Selection Criteria for Breeding Ewes as source of meat with index of 0.29, 0.26 and 0.21 for Goba, In the study are about (86.33%) respondents select female Sawena and Dawekachen, respectively. But in Agrfa and sheep (Table 12). Appearance is selected in all of the study area Dinsho insurance ranked second with index of 0.34 and 0.41, as the first criteria of selection. Family history is considered as respectively. The finding is agreement with the report of second criteria of selecting breeding ewes in Agarfa and Dinsho (Amelaml, 2015) where the primary purpose of keeping with index value of 0.34 and 0.13, respectively while color is sheep by farmer was as income generation. In the entire considered as second criteria of election in Goba, Sawena and district farmers reported that female sheep are not used for D/K district with index value of 0.30, 0.24 and 0.26, respectively. milk production purpose as home consumption rather milk is Selection criteria for rams and ewes were parallel across all the used for lambs which are agreement with the report of districts. The selection criteria of the traits are more subjective. (Markos, 2006). The finding of (Tabbaa and R. Al-Atiyat, 2009) revealed that farmers in Jordan are using more subjective than objective Table 10. Purpose of sheep keeping in each district and ranking of these purpose. selection criteria. Selection by farmers implies that they try to maintain good Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/K Overall Purpose performing animals and cull the inferior ones, but the I I I I I I selected does are not necessarily mated with selected rams as Meat 0.16 0.14 0.29 0.26 0.21 0.21 Milk 0.01 0.0 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.01 they are freely roaming and grazing together with other Cash 0.39 0.42 0.39 0.38 0.37 0.39 flocks, which make mating uncontrolled. Most of the farmers Skin 0.02 0.0 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.02 were based on economical and adaptive trait as selection Manure 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.04 0.02 criteria. Wealth 0.06 0.02 0.04 0.09 0.08 0.06 insurance 0.34 0.41 0.24 0.11 0.11 0.24 Table 12. Selection criteria for breeding Ewes in the study area. tail fat 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.14 0.05 Criteria Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/K I= index; Index = sum of (3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2 +1 for rank 3) given for I I I I I an individual reason (attribute) divided by the sum of sum of (3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2+1 for rank 3) for overall reason. Size/appearance 0.48 0.38 0.36 0.37 0.44 Color 0.07 0.13 0.30 0.24 0.26 3.10. Selection Criteria for Breeding Rams Mothering ability 0.12 0.12 0.02 0.05 0.05 lamb survival 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.03 0.02 In the study area about (70.33%) of respondents select lamb growth 0.02 0.01 0.03 0.00 0.00 male sheep (Table 11). Appearance is selected in all of the Short lambing interval 0.00 0.12 0.11 0.01 0.00 study area as the first criteria of selection. Better sexual Twining ability 0.00 0.03 0.13 0.00 0.00 ability and growth rate was considered as second criteria of Better milk yield 0.02 0.04 0.00 0.20 0.17 selection in Agarfa and Dinsho with selection index of 035 Family history 0.34 0.13 0.00 0.10 0.07 and 0.33, respectively. Color was the second criteria of ram I= index; Index = sum of (3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2 +1 for rank 3) given for selection in Goba, Sawena and D/K with index value of 0.2, an individual criteria (attribute) divided by the sum of sum of (3 for rank 1 + 0.28 and 0.37, respectively. 2 for rank 2+1 for rank 3) for overall criteria;

Table 11. Selection criteria for breeding Rams in the study area. 3.12. Breeding System in the Study Area

District In the study area, about 57% of the respondents have their Criteria Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/K I I I I I own ram (Table 13). Among household having their own ram, Appearance 0.36 0.34 0.53 0.41 0.40 the main source of their breeding ram was born in the flock Color 0.02 0.09 0.20 0.28 0.37 (83.04%) followed by purchased from the market (15.78%). Character 0.02 0.06 0.03 0.05 0.06 The main reason of keeping breeding ram in the flock is for Growth 0.09 0.33 0.12 0.04 0.02 the purpose of mating (81.87%). Across all the districts, there Prolificacy 0.00 0.00 0.08 0.01 0.00 Testicular characteristics 0.06 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.07 is shortage or absence of breeding rams in the flock. The Better sexual ability 0.35 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.05 main reason for the decline of breeding ram in the flock was Pedigre 0.09 0.14 0.00 0.07 0.01 farmers/pastoralist sold male sheep in the early age and lack American Journal of Agricultural Science 2017; 4(6): 126-137 135

of awareness about the role of ram in the flock. They use (93.33%), Dinsho (53.33%) and Goba (55%) (Table 14). In neighboring rams (49.61%) and at communal grazing Sawena and D/K district the main mating system was natural (41.86%) to breed their ewes. The main identification mating with nonselective ram. The main reason of un methods of sheep flock in the study area was through controlled mating was sheep graze together (43%) followed observation (32.67%) followed by color of sheep (27.67%). by lack of awareness about lack of inbreeding (33.7%). Natural mating with selective ram was practiced in Agarfa

Table 13. Ram management and its selection practices in the study area.

Agarfa Dinsho Goba Sawena D/K Overall

Parameters N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) N(%) Do you have breeding ram

Yes 35(58) 44(73.3) 43(71.7) 28(46.7) 21(35) 171(57) No 25(42) 16(26.7) 17(28.3) 32(53.3) 39(65) 129(43) Source of breeding ram

Born in the flock 28(80) 34(77.27) 39(90.67) 23(82.14) 18(85.71) 142(83.04) Purchased from market 7(20) 10(22.72) 4(9.33) 3(10.71) 3(14.28) 27(15.78) Gift from relatives - - - 2(7.14) - 2(1.17) Purpose of keeping breeding ram

Mating 26(74.28) 34(77.27) 39(90.69) 23(82.14) 18(85.71) 140(81.87) Social culture 9(25.71) 10(22.73) 4(9.30) 3(10.71) 3(14.28) 29(16.95) For fattening - - - 2(7.14) - 2(1.17) If didn’t have ram, how do you mate

Neighbor ram 13(52) 8(50) 5(29.41) 20(62.5) 18(46.15) 64(49.61) Communal grazing 12(48) 8(50) 8(47.05) 8(25) 18(46.15) 54(41.86) Unknown - - 4(23.53) 4(12.5) 3(7.69) 11(8.5) Do you practice selection of (M)

Yes 43(71.67) 31(51.67) 29(48.33) 52(86.67) 56(93.33) 211(70.33) No 17(28.33) 29(48.33) 31(51.67) 8(13.33) 4(6.67) 89(29.67) Do you practice selection of (F)

Yes 57(95) 52(86.67) 53(88.33) 53(88.33) 44(73.33) 259(86.33) No 3(5) 8(13.33) 7(11.67) 7(11.67) 16(26.67) 41(13.67) Identification mechanisms

color of sheep 31(51.67) - 24(40) 25(41.67) 3(5) 83(27.67) Individual characteristics 6(10) 60(100) - 4(6.67) 2(3.33) 72(24) Unique marks on the sheep 16(26.67) - - - 20(33.33) 36(12) By observation 7(11.67) - 25(41.67) 31(51.67) 35(58.33) 98(32.67) by counting - - 11(18.33) - - 11(18.33)

M= male; F= female

3.13. Effective Population Size and Rate of (Tesfaye, 2008). Inbreeding Table 14. Effectivepopulation sizeandrate ofinbreeding of sheep flock in the In this study the small number of breeding ram per study area. household is believed to increase the level of inbreeding When flocks are not mixed District (Table 14). Homogeneous sheep breed can be the result of Nm Nf Ne ∆F the effect of inbreeding where increased level of inbreeding Agrfa 0.6 2.3 1.90 0.26 and decreased genetic diversity may be the result of the Dinsho 2.2 6.3 6.52 0.07 utilization of breeding ram/s born with in the flock, small Goba 2.1 5.8 6.17 0.08 Sawena 0.3 4.6 1.13 0.44 flock’s size, random mating and lack of awareness about D/K 0.5 4.9 1.81 0.27 inbreeding. In this study the small number of breeding ram Mean 1.14 4.78 3.51 0.14 per household is believed to increase the level of inbreeding. The effective population size (Ne) and the rate of Nm= number of male; Nf = number of female; Ne= effective population size; ∆F=rate of inbreeding inbreeding coefficient (∆F) calculated for sheep types in the study area are presented in Table 15. When sheep flock of a 3.14. Major Breeding Problems household were not mixed, ∆F for sheep in Agarfa, Dinsho, Goba, Sawena and D/K were 0.26, 0.07, 0.08, 0.44 and 0.27, Major breeding problems of the study area are presented in respectively. The value was higher than the maximum (Table 15). In the study area, breeding problems are acceptable level of 0.063 (Armstrong, 2006). Report frequently observed. Across all the district abortion is the showed lower ∆F of 0.079 for Menz and 0.2 for Afar sheep main breeding constraints followed by lamb mortality in than the result for Agarfa, Sawena and D/K District Agarfa, Dinsho and Goba district with index values of 0.23, 136 Belete Asefa et al. : Assessment of Indigenous Sheep Production Systems in Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

0.24 and 0.16, respectively and repeat breeding is the second characterize, identify and document the existing indigenous rank in sawena and Dawekechan district with index value of sheep types and its production system. 0.22 and 0.20, respectively. The main reason of abortion of One of the main conclusions to be drawn from this sheep in the study area was related with the disease and feed study is that the sheep plays a significant role for farmers related factors. Lamb mortality was related with feed and pastoralist in the study area as income generation, shortage and frequent occurrence of disease. meat and insurance throughout the years. But, livestock production system in the study area in general and sheep Table 15. Effectivepopulation sizeandrate ofinbreeding of sheep flock in the production in particular was more of extensive production study area. system which constrained by disease occurrence, feed When flocks are not mixed District shortage, water problems, poor of veterinary service and Nm Nf Ne ∆F less focus on breed and breeding system to improve Agrfa 0.6 2.3 1.90 0.26 productivity of sheep. The results further reveal that Dinsho 2.2 6.3 6.52 0.07 Goba 2.1 5.8 6.17 0.08 though dealing with animals from different districts, the Sawena 0.3 4.6 1.13 0.44 farmers have relatively similar production and breeding D/K 0.5 4.9 1.81 0.27 objectives. Therefore, this finding was put baseline for Mean 1.14 4.78 3.51 0.14 understanding about production and breeding practices of Nm= number of male; Nf = number of female; Ne= effective population size; sheep as first step in designing a sustainable breeding ∆F=rate of inbreeding programme in the study area.

3.15. Major Constraints of Sheep Production Acknowledgements Identifying the constraints of sheep production is a base to Authors would like to thank MaddaWalabu University for solve the problem and to improve sheep genetic resource and allowing and funding budget to undertake the research sheep productivity. Thus, major constraints challenging activities. Special appreciation and thanks goes to the sheep production in the study area are presented in (Table 16). farmers/pastoralists of Agarfa, Dinsho, Goba, Sawena and Disease prevalence, feed shortage and lack of good genotype Dawekechan districts of Bale zone for their time devotion were considered as the most important constraints limiting and providing necessary data. sheep production in the study area with index value of 0.28, 0.19 and 0.18, respectively (Table 16). This is agreement with the finding of where feed shortage and disease are the References most constraints of sheep production in Ethiopia Amelaml et [1] Amelaml Alemayehu, Yoseph Mekasha, Solomon Abegaz and al ., 2015; Helen et al ., 2015). Adisu Jimma (2015). Description of Sheep Production System, Husbandry Practices and Assessment of Major Constraint in Table 16. Major Constraints of sheep Production. Dawuro Zone and Konta Special Wereda of South Region of Ethiopia. Global Journal of Science Frontier Research: Agarfa Dinsh Goba Sawena D/K Overll Agriculture and Veterinary 15 (6). Criteria I I I I I I Genotype 0.36 0.27 0.24 0.01 0.01 0.18 [2] Armstrong, J. B., 2006. Inbreeding: Why we will not do it? Feed shortage 0.17 0.29 0.18 0.18 0.14 0.19 Accessed on September 15, 2008 from Water shortage 0.01 0.03 0.00 0.23 0.14 0.08 http://www.parispoodles.com/Inbreeding.html. Disease 0.21 0.20 0.38 0.27 0.34 0.28 Drought 0.21 0.16 0.06 0.10 0.09 0.11 [3] Belete Asefa, 2013. On Farm Phenotypic Characterization of Market 0.01 0.01 0.12 0.04 0.04 0.04 Indigenous Goat Types and Their Production System In Bale Predator 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.11 0.23 0.09 Zone Of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. M.Sc. Thesis, Haramaya University Pp 116. I = Index; Index = sum of (3X constraint ranked first+2X constraint ranked second+1X constraint ranked third) given for each districts divided by sum [4] Central Statistics Authority (CSA) (2010). Agricultural of (3 X constraint ranked first +2 X constraint ranked second+1X constraint sample survey, 2009/10 (2002 E. C). Volume II, report on ranked third) for all district. livestock and livestock characteristics. Statistical bulletin , 331, March 2010, , Ethiopia.

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