East African Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Evaluation of Alternative Breeding Objectives Using Computer Simulation Modeling for Abergelle Goats in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Simulation-based genetic selection plays a vital role in designing cost-effective, practical breeding schemes that align with farmers' needs and promote goat genetic improvement. This study aimed to evaluate alternative breeding objectives for Abergelle goats in northern Ethiopia using the Zplan+ software. The breeding goal traits considered included six-month weight, pre-weaning survival rate, and kidding interval. Four alternative breeding objectives were assessed, varying in the number of traits included in the selection index, while all traits were retained in the aggregate breeding goal. Results showed minimal differences between the alternatives, with a slightly higher predicted annual genetic gain of 0.3815 kg for six-month weight when only this trait was included in the selection index (alternative 4). In comparison, alternative 1, which included all traits, resulted in a slightly lower gain of 0.3806 kg. Predicted annual genetic gains for pre-weaning survival and kidding interval ranged from 0.00107% to 0.00148% and from 0.0113 to 0.0161 years, respectively. Overall, the simulation results indicated a good range of genetic gains across the alternatives, with minimal variation. Alternative 4, which includes only six-month weight in the selection index is more practical for implementation at the farm level with minimal genetic gain loss for the selected trait. However, to ensure sustained progress, the inclusion of additional traits should be considered over time.

White Lupin (Lupinus albus) Grain and Wheat Bran Mixture Supplementation Effects on Feed Utilization and Growth Performance of Washera Sheep Fed Teff (Eragrostis teff ) Straw as a Basal Diet

Birkie Yeshaneh, Shashie Ayele, Berhanu Alemu — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of processed white lupin grain (PWLG) and wheat bran (WB) mixture supplementation on feed intake, digestibility, body weight change, and economic feasibility of the feed treatments using Washera sheep. Twenty-five intact yearling sheep with a mean initial body weight (IBW) of 15.7 ± 0.19 kg (mean ± SD) were divided into five groups, with five animals in each group, and treatments were randomly allocated to each animal in a group (block). The treatments were teff straw ad libitum + 70 g WB (T1, control), T1 + 75% WB + 25% PWLG (T2), T1 + 50% WB + 50% PWLG (T3), T1 + 25% WB + 75% PWLG (T4), and T1 + 100% PWLG (T5). The results showed that teff straw contained 4.6% crude protein (CP) and 76.5% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), while PWLG and WB contained more than 7- and 2-times crude protein over teff straw in that order. The results of the study also indicated that significant (p <0.0001) increments in dry matter (DM) intake (705 g to 884 g) and other intakes were recorded when the proportion of PWLG in a mixture was increased from 0 to 75% (T1 to T4) while declined intakes (except crude protein intake) were observed when the proportion of PWLG reached to 100% (T5). Likewise, dry matter and nutrient digestibility, feed-to-body weight conversion efficiency, and in turn average daily gain (6.67 to 64 g/day) were increased when the proportion of PWLG in a mixture was increased from 0 to 75% (T1 to T4) while declining when the level of PWLG reached 100% (T5) indicating T4 (25% WB and 75 PWLG) is the optimum level of this mixture. Net return and marginal return also followed similar trends. Therefore, it could be suggested that 25% WB and 75% PWLG mixture supplementation is cost-effective to increase the body weight and then a better economic return of Washera sheep.

Effects of Coarsely Ground Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum Graecum) Seeds Supplementation on Fertility, Hatchability and Chick Quality in White Leghorn Hens

Mengie Ahmed, Negassi Ameha, Mengistu Urge, Nurlign Mohammed — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of coarsely ground fenugreek seed (CGFS) on fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality of White Leghorn (WL) layers over 12 weeks period at Haramaya University Poultry Farm. Five dietary treatments were formulated with CGFS inclusion levels of 0% (T1), 0.5% (T2), 1% (T3), 1.5% (T4), and 2% (T5). A total of 210 birds (180 layers and 30 cocks), aged 42 weeks with a uniform body weight (1123.9 ± 21.23 (mean±SE)) were randomly assigned to the five treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times, with 12 layers and two cocks per replicate, housed in a deep litter system. Data collected from the study includes fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, and chick quality. A total of 300 eggs were selected for incubation. Chick weight at day-old significantly increased (P<0.01) with CGFS inclusion levels, with values for T3 (33.78±0.383g), T4 (34.37±0.383g), and T5 (34.82±0.383g) exceeding those for T1 (32.44±0.383g) and T2 (32.96±0.383g). Similarly, chick length at day-old was significantly higher (P<0.001) in T4 (16.47.8±0.094cm) and T5 (16.98±0.094cm) compared to T1 (15.68±0.094cm), T2 (15.91±0.094cm) and T3 (15.96±0.09 cm). Fertility, hatchability and embryonic mortality were not significantly affected by treatments (P>0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of fenugreek seeds in the diets of WL layers had no adverse effects on fertility, hatchability, or embryonic mortality. Notably, it significantly improves chick weight and chick length, suggesting its potential as a beneficial dietary supplement for enhancing chick quality.

Assessment of Smallholder Dairy Production Practice, Milk Handling and Marketing in Kombolcha District, East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Mezgebu Tesfaye, Takele Wolkaro, Mengistu Urge — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed dairy production practices, milk handling, and marketing systems in Kombolcha district, Oromia, based on data from 154 smallholder dairy farmers across three kebeles (Qaqalli, Eeguu, and Bilisumma). The average number of dairy cows per household was 2.32 ± 0.07 (P < 0.05). Feed sources in the dry season included crop residues and wheat bran, which accounted for 70.1 %, 73.5 %, and 74.6 % of total feed in Qaqalli, Eeguu, and Bilisumma, respectively. Stall feeding was the predominant feeding system, practiced by 89.1 %, 89.8 %, and 88.1 % of households. The average daily milk yield and lactation period for indigenous cows were 1.99 ± 0.08 liters and 7.21 ± 0.10 months, while for crossbred cows, these were 5.58 ± 0.36 liters and 9.70 ± 0.24 months (P > 0.05). Most farmers (83.8 %) milked their cows twice a day. Water sources for dairy cattle were predominantly wells or groundwater (76.1 % in Qaqalli, 77.6 % in Eeguu, and 84.7 % in Bilisumma), with nearly all respondents watering their animals at home. Most households cleaned barns daily (95.7 % in Qaqalli, 89.8 % in Eeguu, and 83.1 % in Bilisumma). Plastic equipment was used for milking (54.3 % in Qaqalli, 55.1 % in Eeguu, and 67.8 % in Bilisumma). Most respondents cleaned milking equipment with cold water and Ajax/leaves before milking. Most respondents used plastic containers for milk storage, with 2 % in Eeguu and 5.1 % in Bilisumma using clay pots. Key challenges include scarcity of land, feed, improved breed and AI services, disease problem and shortage of water. Addressing these constraints through targeted interventions is vital.

On Farm Evaluation of Growth and Reproductive Performances of Horro Cattle Breed in Horro District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Ayantu Mekonnen, Aynalem Haile — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The survey study was conducted to evaluate the growth and reproductive performances of Horro cattle breed kept under farmers’ management system in Horro district, western Oromia, Ethiopia. Data were collected through monitoring from a farm source. The total number of households and animals involved in the study were 52 and 151, respectively. The data were analyzed using the general linear model procedures of Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The estimated least square means for birth weight (BW), three months weight (3MW), six months weight (6MW), weaning weight (WW), eighteen months weight (18MW), pre weaning daily gain (PrWDG) and post weaning daily gain (PoWDG) were 16.92±0.24 kg, 38.93±0.30 kg, 56.44±0.51 kg, 76.34±0.45 kg, 108.07±0.74 kg, 252.93±1.52 gm and 119.92±1.72 gm, respectively. The overall least square means for days open (DO) and calving interval (CI) were 315±3.11days and 19.216±0.14months, respectively. Year of birth significantly affected (P < 0.01) all growth traits considered in the study. Similarly, season of birth significantly affected (P < 0.01) all traits. Parity of the dam affected (P < 0.01) all traits considered, except 18MW, and its effect increased with increasing parity until the third parity. The effect of sex of calves on all studied growth traits was also apparent (P < 0.01), where males were heavier and grew faster than females. In conclusion, non-genetic factors exerted significant effects on the growth and reproductive performances of Horro cattle breed kept under a farmer management system. Thus, the level of management should be improved in order to exploit the genetic potential (growth and reproduction performances) of Horro cattle breed kept under farmers’ management systems.