FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Heliyon2024; 10(19); e37400; doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37400

Assessment of livestock husbandry practices and production constraints among smallholder mixed crop-livestock production systems in the Majang zone, southwest Ethiopia.

Abstract: Livestock production plays a significant role in improving the livelihoods of poor smallholder farmer households in the Majang zone. However, despite its importance, there is limited information on husbandry practices and constraints on livestock production to design and implement effective interventions to maximize productivity. The aim of this study was to assess husbandry practices and major constraints on livestock production in the Majang zone, southwest Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 168 households (HHs) through a face-to-face interview from January to May 2021. The results revealed that mixed crop-livestock farming is the dominant livestock production system in the study area. The overall average herd size per household (HH) was 2.15 ± 0.11 cattle, 0.15 ± 0.01 sheep, 0.31 ± 0.09 goats, 0.10 ± 0.02 donkey, 0.04 ± 0.00 mule, 0.13 ± 0.02 horses and 0.24 ± 0.02 chickens. Overall herd size did not differ significantly by AEZ except for sheep (p < 0.05). The primary reason for keeping cattle, goats, sheep, equines and poultry were milk production (27.4 %), meat for home consumption (33.9 %), cash income (33.3 %), transportation (85.1 %), and meat for home consumption (72 %), respectively. In the dry and wet seasons, natural pasture, crop residues, indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTSs), nonconventional feed resources (NCFRs), crop stubbles and improved forages were the main livestock feed resources. The majority (60.1 %) of respondents practiced free-grazing systems. Separate sheds, family dwellings, kraals, and open-walled sheds were the main housing systems used for animals. The majority (79.2 %) of respondents used rivers as a source of livestock drinking water. Trypanosomiasis (18.45 %), African horse sickness (66.1 %) and Newcastle disease (47.02 %) were the most important diseases of livestock. Diseases (35.7 %), lack of access to artificial insemination (35.7 %) and inadequate veterinary services (11.3 %) were identified as the top three constraints limiting production. It is recommended that constraints identified by farmers should be considered in developing and implementing effective interventions to improve livestock productivity and their contribution to poverty alleviation in the study area.
© 2024 The Authors.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2024-09-12 PubMed ID: 39381094PubMed Central: PMC11456831DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37400Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study assessed livestock husbandry practices and production challenges among smallholder farmers practicing mixed crop-livestock farming in the Majang zone, southwest Ethiopia.
  • The research identified common livestock species, their roles, feeding regimes, housing, watering sources, and key diseases, as well as main constraints to improving livestock productivity.

Study Context and Purpose

  • Livestock production is crucial for the economic well-being of poor smallholder farmers in Majang zone.
  • There was limited existing detailed information on livestock husbandry practices and production constraints, which is essential to design effective support interventions.
  • The study aimed to fill this gap by collecting primary data from smallholder households on livestock practices and challenges they face.

Methodology

  • Data collected via semi-structured questionnaires from 168 randomly selected households.
  • Face-to-face interviews carried out between January and May 2021.
  • The mixed crop-livestock system was identified as the dominant production system.

Livestock Herd Composition and Roles

  • Average herd sizes per household were approximately:
    • 2.15 cattle
    • 0.15 sheep
    • 0.31 goats
    • 0.10 donkeys
    • 0.04 mules
    • 0.13 horses
    • 0.24 chickens
  • Herd sizes were mostly consistent across agro-ecological zones, except for sheep which showed significant variation.
  • Main reasons for keeping livestock species:
    • Cattle: milk production (27.4%)
    • Goats: meat for home consumption (33.9%)
    • Sheep: cash income (33.3%)
    • Equines (donkeys, mules, horses): transportation (85.1%)
    • Poultry: meat for home consumption (72%)

Feeding Practices

  • Feeding resources varied by season (dry and wet) including:
    • Natural pasture
    • Crop residues
    • Indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTSs)
    • Nonconventional feed resources (NCFRs)
    • Crop stubbles
    • Improved forages
  • Majority (60.1%) practiced free-grazing systems, indicating animals feed freely during grazing rather than stall feeding.

Housing and Watering Systems

  • Animal housing types reported:
    • Separate sheds
    • Family dwellings
    • Kraals (enclosed yards)
    • Open-walled sheds
  • Most respondents (79.2%) sourced water for livestock from rivers.

Livestock Diseases and Health Constraints

  • Most important diseases affecting livestock:
    • Trypanosomiasis (18.45%)
    • African horse sickness (66.1%)
    • Newcastle disease (47.02%)
  • Main constraints limiting livestock production reported by farmers:
    • Lack of access to disease control and prevention (accounting for 35.7%)
    • Poor access to artificial insemination services (35.7%)
    • Inadequate veterinary services (11.3%)

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • The study highlights key husbandry practices and challenges faced by smallholder livestock producers in the Majang zone.
  • Addressing constraints like disease management, improved veterinary and artificial insemination services is critical for enhancing productivity.
  • Interventions should be guided by farmer-identified bottlenecks to effectively promote livestock productivity and contribute to poverty reduction in the area.

Cite This Article

APA
Assefa S, Duguma B, Worku Z. (2024). Assessment of livestock husbandry practices and production constraints among smallholder mixed crop-livestock production systems in the Majang zone, southwest Ethiopia. Heliyon, 10(19), e37400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37400

Publication

Heliyon
ISSN: 2405-8440
NlmUniqueID: 101672560
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 19
Pages: e37400
PII: e37400

Researcher Affiliations

Assefa, Shimelis
  • Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Duguma, Belay
  • Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Worku, Zemene
  • Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

References

This article includes 51 references
  1. Herrero M. Smart investments in sustainable food production: revisiting mixed crop-livestock systems. Science Feb. 2010;327(5967):822–825.
    doi: 10.1126/science.1183725pubmed: 20150490google scholar: lookup
  2. Garrity D, Dixon J, Boffa JM. Understanding african farming systems: science and policy implication. Invite Paper, Food Security in Africa. bridging research into practice, 29-30 November 2012; Sydney, Australia: 2012.
  3. Randolph TF, Schelling E, Grace D, Nicholson CF, Leroy JL, Cole DC, Demment MW, Omore A, Zinsstag J, Ruel M. Invited review: role of livestock in human nutrition and health for poverty reduction. J. Anim. Sci. 2007;85:2788–2800.
    pubmed: 17911229
  4. Duguma B, Janssens GPJ. Assessment of livestock feed resources and coping strategies with dry season feed scarcity in mixed crop–livestock farming systems around the gilgel gibe catchment, southwest Ethiopia. Sustainability 2021;13(19).
  5. Shapiro BI, Gebru G, Desta S, Negassa A, Nigussie K, Aboset G, Mechale H. Ethiopia Livestock Sector Analysis; Project Report. ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute); Nairobi, Kenya: 2017.
  6. Azage T, Berhanu G, Hoekstra D, Berhanu B, Yoseph M. Smallholder dairy production and marketing systems in Ethiopia: IPMS experiences and opportunities for market-oriented development. IPMS (Improving Productivity and Market Success) of Ethiopian Farmers Project Working Paper 31; Nairobi: ILRI: 2013.
  7. MoA (Ministry of Agriculture) Ethiopia Animal Health Year Book . Ministry of Agriculture (MoA); Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 2010. Federal Ministry of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Regulatory Directorate (APHRD) 2009/10.
  8. . Report on livestock and livestock characteristics (private peasant holdings) (Statistical Bulletin). CSA, (Central statistics agency) vol. 594. Addis Ababa; March, 2021. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, agricultural sample survey 2021/22 [2014 E.C.] volume II.
  9. CSA. Report on Livestock and Livestock Characteristics (Private Peasant Holdings) Ethiopia. Statistical Bulletin 587 Agricultural Sample Survey 2019/20 [2012 E.C.]: Volume II; Central Statistical Agency (CSA): Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2020.
  10. Welay GM, Tedla DG, Teklu GG, Weldearegay SK, Shibeshi MB, Kidane HH, Gebrezgiabher BB, Abraha TH. A preliminary survey of major diseases of ruminants and management practices in Western Tigray province; northern Ethiopia. mBMC Vet. Res. 2018;14:293.
    pmc: PMC6158858pubmed: 30257672
  11. Beigh YA, Ganai AM, Rather MA, Athar H, Hamdani SA. Livestock feed resources availability, feeding practices, and nutrient balances in high Himalaya (Gurez) valley of Kashmir. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 2020;52:2469–2480.
    pubmed: 32350819
  12. Maposa L, Garwe E, Nyamushamba GG. Factors influencing smallholder farmers' preference for veterinary services providers in Zimbabwe. 2023:1–19.
    doi: 10.32388/3ZKNHDgoogle scholar: lookup
  13. Mellor DJ. Updating animal welfare thinking: moving beyond the “five freedoms” towards “A life worth living,”. Animals 2016;6(3):1–20.
    pmc: PMC4810049pubmed: 27102171
  14. Pen M, Savage DSW, Lorn S, Seng M. Cattle feeding and management practices of small-holder farmers in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. Int. J. Eng. Res. Dev. 2010;1(1):132–138.
  15. Ashenafi FB. Livestock disease management and food safety brief. Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems. 2016.
  16. Cochran GW 3rd. Sampling Technique. John Wiley & Sons; New York: 1977.
  17. Kashongwe O, Bebe B, Matofari J, Huelsebusch C. Effects of feeding practices on milk yield and composition in peri-urban and rural smallholder dairy cow and pastoral camel herds in Kenya. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 2017;49(5):909–914.
    pubmed: 28357644
  18. Belay D, Azage T, Hegde BP. Smallholder livestock production system in dandi district, oromia regional state, Central Ethiopia. Glob. Vet. 2012;8(5):472–479.
  19. Andualem T, Berhan T, Gebeyehu G, Ermias B. Characterization of cattle husbandry practices in Essera Woreda; Dawuro zone; southern Ethiopia. Afr. J. Agric. Res. 2015;10 4321–3435.
  20. Kosgey IS, Okeyo AM. Genetic improvement of small ruminants in low-input, smallholder production systems: technical and infrastructural issues. Small Rumin. Res. 2007;70:76–88.
  21. Bebe BO, Udo HMJ, Rowlands GJ, Thorpe W. Smallholder dairy systems in the Kenya highlands: cattle population dynamics under increasing intensification. Livest. Prod. Sci. 2003;82:211–221.
  22. Assefa F, Ano T, Aba T, Ebrahim Z. Assessment of improved forage types and their utilization in Shashogo Woreda; Hadiya zone; Southern Ethiopia. Glob. J. Anim. Sci. Livest. Prod. Anim. Breed. 2015;3:227–230.
  23. Urgessa D, Duguma B, Demeke S, Tolamariam T. Sheep and goat production systems in ilu abba bora zone of oromia regional state, Ethiopia: feeding and management strategies. Glob. Vet. 2012;9(4):421–429.
  24. Musemwa L, Mushunje A, Chimonyo M, Mapiye C. Low cattle market off–take rates in communal production systems of South Africa: causes and mitigation strategies. JSDA 2010;12(5):209–226.
  25. Kebede H, Jimma A, Getiso A, Zelke B. Characterization of gofa cattle population, production system, production and reproduction performance in southern Ethiopia. J. Fish. Lives. Prod. 2017;3(5):237.
    doi: 10.4172/2332-2608.1000237google scholar: lookup
  26. Osti NP. Animal feed resources and their management in Nepal. Acta Scientific Agriculture 2020;4(1):2–14.
  27. O T, Rewe D, Indetie, Ojango JMK, Kahi AK. Breeding objectives for the Boran breed in Kenya: model development and application to pasture-based production systems. Anim. Sci. J. 2006;77:63–177.
  28. Tamrat G. Livestock production system characterization in Arsi Zone, Ethiopia. Int. J. Livest. Prod. 2018;9(9):238–245.
    doi: 10.5897/IJLP2018.0494google scholar: lookup
  29. Gulilat L, Chekol Y, Gulilat L, Chekol Y. Mineral in crop residues and interaction with soil minerals contents in Ethiopia: review. MOJ Food Process Technols 2020;8(2):40–44.
    doi: 10.15406/mojfpt.2020.08.00240google scholar: lookup
  30. Demeke S, Mekuriaw Y, Asmare B. Assessment of livestock production system and feed balance in watersheds of North Achefer District, Ethiopia. JAEID 2017;111(1):175–190.
  31. Husen M, Kechero Y, Molla M. Characterization of livestock production system in three selected districts of Jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia. JRI 2016;7(2):47–62.
  32. Mellor D.J., Stafford K.J.. Animal welfare implications of neonatal mortality and morbidity in farm animals. Vet. J. 2004;168:118–133.
    pubmed: 15301760
  33. Kosgey I.S., Okeyo A.M.. Genetic improvement of small ruminants in low-input, smallholder production systems: technical and infrastructural issues. Small Rumin. Res. 2007;70:76–88.
  34. Kagira J.M., Kanyari P.W.N.. Questionnaire survey on urban and peri-urban livestock farming practices in Kisumu municipality, Kenya. JSAVA 2010;81(2):82–86.
    pubmed: 21247012
  35. Chatikobo P., Manzi M., Kagarama J., Rwemarika J.D., Umunezero O.. Benchmark study on husbandry factors affecting reproductive performance of smallholder dairy cows in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. LRRD 2009;21(6).
  36. Justus O., Owuor G., Bebe B.O.. Management practices and challenges in smallholder indigenous chicken production in Western Kenya. J. Agric. Rural Dev. Tropics Subtropics 2013;114(1):51–58.
  37. . Socio–economic consequences for poor livestock farmers of animal diseases and VPH problems, in improved animal health for poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods. FAO Anim. Prod. Health Pap. 2002;153 Rome.
  38. Tariku J., Ashenafi M., Kidane G.. Assessment of veterinary services in central Ethiopia: a case study in ada'a district of oromia region, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Veterinary Journal 2015;19(2):1–9.
  39. Moabiemang G., Barbara N.N., Demel T., Oluwatoyin D.K.. Ethno-veterinary practices amongst livestock farmers in Ngamiland district, Botswana. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 2013;10(3):490–502.
    pmc: PMC3777591pubmed: 24146479
  40. Maposa L., Garwe E., Nyamushamba G.G.. Factors influencing smallholder farmers' preference for veterinary services providers in Zimbabwe. 2023:1–19.
    doi: 10.32388/3ZKNHDgoogle scholar: lookup
  41. Kumar S., Dahiya S.P., Kumar M., Kumar N.. Appraisal of calf rearing practices followed by farmers in Hisar district of Haryana. Haryana Vet. 2021;60(2):179–182.
  42. Vasseur E., Borderas F., Cue R.I., Lefebvre D., Pellerin D., Rushen J., Wade K.M., de Passille A.M.. A survey of dairy calf management practices in Canada that affect animal welfare. JDS 2010;93:1307–1315.
    pubmed: 20172250
  43. Godden S. Colostrum management for dairy calves. Vet. Clin. North Am. Food Anim. Pract. 2008;24:19–39.
    pmc: PMC7127126pubmed: 18299030
  44. McGuirk SM, Collins M. Managing the production, storage, and delivery of colostrum. Vet Clin N Am. Food Anim. Prac. 2004;20:593.
    pubmed: 15471626
  45. Sabapara GP, Fulsoundar AB, Kharadi VB. Survey of calf rearing practices followed at rural dairy farms in Surat District. J. Anim. Res. 2015;5(2):257–261.
  46. Tassew A, Seifu E. Smallholder dairy production system and emergence of dairy cooperatives in bahir dar zuria and mecha woredas, northwestern Ethiopia. WJDFS 2009;4:185–192.
  47. Mollel NM, Mtenga N. Gender roles in livestock production: the case of Tchenzema ward in the western Uluguguru highlands - morogoro – Tanzania. S Afr Jnl Agric Ext/S 2000;29:47–57.
  48. Paudel LN, ter Meulen U, Wollny C, Dahal H, Gauly M. Gender aspects in livestock farming: pertinent issues for sustainable livestock development in Nepal. LRRD 2009;21:40.
  49. Duguma B. Farmers' perceptions of major challenges to smallholder dairy farming in selected towns of Jimma zone, oromia regional state, Ethiopia: possible influences, impacts, coping strategies and support needed. Heliyon 2022;8(6).
    doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09581pmc: PMC9168517pubmed: 35677408google scholar: lookup
  50. Yadessa E, Ebro A, Fita L, Asefa G. Livestock feed production and feed balance in meta-robi district, west shewa zone, oromiya regional state, Ethiopia. ARJASR 2016;4:45–54.
  51. Mutambara J, Mano R, Chatikobo P, Masvong J. Proximate determinants of the effective demand for animal health services in smallholder sector of Zimbabwe. LRRD 2012;24:178.

Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Getahun A, Kechero Y, Yemane N, Dessie T, Esatu W. Fruit and Vegetable Peels as Alternative Feed for Sustainable Poultry Production: A Solution for Small-Scale Farms in Central and Southern Ethiopia.. Vet Med Sci 2026 Jan;12(1):e70791.
    doi: 10.1002/vms3.70791pubmed: 41553170google scholar: lookup
  2. Assefa S, Duguma B, Worku Z. Assessment of Breeding Practices and Productive and Reproductive Performance of Multiple Livestock Species in Mixed Farming System in Majang Zone, Southwest Ethiopia.. Vet Med Sci 2026 Jan;12(1):e70712.
    doi: 10.1002/vms3.70712pubmed: 41383058google scholar: lookup
  3. Tariku A, Alemu K, Schellenberg J, Marchant T, Berhanu D, Lemma S, Defar A, Getachew T, Abdissa Z, Guadu T, Shiferaw S, Taye G, Zelalem M, Persson LÅ. Social equity in Ethiopian infants' breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices: a birth cohort study.. BMC Pediatr 2025 Oct 9;25(1):795.
    doi: 10.1186/s12887-025-06105-6pubmed: 41068650google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 100,280 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.