Traditional breeding practices and trait preferences of cattle farmers in Gamo Goffa Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Gamo Goffa Zone of Southern Ethiopia to characterize traditional cattle breeding practices and cattle trait preferences of the Gamo Highland and Gamo Lowland cattle types. Data collected through group discussions and individual interviews were synthesized and summarized using descriptive statistics. Indigenous cattle in the study area provide multiple functions, are well adapted to their production environments, and managed under traditional and subsistent modes of production. Farmers' cattle trait preferences slightly differ across highland and lowland sites. Whereas lowland farmers prefer carcass yield and traction capacity, cattle farmers in highland areas give more weight to adaptation, milk production and manure contributions. Common breeding system in all sites was pure breeding, although very few farmers residing in mid and highland areas exercise crossbreeding with introduced Holstein Friesian bulls for dairy improvement. The main reported selection criteria of farmers for breeding their animals were body size and conformation, milk production, fertility and breeding history of animals. Cattle breeding and management practices of the study area are traditional and low input.

Participatory Identification of Breeding Objectives and Selection Criteria for Begaria Cattle Breed

“…The larger the body size, the higher the chances of muscle development and therefore higher draft ability (in case the bulls are used for draft purposes); larger body size also better enables a bull to protect itself and the herd against predatory attacks [38]. Coat color (white) is also considered a trait of importance as it has socio-cultural importance alongside adaptability in bulls [45]. While bulls are easily seen in the deep forest and can easily be traced out by the herders, white-skinned animals thrive well in the lowlands and, due to their adaptability traits, usually grow well provided they have access to feed and fodder [46,47].…”

Pratiques d’élevage et indicateurs morphométriques de performance laitière chez les éleveurs de bovins Kouri au Niger

“…Il existe cependant une connaissance endogène au niveau des éleveurs qui lient certains traits physiques à la production de lait. Par ailleurs, dans une sélection basée sur des critères externes tels que observés dans les systèmes d'élevage traditionnels africains, il semble exister des spécificités propres aux races (Yeman et al, 2015), au climat (Peters et al, 1982) et aux contextes géographiques des éleveurs (Chebo et al, 2014) quant à l'utilisation et à la validation de ces critères. Les enquêtes réalisées dans le cadre de cette étude ont eu pour but de décrire les pratiques d'élevage, les performances de production et les indicateurs morphométriques en lien avec la production de lait, exploités dans les pratiques éventuelles d'amélioration génétique de la race Kouri au Niger.…”

“…En revanche, René (1969) confirme que la longueur de la queue est un bon caractère laitier. Le critère hauteur au garrot évoqué par les éleveurs est également signalé dans les travaux de Lakouetene (1999), Mwambene et al (2012), et Chebo et al (2014). Dans le processus de sélection phénotypique, le caractère bonne conformation est recherché par 9,6 % des éleveurs (Lakouetene, 1999).…”