ATARC book of abstracts

January, 2015

OROMIA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

ADAMI TULU AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER

BOOK OF ABSTRACTS

ii

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute

Adami Tulu Agricultural research center

Book of abstracts

2015

Compiled by: Tesfaye Gemechu

OARI, Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, 2015

i

Contents 1. Livestock Research Process .............................................................................................................. 1

1.1. Dairy Research Team ............................................................................................................. 1

1.2. Meat Research Team ............................................................................................................ 10

1.3. Animal Feeds and Rangeland Management Research Team ........................ 19

1.4. Poultry Research Team ....................................................................................................... 25

1.5. Apiculture Research Team ................................................................................................ 28

2. Crop research Process ...................................................................................................................... 34

2.1. Horticulture research team .............................................................................................. 34

3. Natural Resource research Process ............................................................................................. 45

3.1. Soil Fertility Improvement and SWC Research Team .......................................... 45

3.2. Irrigation and Water Harvesting Research Team ............................................... 48

3.3. Agroforestry research team ............................................................................................. 49

4. Socio Economics and Agricultural Extension Research Process ....................................... 54

4.1. Agricultural Extension research team ....................................................................... 54

4.2. Socio Economics Research Team .................................................................................. 62

1

1. Livestock Research Process

1.1. Dairy Research Team

Effects of molasses level in a concentrate mixture on performances of crossbred heifer calves fed a basal

diet of maize Stover

Dawit Assefa1, Ajebu Nurfeta2 and Sandip Banerjee2

1Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia.

2School of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P. O. Box 5, Hawassa

Ethiopia.

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and feed intake of crossbred (Boran x Holstein

Friesian) female calves fed different levels of molasses in concentrate mixture using 24 yearlings calves with

average initial weight of 142.420.7 kg which lasted for 90 days. The calves were assigned into treatments having

0 (T1), 15 (T2), 30 (T3) and 50% (T4) molasses which replaced wheat bran in concentrate mixture using

randomized complete block design into six blocks of four animals. The dry matter (DM) degradability was

determined by incubating 3 g of feed samples in fistulated steers fed natural pasture hay ad libitum supplemented

with 2 kg of concentrate. The total DM and organic matter (OM) intake for T2 and T3 diets were higher (P<

0.05) than those fed T1 and T4 diets. The stover DM and OM intake for T2 and T3 diets were higher (p

2

Key words: Crop residues, feed availability, feed balance, feed requirement, urban-peri urban.

Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cattle in selected urban and peri-urban farms of mid rift

valley, Ethiopia

Girma Chalchissa 1, Yoseph Mekasha2 and Mengistu Urge3 1Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia

2International Livestock Research Institute, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 3Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O. Box 138, Dire-Dawa, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate reproductive performance of crossbred cows and to identify

potential constraints of dairying under small and medium scale farmers management in urban and peri-urban dairying of mid rift valley, Ethiopia. The data was collected through questionnaire from 120

small and medium dairy farm owners. The overall estimated mean age at first service and age at first

calving was 20.602 and 30.60.19months, respectively, and differed (P

3

Production, handling, processing, utilization and marketing of milk in the Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Fikrineh Negash, Estefanos Tadesse, Esayas Aseffa*, Chali Yimamu and Feyisa Hundessa

Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia. Email; [email protected]

* Ethiopian Meat and Dairy Technology Institute, P.O.Box 1573, Bishoftu, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in purposively selected districts of East Shoa and West Arsi Zones of

Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia by selecting 150 dairy owning households using structured

questionnaire to identify milk production, handling, processing, dairy products utilization and

marketing system. The results of the study show that the overall average holding of milking cows per

household in the study area were 1.920.09. Among 40% of the farmers holding crossbred dairy cows

the majority were farmers of peri-urban area. Cow milk production was the major activity as a source

of food and income in the area. However, small amount of milk was produced from goat and sheep.

Hygienic practices during milking were found to be better as compared to other similar studies done in

the past. About 52.7% and 10.3% of farmers were washing udder of their cows before and after milking

respectively. Different plant materials were used for cleaning and smoking of milking and storing

utensils to increase the shelf life of milk. Milk was traditionally processed to convert it into more stable

products like traditional butter (Kibe), buttermilk (Arrera), cottage cheese (Ayib) and whey (Aguat).

These milk products were consumed by the farmers in addition to fresh liquid milk. Milk and milk

products were sold both through formal and informal market. Milk was sold both by rural (crop-

livestock mixed) and peri-urban farmers in the area. The amount sold was higher for the peri-urban

farmers than the rural farmers.

Key words: crop-livestock mixed, dairy, peri-urban, production system, rural

Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows under Small and Medium Scale Farmers Management in and

Around Shashamane City, Southern Ethiopia

Girma Chalchissa1*, Yoseph Mekasha2 and Mengistu Urge2 1Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box, 35, Ziway, Ethiopia

2School of Animal and range sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box, 138 Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in and around Shashamane city to assess feed intake and productive performance of

crossbred dairy cows during early lactation under farmers management. A total of 120 dairy farmers were selected for the study. Structured questionnaire, secondary data sources and field observations were employed to

generate data. A total of 48 animals in early lactation and parity from 2 to 6 were used for monitoring study for

the period of 90 days. Significant differences were observed in daily intakes of DM, crude protein and ME

(P

4

Microsatellite analysis reveals high genetic diversity but low genetic structure in Ethiopian indigenous

cattle populations

H. Dadi*, M. Tibbo, Y. Takahashi*, K. Nomura*, H. Hanada* and T. Amano* *Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture,

1737 Funako Atsugi City, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan.

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopian cattle are under threat from uncontrolled mating practices and are at high risk of becoming genetically

homogeneous. Therefore, to evaluate genetic diversity, population structure and degree of admixture, 30

microsatellite markers were genotyped using 351 DNA samples from 10 Ethiopian cattle populations and the

Holstein breed. The mean number of alleles per cattle population ranged from 6.93 2.12 in Sheko to 7.50 2.35

in Adwa. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.674 0.015 and 0.726 0.019 respectively.

Ethiopian cattle populations have maintained a high level of within-population genetic differentiation (98.7%),

the remainder being accounted for by differentiation among populations (1.3%). A highly significant deficiency

in heterozygotes was detected within populations (FIS = 0.071; P < 0.001) and total inbreeding (FIT = 0.083; P

< 0.001). The study populations were highly admixed but distinct from pure Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds.

The various levels of admixture and high genetic diversity make Ethiopian cattle populations suitable for future

genetic improvement and utilization under a wide range of agro-ecologies in Ethiopia.

Keywords: genetic diversity, indigenous cattle, levels of admixture, microsatellites.

No evidence for a recent genetic bottleneck in the endangered Sheko cattle breed (African Bos taurus)

revealed by microsatellite analysis Hailu Dadi1, 2, Joram Mwacharo1, 3, Markos Tibbo4, Yukimizu Takahashi1, Koh Nomura1, Hirofumi Hanada1

& Takashi Amano1 1 Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of

Agriculture, 1737 Funako Atsugi City, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan 2Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, PO Box 35, Baatu, Ethiopia

3Kiboko Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, PO Box 12, Makindu 90138, Kenya 4International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), PO Box 5466, Tel Hadya,

Aleppo, Syria

Abstract

Sheko is African taurine cattle, valued for its milk yield, adaptation to humid tsetse infested environment and

trypano tolerance. We used 30 microsatellite markers in analyzing 30 DNA samples. We found high genetic

diversity and no genetic bottlenecks in endangered Sheko cattle. Sheko cattle have not undergone recent genetic

bottlenecks, in spite of drastic reduction in its overall demographic population size. The results were supported

by three statistical methods: (i) detection of heterozygosity excess (ii) a mode-shift indicator of allele distribution

pattern (iii) the ratio of the number of alleles to the range of allele size, M-ratio Nature Precedings :

hdl:10101/npre.2009.3925.1 : Posted 30 Oct 2009 2 test. This breed reflects historical and cultural identity of

local communities and represents a unique component of the global domestic animal biodiversity that deserve

priority for conservation.

5

Comparative Performances of Holstein-Friesian Cows under Smallholder and Large Scale Farmers Management in Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia

Nega Tolla, Pravee Vijchulata, Pornsri Chairatanayuth2 and Suwapong Swsdiphanich

Abstract A study was conducted in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia to assess comparative productive and reproductive

performances of graded Holstein Friesian cows under small and large scale farmers management. A total of 28 animals from both small (14) and large scales farms (14) in different parity classes were used for data collection

for a period of 28 weeks. Significant differences were observed in daily intakes of dry matter, crude protein and

P (p0.05) milk

yield differences among treatments. However, animals fed the treatment diets of C+CSC, CSC+Bole and

C+CSC+Bole produced 7.4, 16.3 and 18.2% higher actual milk and 14.3, 24.2 and 25.7% higher 4% fat corrected

milk than the control group respectively. Milk fat content was significantly (p0.05) differed among treatments.

Lower milk protein contents were observed throughout the treatment groups than expected might be due to low

nonstructural carbohydrate contents of the diets. Supplementing a concentrated diet with 3% bole alone was

found biologically and economically profitable. However, optimum levels of CSC and bole to be included in a

concentrate diet have to be assessed further.

Key words: milk yield, milk compositions, cottonseed cake, bole soil, dairy cow

6

Microbial quality and chemical composition of raw milk in the Mid-Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Fikrineh Negash1*, Estefanos Tadesse1and Tatek Woldu2

1Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia. 2Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia.

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the microbial quality and chemical composition of raw milk collected from

selected districts of East Shoa and West Arsi zones of Oromia Regional State in Mid-Rift Valley of Ethiopia. A

total of 60 and 48 milk samples collected from individual households were analyzed for microbial quality and chemical composition of milk, respectively. Means of total bacterial counts were significantly different (P0.05) among districts. The overall mean total bacterial

counts and coliform counts in the study area were 7.08 0.07 and 4.35 0.06 ml-1, respectively. The result

indicated that the milk samples collected from all districts were subjected to microbial contamination. Therefore,

adequate sanitary measures should be taken at all stages from production to consumption. The overall mean for

fat, protein and solid-not-fat percent were 5.480.19, 3.460.04 and 9.100.09, respectively and fat percent was

significantly different (P

7

Bovine Cysticercosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Zeway Municipal Abattoir: Prevalence and its Public

Health Importance

Hussein Bedu1, Ketema Tafess

2*, Birhanu Shelima

3, Desalegn Woldeyohannes

2, Bemnet Amare

2 and Afework

Kassu2

1University of Gondar, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

2University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Immunology

and Parasitology 3Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Centre, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study on bovine cysticercosis was conducted at Ziway municipal abattoir from November 2010

to March 2011 with the main objectives of determining the prevalence of cysticercosis in animals, taeniasis in

human and estimates the worth of taeniasis treatment in Zeway/Batu town. Active abattoir and questionnaire

survey and inventory of pharmaceutical shops were performed to accomplish the study. Out of the total 400

inspected animals. 12 animals had variable number of Cysticercus bovis giving an overall prevalence of 12 (3%).

Anatomical distribution of the cyst showed that the highest proportions of C.bovis cyst were observed in tongue

33 (34.4%) followed by heart 27 (28.1%), triceps 21 (21.9%) and masseter muscle 15(15.6%). A total of 96 C.

bovis were collected during the inspection; out of these, 32 (33.3%) were found to be live cysts while 64 (66.7%)

were degenerative cysts. Of the total 120 interviewed respondents, 68 (56.7%) had contracted T. saginata

infection at least once in their life time. Human taeniasis prevalence showed significant difference (p

8

On-farm Participatory Dairy Technology Evaluation and Demonstration through FRGs/FREGs in the

Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Fikrineh Negash1, Taha Mume2, Ebrahim Jemal3, Wole Kinati1, Chali Yimamu1, Belay Deressa1, Berhanu

Shelima1, Tatek Woldu4, Dawit Assefa1 and Gurmessa Umeta1 1Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, [email protected]

2Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box 81265, Addis Ababa 3CARE Ethiopia, Harar, Ethipia

4Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O.Box 307, Jimma

Abstract

Sixteen Holstein Frisian x Borana crossbred in-calf/primiparous heifers in their last trimester were

distributed to the selected farmers of Lume and Adama districts in the months of May and October 2009

to evaluate and demonstrate the technology under farmers condition using Farmers Research and Extension Groups. Data were collected for only the first lactation period. Average daily milk production

and lactation milk yield of the breed in Lume and Adama district in the first lactation was 7.44kg and

1894.51kg, respectively. The economic feasibility study employed using the gross margins method

indicated that average gross margin of 2900.79 ETB. The present result indicated that the dairy

technology is viable since farmers could get a 0.52 ETB profit from investing 1 ETB of production cost.

It has been concluded that the average milk production of the breed under farmers management situation is satisfactory and the technology is profitable. But, there is a need to work more on feed

development and improvement of veterinary and AI service delivery.

Key words: participatory dairy technology, on-farm, farmers research group

Influence of Dam Genotype, Age of Dam and Parity on Age at First Calving, Calving Interval and Birth

Weight in Indigenous and Crossbred Cattle at Adami Tulu

Hailu Dadi and Tadele Mirkena

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dam genotype, age of dam and parity on age at first calving (AFC),

calving interval (CI) and birth weight (BW) of calves. Pure Borana (B) and Barka (K) cattle and Friesian (F),

Jersey (J) and Simmental (S) sire breeds crossed with Borana and Barka dams were considered in this

investigation. The analyses of variance showed that dam genotype, age of dam and parity had significant

(P

9

Growth Performance of Boran Cattle and Their Simmental Crosses in

Ethiopia

Amsalu Sisay

Abstract

Calf records on 188 Boran and 5 grades of Simmental X Boran crossbreds were analyzed for the effect of

Simmental (S) breeding and other factors on pre-and post-weaning growth traits. Crossbred calves were

significantly (P < 0.05) heavier at birth than purebred Boran and birth weights increased with increasing

level of Simmental blood. Crossbred calves with 50% Simmental blood (S50) had the heaviest (P < 0.05) weight

at all ages after birth. Crossing Boran cattle with Simmental breeds improved growth performances of calves

with 50% Simmental blood and further upgrading to 75% of Simmental blood did not improve growth

performance under tropical condition. Male calves were significantly heavier at birth (P < 0.01) and at all other

ages (P < 0.05) than female calves, and they grew 6.2% and 10% faster than females during pre and post weaning

periods, respectively. Calves born in the wet season were heavier (P < 0.05) than dry season calves at weaning

age. Age of dam significantly (P < 0.05) affected pre-weaning growth rate and weaning weights of calves in a

quadratic fashion. The pattern of the effect of age of dam on pre-weaning ADG and weaning weights showed that

6-and 7-year old dams have the maximum positive maternal influence. Pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG)

and 6-month weaning weight of calves were positively and significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with total annual

rain fall of the year of birth, in a linear fashion.

Keywords: Age of dam, Boran cattle, Ethiopia, Growth performance, Post-weaning, Pre-weaning, Season of

birth, Simmental crosses

Survey of farmers perception on major health constraints of cattleunder smallholder management

system in east Shoa zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

Regasa Chala, Berhanu Shelima, Abdisa Abalti, Fufa Dawo and Hunduma Dinka

Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Centre P.O. Box 35, Zeway, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Major health constraints of cattle under smallholder management condition were studied in six districts of east

Shoa zone to identify and prioritize major diseases of cattle using pre-tested questionnaire. According to the

respondents the major cattle health problems of th e area were Anthrax (Abbaa Sangaa), 91.5% flea and/or lice

infestation, 86% Tick infestation , 84.9% black leg (Abba Gorba), 81.5% Foot and mouth disease (Maansa), 81%

mastitis , 72.9% and Pasteurollosis (Gororsiisaa), 71.7%. Most of the respondents have associated higher

occurrence of anthrax and blackleg with the spring season which might be attributed to close grazing of tough

and scratchy feed on the contaminated ground. The major methods of interventions by the farmers were use of

traditional medicine (68%), use of veterinary clinics (49.6%) and treatment by themselves with commercial drugs

purchased from local and nearby markets (42.3%). Even though the findings were not supported by laboratory

results for further confirmation, many of the diseases mentioned were those for which vaccines are locally

produced and readily available. Therefore, future research direction should address epidemiological

investigation of major diseases with subsequent development of cattle disease control strategies and animal

health extension system.

Key wards: Cattle, Diseases, East Shoa

10

1.2. Meat Research Team

Evaluation of different feeding options on yearling Borana bulls to attain export market weight at Adami

Tulu agricultural research center Mieso Guru, Girma Debele, Tesfaye Alemu Tucho, Frihiwot Messele and Tesfaye Alemu Aredo

Adami Tulu agricultural research center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted at Adami Tulu agricultural research center for about 224 days on 27 yearling Borana

bulls of 128.694.16kg of initial body weight to evaluate different feeding options on yearling Borana bulls to

attain the required export market weight of 300kg and to identify the most economical feeding options for yearling

bulls.by using three dietary treatment groups T1=Grazing, molasses 20%, wheat bran 35% and linseed cake

45%, T2= Grazing, maize grain 20%, wheat bran 45% and Noug cake 35%, T3= Grazing, wheat bran 65% and

cotton seed cake 35% to attain the required export market weight of 300kg. For each three dietary treatments

groups (T1, T2 and T3) 9 yearling Borana bulls were randomly assigned throughout the experimental period

until the animals were attained an average export market weight of 300kg. The result of the feeding trial showed

that there is no statistically significance difference among the three dietary treatment groups in body weight gain

at the end of the experimental periods. In this trial all experimental bulls assigned under each treatment groups

gained the lowest ADWG at 224 days of fattening periods as compare to 84 days and 112 days of fattening

periods. The result of carcass parameters/traits evaluation showed that there is no significance difference among

the three treatments groups. In This trial animal fed with T2 is very feasible both biological and economical as

compare toT1 and T3. Hence, any beef cattle fatteners can be used one of the three treatments groups based on

the availability of the feeds in his locality and the price of the dietary feeds to fatten yearling Borana bulls for

export market weight gain of 300kg.

Key words: Carcass traits, weight gain, experimental animals and concentrate feeds.

On-farm performance of Arsi-Bale goats in Ethiopia receivingdifferent concentrate supplements

Mieso Guru, Girma Abebe*, A Goetsch**, Fayisa Hundessa, Abule Ebro and BerhanuShelima

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to compare effects of supplements based on different byproduct feedstuffs on on-

farm performance of yearling Arsi-Bale goats in the Adami Tulu district of Ethiopia. The study was conducted

during the main growing season (wet season) at the time when most grazing land is cultivated. A farmer research

group (FRG) was formed in each of three villages. Each FRG consisted of nine farm households, with eight

contributing three animals and one providing six. A barn with three pens was constructed at one farm in each

village. One or two animals from each farm were allocated to three supplementation treatments. Animals received

supplements and resided at night in the barn pens. Supplements, offered at 2.5% of body weight, consisted of 50%

wheat bran, 1% salt, and 49% noug cake(N), formaldehyde-treated noug cake (F-N), or linseed meal (L).Initial

body weight was 14.5 (SE = 0.18 kg). Average daily gain was greater for L than for N (P < 0.05) and F-N (P

11

Effect of different feeds option on growth performance and carcass characteristic of two years old

Borana bulls for export market weight gain at Adami Tulu agricultural research center.

Girma D., Mieso G., Tesfaye A., Arse G., Frehowit M., Ashebir W and Aman G.


Abstract The study was conducted at Adami Tulu agricultural research center on 21 two years-old Borana bulls of 182kg

average initial body weight during the year of 2012/13. The objectives of the fattening trial were: to evaluate

different feeds options on two years-old Borana bulls to attain 300kg export market weight gain and to evaluate

the carcass characteristics of Borana bulls fed on different feeds options and to identify the most economical

feeding options to obtain the targeted export market weight gain. To conduct the fattening trial three different

feeds options were used to achieve the intended objectives. Complete randomized block design was implemented

to assign seven Borana bulls for T1, T2 and T3. All the experimental bulls had supplemented with their respective

feed rations @ 2.5% of their body weight per day during the whole experimental periods. The result of the

fattening trials revealed that there is no significant difference in daily weight gain, total weight gain, final body

weight and carcass characteristic of bulls which had received dietary T1, T2 and T3 at 154 fattening days. From

the partial budget analysis it was observed that experimental bulls fed on T1 are more feasible economically as

compared to bulls fed on T2 and T3. Hence, for better economic return beef cattle fatteners can use dietary T1

for fattening of two years-old Borana bulls for export market weight gain of 300kg.

Key words: Borana bulls, export weight, Carcass and Concentrate Feeds

Assessment of farmers management practices and factors affecting goats production system in Adami Tulu Jido kombolcha district of East Shawa Zone, Ethiopia

Girma Debele, Mieso Guru, Feyisa Hundessa and Misgana Duguma


Abstract The study was conducted in Adami Tulu JidoKombolcha district of East Shawa Zone of Oromia regional state to

assess farmer management practice and factors affecting the health condition of small ruminant in the study

areas. A semi- structured questionnaire was administrated to small holder farmers in the study areas. Sixty

farmers were randomly selected from Two PAs namely Anano Shisho and Edo kontola and subjected to semi

structured questionnaire survey. The result of the survey revealed that 56.7, 33.3, 6.7 and 1.7% of the

respondents farmers have on average 5, 15, 25, 35 and 40 goats respectively. About 76.5% of the respondents farmers are used communal grazing lands during the dry and wet season of the years. The most economic

important of small ruminant diseases frequently observed in the study areas were identified as PPR, Cu

deficiency, Sheep Pox and Parasite. To control internal parasites 51.7% of the respondents farmers of the study areas deworm their goats whereas 48.3% do not practiced deworming of their flocks. Majority of them (21.7%)

deworm their animal whenever the goats have got health problem. About 91.7 % of the respondent farmers did

not practice treating of their goats against external parasites. Hence, creating the awareness of farmers on goats health management practices and on feeds supplementation strategies especially during the dry season of the

year should be due in place.

Key words: Management practice, colostrums, deworm, parasite.

12

Study on major causes of kid mortality in Adami Tulu JidoKombolcha District of Oromia, Ethiopia

Girma Debele, Misgana Duguma, Feyisa Hundessa, Firhowet Messel, Tesfaye Kebede and Mohammed Negash


Abstract

A cross sectional investigation was conducted on the major causes of kids mortality in Adami Tulu Jiddo Kombolcha district from May 2009 to June 2010 to determine the mortality rate and to identify the potential

causes of kids mortality in Arsi- Bale kids. A combination of multistage and purposive sampling techniques was used to select the study areas while simple random sampling was adopted to select experimental goats. The result

revealed that from a total of 536 kids born over 12 months period about 22.4% (n=120) kids were died. Internal

parasite assessment was conducted to see the infection level of parasites infection both on adult and kids of Arsi-

Bale goats. Accordingly fecal sample was directly collected from the rectum of the experimental animal and its

result showed that from a total of 39 adults and 158 kids fecal sample collected 59.6% ( n=118) was positive and

40.4% (n=80) was negative. The types of internal parasites mostly observed on goats of the study sites were

identified as strongly (90.5%), Monesia (23.3%), Coccidian (8.6%), Fasciola (1.7%) and Ascaris (0.9%). From

the positive fecal samples, 51.5% (n=61) is highly infected, 19.5. %( n=23) moderately infected and 28.8 % (n=

34) had low infestation. Diarrhea, diseases and/or internal parasites were responsible for death of kids.

Therefore, systematic control of internal parasites and diseases and periodic vaccination of goats against the

identified diseases should be in place to improve productivity of goats for economic return.

Key words: Arsi-Bale goats, clinical sign, diseases, mortality rate, parasites

Assessment on challenges and opportunities of goat farming system in Adami Tulu, ArsiNegelle and

Fantale districts of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Arse Gebeyehu, Feyisa Hundessa, Gurmessa Umeta, Merga Muleta and Girma Debele


Abstract

This study was conducted in Adami Tulu, Arsi Negelle and Fantale districts of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

The objective of this study was to assess and identify the challenges and opportunities of goat production under

farmers management system. For this study, 6 Peasant Associations (PA: is the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopian government structure), 2 from each district, were selected. From each PA, a group of 15 to 20 farmers

were organized at each study site and different types of Participatory Rural Appraisal were conducted. The data

collected were analyzed using PRA tool of pair-wise rankings and results expressed in simple descriptive

statistics. Goat production system in these study areas were identified as mixed crop-livestock production systems

in Arsi Negelle and Adami Tulu districts. Farmers in the Fantale administrative district practiced pastoral and

agro-pastoral production systems. Goat production purposes were also identified as mainly to provide milk and

meat for home consumption and cash income generation. The rankings of these purposes varied across study

areas. Goat fattening is a recent appearing practice in these rural communities. Farmers in the Arsi Negelle and

Adami Tulu districts practiced traditional fattening system mostly from July to September. A common operation

in traditional fattening system was castration, which improves body condition. Farmers identified feed shortage

from November to December, disease incidences, predatory attacks and water shortage as challenges to goat

production. Farmers major sources of income were mainly crop and animal production (goats, sheep and cattle). Animal feeds were mostly available from late May to October. Great opportunities exists for goat production and

productivity improvement in surveyed administrative districts, in which the environment was still conducive and

animal productivity can be improved by improved management.

Key words: Goat fattening, Income sources, feed shortage.

13

Effect of Different Factors on Mortality Rate of Arsi- Bale Kids in Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Girma Debele, Misgana Duguma and Feyisa Hundessa


Abstract

The study was conducted in Anano Shisho and Edo gojola of Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha districtof East shawa

zone during May 2009 to June 2010 to determine the effect of different factors on mortality rate of Arsi- Bale

goats kids. Purposive and simple random sampling was employed as sampling technique to select two PA and smallholder farmers. The study carried out in this study areas revealed that from a total of536 kids born during

May 2009 to June 2010 22.4% (n=120) kids were died. A higher percent 16.4% (n=88) kids were died in wet

season followed by dry 4.5% (n=24) season of the year. The cause of death for these kids. During this time is

probable due to parasitic diseases, infectious diseases and cold stress of the summer season of the years. Kids

weighing less than 2.9 kg birth weight had mortality rate of 20.7% (n=111) which decrease with the increase in

kids birth weight. There was a general trend for decreasing in kids mortality rate with increase in parity up to specific parity number. However, the highest kids mortality rate was recorded in the first parity followed by the third parity. Litter size has a significant effect on kids mortality rate (P

14

Effect of bypass protein supplementation on growth and carcass quality of Borana goat kids

Mieso Guru, Tesfaye Lemm and Esayas Assefa


Abstract

The study was conducted on Borana goat kids to see the effect of bypass protein supplementation on growth and

carcass quality. 20 Borana goat kids were divided into 4 treatments: Medium concentrate with low by pass protein

feeding (T1), High concentrate with low bypass protein feeding (T2), Medium concentrate with high by pass

protein feeding (T3), High concentrate with high bypass protein feeding,(T4 ). There was significant (P

15

Performance and economic efficiency of browsing Arsi-Bale goats supplemented with sweet potato

(Ipomoeabatatas L.) vines as replacement for concentrate

Tesfaye Kebede, Tekalign Gutu and Estifanos Tadesse

Abstract

A total of forty Arsi-Bale male goats weighing on average (SE) 16.8 0.61 kg were used over a 132-dayfeeding

period to determine the optimum level for substitution of concentrate with fresh sweet potato vines(SPV), having

dry matter of 92%, crude protein of 19% and gross energy of 15.6 KJ/g DM for both biological and economic

benefits. Five SPV substitution treatments in percentage: SPV0 as control, SPV25, SPV50, SPV75, and SPV100

were tested. The concentrate was a mixture of 78.4% wheat bran, 20.6% noug seedcake, and 1% salt with CP

20.5% and ME 2.16 MJ/kg DM. The animals took about 56 days to adapt to the SPV and recorded increasing

DM intake with increasing inclusion of SPV in the ration. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in body

weight changes (ADG), body measurements and feed conversion ratio (FCR) that were lower after the recorded

optimum 50% SPV substitution level. Economic analysis from the substitution treatments showed that SPV50 >

SPV25 > SPV100 > SPV75 > SPV0, and 50% SPV substitution having most profitable with an average net return

of 41.73 (ETB)/head. Therefore, it can be concluded that 50% SPV substitution for concentrate can be used for

growing Arsi-Bale male goats with acceptable weight gain, feed intake, body measurements and economic

returns.

Key words: Economic feasibility, feed conversion, feed intake, sweet potato vines.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of Arsi-Bale goats castrated at different ages

Tesfaye Kebede, Tesfaye Lemma, Mieso Guru, Hunduma Dinka & Amsalu Sisay


Abstract

A study was conducted for 15 months on thirty sex male Arsi-Bale kids to know the effects of age at castration on

growth performance and carcass characteristics and to determine appropriate age of castration at which

optimum growth and profit obtained from this breed. The treatments were entire/intact (T1), castration at three

months of age (T2), castration at six months of age (T3) and castration at nine months of age (T4). Age at

castration had no significant effect on final body weight (Fwt), total weight gain (TG), average daily weight gain

(ADG), linear body measurements, hot carcass and dressing percentages. However, entire goats had higher ADG

(67.48+2.12g) and hot carcass weight (19.440.91kg) than other groups and followed by castration at six

(65.63+3.42g and 19.320.89kg), three (63.67+2.71g and 18.820.86kg), and nine (62.93+1.45g and

18.160.49kg) months of age, respectively. Those castrated at three and six months of age had significantly

(P

16

Growth performance of Arsi-Bale male goats fed different levels of molasses in partial replacement for

wheat bran

Mohammed Negash, Tekalign Gutu, Tesfaye Alemu T and Mesfin Tadesse


Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of using molasses in partial replacement of wheat bran in the

diet for Arsi-Bale male goats on average body weight gain and economical return. A total of 43 yearling male

goats (average weight 15.6 kg) were purchased at the local markets and assigned randomly to one of the following

treatments: control or only grazing ( T 1) , 50% Wheat bran (WB) ( T2), 20%WB and 30% molasses (T3 ), 45%

molasses and 5%WB (T4) and 15% molasses and 35%WB (T5). Weekly body weight gains; daily feed intake and

left over data were collected on for all treatments. Goats, which received treatment (T5) had significantly higher

(P

17

The Effect of Feeding Processed Fish-Offal on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Rift

Valley Arsi-Bale Yearling Goats

Dawit Assefa, Tesfaye Alemu A. Belete Shenkute and Abera Dagabasa

Abstract A total of 48 Arsi-Bale yearling kids with average initial weight of 15.82kg were randomly assigned to six

treatments with eight replication: browsing alone(T1),50% wheat bran + 49% noug cake + 1% salt (T2), 50%

wheat bran + 41% noug cake + 8%fish offal + 1% salt (T3), 50% wheat bran + 32% noug cake + 17%fish

offal + 1% salt(T4), 50% wheat bran + 24% noug cake + 25%fish offal + 1% salt(T5), 50% wheat bran +

49%fish offal + 1% salt(T6). All treatment groups, 2 to 6 were supplemented with equal amount of 50% wheat

bran and 1% of salt to provide the carbohydrate and minerals requirements, respectively. T2, T3, T4 and T5 had

statically (p

18

The effect of environmental factors on pre weaning survival rate of Borana and Arsi-Bale kids

D. Hailu, G. Mieso, A. Nigatu, D. Fufaa, D. Gamada


Abstract

The effect of environmental factors on pre weaning survival rate of Arsi-Bale and Borana kids at the Adami Tulu

Agricultural Research Center, was investigated. Data collected on 702 kids born between 1999 and 2003 were

used to evaluate the effect of year, parity, breed type, sex, season of birth, and litter size and birth weight on

survival rate of the goats. All the environmental factors significantly influenced the survival rate of kids. The

overall pre weaning survival rate of kids averaged 69%. Survival of the Arsi-Bale kids was 75% while it was 57%

for the Borana kids. Survival of single (70%) and twin (70%) born kids were high compared to survival rate of

triplets (43%). Kids born during the wet season had better survivability than kids born in the other seasons.

Kidding occurring in the early dry season (SeptemberNovember) had the highest mortality rate of 42%. A maximum survival rate was found from kids with 3.14.5 kg of live weight at birth. The study indicated that by instituting adequate management improvement actions in addition to selection for larger kids a

19

1.3. Animal Feeds and Rangeland Management Research Team

The influence of woody plants and livestock grazing on grass species composition, yield and soil nutrients

in the Middle Awash Valley of Ethiopia

1E. Abule, 2G.N. Smith, 2H.A. Snymanb

1Adami Tulu Research Centre, P.O. Box 35, Zeway, Ethiopia 2Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339,

Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa

Abstract

The objectives of the study, conducted during the 2000/01 growing season in the Middle Awash Valley of Ethiopia,

were to quantify the effects of two dominant woody species (Acacia tortilis and Balanites aegyptica) on grass

species composition, grass dry matter (DM) yield and soil under light, medium and heavy grazing. At each study

site two sub-habitats were distinguished, viz. under tree canopies and open grassland. The nutrient status of soil

under the canopies of both woody species was found to be higher than the open grassland, especially with regard

to soil pH, total N and organic carbon. This was more pronounced in the top 50mm of soil and on the lightly

grazed site. Due to the observed association of Panicum maximum with tree canopies, the grass DM yield was

higher under tree canopies, but again only at the lightly grazed site. Heavy grazing proved to be a strong

overriding effect of the positive influences of the woody plants. The grass species found at the heavily grazed site

were mostly annuals and less desirable. This emphasizes the importance of conservative stocking rates and proper

pasture management.

Keywords: Open grassland; Rangeland degradation; Savanna; Soil enrichment; Stocking rates; Tree canopies

20

Advanced evaluation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) accessions for fodder production in the central rift

valley of Ethiopia

Ayana Etana1, Estefanos Tadesse1, Ashenafi Mengistu2 and Abubeker Hassen3 1Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia.

3Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Debrezeit, Ethiopia. 3Ruminant Nutrition and Pasture Science, Department of Animal and Wildlife Science, University of Pretoria,

Pretoria 0002, Republic of South Africa.

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at Adami Tulu Research Center in 2004 with 37 selected lines of grain type cowpea

(Vignia species) germ-plasm introduced from Melkassa Agricultural Research Center, Lowland Pulse

Improvement Program for the advanced nursery trial. Dolichos lablab (Lablab purpureius both var. Highworth

and Rongai) and cowpea (Vignia ungiculata var. white worder training type) were included as a control for

herbage yield and quality evaluation and ranking. The top ten accessions of cowpea (IT82D 889, TUX 1948-01F,

TVU 1142 4, IT85F 2687, 82D 504-4, IT84D-448, IT93K2046-2, IT87D 551-1, IITAUK91-12, 87D -1802,) and

Dolichos lablab var. Rongai was selected using the visual observation data taken during the 2004 growing season

and promoted for further advanced evaluation. Advanced evaluation was carried out during the growth period,

2005 and 2006, using randomized complete block design (RCBD) of three replication of plot size 3 2 m. Fresh

weight yield, hay yield, grain yield of both years showed statistically significant difference among accessions

(p

21

On-farm Forage Seed Production Technology multiplication through Farmers' Research Group in

Adami Tulu and Arsi-Negale districts, Ethiopia

Abule Ebro1, Tadesse Assefa,2 Kebede Teshome1 and Belete Shenkute1 1 Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Zeway, Ethiopia

2 Ethiopian Milk and Meat Technology Institute, P. O. Box 1573, Debre-zeit, Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia, the supply of seed to farmers is the primary problem for forage production and development. It was

mainly supplied to farmers by government as well non-government organizations (NGOs) in unsustainable

manner. As an alternative option to this, the Adami Tulu agricultural research centre in collaboration with JICA

undertook participatory community based forage seed production study using farmer research group approach

for two years (2008 main growing season and 2009 main growing season and using irrigation) in Adami Tulu

and Arsi-Negale districts. Generally, 10-13 farmers at Arsi-Negale and 9-14 farmers in Adami Tulu were involved

in the project and the main forage species used were Lablab, Napier grass, Alfalfa, Cowpea, Cajanus and Vetch

(Arsi-Negale). It was learned that farmers are capable of producing forage seeds and sold the forage seeds at a

price of 40ETB/kg (2008) and 25-40 birr/kg (2009) which contributed substantially to their income. With the

money they got, some farmers bought water pumps, constructed houses, bought household equipments like radios.

It is recommended that farmers better organize themselves in the form of cooperatives, have a shop in the town,

reduce the prices of forge seeds for larger dissemination among the farming community and have dual purpose

in forage production (increased livestock production and seed production.

Feed Resources Quality and Feeding Practices in Urban and Peri-Urban Dairy Production Of Southern

Ethiopia

Girma Chalchissa1*, Yoseph Mekasha2 and Mengistu Urge3 1Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia

2International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 3Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O. Box 138, Dire-Dawa, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in urban and peri-urban areas of Southern Ethiopia to assess the quality of available

feed resources and feeding practices in the area. Shashamane city was considered as urban, while Kerara Filicha,

Kuyera and Arsi Negele were considered as peri-urban production system. Structured questionnaire, secondary

data sources and field observations were employed to generate data. A total of 60 dairy farmers from urban and

60 from peri-urban (Kerara Filicha =20, Kuyera = 20 and Arsi Negele = 20) were selected for the study. Average

herd size per farm in urban area was 5.080.35 out of which small and medium scale farms had 2.60.2 and

7.50.29 crossbred cattle, respectively. In peri-urban areas average herd size per farm was 4.70.34 crossbred

cattle out of which 2.30.16 were in small and 7.060.24 in medium scale farms. Fifteen major feed types used

by dairy farms were identified in the area and categorized into five classes: grazing, green feeds, crop residues,

agro-industrial by-products and non-conventional feeds. The result of the study indicated that wheat straw and

teff straw were the main basal diets in the study area. Laboratory analysis of major feed resources indicated that

crop residues had CP, digestibility and metabolizable energy contents of 2.9-5.9%, 46.6% and 5.9-8.7MJ/kg DM,

respectively. About 50% of small and 51.7% of medium scale farms use roughage feeds as a major feed source.

Therefore, from the current study it was concluded that the quality of available basal roughage feed is generally

low and needs strategic supplementation with protein and energy rich feeds.

Key words: Feed quality; feeding practices; urban; peri-urban; dairy production; Ethiopia

22

Identification of potential untapped herbaceous flora in the mid rift valley of Ethiopia and their nutritive

value

Belete Shenkute1*, Abubeker Hassen2, Abule Ebro1, Tadese Asafa3 and Nura Amen4 1Departments of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.

2Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Adami Tulu Research Centre, P. Box. 35, Zeway, Ethiopia. 3Ethiopian

Meat and Dairy Technology Institute, P. Box. 1573, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. 4Sustainable Environment and Development Action (SEDA), Meki, Ethiopia.

This study was conducted with the objective to identify untapped herbaceous flora that were used as livestock

feed and to determine their chemical composition in wet season. Twelve peasant associations (PAs) and a total of

120 households were selected for the study. Key informants were also used for vernacular name identification

and utilization. Samples were also taken from their edible parts for analysis of dry matter (DM), crude protein

(CP), total ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose and lignin. A total of 17

different herbs and forbs were identified which have a feed value for different livestock species. The CP values

of species ranged between 10.9 to 27.86% with the highest value being recorded in Sida ovata Forssk. While the

lowest value was recorded in Gutenbergia rueppellii Sch.Bip. The NDF value ranged from 26.1 to 53.16%. The

highest NDF value was recorded in G. rueppellii Sch.Bip and the lowest was recorded in Achyranthus aspera L.

Generally, the differences within species and among different species in terms of chemical composition of these

browses was significant. Some of them contain crude protein content of more than 190 g/kg DM, which has a

capacity of supplementing poor quality roughages.

Key words: Herbs, chemical composition, nutritive value, mid rift valley.

23

Study on the grazing land condition of Abernossa ranch and major grazing areas of the communities

Abule, Ebro, Engida, Oda, Belete, Shenkute., and Tadesse, Assefa

Adami Tulu Research Centre, P. O. Box 35, Zeway, Ethiopia

Abstract

A study with the objective of quantifying the vegetation resources, trend and productivity was undertaken in

Abernossa ranch and the grazing lands occupied by the communities nearby or away from the ranch for 3 years

(2006-2008). The Abernossa ranch was divided into 3 based on grazing intensity (heavy, medium and light

grazing) and that of the communities into communal and enclosures. Over the three years of study period, the

most abundant grass species in the enclosure areas were Heteropogon contortus (31.8%); Chrysopogon

plumolosus (9.3%), Cenchrus ciliaris (8.7%) and bare ground (8.1%) while in the communal grazing areas

Cyanodon dactylon (27.5%); Sporobolus pyramadlis (10.3%); bare ground (10%) and Chloris pycnothrix (9.8%)

indicating a clear difference in terms of species composition. The enclosures had a better botanical composition

signifying the importance of enclosing and it was also noted that there was quite visible difference among the

sites studied within each grazing type making interventions to be generally area specific. In the light grazing

areas of the Abernossa ranch, the most abundant grass species were Heteropogon contortus while in the medium

grazing areas the dominant grass species was Chloris pycnothrix (19.37%). In the heavily grazed site of

Abernossa ranch, Cynodon dactylon (19.66%), Chloris pycnothrix (17.88%), Dactyloctineum aegyptium

(10.1%), bare ground (5.2%) and Herpagni (5.17%) had a better abundance than the others. In all the study

years, the highest biomass was recorded in the lightly grazed areas of Abernossa (1410.72 kg/ha-2551. 12 kg/ha).

The medium grazing lands of Abernossa (1194.6-1519 kg/ha) and the enclosures (1187.40-1609.32 kg/ha) of the

community were comparable in terms of yield and the heavily grazed area of Abernossa (686.97 kg/ha -823. 07

kg/ha) was slightly better than the communal grazing areas of the community (510.2-739.90 kg/ha). The density

and leaf biomass of the woody species did not follow a regular pattern because of the cutting influence of the

community. The enclosures and the communal grazing areas had a better species diversity of woody plants than

the Abernossa ranch but the cutting intensity of the community was very high. It is recommended that there is a

need to improve the utilization of available feed resources in the crop-livestock production system of the area;

Strengthening system of rotational grazing for Abernossa ranch, creation of proper and peaceful relation with

the surrounding communities; enclosure making and re-seeding for heavily and communally grazed areas and

the proper conservation of the woody species of the area.

24

Effect of different spacing of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Intercroped with or without lablab

(Lablab purpureus) on biomass yield and nutritional value of Napier grass

Usman Semman

Adami Tulu Agricultura Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted with an objective of determining effect of three spacing of Napier grass intercropped

with or without Lablab (Lablab purpureus) on the biomass yield and nutritive value of Napier grass in a 2 x 3

factorial arrangement in RCBD with 4 blocks. Spacing was 1m x 0.5m, 0.75m x 0.5m, and 0.5m x 0.5m.

Intercropping decreased the electro conductivity but increased the available phosphorous content of the soil and

did not affect the pH, organic carbon and total nitrogen of the soil. Spacing, intercropping and their interaction

had no significant effect (P>0.05) on dry matter (DM) yield (DMY) and crude protein (CP) yield (CPY) of the

Napier grass. Intercropping and interaction of intercropping with spacing resulted to higher total DMY and CPY

(P

25

1.4. Poultry Research Team

Major Constraints and Health Management of Village Poultry Production in Rift Valley of Oromia,

Ethiopia

Hunduma Dinka1, Regassa Chala2, Fufa Dawo3, Endale Bekana2 and Samson Leta2 1Adama University, School of Agriculture, Private P.O. Box: 1457, Adama, Ethiopia

2Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box: 35, Zeway, Ethiopia 3Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box: 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia

Abstract

Critical constraints for village poultry production in the study area were identified as: diseases and predators,

lack of proper health care, poor feeding and poor marketing information. Replacement of indigenous chickens by

exotic chicken breeds is also a major threat in eroding and dilution of the indigenous genetic resources. Newcastle

Disease (NCD) (locally called kofis or fengil) was identified as a major and economically important health constraint that hinders the expansion of village chicken production in the study area. The result of the current

study revealed that the price of chicken products varied between months of the year and were determined by a

number of driving factors. Some of these determinant factors affecting prices of chicken products in the study

area were identified as: demand and supply of chicken products, market day types (holyday versus ordinary

market days) and fasting seasons. Demand and supply of chicken products were highly related with religious

festivals, mainly Christian festivals. It is also discovered that observing plumage color (45.4%), looking its

physical stand and shank length (37.1%), looking the type of comb (8.6%) and looking parents performance/pedigree (1.1%) play great role during marketing. Therefore, there is a need to design and

implement a research programme to collect, conserve and improve the indigenous chickens in order to advance

poultry production and productivity in the study area.

Key words: Village chicken Constraints Health Management Oromia Ethiopia

26

Production performance of Fayoumi chickens under intensive management condition of Adami Tulu

research center

Tesfa Geleta, Samson Leta and Endalew Bekana

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Adami Tulu Research center, P. O. 35, Ziway, Ethiopia.

Abstract

The study was done to characterize the production performance of exotic/Fayoumi chicken/under intensive

management condition in semi-arid Ethiopia. Feed consumption, age at 40% egg laying, egg production,

mortality rate, hatchability, external and internal their egg quality parameters used as evaluation parameters.

Mean feed consumption of starter, grower and layer Fayoumi chicken under intensive management condition in

Adami Tulu research center is 48.95.5, 71.45.4 and 113.58.1, respectively. Fayoumi chickens attain sexual

maturity at 150 days and produced 159.9 10.7 eggs in a year. Hatchability and mortality rate is 63.5 and 7.2%,

respectively. Egg weight (g), egg length (mm), egg width (mm), shell thickness (mm) and shell weight in percent

of egg weight of Fayoumi chicken`s egg was 44.34.51, 50.772.6, 39.31.41, 0.350.04 and 13.3, respectively.

Yolk color, yolk weight in percent of egg weight, albumin weight in percent of egg weight and egg shape index of

Fayoumi chicken is 1.590.76, 32.3%, 54.5% and 77.73.9, respectively. The result of the present study showed

that Fayoumi chicken well adapted to semi-arid Ethiopia and their production performance is better than the

indigenous village chicken means it is a good choice for egg producer who can regularly supply supplementary

feed. Fayoumi chicken were active can easily escape predators and preferred perch after onset egg lay. Poultry

breeder can also use the breed for the production of commercial breed by crossing with others in semi-arid

Ethiopia.

Key words: Intensive, semi-arid, mortality rate, hatchability, indigenous.

Production Performance of Fayoumi Chicken Breed Under Backyard Management Condition in Mid

Rift Valley of Ethiopia

*Samson Leta, Endalew Bekana and Tesfa Geleta

Adami-Tullu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia.

Abstract

This Study was conducted in the mid rift valley of Ethiopia from September 2009 to August 2010 to evaluate the

production performance of Fayoumi chicken breed under backyard management conditions. A total of 350 female

and 50 male two months age growing Fayoumi chicken were used for the study. The chickens were distributed to

five farmer research groups (FRGs) in four districts of the mid rift valley of Ethiopia. The average age and weight

at sexual maturity obtained in this study were 183.55.60 days and 121511.12g, respectively. The annual

average egg production obtained was 150.47 3.15eggs/hen/year and the hen day egg production was 41.23

15.97%. The mean value measurements obtained on egg weight and shape index were 44.68 3.63g and 75.95

2.81, respectively while the yolk weight, albumen weight, shell weight, shell thickness and yolk color were 14.54

1.36g, 24.61 2.67g, 5.63 0.76g, 0.36 0.04mm and 5.89 3.58, respectively. With regard to hatchability

rate 78.22% of the Fayoumi eggs set were hatched. Higher mortality rate (54.85%) was recorded in this study.

The mid rift valley area of Ethiopia is agro-ecologically suitable for Fayoumi chicken breed but, effective poultry

health management technique should be designed to decrease the mortality to acceptable level.

Keywords: Mid rift valley, Fayoumi, Backyard management, Production performance

27

Effect of dietary energy and protein combination on egg production performance of Fayoumi chickens

Tesfa Geleta and Samson Leta

Adami Tulu Research center P.O. 35, Ziway Ethiopia

Abstract

The effect of dietary energy and protein combination on dry mater feed intake and production performance of

Fayoumi chickens was determined through 180 days feeding trial in Adami Tulu Research center. Experimental

diets/treatments (T) were formulated from maize, wheat bran, fish meal, layer premix, salt and limestone. In the

trial 96 Fayoumi chickens with 18 weeks of age were distributed according to completely randomized

experimental design with 2x2 factorial arrangement, consisting of two crude protein (CP) levels (14% and 16%)

and two metabolizable energy contents (3322 and 2992) kcal/kg diet with three replicates per treatment and eight

(8) birds in each replicate. Chickens were reared in group in pens and feed offer and refusal measured daily. Egg

laid collected daily. Significantly higher (0.05) between T1 (899.5), T3 (878.1) and T4 (899.6). Significantly higher

(P0.05). Non-significant (P>0.05) different egg shell

weight in gram was observed between T1 (4.750.45), T3 (4.780.52) and T4 (4.560.55). No significant

difference (P>0.05) in egg shell weight was observed between T2 (4.780.52) and T4 (4.560.55). Egg shell

thickness in millimeter and yolk color score on DSM yolk color fan were not statistically significant (P>0.05)

between treatments. In the study done 67.27, 33.29, 21.7 and 7.42 net Ethiopian Birr was obtained per chicken

from T3, T4, T1 and T2 respectively within six months. From the biological and economic data analysis, we can

conclude and recommend that feed with 16% CP and 3322kcal/kg diet could be used for layer Fayoumi chickens

in mid rift valley of Ethiopia.

Keywords: Dietary, Diet, Crude protein, performance, Energy

28

1.5. Apiculture Research Team

Evaluation of Transitional and Modern Hives for Honey Production in Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Taye Beyene, Desta Abi, Girma Chalchissa and Mekonen WoldaTsadik

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center P.O box: 35, Zeway,

Ethiopia

Corresponding authors: [email protected]

Abstract

The study was conducted in Adami Tulu and Arsi Negelle districts for consecutive three years to evaluate the

productivity performance of transitional and modern bee hives. For this study purpose, three representative sites

namely: Asebo, Adami Tulu research station and Ashoka Lepis site were used. Based on farmers capacity, one modern hive and one transitional hive made from locally available materials were used for the trail at each of

the experimental farmer back yard. Before actual commencement of this study, theoretical and practical training

session was given for a total of 30 beekeeper farmers at the selected sites. Data were analyzed using the General

Linear Model (GLM) analysis variance procedure of the statistical Analysis System (SAS) programmme. The

average honey yield per hive/year from transitional hive was 13.88 kg, 13.21 kg and 10. 45 kg at Asebo, Adami

Tulu Research station and Ashoka Lepis site respectively. There was a (p < 0.05) variation between Adami Tulu

Research station and Ashoka Lepis site in honey yield per hive per year from transitional hive. Whereas the mean

of honey yield from transitional hive at Adami Tulu Research Center and Asebo site was not significantly different

(p > 0.05).Significantly higher and lower honey yield from transitional hive was recorded at Asebo and Ashoka

Lepis site respectively. The average honey yield per hive/year from modern hive was 23.18 kg, 21.61 kg and 18.45

kg at Adami Tulu Research center, Asebo and Ashoka Lepis site respectively. The mean honey yield per hive/year

from traditional hive was 6.08 kg, 5.94 kg and 4.94 kg at Adami Tulu Research Center, Asebo and Ashoka Lepis

site respectively. It was concluded that using improved bee hives with improved management practices can

improve honey yield and ensure better quality. Therefore, it is recommended that government and non-

government organization should focus on scaling up and promoting the adoption of transitional and modern bee

hives to improve to improve honey yield and ensure better quality.

Key words: Bee colonies, Ethiopia, evaluation, honey, modern hives, transitional hives, yield

29

Comparative Study on the Adaptation of Selected Herbaceous Bee Forages in Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Girma Chalchissa, Desta Abi, Taye Beyene and Mekonin WoldaTsadik

Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 35, Zeway, Ethiopia

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Abstract

The trail was conducted in three districts of mid rift valley of Ethiopian to evaluate the adaptation performance

and potential of herbaceous plants as feed source for honey bees of seven species of herbaceous bee forages.

Seven species of annual bee forages were used for the study. They were planted at three locations representing

wide agro-ecological zones. Each species were planted on 1m1m plot in three replicate per each site. General

Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS (2004) was used for analyzing data collected during monitoring. There

was significant difference (P

30

Participatory rural appraisal investigation on beekeeping activities in mid rift valley of Ethiopia

Arse Gebeyehu, Tesfaye Kebede, Sebsibe Zuber*, Tekalign Gutu, Gurmessa Umeta, Tesfaye Lemma** and

Feyisa Hundessa

Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 35, Batu (Zeway), Ethiopia. Email: [email protected]

*Care International, Ethiopia, P.O.Box 1047, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

** Ethiopian Meat and Dairy Technology Institute, P.O.Box 1573, Bishoftu, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Arsi Negelle and Sheshamene districts of West Arsi zone of Oromia regional state,

Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to identify major beekeeping challenges and opportunities in the study

area. For this study 5 peasant associations (PAs) were selected. From each PA a group of 30 to 40 beekeeping

farmers was used for implementation of different participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools selected for data

collection. The collected data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The results of study revealed that,

shortage of honeybee forage, shortage of honeybee colonies, agrochemical poisoning are the major beekeeping

constraints in both districts. Moreover, availability of honeybee enemies (ants, honey badger, bee-eater birds,

wax moth, spider and beetles) were reported. Despite the different challenges encountered in this sub-sector,

opportunities for beekeeping development in the areas still exist due to the presence of natural resources, high

demand for hive products and development policy attention from the government as one of the strategies to reduce

poverty. Guizotia scabra, Hypoestes forskali, croton macrostachy are the major honeybee flora in the study area.

In both districts, honey is harvested two times a year which varied in period of harvest between highland and

lowland areas of the districts. The major honey flow season is November to December and the minor honey flow

is from May to June. The preference ranking matrix indicated that farmers of both districts know little about

transitional hives. Beekeeping is considered as one of income source for the beekeepers and it has the 3rd and 4th

rank among the other income sources in Arsi Negelle and Sheshamene districts respectively. Therefore, it can be

concluded that beekeeping is still profitable activity to be undertaken anywhere in the west Arsi zone of Oromia

regional state, Ethiopia.

Key words: Bee management, constraints and opportunities, honeybee colonies, honeybee enemies, honeybee

forages

31

Study of honey production system in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha district in mid rift valley of Ethiopia

Tesfaye Kebede and Tesfaye Lemma

Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 35, Zeway, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha district in mid rift valley of Ethiopia to identify major

beekeeping constraints and opportunities in the area. For this study 9 Peasant Associations (PAs) were selected.

From each PA 2-7 farmers were interviewed using pre tested semi-structured questionnaires. Secondary data

were collected from the district Agriculture and Rural Development Office. Data were analyzed using SPSS

software and descriptive statistics. The results of the study indicated that, about 79.1% of respondents did not

control swarming while some of them (14%) control swarming by cutting and removing some part of brood combs.

There are different kinds of bee pests and predators in the area. About 83% of beekeepers sale their honey at

their home mainly for wedding ceremony while the rest sale their honey for middle merchants for local brewers.

The price of honey in the area varies from 1.17 to 2.94 US dollars per kg. From this study it was realized that,

there is potential of beekeeping in the Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha district. Even though there is shortage of bee

food during dry season, interviewed farmers indicated that there are many varieties of plants during wet seasons

which used as bee food. Almost all beekeeping practices are traditional except little intervention with improved

beekeeping practices. However, there is opportunity of improving this activity and farmers also have interest to

improve beekeeping practices in the area.

Key words: Bee colonies, bee enemies, bee forage, bee management, Honey bee

32

Assessment of constraints and opportunities of honey production in Wonchi district South West Shewa

Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

Taye Beyene1 and Marco Verschuur2 1Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center P.O. Box 35 Zeway, Ethiopia

2 Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands


Abstract

The study was conducted in Wonchi District, Oromia national regional state, Ethiopia to identify major

beekeeping constraints and opportunities. Structured questionnaire was employed for the study. The study used

desk research, interviews, surveys and visual observation as methods in seeking answer to research questions.

Purposive and simple random were employed as sampling techniques to select 70 beekeepers from two Peasants

Association. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS soft ware and descriptive statistics: The results of

the study revealed that, the average of honey harvested per hive/year from traditional hive, transitional hive and

modern hive were 5.220.042, 10.831.05 and 15.22.52 respectively. The mean yield obtained from the three

hives were statistically significant at (p < 0.05).The most factors influencing honey pricing in the study area were

distance from market( 28%), quality of honey (25%), consumers preference (20%), color (15%), and test of honey (12%).The major constraints to beekeeping activity in the study area were: high cost of modern hives with

accessories (1st), shortage of bee forage (2nd), pests and predators (3rd, poising of bee colonies (4th), low quality

of honey product (5th) and poor infrastructure development (6th). Despite of the constraints encountered this sub

sector; there are also future opportunities for beekeeping development in the District. These include; presence of

huge number of bee colonies, availability of tourists in the area, steadily increasing the demand of local honey,

presence of beekeepers association and presence of good government policy. The result of the study revealed that,

the price of honey in the study area is influenced by quality of honey, color, consumers preference, distance from market and test of honey. Further study is required to characterize honey bees of the area, and major pests,

predators and disease of economic importance in the area.

Key words: Beekeepers, honey bee, honey, colony, constraints, opportunities

33

Assessment of the Performance of Wonchi Beekeepers Association: the case of Wonchi district, South West Shoa zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

Taye Beyene1 and Marco Verschuur2 1Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center P.O. Box 35 Zeway, Ethiopia

2 Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences,The Netherlands


Abstract

Assessment of the performance of Wonchi beekeepers association was conducted in Wonchi district of Oromia

regional national to find out the major factors that influencing beekeepers not being a member of Wonchi

beekeepers association. Two PAs were selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques to select

64 beekeepers (32 members and 32 non members of beekeepers association) and 3 honey value chain supporters,

2 honey retailers were selected to collect data. Descriptive statistics was employed to describe qualitative

variables, while statistical test such as independent samples t-test was employed to test continuous variables.

Whereas, spider web model tool was used to assess the performance of the association. The results of the study

revealed that, high entrance fee 47.2%, not fulfill the criteria of membership 30.6%, lack of adequate information

19.4%, application unaccepted 13.9% and absence of interest 5.6% are the main factors that influencing

beekeepers not being a member of association. Wonchi beekeepers association was shown poor performance in the area of service provision, long term prospective, and relationship with other stakeholders and membership

base. The average of market distance members and non-member association traveled to arrive at nearest market

was 9.28 km and 21.5 km respectively. There was significant difference (p < 0.01) between members and non-

members of beekeepers association to arrive at nearest market. The mean yield from traditional hive /year of

members and non-members of association was 11.44 1.106 and 8.22 0.083 Kg respectively. The mean yields

obtained from traditional hive of two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean yield obtained

from modern hive of members and non-members of beekeepers association was (14.67 2.420 and 9.24 0.073

kg), respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05) with respect to honey yield

from modern bee hive. Therefore, it is recommended that beekeepers association should provide strong economic

benefit for its members through sharing and bulking large volume of honey from its members.

Key words: Beekeepers, association, Wonchi district, services, honey, membership, performance.

34

2. Crop research Process

2.1. Horticulture research team

Growth, Yield, and Quality Response of Tomato (Lycopersicum Esculentum Mill.)Varieties to

Nitrogen Fertilizer at Adami Tulu, Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia

Fiseha Tadesse

Adami Tulu Agricultural research center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia

Abstract

Tomato is an important cash crop in the central rift valley region of Ethiopia. However, the use of

inappropriate rates of nitrogen fertilizer irrespective of varietal difference constrains productivity and

N use efficiency of the crop. Therefore, a field study was conducted at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research

Centre with the objectives of investigating the effect of nitrogen application and variety on tomato

growth, yield, quality, and nitrogen use efficiency. The treatments comprised of five nitrogen rates (0,

90, 180, 270, 360 kg N ha-1) and three varieties (Chali, Cochoro and Shanty). The experiment was laid

out as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. All phonological

parameters were significantly affected by the main effect of variety. However, only days to 50% fruiting

and 50% maturity were affected by the main effect of N rate. Furthermore, the main effect of rate had

significant influence on number of cluster per plant, leaf area index, and stem diameter. The main effect

of variety had significant influence on all growth parameters except flower per cluster and the number

primary branches. Variety and N rate interacted to influence significantly only stem diameter. Average

fruit weight, marketable and total fruit yields were significantly affected by the main effects of N and

variety. However, most of the fruit quality parameters were influenced neither by the main effects of N

rate and variety nor by their interactions. However, fruit pericarp thickness was influenced by the

interaction effect of variety and N rate. Nitrogen use efficiency was affected by the main effect of N but

not by that of variety or the interaction of the two factors. Agronomic and physiological NUE showed

declining trends in response to the increased rate of N application. In conclusion, the results showed

that the optimum marketable fruit yields of the three tomato varieties were obtained at 270 kg N ha-

1.Furthermore, partial budget analysis indicated that application of 270 kg N ha-1 to both Chali and

Cochoro resulted in maximum marginal rates of return of 45.6 and 44.4, respectively. On the other

hand, application of 180 kg N ha-1 led to the highest MRR for the Shanty variety as compared to all other

treatment, but a net benefit of 1234374.8 Birr was obtained for the Shanty variety at 360 kg N ha-1with

about a 6.8 t ha-1 yield increment. Therefore, application of N at the rate of 270 kg Nha-1in the production

of Chali and Cochoro and 360 N kgha-1in the production of shanty is economically beneficial.

35

Adaptation of Onion (Alium cepa) varieties at Adami Tulu and Ziway Fishery Resource Research Center

Teshome Abdissa, Amanti Chali, and Kassaye Tolessa

Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center,

P.o.box 35 Zuway Ethiopia

Abstract

Onion (Allium cepa) Adaptation Trial was conducted at Adami Tulu and ZiwayFishery Resource Research Center

for the past two years (2005 and 2006) using irrigation water. The objective of the study was to Evaluate and

Identify Adaptable high yielding, disease tolerant improved onion Varieties for further evaluation and

recommendation. To come up with the above listed objectives four improved Onion varieties (Adama red, Nasic

red, Bombe red and Malkam) were collected from Malkasa Agricultural Research Center. Randomized Complete

Block Design with four replication where used under recommended, Spacing, fertilizer and chemical application

rates. The result showed that Statically there non-significant difference among the varieties .But, the average

mean yield indicated Bombe red gave maximum 345.8quintal/ha followed by Nasic red and malkam(310.9 and

307.0 quintal/ha) respectively. Of all varieties Adama red gave the lowest yield 270.4 quintal/ha in the study area.

Currently because of its high yield and earliness to maturity farmers around Adami Tulu areas are exclusively

involved in production of bombe red than the rest varieties. (Personal observation).there for it is high time to

produce this Bombe,Nasic melkm and Adma red in the study areas to get high return from the produce.

Effect of intra-row spacing on yield of three onion (allium cepa l.) varieties at Adami Tulu Jido

kombolcha District

Geremew Awas, Teshome Abdisa, Kasaye Tolesa and Amenti Chali,

Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.o.box, 35 E- mail:

[email protected] Ziway, Ethiopia

Abstract

The Effect of plant density on yield and yield of onion (allium cepa L.)Varieties (Bombay red, Adama red and

Nasic red) were conducted at Adami Tulu agricultural research center, experimental site in mid rift valley of

Ethiopia to identify optimum spacing between two consecutive plants and to recommend the best spacing

combination for those three morphologically different varieties independently in 2007 and 2008 growing season.

The experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications of plot

size 4mx3m and with a spacing of 1.5mx1m between block and plot respectively. There are a total of 12 treatments.

There was high significance difference among the different spacing level at p

36

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum.Mill) Adaptation Trials at Adami Tulu Research Center and Ziway

Fishery Resource Research Center Teshome Abdissa Amanti Chali, and Kassaye Tolessa,

Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.o.box 35 Ziway, Ethiopia

Abstract

Tomato Adaptation Trial was conducted at Adami Tulu and ZiwayFishery Resource Research Center for the past

two years (2005 and 2006) using irrigation water. The objective of the study was to evaluate and Identify

Adaptable high yielding, disease tolerant Improved Tomato Varieties for further evaluation and recommendation.

To come up with the above listed objectives six improved tomato verities (malkashola, malkasalsa, money maker,

Hienz-1350 and Roma-VF) were collected from Malkasa Agricultural Research Center. RCBD Design with four

replication was used under recommended fertilizer and chemical application rates. The result showed that Roma-

VF gave maximum average fruit yield 476.88 Qts followed by malkashola and malkasalsa 456.4 and 406.91 Qts

/ha respectively and the mean difference was significant at p

37

Effects of Inter-Row Spacing with Double Row Arrangement on Yield and yield component of Tomato

(Lycopersicon esculuntum Mill) at Adami Tulu Jido kombolcha District

Geremew Awas, Teshome Abdisa, kasaye Tolosa and Amanti Chali,

Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.o.box, 35

E-mail: [email protected] Ziway, Ethiopia.

Abstract

The effect of inter- row spacing with double row arrangement on yield and yield components of tomato

(Lycopersicon esculuntum Mill) was conducted Adami Tulu agricultural research center during off season of

2007 and 2008 using irrigation. The experiment was conducted to determine optimum inter-row spacing for

tomato production with double row arrangement, using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four

replications. Area occupied by a single plot was 4mx3m and with a spacing of 1.5mx1m between block and plot

respectively. There are a total of 5 treatments (inter raw spacing). The analyzed result at =0.05 indicates that ,there is no significance difference among treatments (100x30 ,60x30 .50x30 ,40x30 and 30x30cm) between row

and plant respectively for marketable yield. Even if it shows non significance difference, the two years average

marketable yield result shows clear mean difference among treatments. From this experiment 40x30cm gave

higher marketable yield (607.9 q/ha) followed by 60x30cm and 50x30cm (570.4q/ha and 568 q/ha respectively).

From the treatments 100x30cm inter -row spacing shows the least marketable yield (475.85q/ha) as compared

with the rest five treatments.

Key words; marketable, spacing, tomato, unmarketable, yield

Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Adaptation Trial at Adami Tulu and Ziway Fishery Resource

Research Center

Kassaye Tolessa,Amenti Chali and Teshome Abdissa

Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 35 Ziway, Ethiopia

Abstract

The root and tuber crops are very important non-cereals staples in Ethiopia. In recent time, potato production

has increased substantially in the high land as well as in the mid altitude. It is very important food and cash crop

especially when the grain depleted from the store and contributes to food security and also has the potential of

producing for greater amount of per unit area than cereals. However, potato varieties available at hand of

farmers in the major growing area are poor yielder which have been under production for many years and

susceptible to diseases and the production of crop has been not yet known by farmers around rift valley, especially

at Adami Tulu J/K districts. To address this problem of farmer, developing environmentally friendly adaptable,

high yielding and disease tolerant varieties is a priority concern. Therefore, evaluating and identifying the best

adaptable improved varieties of potato is paramount important. Four varieties (Zengena, Genet, Hunde and

Gera) were tested at two locations (Adami Tulu Research Center and Ziway Fisher resource Research Center)

during the cropping season 2006. The study result showed that variety Gera performed better than the rest of

varieties at both locations. The mean value of marketable and total tuber yield was 36.11ton/ha and 38.88 ton/ha

respectively, and followed by variety Genet (25.55ton/ha and 28.05ton/ha average marketable and total tuber

yield respectively. However, variety Hunde gave lower yield as compared to others (11.80 ton/ha). Finally, among

the tested varieties Gera, Genet and Zengena were selected to the study area and even the yield obtained was

very promising and encouraging for further production

38

Sweet potato (Early, Medium and Late sets) adaptation trial Under Mid Rift Valley Amenti Chali, Kasaye Tolessa and Teshome Abdisa

Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Zeway, East Shawa Zone, Ethioipa

Abstract

Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia is one of food insecure areas in the country contributed by different fac

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