Journal of Animal Sciences and Livestock Production 开放获取

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On Farm Phenotypic Characterization , Breeding , Husbandry and Fattening Practices of Harar Cattle in Hararghe Highland

Dugasa Dessalegn1*, Yesihak Yusuf Mummed1, Mengistu Urge Leta

The study was conducted in four districts (Jarso and Goro Gutu) from eastern Hararghe and (Tullo and Oda Bultum) from western Hararghe zone of Oromia Regional Sate, Ethiopia, with the objectives ofphenotypically characterization and to identify and characterize Harar cattle breeding, husbandry and fattening practice in the study area. Data collection were carried out through field observations, semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, discussion with key informants and linear body measurements of sample indigenous cattle and secondary data collection from different sources. A total of 300 households (75 from each district) were purposively selected and interviewed and 488 adult cattle were sampled for morphological description and linear body measurements. The average cattle herd size was 6.02±0.11heads per household and there were highly significant different (p<0.0001) among districts. The coat color type of female Harar cattle was whitegrey (36.1%), white (29%), red (23%) black (6.9%) and white and red (5%). The coat color type of male Harar cattle was roan (34.5%), white grey (26.2%), red (20.2%), white (13.1%) and black (6%).The average body length, chest girth, height at withers, pelvic width, horn length and body weight for female cattle was 118.73 ± 0.49, 144.53 ± 0.59, 116.39 ± 0.38, 36.84 ± 0.26, 14.70 ± 0.24 cm and 257.12 ± 1.63 kg respectively. Bodylength, chest girth, height at withers, pelvic width, horn length and body weight for male cattle were125.26 ± 0.66, 163.52 ± 1.55, 121. 32 ± 0.47, 39.60 ± 0.55, 12.50 ± 0.38 cm and 280.43±3.45 kg. Natural uncontrolled mating was the main breeding system in all districts. The effective population size of mixed herd was calculated to be 926.5 and the inbreeding coefficient in combined population was estimated to be 0.05%. The majority (95%) of the interviewed respondents practiced cattle fattening. The major challenges that faced the cattle fatteners (farmers) in the study areas are shortage of feed and water, disease and parasite problem, and lack of improved forage.