Vol. XX(XX), pp.

XXX-XXX, XXXXXX 2019

DOI: 10.5897/IJLPXXXXXXX
Article Number:XXXXXXXXXXX
ISSN: 2141-2448
Copyright ©2019 International Journal of Livestock
Author(s) retain the copyright of this article
http://www.academicjournals.org/IJLP Production

Full Length Research Paper

Traditional breeding objectives of indigenous sheep

populations reared in East Shoa and West Arsi Zone of
Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Ashebir Worku1*, Aberra Melesse2 and Sandip Banerjee2
1
Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Adami Tulu Agricultural research center P. O. Box 35 Batu, Oromia, Ethiopia.
2
Department of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P. O. Box 222, Hawassa,
Ethiopia.
Received 19 May, 2019; Accepted 12 July, 2019

The objective of this study is to describe the breeding objectives of farmers who keep indigenous
sheep found in Adami Tulu JidoKombolcha and Bora districts from East Shoa zone as well as Kofele
and Asasa from West Arsi zone of Oromia regional state. The study was conducted using a semi–
structured questionnaire, followed by focus group discussion. A questionnaire was used to interview
180 sheep farmers in four districts (45 each). The parameters studied in the survey included socio-
economic characteristics, production and management, herd structure, purpose of keeping, feeding
and fattening practices, selection and sheep production constraints. Results indicated that the mean
sheep flock size per household was 14.5 and differ (P<0.05) between the study areas. Accordingly, the
average flock size was higher (P<0.05) at Asasa with negligible differences across the other areas. The
selection criteria of majority of the households were larger body conformation followed by coat color
for both male and female sheep. About 92% of the farmers reported that they provide permanent
housing for their sheep. The major feed sources offered to sheep in all the study areas included natural
pasture, crop residues, crop aftermath and non-conventional feeds. The primary reason of keeping
sheep was for income generation. Feed shortage and prevalence of diseases were the most pertinent
constraints in all the areas studied. Thus, in all the cases there have to be efforts aimed towards
improving the genetics, management and seasonal shortage of feed and fodder.

Key words: Arsi-Bale, breeding objective, local sheep, selection.

INTRODUCTION

In Ethiopia, sheep are the second numerous farm production systems in Ethiopia are classified into five sub
animals after cattle with about 14 traditional sheep systems, viz. Highland cereal–livestock system, Lowland
populations and nine identified sheep breeds (Gizaw et crop–livestock system, Agro-pastoral and pastoral
al., 2007) and with a total population of around 30.7 systems, Sub-alpine sheep-barley system and Highland
million (CSA, 2017). According to Solomon (2008) sheep perennial crop system.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: aworku74@gmail.com.

Author(s) agree that this article remain permanently open access under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License 4.0 International License
 Figure 1. Map showing the study areas.

Indigenous sheep in Ethiopia play multifarious roles viz. consider the different intangible, socio-economic, and
sources of income, meat, skin, manure and coarse hairy cultural roles that livestock play in each situation. This
fleece. They are also a means of risk avoidance (during usually leads to the setting of unrealistic breeding
crop failures) especially under marginal productivity, objectives (Kosgey, 2004).
under low and erratic rainfall, severe land erosion, frost, Knowledge of traditional animal breeding practices and
and water logging problems (Zewdu, 2008). Thus, sheep techniques is important to develop sustainable genetic
reared by the smallholder farmers provide support to the improvement schemes especially under smallholder
economic stability and compliment crop production. situations (Kosgey, 2004). The previous approaches on
Sheep rearing also plays important roles in cultural, livestock breeding and development were based on a
social livelihoods and religious values for large and top-down approach where all the stakeholders were
diverse human population (FAO, 1999). The low rarely consulted by the researchers (Solomon et al.,
productivity of livestock breeds in general and sheep in 2011). Thus, the knowledge gap usually led to the setting
particular may be due to different factors such as poor up of unrealistic breeding goals in the design of livestock
nutrition (of the animal), prevalence of diseases, genetic improvement programs, the consequence of
especially among livestock reared under challenging which often endangered the conservation of indigenous
conditions. Understanding the genetic diversity of animal genetic resources (Zewdu et al., 2006). There is
livestock is quite relevant for the developing countries limited information in the literature on the breeding
where specific adaptive attributes of the livestock genetic objectives and selection criteria of Arsi-Bale sheep in the
resources make them all the more important especially stated study areas. Therefore, the present study was
under the unforeseen climate changing conditions conducted to identify the traditional breeding objectives
(Workneh et al., 2004). and trait preferences of the farmers in the study area.
Improvement of sheep productivity through proper
husbandry and genetics is needed to meet the escalating
demand of dietary protein; however in this case we need MATERIALS AND METHODS
to identify and conserve the genetic resources and
Description of the study area
diversity so as to ensure their sustainable utilization
(Zewdu et al., 2012). As a prerequisite to initiate genetic Four districts, Adami tulu Jido kombolcha [ATJK] (07° 55’N latitude
improvement program, it is important to understand the and 39° 45’ E longitude), Bora (8°39′N latitude and 39°5′E
prevailing production system/sand to overcome the longitude), Kofele (07° 00’N latitude and 38 o 45’ E longitude) and
prevailing constraints (Baker and Gray, 2004). A Asasa (07°06′N latitude and 39°12′E longitude) were purposely
comprehensive description of the production environment selected based on their sheep production potentials. The first two
districts were selected to represent East-Sshoa zone and the
is essential to make use of the performance data and to remaining two representing west Arsi zone of Oromia Regional
understand the special adaptations of breeds/populations State of Ethiopia. The study areas were described separately by
(FAO, 2012). Breeding systems in the past failed to each district and the map of the study area is indicated in Figure 1.
Table 1. Mean flock structure (Mean ± SE) of sampled sheep by locations.

Districts
Categories Overall SD
ATJK Bora Kofele Asasa
Lambs < 6 month 3.27±2.40b 4.80±3.72a 4.87±3.00a 4.67±2.85a 4.40±3.07 3.07
Male 6- 12 month 0.91±1.31b 2.11±3.62a 1.56±2.05ab 1.58±1.54ab 1.54±2.34 2.34
Ram > 12 month 0.18±0.38b 0.49±0.86ab 0.80±1.83a 0.29±0.72b 0.44±1.11 1.11
Female 6- 12 month 1.82±2.31b 3.38±4.11a 2.60±3.56ab 2.80±2.14ab 2.66±3.16 3.16
Ewe > 12 month 4.31±2.71b 5.40±4.94ab 6.25±5.00a 5.93±3.27ab 5.48±4.14 4.14
abc
Row means between columns with different superscript letters are significant (P<0.05); SD= standard deviation of the mean, ATJK=Adami tullu Jido
Kombolcha district.

Sampling procedures presented in Table 1. The findings showed that the

A multi-stage purposive sampling technique was employed where
numbers of lambs, ram lambs and ewe lambs (6 to 12
first districts known for sheep productivity in their respective zone months of age) varied across the studied locations with
were identified. This was followed by identification of potential fewer (P<0.05) being reared at ATJK and no differences
Kebeles (Peasant Associations, the smallest administrative unit in across the other studied locations. The number of rams
the country). Potential for sheep production and practices of varied across the locations with higher (P<0.05) numbers
communal grazing system were used as criteria in selecting the being raised at Kofele. The findings also showed that the
sites. In addition to secondary data, discussions were held with
zonal and district agricultural experts and development agents at
numbers of ewe lambs (6 to 12 months of age) and ewes
the Kebele level to select the sites and households for interview varied (P<0.05) across the locations, with more numbers
were selected randomly. being raised at Asasa and Kofele.
A set of the detailed semi-structured questionnaire were
prepared to collect information on general socio-economic
household characteristics, flock structure, breeding management, Sheep herding practice
feeds and feeding management, diseases prevalence and
production constraints in one visit interviews. General information The results pertaining to the type of herding carried out
list of FAO (2012) and Oromia livestock breed survey questionnaire
(Workneh et al., 2004) was used as a checklist in designing the among the sheep in the areas indicated that in most of
questionnaire. The questionnaires were pre-tested prior to the cases the sheep are either herded alone or herded
commencement of interview and necessary rearrangements were with other livestock (Table 2). The results also indicate
made to make sure that farmers easily understood it. The pre- that the sheep of the respondents were grazed alone
tested questionnaires were administered to 180 households which during the rainy season, while in the dry season they are
were randomly drawn from 4 districts (45 from ATJK, 45 from Bora,
45 from Kofele and 45 from Asasa). In addition to information
herded along with the neighbors’ sheep. According to the
collected through individual farmer interview, focus group current study the rainy season associated with the
discussions were held with elderly farmers, Kebele leaders and cropping season while the dry season implies the non-
socially respected farmers who are known to have better cropping season.
knowledge on the present and past social and economic status of
the study areas to gather detail information on sheep production.
Sheep housing practices
Data management and analysis
The findings as presented in Table 3 indicate that in most
The SPSS statistical computer software (SPSS for window, release cases sheep are housed alone, in separate roofed
20.0, 2013) was used to analyze the survey data and qualitative houses. The type of house used to confined sheep and
data from individual observations were analyzed separately for both
sexes. Chi-square test was employed to test for independence system of housing is significantly different (P< 0.05). In
between the categorical variables. An index was calculated to contrast system of confined sheep (sheep alone or with
provide overall ranking of the reasons for keeping sheep according other livestock) is not significantly different across the
to the formulae: Index = Σ of [3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2 + 1 for rank study areas. More than one fourth of sheep producers in
3] given for particular purpose of keeping sheep divided by Σ of [3 bora district housed their sheep in house without a roof,
for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2 + 1 for rank 3] for all purpose of keeping
sheep. Similar indices were calculated for ranking selection criteria
which is called “Moonaa” in the Oromo language.
for breeding females and males, constraints for sheep production. Separate house, the family house and gaadaa (attached
to house) were ranked first, second and third system of
housing sheep, respectively.
RESULTS

Sheep flock structure Sheep production objective

The flock demography in the studied locations is The purpose of rearing sheep in the study areas are
Table 2. Herding practices of respondent households with the respective seasons (%).

Rainy season Dry season Overall

Grazing management
Bora Kofele Asasa ATJK Bora Kofele Asasa RS DS
Herding practices
Sheep herded alone 68.9 37.8 71.1 46.7 82.2 46.7 71.1 66.7 56.1 66.7
Together with cattle 20.0 13.3 2.2 4.4 4.4 4.4 6.7 0.0 10.0 3.9
Together with goats 4.4 2.2 0.0 0.0 2.2 2.2 0.0 0.0 1.7 1.1
Together with calves 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.0
With cattle equines and goats 4.4 2.2 0.0 0.0 2.2 6.7 4.4 0.0 1.7 3.3
Together with calves and goats 0.0 0.6 0.6 3.3 0.0 0.0 4.4 20.0 4.4 20.0
All herded together 2.2 42.2 20.0 35.6 8.9 40.0 13.3 13.3 25.0 18.9
X2 value 13.73ns 46.89

Way of herding
Alone 80.0 73.3 97.8 95.6 44.4 15.6 22.2 20.0 86.7 25.6
With Neighboring sheep 20.0 26.7 2.2 4.4 55.6 84.4 77.8 80.0 13.3 74.4
X2 Value 16.5* 11.78**
*= significantly different across the district, ATJK= Adami tull Jido kombolcha, RS=Rainy season, DS= Dry season.

Table 3. Types of sheep houses (%) for night protection.

Parameter ATJK Bora Kofele Asasa Overall P value X2 value

Type of housing
House with roof 100 66.67 100 100 91.67 0.00 24.6*
House without roof 0.00 33.3 0.00 0.00 8.33

System of housing 0.00

In the family house 20.0 0.00 17.8 8.9 12.7
In separate sheep house 68.9 76.7 73.3 62.2 69.7
36.75*
Kitchen 0.00 0.00 2.2 6.7 2.4
Gada (Attached to house) 8.9 6.7 6.7 22.2 11.5
Veranda 2.2 16.7 0.00 0.00 3.6

Sheep confined 0.13

Sheep alone 77.8 86.7 93.3 91.1 87.2 5.75ns
Sheep and other animals’ together 22.2 13.3 6.7 8.9 12.8
ns= not significant, ATJK= Adami tull Jido kombolcha.

The purpose of rearing sheep in the study areas are sources of rams, inbreeding and selection are presented
presented in Table 4. The findings from the study in Figure 2. The findings show that there are three
indicated that the primary reason for rearing sheep in classes of respondents, those who do not possess ram
ATJK is for income followed by meat, social importance, (who are in a majority), those who own one rams and
manures, saving and milk. The study further indicates those who have more than one ram. The source of the
that at all the other study areas the sheep are raised for breeding ram is either owned by the respondents while
income and meat. The results also show that at ATJK the many of them are also owned by the neighbors.
sheep are also reared for social ceremonies, while at However, the respondents claimed that they were not
Bora they are also reared for manure. In addition, sheep aware of the effect of inbreeding among the flock
are also reared for other purposes but most of them are however they are aware of the consequences of the
of minor importance. same, besides majority of the respondents too select the
sheep. The results as presented in Table 5 indicate that
Sources of breeding ram and selection criteria criteria for selection of the rams in the study area, the
findings show that irrespective of the study areas the
The study pertaining to the breeding management, rams are selected based on their conformation (long
 Table 4. Ranking of sheep production objectives by districts.

Ranked breeding Proportion of breeding objective/Attributes

objectives Meat Milk Income Social Wealth Manure Skin
ATJK
Rank 1 0 0 43 0 1 1 0
Rank 2 13 2 2 11 10 8 1
Rank 3 13 0 0 14 5 5 6
Index 0.19 0.01 0.32 0.17 0.10 0.12 0.09
Bora

Rank 1 0 0 41 1 3 0 0
Rank 2 13 0 2 15 7 9 0
Rank 3 18 0 1 14 5 4 1
Index 0.20 0.00 0.31 0.18 0.11 0.14 0.06
Kofele

Rank 1 0 1 44 0 0 0 0
Rank 2 15 17 1 1 10 2 0
Rank 3 20 7 0 13 2 8 1
Index 0.19 0.15 0.29 0.11 0.08 0.11 0.06

Asasa
Rank 1 0 1 45 0 0 0 0
Rank 2 9 11 0 2 10 2 0
Rank 3 21 6 0 8 2 8 1
Index 0.19 0.11 0.30 0.10 0.09 0.16 0.06
Overall Index 0.19 0.07 0.31 0.14 0.09 0.13 0.07
Overall Rank 2 6 1 3 5 4 6
ATJK= Adami tulu jido kombolcha districts; Index = sum of [ 3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2 + 1 for rank 3] for particular breeding
objective divided by sum 0f[3 for rank 1+ 2 for rank 2 + 1 for rank 3] for all breeding objective.

body and high body weight), color (mostly brown and pedigree which is ranked almost at the last.
white brown) and those with higher growth. The index
rank of using those selection criteria is different from Major sheep production constraints
district to district. For instance body conformation, growth
and color are ranked first to third in ATJK whereas, body The overall constraints regarding sheep production in the
conformation color and growth rank first to third in the study areas (Table 7) show that feed and land shortages
other three districts. and diseases are the most prominent constraints of
sheep production. Feed and diseases were identified as
Breeding ewe selection criteria the major constraints by the respondents residing at
Bora. The residents at Kofele opined that besides feed
The findings pertaining to the selection of breeding ewes and water shortages, diseases of the sheep and their
are presented in Table 6. The findings also show that the genetic potential need to be improved. While, at Asasa,
primordial traits considered for the selection are feed shortages, genotypes of the sheep besides
conformation (long body and high body weight), color marketing problem and diseases were considered as
(mostly brown and white brown) and mothering ability major challenge.
which was common across all the locations studied. The
rank of trait preference for selecting breeding ewe is DISCUSSION
different in the districts. The second preferred trait is coat
color for Kofele and Asasa district while mothering ability Sheep flock structure
is second for Bora and ATJK districts. From the current
result the respondent in the study area gives less The findings as presented in Table 1 show that the
attention for selection of breeding ewe based on numbers of ewes, yearlings and ewe lambs were higher
 the same, besides majority of the respondents too select the sheep.

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
ATJK Bora Kofele Asasa Overall
Purchased/market Own (private) flock Neighbors

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
ATJK Bora Kofele Asasa Overall
Having one breeding ram Having > 1 ram Having no breeding ram

Figure 2. Sources of breeding ram (above) and Ram possession of breeding Ram below).

than the report of Tsedeke (2007) around Alaba, Aden and housing of the sheep in the study areas. In the study
(2003) around Dire Dawa. The current result is however areas sheep are mostly herded alone. This may be
lower than Gizaw et al. (2013) report on Bonga sheep because of the grazing habit of the sheep, and sheep are
breed, Tesfaye (2008) report on Menz and Afar sheep. deep grazers (Getinet and Goetscht, 2008). The
This may be attributed to selling off of the males and observations are in close accordance with those of Belete
lower reproductive efficiency of the ewes. Studies by et al. (2017). Similar to this study, Wossenie (2012)
Zelealem et al. (2012) have indicated that the farmers reported that Hararghe highland sheep were herded
usually sell of the male animals prior to selling off the separately around their homesteads. While the study of
female animals and hence the populations of males are Taye et al. (2010) shows that all the livestock graze
lower than those of the females especially among the together. Taking different species of livestock to graze
small ruminants. The proportion of breeding ewes in this together allows better utilization of the grazing lands
particular study is below observations of Solomon et al. especially if browsers and grazers are taken together
(2005) in East Wollega and West Shoa Zones under (Getinet and Goetscht, 2008).
farmers management conditions and Gizaw et al. (2007) The results pertaining to flock mingling show that
working on Gumuz sheep. The ratio of male to female in during the rainy season most of the sheep are grazed
all of the four districts at the age above six months, alone which is also in close accordance with the findings
female proportions were high especially at the age of of Fsehatsion et al. (2013). This may be because during
greater than one year. This is because male sheep the rainy season the fields are cultivated; therefore care
greater than one year is frequently sold whenever cash is has to be taken during the process of grazing. While in
needed in the household. The ratio of male to female in the dry season the fields are fallowed and therefore
the current study is in agreement with Gizaw et al. (2007) grazing the flocks together ensures appropriate
who report a ratio of male to female which is 1:13. reproduction efficiency in the flocks (Tesfaye, 2008).
Proper housing ensures that the flock is saved from the
vagaries of nature; this also ensures that the mortality in
Sheep herding and housing practices the flock is minimized (Admasu et al., 2017). Housing
also ensures that the predatory attacks are minimized
The findings from Tables 2 and 3 pertain to the herding and therefore the flock mortality is arrested (Belete et al.,
 Table 5. Ranked selection criteria for breeding rams (%) in study districts.

Selection criteria for breeding rams

Prolificacy
Character

Pedigree
Ranked

Testicle
Growth

Libido
Color
selection

Tail
criteria BC

ATJK
Rank 1 65.4 4.30 0.00 8.0 0.00 0.00 12.5 7.7 40.0
Rank 2 15.4 30.4 0.00 40.0 0.00 18.2 33.3 0.00 40.0
Rank 3 7.7 30.4 0.00 28.0 0.00 36.4 12.5 23.1 20.0
Index 0.27 0.20 0.01 0.23 0.00 0.09 0.06 0.10 0.05
Bora
Rank 1 57.7 32.0 0.00 8.7 16.7 16.7 0.00 0.00 33.3
Rank 2 26.9 28.0 0.00 43.5 0.00 0.00 16.7 0.00 0.00
Rank 3 15.4 28.0 0.00 23.5 0.00 16.7 16.7 20.0 33.3
Index 0.26 0.23 0.02 0.20 0.04 0.04 0.08 0.06 0.05
Kofele
Rank 1 81.6 13.2 0.00 4.0 0.00 0.00 10.0 0.00 0.00
Rank 2 18.4 55.3 33.3 36.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Rank 3 0.00 28.9 0.00 44.0 10.0 0.00 30.0 33.3 0.00
Index 0.32 0.28 0.01 0.17 0.04 0.04 0.06 0.06 0.01
Asasa
Rank 1 67.6 29.4 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 12.5 0.00
Rank 2 29.4 47.1 0.00 37.5 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 40.0
Rank 3 2.9 23.5 10.0 50.0 0.0 25.0 20.0 37.5 60.0
Index 0.36 0.33 0.01 0.14 0.00 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.04
Overall Index 0.30 0.26 0.01 0.19 0.02 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.04
Overall Rank 1 2 9 3 8 6 5 4 7
BC= Body conformation, ATJK= Adami tull Jido kombolcha districts; Index = sum of [ 3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2 + 1 for rank 3] for particular
production Selection criteria divided by sum 0f[3 for rank 1+ 2 for rank 2 + 1 for rank 3] for all Selection criteria.

2017). The study shows that most of the sheep are (2015), Belete et al. (2017) and Zewdu (2008). This may
provided with house in the area. These findings are in be because the small ruminants are moderately prolific
close accordance with those of Belete (2009) in Goma and are easier to sell when compared to the cattle
district of Jimma zone. Housing of sheep alone ensures (Fsehatsion et al., 2013; Firew, 2008). Contrary to the
that the mauling of the neonates by other species of current finding, Getachew et al. (2010) report that milk
livestock will be minimized (Belete, 2009). However, production from sheep is the primary breeding objective
findings of a study by Dejen (2010) have indicated that of pastoralists in north-east Ethiopia (Afar). However,
sheep in pastoral and agro pastoral area are rarely Urgessa et al. (2012) and Zewdu et al. (2012) reported
housed and this also leads to high mortality in the flock. that production and consumption of milk from sheep is
In addition the findings by Deribe (2009) in Alaba, not common in mixed crop-livestock system where
southern Ethiopia and Admasu et al. (2017) in wolayita income generation is considered as the primary breeding
zone indicates that small ruminants are usually housed objective of sheep. The study also indicates that sheep
with other species of livestock. are raised for meat; this may be because sheep carcass
can be easily consumed within a day or two hence will
not need any refrigeration (Erlangga and Siahaan, 2012)
Sheep production objectives The results also show that sheep are also reared for
social purposes which are in close accordance with the
The purpose of rearing sheep is presented in Table 4. findings of Admasu et al. (2017). Moreover, in the past
The findings show that at all the studied locations sheep sheep were also used to settle legal disputes locally. The
are raised for income and also meat. The findings are in study further indicates that sheep are also raised for
accordance with those of Admasu et al. (2017), Amelaml, manure which is also in accordance with the findings of
 Table 6. Ranked selection criteria for breeding ewes (%).

Selection criteria for breeding ewes

Mothering

Pedigree
Twining
survival
Ranked selection

growth
ability

ability
Color

Short

yield
Milk
B.C

Tail
Kid

Kid

KI
criteria

ATJK
Rank 1 70.4 0.0 8.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 26.7 10.0 7.7 0.0
Rank 2 3.7 42.1 52.2 12.5 9.5 20.0 6.7 0.0 7.7 0.0
Rank 3 7.4 15.8 0.0 0.0 42.9 0.0 46.7 20.0 15.4 100
Index 0.23 0.13 0.18 0.04 0.13 0.02 0.11 0.06 0.08 0.01

Bora
Rank 1 52.0 15.0 23.5 6.7 0.0 0.0 28.6 0.0 15.4 0.0
Rank 2 20.0 35.0 35.3 6.7 15.8 0.0 21.4 12.5 0.0 50.0
Rank 3 8.0 5.0 17.6 13.3 31.6 9.1 28.6 0.0 15.4 50.0
Index 0.22 0.13 0.14 0.09 0.13 0.06 0.11 0.04 0.07 0.02

Kofele
Rank 1 75.7 55.6 3.8 0.0 0.0 20.0 12.5 4.2 0.0 0.0
Rank 2 16.2 27.0 15.4 0.0 26.7 0.0 12.5 45.8 0.0 0.0
Rank 3 5.4 37.8 26.9 0.0 6.7 0.0 12.5 25.0 33.3 0.0
Index 0.27 0.22 0.14 0.03 0.06 0.04 0.08 0.14 0.02 0.00

Asasa
Rank 1 69.2 3.2 5.6 0.0 7.1 0.0 14.3 7.1 22.2 0.0
Rank 2 11.7 48.4 33.3 8.3 21.4 0.0 21.4 23.2 11.1 60.0
Rank 3 5.0 25.8 33.3 16.7 7.1 12.5 14.3 23.2 22.2 40.0
Index 0.25 0.22 0.12 0.06 0.07 0.03 0.09 0.09 0.06 0.02
Overall Index 0.18 0.12 0.11 0.04 0.08 0.03 0.08 0.06 0.04 0.01
Overall Rank 1 2 3 6 4 8 4 5 6 7
BC= Body conformation, ATJK= Adami tull Jido kombolcha districts; Index = sum of [ 3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2 + 1 for rank 3] for particular
production constraint divided by sum 0f[3 for rank 1+ 2 for rank 2 + 1 for rank 3] for all production constraints.

Fsehatsion et al. (2013) and Belete et al. (2017). respondents do not have their own breeding rams and
Manuring of home gardens using droppings from small they use the neighbors breeding ram. These results
ruminants ensures food security of the respondents agree with Fsehatsion et al. (2013) that mating is
(Powell et al., 2006). performed with in the communal grazing land. Contrary to
our finding, Berhane et al. (2015) report that most of the
respondents (86%) in Medebay zana district, Amhara
Sources of breeding ram and selection criteria regional state have their own breeding rams. From focal
group discussion undertook some sheep keepers were
The findings from Figure 2 pertain to the breeding very happy if their selected ram will mate with its mother,
management and the sources of the breeding rams daughter and sister because they believe that the
indicate that either the rams are born in the house or from performance (growth and milk yield) of the new born will
those of the neighbors; these observations are in be good due to the cumulative effect (since both ram and
consonance with the findings of Fsehatsion et al. (2013). ewe come from the same pedigree as best animals). This
From the individual interview and group discussions perception may lead to the occurrence of inbreeding
made in all of the study districts there was no cross or depression, so awareness creation will be needed on the
pure exotic sheep breeds. This means all sheep influence of inbreeding to reduce the effect of inbreeding.
populations were pure indigenous sheep (Arsi-Bale Respondents in Kofele, Asasa and Bora districts keep
breed). As the current result shows more than half of the more than one breeding rams which is comparable with
Table 7. Overall ranks of major constraints of sheep production (%).

Ranked
Feed Water Land
production Genotype Disease Drought Market Predator Labor
shortage shortage shortage
constraints
ATJK
Rank 1 31.6 53.8 0.00 20.5 5.9 6.2 11.1 0.00 20.0
Rank 2 15.8 23.1 50.0 30.8 11.8 0.00 11.1 18.2 30.0
Rank 3 5.3 12.8 16.7 30.8 29.4 12.5 11.1 18.2 25.0
Index 0.10 0.23 0.02 0.21 0.08 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.10

Bora
Rank 1 23.8 38.6 35.0 14.3 4.8 0.00 6.2 0.00 28.0
Rank 2 14.3 38.6 15.0 25.7 9.5 12.5 12.5 0.00 16.0
Rank 3 14.3 15.9 5.0 34.3 19.0 18.8 0.00 0.00 12.0
Index 0.09 0.24 0.09 0.17 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.04 0.04

Kofele
Rank 1 45.2 17.6 28.0 23.3 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 52.9
Rank 2 16.1 29.4 48.0 23.3 17.6 11.8 40.0 0.00 0.0
Rank 3 12.9 38.2 8.0 26.7 11.8 11.8 0.00 0.00 11.8
Index 0.17 0.19 0.14 0.16 0.07 0.07 0.02 0.02 0.09

Asasa
Rank 1 24.3 23.8 25.0 0.00 15.0 9.6 0.00 0.00 52.4
Rank 2 21.6 35.7 0.00 17.4 10.0 20.8 0.00 16.7 28.6
Rank 3 18.9 23.8 12.5 52.2 20.0 16.7 25.0 16.7 4.8
Index 0.19 0.23 0.04 0.11 0.09 0.12 0.02 0.02 0.12
Overall Index 0.14 0.22 0.07 0.16 0.08 0.08 0.04 0.03 0.11
Overall Rank 3 1 6 2 5 5 7 8 4
ATJK= Adami tull Jido kombolcha district, Index = sum of [ 3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2 + 1 for rank 3] for particular production constraint livestock
divided by sum 0f[3 for rank 1+ 2 for rank 2 + 1 for rank 3] for all production constraints.

reports of Zelealem et al. (2012) that farmers in wolayita Medebayzana district, Amhara regional state.
zone have 2.2 breeding ram. Whereas these results Body conformation/appearance of rams, which most of
disagree with the report of Zewdu (2008) who reports the owners associated with high carcass output and
farmers possess a breeding ram of 1 to 8 in Horro premium price across all the studied districts, include
districts. Having many breeding ram may associated with wide chest and long body size. Gizaw et al. (2010) have
the population of breeding ewes and there are shown that the overall appearance of sheep is an
comparably high feed source especially in Kofele and important economic trait that influences price, particularly
Asasa compared to the other two districts. In other case in the traditional markets of Ethiopia. While coat color
result of group discussion that having more than one was an important selection criterion, brown, brown and
breeding ram is to have reserve ram in case one of them white mixed colors were more preferred in the studied
die. Result pertaining to selection of breeding rams areas.
indicates that the selection criteria were based on the
body conformations, coat color, growth rate of the ram,
pedigree and libido ranks first to fifth. This finding is in Breeding ewe selection criteria
consonance with the results of Zewdu (2008) and Tajebe
et al. (2011). Similarly, this result is in agreement with The primordial criteria for selection of breeding ewe in
Bosenu (2012) in selale area and Wossenie (2012) in Table 6 was based on body conformation of the animal
east Hararghe that indicate trait like appearance was the itself, coat color, mothering ability, kid growth and milking
most considered characters in selecting breeding ram. ability ranked as first, second, third, fourth and fifth
While Berhane (2015) report that coat color and pedigree respectively. This was in agreement with Zewdu et al.
are not given attention as selection criteria of (2012), for Horro sheep and Tesfaye (2008) for menz
sheep. Based on rank index values, the first preferred Many of the diseases are also vaccine preventable and
traits for ewes in entire studied districts were body hence the veterinarians in the vicinity are expected to
conformation (0.18), color (0.12) and mothering ability inform the respondents in the area to vaccinate the flock
(0.11) respectively. The results of present study agree against economically important diseases (Markos, 2006).
with Zewdu (2008)’s report and disagree with Admasu et The woreda officials can also organize regular
al. (2017) who report lambing interval first and mothering antihelmentic and vaccine camps so that maximum
ability second for female sheep selection in wolayita coverage can be ascertained. Inclusion of educated but
zone. A study by Tesfaye (2008) also reported that unemployed Animal Science /Veterinary medicine
farmers in various regions of Ethiopia gave importance to graduates will ensure regular antihelmenthic and
body conformation when selecting the breeding ewes. vaccination of the livestock in the woredas against a
This may be because a well conformed ewe can bear certain prescribed fee (Michael, 2013). The respondents
strong lambs and have enough milk to nurse them also need to be made aware of the symptoms of
(Zewdu, 2008). Ewes with good body conformation and economically important diseases so that they can identify
condition are also expected to have least trouble during the sick animals early. The extension agents should also
lambing and dystocia problems are also expected to be stress on the importance of disposal of dead carcass in
the least (Admasu et al., 2017). Breeding programs the training programs; this would ensure that the spread
should therefore be geared towards functional traits; of the diseases can be minimized besides not allowing
besides adequate management practices should go in the predators to visit the vicinity of the kebeles thereby
line with genetic improvement programs (Kosgey, 2004). protecting man and livestock. The respondents from
Kofele had also indicated that water shortage is one of
the major problems faced in the region and this can be
Major sheep production constraints minimized through implementation of water harvesting
techniques and development of underground water by
The results as presented in Table 7 indicate major local authorities.
constraints to sheep production in the study area are feed
shortage and diseases. These constraints can be
minimized by proper management which is in agreement Conclusion
with the report of Berhane et al. (2015). The reasons for
the feed shortage can be the influx of agriculture where Sheep are kept in the study areas mainly for cash
the earlier grazing land is being used for agrarian income, meat, social purpose, manure and savings. The
activities and thus is leading to overgrazing of the existing sheep flock structure varied across study location with
land resources. It degrades the same further as the more proportion to the high altitude. Most of the sheep
pasture is not getting enough time to propagate itself owners kept their sheep alone without mixing with other
(Tesfaye, 2008; Belete, 2009). The respondents need to livestock species but they kept with neighboring sheep
be made aware about the conservation of forages or crop which is very important to reduce the incidence of
residue so that the feed shortages can be minimized inbreeding. The main constraints in the study areas were
especially during the lean season (Amelmal et al., 2015). feed shortage, disease and appropriate genotype to
The farmers also need to be trained about balanced improve their animals. The community selects their best
feeding of different classes of livestock including sheep sheep based on individual performances and pedigree
(Mengistie et al., 2010). This would ensure the information through indigenous knowledge. Therefore,
expression of optimum production and reproductive capacitating the indigenous knowledge and deliberate
potential of different classes of sheep. Balanced feeding appropriate community based selection criteria is crucial
throughout the year around will also ensure that the in the study areas.
immunity of the rams and ewes are also optimized and
therefore the incidences of the diseases are also
minimized. The respondents also need to be trained CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
about plantation of improved forage so that the off take
per unit of land is optimized (Bethlehem, 2016).The The authors have not declared any conflict of interests.
respondents also need to be made aware of the
importance of rotational grazing so that rejuvenation of
the grasslands can be ensured; besides this can also ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ensure that the incidence of parasitic infestation too is
minimized (Getachew et al., 2010). Regular antihelmentic The author appreciate the financial support and
coverage also would ensure that the immunity of the encouragement provided by Oromia Agricultural
animals is optimized and this can also be made available Research Institute (OARI), staff members of Adami Tulu
by the members of local self-help groups in the region Agricultural research center (ATARC), local agricultural
(Admasu et al., 2017). extension agents in the respective study areas for their
cooperation during data collection period and the farmers (2010). Herd management and breeding practices of sheep owners in
a mixed crop-livestock and a pastoral system of Ethiopia. African
who participated in this study for providing their time.
Journal of Agricultural Research 5(8):685-691.
Gizaw S, Getachew T, Edea Z, Mirkena T, Duguma G, Tibbo M,
Rischkowsky B, Mwai O, Dessie T, Wurzinger M, Solkner J, Haile A
REFERENCES (2013). Characterization of indigenous breeding strategies of the
sheep farming communities of Ethiopia: A basis for designing
Aden T (2003). Evaluation of local sheep breed under traditional community-based breeding programs. ICARDA working paper,
management around rural areas of Dire Dawa. A M.Sc. Thesis Aleppo, Syria. 47p.
presented to the School of Graduate Studies of Alemaya University, Gizaw S, Komen H, van Arendonk JAM (2010). Participatory definition
Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.128p. of breeding objectives and selection indexes for sheep breeding in
Admasu L, Aberra M, Sandip B (2017). Traditional sheep production traditional systems. Livestock Science 128(1-3):67-74.
systems and breeding practice in Wolayita Zone of Southern Gizaw S, JAM Van Arendonk, H Komen, JJ Windig, O Hanotte (2007).
Ethiopia. African Journal of Agricultural Research 12(20):1689-1701. Population structure, genetic variation and morphological diversity in
Amelmal A, Yoseph M, Solomon A, Adisu J (2015). Description of indigenous sheep of Ethiopia. Animal Genetic Resources 38:621-
Sheep Production System, Husbandry Practices and Assessment of 628.
Major Constraint in Dawuro Zone and Konta Special Wereda of Kosgey IS (2004). Breeding objectives and breeding strategies for small
South Region of Ethiopia. Global Journal of Science Frontier ruminant in the tropics. PhD. Thesis, Animal breeding and Genetics
Research: Agriculture and Veterinary 15(6):44-60. Group, Wageningen University, The Netherlands. 278p.
Baker RL, Gray GD (2004). Appropriate breeds and breeding schemes Markos T (2006). Productivity and health of indigenous sheep breeds
for sheep and goats in the tropics” in Worm control for small and crossbreds in the central Ethiopian highlands. Doctoral Thesis,
ruminants in tropical Asia, ACIAR Monograph Series. Sani R.A, Gray, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Uppsala, Sweden.74p.
G.D. Baker, R. L., Netherlands: CABI, 2004, pp. 63-95. (In helen). Mengistie GA, Solomon G, Sisay L, Abebe M, Markos T
Belete A, Tadesse A, Eshetu A (2017). Assessment of Indigenous (2010). Traditional management systems and linear body
Sheep Production Systems in Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, measurements of Washera sheep in the western highlands of the
Ethiopia. American Journal of Agricultural Science 4(6):126-137. Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Livestock Research for
Belete S (2009). Production and marketing systems of small ruminants Rural Development 22(9).
in goma district of Jimma zone, western Ethiopia. M.Sc. Thesis. Michael A (2013). Phenotypic characterization of indigenous sheep
Hawassa University 82 p. types and their production systems in east Gojam zone of Amhara
Bethlehem LD (2016). Factors affecting differences in livestock asset regional state, Ethiopia MSC. Thesis Haramaya University, Ethiopia.
ownership between male and female-headed households in northern Powell JM, Mohamed-Saleem MA (2006). Nitrogen and phosphorus
Ethiopia Paper contributed for the 5th Conference of African transfers in a crop-livestock system in West Africa. 25(4):261-277.
Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE), 23-26 September Solomon G (2008). Sheep resources of Ethiopia: genetic diversity and
2016, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. breeding strategy. PhD thesis, Wageningen University, The
Berhane H, Kefyalew A, Zeleke M (2015). Traditional management Netherlands.
practices, breeding objectives and trait preference for indigenous Solomon A, Gemeda D, Ulfina G, Berhanu S, Fikru T (2005). Small
sheep in Northern Ethiopia. International Journal of Livestock ruminant production system in East Wollegga and West Shoa zones.
Production Research 3(2):1-17. Research Report, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Bako
Bosenu A (2012). On-Farm Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Agricultural Research Center, Bako, Ethiopia. 31p.
Sheep and their Husbandry Practices in Selale area, Oromia Solomon G, Komen H, Hanote O, van Arendonk JAM, Kemp S,
Regional State, Ethiopia. An M.Sc. Thesis presented to the School of Aynalem H, Mwai O, Tadelle D (2011). Characterization and
Graduate Studies of Haramaya University. conservation of indigenous sheep genetic resources: A practical
CSA (Central Statistics Authority) (2017). Ethiopian Agricultural Sample framework for developing countries. ILRI Research Report No. 27.
Enumeration for the year 2016/2017. Statistical Report on Farm Nairobi, Kenya, ILRI.47p.
Management Practices, Livestock and Farm Implements. Central Taye M, Abebe G, Gizaw S, Lema S, Mekoya A, Tibbo M (2010).
Statistical Authority, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Traditional management systems and linear body measurements of
Dejen A (2010). Phenotypic characterization of indigenous sheep types Washera sheep in the western highlands of the Amhara National
in Keffa and Bench-Maji Zone of Southern Ethiopia. M.Sc. Thesis Regional State. Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development
Presented to School of Graduate Studies of Haramaya University, 22:169.
Ethiopia. pp. 25-35. Tajebe S, Gangwar SK, Kefelegn K (2011). Performance and physical
Deribe GT (2009). On-farm performance evaluation of indigenous body measurement of Abergell sheep breed under traditional
sheep and goats in Alaba, Southern Ethiopia M. Sc. Thesis, management system of Tigray Regional state, Northern Ethiopia.
submitted to Hawassa University, Awassa, Ethiopia. International Journal of Science and Nature 2(2):225-230.
Erlangga F, Siahaan UMMP (2012). Investment analysis on goat and Tesfaye G (2008). Characterization of Menz and Afar Indigenous Sheep
sheep fattening project based on the new food fermentation farming Breeds of Smallholders and Pastoralist for Designing Community
method. The Indonesian Journal of Business Administration 1(9):613. Based Breeding Strategies in Ethiopia. An M Sc. Thesis presented to
Food and Agricultural Organization - FAO (2012). Draft Guidelines on the School of Graduate Studies of Haramaya University, Dire Dawa,
Phenotypic Characterization of Animal Genetic Resources. Ethiopia.
Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Tsedeke K (2007). Production and marketing systems of sheep and
Thirteenth, Regular session, Rome, 18-22 July 2012. goats in Alaba, Southern Ethiopia. A thesis submitted to the
Food and Agricultural Organization - FAO (1999). Production Year Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Awassa College of
Book: Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). 52, Rome, Italy. Agriculture, School of Graduate Studies, Hawassa University
Fsehatsion H, Aberra M, Sandip B (2013). Traditional sheep production Awassa, Ethiopia. 157p.
and breeding practice in Gamogofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Urgessa D, Duguma B, Demeke S, Tolamariam T (2012). Sheep and
International Journal of Livestock Production Research 1(3):26-43. Goat Production Systems in Ilu Abba Bora Zone of Oromia Regional
Firew F (2008). On-farm characterization of Blackhead Somali sheep State, Ethiopia: Feeding and Management Strategies. Global
breed and its production system in Shinile and Erer districts of Shinile Veterinaria 9(4):421-429.
zone. An M. Sc Thesis presented to the school of Graduate Studies Workneh A, van Dorland A, Rowlands J (2004). Design, execution and
of Hramaya University of Agriculture, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.134p. analysis of the livestock breed survey in Oromiya Regional State,
Getinet A, Goetsch AL (2008). Co-grazing of sheep and goats: Benefits Ethiopia. OADB (Oromiya Agricultural Development Bureau), Addis
and constraints. Small Ruminant Research 77(2-3):127-145. Ababa, Ethiopia, and ILRI (International Livestock Research
Getachew T, Haile A, Tibbo M, Sharma AK, Sölkner J, Wurzinger M Institute), Nairobi, Kenya. 260 p.
Wossenie S (2012). On-farm phenotypic characterization of Hararghe Zewdu E (2008). Characterization of Horro and Bonga indigenous
highland sheep and their production system in eastern Hararghe”. sheep breeds of smallholders for designing community based-
MSc. thesis, Haramaya University, Ethiopia. breeding strategies. An MSC Thesis Presented to Shool of Graduate
Zelealem T, Gebretsadik A, Gebregizhaber G (2012). Assessment of Studies of Haramaya University, Ethiopia. 81p.
the sheep production system of northern Ethiopia: in relation to Zewdu W, Workneh A, Johan S (2006). Breeding scheme based on
sustainable productivity and sheep meat quality. International Journal analysis of community breeding objectives for cattle in north-western
of Advanced Biological Research 2(2):302-313. Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production 6(2):53-66.
Zewdu E, Haile A, Tibbo M, Sharma AK, Sölkner J, Wurzinger M
(2012). Sheep production systems and breeding practices of
smallholders in western and south-western Ethiopia: Implications for
designing community-based breeding strategies. Livestock Research
for Rural Development 24(7).