Participatory on Farm Evaluation and Demonstration of 25% Crossbred (Boer x Woyito-Guji) Goats in Benatsemay District of South Omo Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was carried out in Bena-Tsemay district of South Omo zone. The objective of this study was to evaluate performance of the F1 cross (25%) of Boer-WG goats at on farm level in selected areas of Benatsemay district. Based on interest of pastoralists three peasants association in the first phase and three in the second phase were selected and in each PA one farmers group formed. Selection of farmers was carried purposively and the selected farmers contributed 6 female goats, a total of 30 goats per each group of farmers. Data were analyzed using the mean comparison method of SPSS. Mean (±SD) was used to describe the effect of sex and birth year on birth, three, six and yearly weight of the crosses.The result indicated that the overall birth, three month, six month and yearly weight (Mean±SD) of Boer-WG 25% cross goats was found 2.89±0.38, 10.39±1.86, 13.90±2.19 and 19.05±3.51kg respectively. The result regarding to the effect of birth year was assessed and birth year has an effect on the growth rate only for third month weight (weaning weight) and the first phase kids attained higher weaning weight that the second year. Also the effect of sex was assessed and the result indicated that male goats had higher body weight than females.From the study it was concluded that Boer-WG crossbred goats have a better birth weight which can be exploited for a better growth performance under improved management system which should be done with integrated efforts combining the feed, breeding and nutritional aspects of production.

Keywords: Agro-pastoral, Benatsemay, district, 25% crossbred goats, South Omo, Boar x Woyito-Guji,