Production Systems and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Sheep Types in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Wolaita zone of Southern Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to characterize production system and environment and to identify trait preference, breeding practices and objectives in the study area. A total of 270 households were selected purposively for characterization of the production practices. Data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and field observations. The result of the study showed that the major farming activities were mixed crop and livestock system. Sheep were kept for multiple objectives with source of income being rated the highest. The principal feed sources in the study area were natural pasture and crop residue. The majority of sheep owners herded their sheep during the rainy season and practiced free grazing during dry season. A type of mating practiced in study areas were natural mating or uncontrolled mating within the household’s flock and between neighboring flocks. The overall selection age for breeding rams and ewes were 13.3 ± 6.48 and 11.95 ± 5.82 months, respectively. Body size, colour, character and age were the most frequently reported traits in selecting breeding rams; whereas size ,twining ability, age at sexual maturity and color were traits given due emphasis for breeding ewe. Lack of superior genotype, shortage of feed resources and disease were the major sheep production constraints. The overall mean age at first service of males and females were 10.8 ± 1.95 and 10.96 ± 2.60 months, respectively. The overall mean age at first lambing and lambing interval of sheep were 14.84 ± 2.83 months and 7.48 ± 1.88months, respectively.

Keywords: Breeding Practices, Selection criteria,  Trait preferences