Assessment of Beef Cattle Production and Marketing Practice at Mahabuba Farm in Harar Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted to characterize beef cattle production and marketing practices at Mahabuba Farm. The farm was established in 2012 in Harar Town for the purpose of exercising beef fattening and supplied to different consumer found in this zone and also some time, they supplied to the West Hararge zone and the East shewa zone. This farm obtained different species of beef cattle from Harar town, from small towns which is found in this zone, Arsi and Borana breeds were purchased from Adama town. Feed resources for beef cattle were purchased from the farmers and Agro-industrial by product found in this town and outside of the town. Native grass hay was purchased from Adale and Stover (Maize and Sorghum) were from farmers in the town and also the conserved feed from farmers live around the town. Agro-industrial by products was also bought from the factories in and around Harar town (Hamaresa, Harar beer and flour from different miller) and Dire Dawa town. The major portions of the feed of beef cattle were concentrate mix feed to feed fattened animals. Method of decision of finishing animal was based on body condition and market demands. This farm fattened around 50 animals in one round or batch. The farm can supply finished beef cattle to market around three times in a year. Fattening activity was actively performed from September to January, targeting to deliver fattened cattle for Meskel and Christmas. Beef cattle supplied to the market after 3-4 months and fattening price on average 15000 ETB were obtained.The maximum and minimum price of fattened animal in the dry and wet season was 20000 ETB, 10000 ETB and 13000 ETB, 8000 ETB, respectively.

Keywords: - Beef, Cattle, Production and Harar town