Selection Criteria and Breeding Practice of Sheep in Mixed crop livestock Farming System of North Shoa, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was carried out in Basonawerena and Angolelatera districts in north shoa zone of Amhara region, Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to assess breeding practice and selection criteria of sheep. A total of 150 households were selected to collect data through semi-structured questionnaire. The results showed that the major feed resources during dry and wet seasons were natural pasture and crop residue. Based on the survey result primary objective of sheep production in the study area was income generation with index value of 0.335 and followed by breeding (0.30) and meat production (0.195). Mating was uncontrolled but in rare case there is control mating, the reason for uncontrolled mating was sharing of common grazing land and watering point. The primary trait preferences of the farmers in selection of rams were appearance, growth rate and pedigree the most frequently reported traits whereas twinning ability, appearance and lamb growth  were mentioned as traits given due emphasis in choosing future breeding ewes. The farmers preferred white coat colour, unwanted colour was black.  It can be conclude that for designing and implementing of breed improvement program. It is important to consider farmers breeding practice trait preference and management system.

Key words: selection, breeding practice, production constraints