Sheep Production and Breeding Practice in Adyio Kaka District of Kafa Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in adyio kaka district of Kafa zone with the objectives of describing the production system; breeding practice and evaluation of reproductive performance of Bonga sheep breed in the study area. Results comprise the findings from the assessment of the production system and reproductive studies on Bonga ewes and lambs over the period of five years (2009-2013). Data generated was presented by frequencies and descriptive statistics. The results show that the average land holding per household was 1.9±1.4ha. Sheep was the predominant livestock species owned by producers followed by cattle. Most of the ewes were mated in dry season and most of parturitions take place during the subsequent wet season. The mortality of lambs was primarily because of poor management. Farmers dominantly use controlled mating. There are attempts to intensify the production system in the area.

Keywords: Bonga sheep, performance, Kafa, Ethiopia