Production System and Husbandry Practices of Sheep Under Farmers’ Management Condition in North Western Highlands of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted with the objectives of assessing sheep production and productivity under farmers’ management condition in North Western Highlands of Amhara region Ethiopia. Semi structured questionnaires were used to collect data on production, productive performance and socioeconomic aspects. One hundred eighty sheep owner households were randomly selected from six peasant associations. The data were analysed using SPSS statistical software. Mean and standard deviations of sheep flock size of the farmers was about 14.83± 10.76.  Sheep hold several roles and breeding was ranked as the first purpose of keeping sheep. Disease and internal parasite incidence ranked as a major constraint followed by shortage of grazing land, breed performance, and lack of feed during dry seasons.  The mean flock mortality rate was 16.63 %. The total off-take rate was 37.39% per annum. Traditional sheep production systems in the study area was considered unsatisfactory in feeding and feed management practices. Poor productive and reproductive performances of indigenous sheep breed were investigated. In addition to, the strategy could focus on developing small-scale market-oriented intensive production systems.

Keywords: Flock size, Husbandry Practices, Management, production, Sheep