Farmers’ perception towards Awassi Menz crossbred sheep and management practice in North Shoa

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 the perception of the farmers on the distributed crossbredsand the management practice under take in the area. A total of 150 households were selected purposively toassess perception of farmers. Data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaire. The results showed thatthe major feed resources during dry and wet seasons were natural pasture and crop residue. The majority of thefarmers in both districts (94.44% in Basonaworena and 93.33% in Angolelatera) provide special management forthe crossbred lambs. The major diseases in both districts are Fasciola (liver fluke), pasteurolosis and sheep poxin order of importance. Farmers comparative ranking of crossbreds and local sheep showed that crossbred ramswere better in growth, wool production, and appearance but have higher feed requirements, whereas locals werebetter in meat quality (taste) and resistance to disease in both districts.Keywords: Perception, Crossbreeding and management practice