Assessment of Available Feed Resources in Damot Sore Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Damot Sore Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Nation Nationalities and People Regional State with the objective of assessing available feed resources in the area. Eighty households, 40 from Woinadega and 40 from Qolla were selected randomly. A semi-structured questionnaire was prepared and an interview was carried out to collect data. The major feed resources available in the study area included; natural pasture, crop residues, agro-industrial by-products and some improved forages like Elephant grass, pigeon pea, Guatemala, (Desho were described. The major feeding systems practiced in the area were free grazing, rotational grazing, zero grazing/cut and carry systems, tethering and herding together. The major feed production constraints forwarded by the farmers include shortage of grazing land lack of improved forage seed and lack of awareness about conservation of feeds during periods of high availability, less extension work on interventions of feed shortage through improved forage development although some efforts were made by the bureau of agriculture and nongovernmental organization. In general feed conservation in the form of silages and hay, supplementations of tree legumes and treatments of crop residues should be practiced to alleviate feed shortage and boost livestock productivity.

Keywords: Availability, Damot Sore; Feed resource, Improved Forages.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-17-01

Publication date:September 30^th 2021