LIVESTOCK FEEDS AND FEEDING PRACTICES UNDER SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN ADWA DISTRICT OF TIGRAY REGION, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study was undertaken during February to June, 2012 with the objective to assess the feed resources utilization practices in Adwa district of the central zone of Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. Two tabias (Debre-Genet and Laki’a) were chosen using purposive sampling methods based on their potentiality in livestock resources and road access. A total of 60 households were selected randomly from the two tabias (30 from each). Primary data were collected using household interviews, focus group discussions, participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools and personal observations. The collected data were subjected for statistical analysis using SPSS (2013, version 22.0) computer software application. The study area is characterized with mixed crop-livestock production system. The farm land holding of the sampled households was about 0.56 ha per household which is dominantly (97 %) allocated for cropping with insignificant (<1%) for forage production. Crop residues, natural pastures, stubble grazing and hay are the main feed resources for livestock. The availability and contribution of these feed resources fluctuates with season with relatively better availability in wet season and reduced in dry season. Straws of teff, wheat, barley and Hanfets (cereal crop mixture of wheat and barley) are largely produced in the areas. An average of 0.933 tons DM crop residues produced by each household annually. The residues are mainly used as basal diet. The mean private grazing land was seen to be 0.02 ha per household and the feed supply was estimated at 0.054 tone DM. The utilization of improved forages as animal feed is very less due to land shortage and poor awareness of farmers. Similarly, the use of industrial by-products is occasional and restricted to dairy farmers due to high cost and less availability. Research and development efforts are required to improve the utilization of local feed resources in the study areas.