Abstract:
The cross-sectional field survey was conducted in three selected districts of Jimma zone, Southwest
Ethiopia with the aim of determining the productive and reproductive performances of ruminant livestock under
prevailing management condition. The selection of the study districts based on the livestock production
potential and accessibility. Accordingly 122, 188 and 104 households (HHs), from Kersa, Omo Nada and Tero
Afeta districts respectively, participated in the study. The livestock production system in the study districts
was mixed crop-livestock production system where livestock production is totally based on the indigenous
livestock breeds with no improved management and low output. The average number of ruminant livestock
holding in Tropical Livestock Units (TLU) was 4.92±0.25/HH, which varied significantly (P<0.01) between the
study districts. Overall, the average herd structure comprised of cattle (4.74±0.24 TLU/HH), sheep (0.10±0.01
TLU/HH) and goats (0.06±0.01 TLU/HH). Natural m ating was the only mean of breeding system (P>0.05).
The study on productive and reproductive performance of livestock revealed that average Age at First Calving
(AFC) of cows was 4.50±0.08 years, Calving Interval (CI) of 25.56±0.43 months, Lactation Milk Yield (LMY) of
203.29±4.75 litters, Lactation Length (LL) of 7.84±0.30 months and 4.56±0.10, 5.61±0.14 years for draught age
and life span of oxen, respectively. Average age at first kidding and kidding interval of goats were 2.05±0.04
years and 15.45±0.30 months, respectively (P<0.05). The average age at first lambing and lambing intervals of
goats were 2.46±0.24 years and 15.91±0.38 months, respectively. According to 88.52% of respondents, feed
scarcity in dry season is the main constraint for poosr body condition of animals in the study area. In general
the current livestock output in the study area is not promising to supply the required nutrient for the
geometrically increasing human population. Hence, urgent response is needed from responsible parties to keep
the livestock production in the study area in pace with the other development activities.
