SALALA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCE

DEPARTEMENTE OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

ASSESSEMENT ON CHALLENGES AND OPORTUNITY OF SHEEP

PRODUCTION IN AND AROUND FITCHE TOWN

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMRNT OF

ANIMAL SCIENCE FOR PARTIAL FULLFILMENT OF BS.C DEGREE
IN ANIMAL SCIENCE

BY ID NO.

MOLLA WONDIMENEH 2116/10

BIRARA MEKONEN 9732/10

TIRNGO DESA 7747/10

ABEBECH GASEW 4518/10

ADVISOR; MSR ABIE T

JUNE, 2017

FITCHE, ETHIPIA

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LIST OF ABBREVIATION
CSA central statistical authority

DA Development agent

DADI Domestic Animal Diversity-Information System

EARO Ethiopian agriculture research organization

FAO Food and agricultural organization

GDP Growth of domestic production

MOA Minister of agriculture

RDC Respiratory disease complex

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Above all, we would like to thank, the Almighty GOD, Alpha and Omega and his blessed mother
Saint Mary for allowing we to pursue our education as well as to start and finish this work.
Conducting of this research proposal could not if it were not a generous assistance of individuals
and others. We are particularly grateful to our advisor Abie Tolosa (MSc) for her
encouragement, willingness to supervise our research proposal and her valuable comments from
early stages of proposing the proposal which helped in the completion of the study.

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Table of Contents
LIST OF ABBREVIATION ……………………………………………………………………………..ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS........................................................................................................................iii
LIST OF TABLES......................................................................................................................................vi
ABSTRACT..............................................................................................................................................vii
1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the problem…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…2
1.3 Objective...........................................................................................................................................2
1.4 Significant of the study……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….3
1.5 Scope of the study………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
2. LITERATURE REVIEW…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
2.1. Sheep Production System and Husbandry in Ethiopia......................................................................3
2.2. Role of Sheep for Livelihood of Smallholders in Ethiopia...............................................................4
2.3. Factors Influencing Performance of Sheep.......................................................................................5
2.4. Feed and water shortage...................................................................................................................5
2.5. Disease.............................................................................................................................................5
2.6. Market access and information.........................................................................................................6
2.7. Flock Structure and Ownership Patterns..........................................................................................7
2.8. Lambing Interval..............................................................................................................................7
2.9. Litter size..........................................................................................................................................8
2.10. Lamb mortality...............................................................................................................................8
2.11. Birth weight....................................................................................................................................9
2.12. Weaning weight.............................................................................................................................9
2.13 Constraints of sheep in the study area……………………………………………………………………………………….10
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS...........................................................................................................11
3.1. Description of the Study Area.........................................................................................................11
3.1.1. Geographical Location.............................................................................................................11
3.1.2. Climate....................................................................................................................................11
3.1.3 Soil type, Land Preparation and grazing...................................................................................11

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 3.2. Sampling techniques.......................................................................................................................11
3.3. Method of Data collection..............................................................................................................12
3.4. Data Analysis..................................................................................................................................12
4 work plane…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….13
5 bugdet summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14
6. REFERENCE......................................................................................................................................25
7. APPENDIX...........................................................................................................................................31

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ABSTRACT
Sheep production is practicese in most part Ethiopia in general and in Fitche in particular.
Although north shewa zone is known in sheep population there is limitation of documented
information on this sector. Therefore this study is designed to identify the challenges and
opportunity of sheep production in and around Fitche town. A total of five kebelles are selected
in and around Fitche town based on the sheep population then fifty two households were
addressed to make house hold interview by purposive sampling method. The interview has been
made by semi-structured questioner to generate relevant information. Collected data were
entered into micro soft excel 1997-2003 the analyzed by SAS 2008. Descriptive statistics and
ranking index were used to describe the data. The male and female proportion is almost equal in
urban part of this study and in the rural part there are more male respondents that may indicate
unequal labor responsibility in sheep husbandry. The educational status of majority of the
respondent in rural area was none educated whereas most of the respondent were read and write
in urban part of this study. Most of the respondent report that they use extensive sheep
production system (55.17%) so sheep grazing method is free grazing, and the other production
system is semi-intensive (44.83%). sheep production to generate income is the and for wealth
indication are the primary purpose of sheep production in the study area. The main source of
feed for sheep production is natural pasture which counts about 82% of the respondents in the
rural and 52% in the urban part of this study. About 96.55% respondents accommodate their
flocks in the yards in rural part of the study area and 65.22% in the urban area. Average market
age of sheep is 6.69 and 7.83 in rural and urban area of study respectively. In this studying area
the average ewes lambing interval is 6.44 and 6.9 56 in rural and urban area respectively.
Majority of respondents (around 50%) the respondent do not know the type of disease that attack
their sheep and they use government veterinary services to overcome disease problem. Feed
shortage, disease and water shortage are the leading constraints of sheep production in rural and
urban part of this study. According to this study there are different opportunities to rear sheep in
the area; and farmers are not properly utilize the resource due to the different constraints which
need coordinate work by responsible groups to boost the productivity of the sector.

Key words: Production system, Feed resources, constraint, opportunity.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the study

Sheep production is a major component of the livestock sector in Ethiopia owing to the large
population of 25.5million head (CSA 2011) and the diverse genetic resources (Gizaw 2008). At
the smallholder level, sheep are the major source of food security serving a diverse function
including cash income, savings, fertilizer, socio-cultural functions and fibre (Gizaw 2008). Sheep
are particularly important for the pastoralist/agro-pastoralist and for farmers in the subalpine
highlands where crop production is unreliable. Sheep are also important foreign currency earners
accounting for 34% of the live animal exports. Sheep research and development have been
practiced for decades in Ethiopia to improve the productivity of the local flocks, increase off take
rates, and increase their contribution to the livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists, and to the
national economy (Gizaw 2008)

Among the small ruminants, sheep contribute a substantial amount to the farming household
income, mutton and non-food products (manure, skin and wool). They are source of risk
mitigation during crop failures, of property security and of monetary saving and investment in
addition to many other socio economic and cultural functions (Tibbo, 2006) Sheep are the
second most important species of livestock in Ethiopia. The estimated sheep population is about
26 million head (CSA 2008) and there are nine identified breeds (Gizaw et al. 2007). Livestock
production generates between 30 and 35% of the Ethiopian agricultural GDP, 19% of total GDP,
and more than 85% of farm cash income (Benin et al. 2006).

Sheep production and productivity in the country is constrained by feed shortages, diseases, poor
infrastructure, lack of market information and technical capacity, and an absence of planned
breeding programs and breeding policies. Institutions that are involved in research, extension,
and services so far have failed to have a positive influence on traditional sheep husbandry
practices. For instance, the carcass weight per slaughtered animal remained at the bottom of the
low and unimproved category at about 10 kg, with an average annual off-take rate of
approximately 32% for the period 2000 to2009 (FAO 2010b).

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Evidence indicates that breeds and populations that have evolved over the centuries in diverse,
stressful, tropical environments have a range of unique adaptive traits (e.g. Resistance to
diseases, adaptation to heat and solar radiation, tolerance to water scarcity, ability to use low
quality feed, etc.). These traits enable them to survive and be productive in harsh environments (;
Rege 1994; Baker and Gray 2004).

Within-breed selection of the adapted indigenous genotypes is a viable and promising strategy
for efficient, sustainable, on-farm conservation and use (Simon1999; Ruane 2000; Olivier et al.
2002; Gizaw et al. 2008), which ensures a contribution to the economy of communities
depending on them (Mueller et al. 2002; Mueller 2006).Sheep types in Ethiopia are highly
affiliated to specific ethnic communities. Several traditional breeds in Ethiopia are reared by and
named after specific communities (Gizaw et al, 2007).

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Although Ethiopia and our study area have a high population of sheep but their productivity for
is low due to production challenges and constraints, poor management system, like feeding,
watering and health care management practice, and poor marketing system are limiting factor of
production systems in the area. In addition to this, poor linkages have been observed among
different organizations involved with sheep. Therefore, it is a high time and an urgent need to
investigate various management factors (feeding, watering, housing, health care) related to sheep
production and marketing techniques in our study area. As a result, this title is selected as a topic
of study to justify this factors that concerned with sheep productions based on the following
objectives.

1.3 Objective

1.3.1 General objective

To i identify the challenges and opportunities of sheep production systems in the study area

1.3.2 Specific objectives

 To identify the challenges of sheep production in and around Fitche town.

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 To identify the constraints of sheep production in and around Fitche town.

1.4. Significance of the study

In Salale fitche particularly, no formal and systematic analysis of livestock

production and marketing has been carried out. Hence, the information generated
by the study is expected to identify major challenges and strengthen the
understanding of sheep production and making, constraints and opportunities
hopefully. The study will significantly contribute to outline challenges and
opportunities of the sheep production system in order to make efficient use of the
existing livestock population and exploit their role as a principal source of rural
livelihoods.

1.5. Scope of the Study

The study aim at identifying the potential, challenges, the extent of utilization of
existing sheep production and marketing system in the study area. This study is
limite to five Keble, which is Salale Fitch in North shwa zone of oromia regional
state. This is mainly because of limited availability of resources to undertake the
study on a wider scale. Although the study has limits both in sample size and area
coverage. Moreover, the study can serve as starting point to undertake further
researcher in the study areas.

1.6. Research Question

• What are the Major challenges and constraints of sheep production and
Marketing System sin the study area?

• What kinds of opportunities have in the study area?

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2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Sheep Production System and Husbandry

In several Sub-Saharan African countries similar to those in many other developing countries
mixed crop/livestock production in subsistence manner is the predominant mode of agricultural
production system (Tesfaye et al., 2004). In Ethiopia, the small ruminant production system in
different agro-ecological zones is not studied fully and farmers’ needs and production constraints
have not been identified. Improvement in small ruminant productivity which is low in Ethiopia
can be achieved through identification of production constraints and introduction of new
technologies or by refining existing practices in the system (EARO, 2001).

According to Tibbo (2006), there are two sheep production systems in the country based on
input- output flow. These are the traditional smallholder management system and the private
commercial and parastal production system. The traditional subsistence smallholder management
system is the most common one in the country and sheep are kept as an adjunct to other
agricultural activities along with other livestock species. But the parastatal and commercial
production system represents a minor portion of the sheep production system in the country.
When closely examined, these two broad categories could be further classified as three major
different production systems; highland sheep-barely, mixed crop-livestock and pastoral and agro-
pastoral production systems(Tibbo, 2006; Solomon et al., 2008) characterized by different
production goals and priorities, management strategies and practices, and constraints (Deribe,
2009).

Getahun (2008) also reported four production system categories based on the prevalent
agricultural activity; small ruminant in annual crop-based systems (Northern, North Western and
central Ethiopia), small ruminant in perennial crop-based systems (mainly southern and south-
western highlands), small ruminant in cattle-based systems (agro-pastoral and arid areas), and

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small ruminant dominated systems (Marshal 2000) and Ethiopia is believed to be one of the
major gateways for domestic sheep migration from Asia to Africa (Devendra and McLeroy
1982).

2.2. Role of Sheep for Livelihood of Smallholders

Production of Sheep can contribute to the economy and environmental sustainability of the farm
under operation and add value to the farm's biological diversity and may fit economic and
biological niches that would otherwise stay unfilled even in the future (Ann et al., 2000). Sheep
play an immense role in the livelihoods of rural farms and serve as a living bank for many
farmers, and closely linked to the social and cultural life of resource poor farmers (Workeneh,
2000), particularly youths and women headed households. There is a linkage through manure
since the manure of small ruminants is commonly used to fertilize home gardens and crop lands
(Legesse et al., 2008). Sheep are 9 the major suppliers of meat for rural communities, especially
during periods of public festivals (Tsedeke, 2007); Ameha (2008) reported an estimated sheep
skin output of 8.3 million in the year 2000 and contribute 77 thousand metric tons from mutton
production. Low capital requirements for starting or expanding small ruminant production means
that risks are low and the enterprise is well suited to low-input systems (Tibbo, 2006). Increasing
human population, urbanization and incomes, coupled with changing consumer preferences are
creating more demand for these animals and their products (Kosgay et. al., 2008).

The main reasons household sale sheep are to generate cash for purchasing food and farm inputs,
school and medical expenses, pay credit, purchase livestock and build assets. During drought, the
risk of crop failures and food shortage sheep are the preferred one for sale and to satisfy the
farmers need. In addition to the live animals, skins are important marketable byproduct in Alaba
(Deribe, 2009). Even if skins are used for various household purposes, about 60% of total
produced skins are marketed. However, one-third of the total household sale skins to illegal
traders (Tsedeke et al., 2011) and about 90% meat, 92% skin and hide export trade value from
sheep and goat production in the country (FAO, 2004).

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2.3. Factors Influencing Performance of Sheep

Identification of constraints which can put obstacle for sheep production and genetic
improvement programmer should be the prior step before trying for its implementation (Baker
and Gray, 2004). Disease, limited market access and information, feed shortage/frequent drought
and water shortage are among the main sheep production constraints in the country. Disease,
feed shortage, predators and labor shortage are the most pertinent constraints for sheep
production in Horro and Adiyo Kaka (Bonga) and had significant influence on sheep
productivity (Zewdu, 2008 ).

2.4. Feed and water shortage

Feed shortage problem is similar throughout the country, being serious in high human
population areas where land size is diminishing due to intensive crop cultivation and soil
degradation. The better use of available feeds and the use of non-conventional feeds for
supplementation are growing (Belete, 2009) to alleviate the problem. Seasonal feed shortages,
both in quality and quantity, and the associated reduction in livestock productivity in different
parts of the country (Tessema et al., 2003). Water shortages is a common problem for both
human and livestock consumption in most rift valley parts of the country. It has been reported to
be a limiting factor for animal productivity in most mid and lowland areas of Southern region. In
south-eastern part of the country there is also critical shortage of water; however, there are
breeds adapted to lowland agro ecologies through their physiological adaptation mechanisms
(Belete, 2009).

2.5. Disease

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Diseases and parasites are also contributing for higher production losses, particularly in young
stocks. Respiratory Disease Complex (RDC) is among the most important diseases and
associated complexes in small ruminants’ husbandry and management (Deribe, 2009). Early
mortalities (as high as 50% in lambs) are among the most important losses associated to
managements like cold stress, starvation, mis-mothering, etc. (Tibbo, 2006).

2.6. Market access and information

Ethiopia’s huge livestock population, proximity to the export markets and other conducive
conditions gave the country a comparative advantage in livestock trade (Belachew and Jemberu,
2003). There are several livestock trading constraints in Ethiopia. They also reported that
inadequate market infrastructure, absence of market information system, absence of market
oriented livestock production system, inadequate number of exporting firms with low level of
capacities, inadequate knowledge of international trade, low level of quarantine facilities and
procedures, prevalence of various diseases, repeated bans, excessive cross-border illegal trade
and stiff competition are the major challenges that hinder the smooth livestock trade in Ethiopia.
Due to lack of market information, the available livestock markets in the country are loosely
integrated. Lack of market information may also increase the marketing cost. The highland areas
in the country are livestock deficit due to higher population density (Belachew and Jemberu,
2003).

The Ethiopian cattle, sheep and goat are the preferred livestock types in the Middle East
Countries. This is due to the meat produced from this animals is organic in nature and the meat is
of good taste (Belachew and Jemberu, 2003). The major problems in traditional management
system is that the system is not market oriented, underdeveloped marketing and infrastructure
system, and poor financial facility (Azage et al., 2006, Berhanu et al., 2006). Long market chain
is an important barrier for producers and inhibits them from direct benefiting through sell of their
animals without involvement of brokers (Endrias and Tsedeke, 2006). Poor marketing
information and problems of credit facilities (Berhanu et al., 2006; Endrias and Tsedeke, 2006)
reduced the benefit gained by the smallholders. Inadequate infrastructure like road accessibility

7
and marketing facilities are also contributing for the reduced benefit made from the sale of
animals by the producers (Tibbo, 2006).

Reports indicate that because of lack of standardized marketing systems with transparent market
price information farmers cannot receive their sufficient return from sheep production as they
gain according to trader prices and also lack of access to domestic and export markets hold back
them from obtaining incentive benefits. As the result of poor quality skins farmers received low
prices from skin marketing. The extension system provides little or no technical support to
farmers regarding production, preservation and marketing of skin (Tsedeke et al., 2011). To
boost the enormous contribution of the livestock sector to the national economy, improving
animal productivity and establishing standardized marketing systems are very important.

2.7. Flock Structure and Ownership Patterns

Flock structure is defined as the proportion (in terms of head) of the flock of sheep, which is
formed by different age and sex classes of animals. Flock composition in terms of age and sex
classes has been taken as an indicator of the management objectives for the owner and the
production (reproductive, mortality and off-take rate) of the flock (Ayalew et al., 2002). The
proportion of different age and sex classes in the flock can form flock structure. Most of the time
flock structure can reflect objective and strategy of the production. Sheep ownership varies
depending on the wealth status and the overall farm production objectives (Deribe, 2009). In the
highlands, sheep are kept in small flocks of about 5 sheep per household by nearly 40 % of all
smallholders. However, at higher altitudes (2800-3000 m) one can find flocks with 30 to more
than 100 sheep (Awigichew, 2000; Samuel, 2005). An average flock size of sheep of Alaba is 5.0
(Tsedeke, 2007). High percentage of single ownership was reported from traditional sector of
Ethiopian highlands (Amelmal, 2011), which gives guarantee for testing technological
innovations. The owner and care taker relationship was also reported.

2.8. Lambing Interval

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The interval between two successive parturitions is called lambing interval and it can be affected
by season of lambing or nutritional accessibility, breed and number of parity of ewes and
management practice (Amelmal, 2011). Reproductive efficiency is related to the length of
parturition interval; i.e. ewe with long lambing interval has lower reproductive efficiency
(Deribe, 2009). At least three times lambing is expected per two years under normal
circumstances (Girma, 2008).

2.9. Litter size

Litter size rate mainly influenced by breed, level of nutrition, season and age. Significantly age
of the dam can have effect on number of lambs per lambing. Until the age of five years or fourth
parity liter size can be increased then it decreased slightly above this age (Baker et al., 2002).
The average litter size of Dorper ewes is 1.19 to 1.5 and was affected by ewe age, multiple birth
rates increasing to an age of 4 years, followed by a tendency towards a decline. Ewes born as
multiples had a higher litter size than single contemporaries (Snyman and Herselman, 2005).
According to Zewdu (2008) a twining rate of 39.9 % or litter size of 1.40 and 36 % or litter size
of 1.36 were obtained for Horro and Bonga sheep breeds, respectively and the two breeds
showed relatively better multiple births under the existing feed shortages. And report of Tesfaye
(2008) where low twining rate of both Menz and Afar sheep breeds was recorded.

2.10. Lamb mortality

Lamb losses during pre-weaning period due to poor milking ability of dam and poor
management before one year of age vary from 6.4 % to 45% (Deribe, 2009). This could be a
major influencing factor of productivity of a flock (Awigichew, 2000; Abegaz et al., 2002).
Lamb mortality rate varies from one flock to another depending mostly on management level
(Awigichew, 2000).

Slow growth rate associated with mortality has been limiting factors for profitability of the
indigenous sheep breeds and more than half of the causes of mortality were similar and attributed
to pneumonia as reported from the study on Horrro and Menz sheep of Ethiopian highlands

9
(Mukasa-Mugrewa et al., 2002; Tibbo, 2006). Mortality rate was higher for lambs born in dry
season, compared to those born in the wet season (Deribe, 2009). Significant effect of season,
flock size and sex of animals on survival was reported (Gemeda et al., 2002) for Horro sheep.
The same as to that coughing (23.8%) and diarrhoea (23.5%) are among the major clinical signs
for mortality of sheep.

2.11. Birth weight

Birth weight of animals is one of the most important factors influencing the pre-weaning growth
of the young and has a positive correlation between birth weight and subsequent live body
weight development (Awgichew, 2000). For breeding (selection), feeding and health care and for
market age determination knowing the body weight of a sheep is important. However, this
fundamental knowledge is often unavailable for sheep in the small scale farming sector, due to
unavailability of scales (Zewdu, 2008). The average birth weight of pure and cross breed under
intensive production system was 3.5kg and 3kg, respectively (Gavojdian et al., 2013).

According to Sisay (2002) variation exists between indigenous and exotic sheep breeds for body
weight traits. There are number of reports on body weight and linear body measurements among
them recently, Mengiste (2008) reported 28.3 for body weight for Washera female sheep.
Similarly the same author reported 32.3 for body weight for Washera male sheep. Among the
indigenous sheep breeds Bonga male sheep had 48 kg body weight (Tibbo and Ginbar, 2004), So
Bonga sheep can be mentioned as large sized breed and superior in its body weight.

2.12. Weaning weight

Weaning weight is a trait of great economic importance in meat sheep production since it has
influence on growth rate and survival (Taye et al., 2009). When Dorper ewes are mated annually,
it is usually attempted to market lambs directly from the ewes. Under accelerated lambing
systems, where early rebreeding is a pre-requisite, it is necessary to subject lambs to early
weaning (Schoeman, 2000). Birth type and sex are sources of variation in lamb pre-weaning
growth rate (Taye et al., 2009). The indication is that lambs heavier at birth have larger adult
weight and higher growth capacity (Awgichew, 2000; Taye et al., 2009). Parity can also affect

10
pre-weaning growth rate, from birth to 30 days of age. Lambs from second and third parity dams
grew better than first and fifth parities (Tibbo, 2006).

Dorper lambs that were weaned at 2-3 months with an average age of 52.8 days and an average
live weight of 18.2 kg had a survival of 0.96 from weaning to 100 days of age (Cloete et al.,
2000). Similarly that post-weaning growth in these lambs is 0.206 kg per day to 100 days of age.
Pre weaning performance of Dorper sheep ranged from 0.24 to 0.28 kg per day. It also
underlines the ability of the Dorper breed to thrive under sub-optimal conditions. Dam age
affected lamb pre-weaning gain in Dorpers, the general pattern being an incline to a dam age of
4- 6 years, followed by a decline (Schoeman, 2000).

4.13. Constraints of sheep in the study area

Identifying the constraints of sheep production is a basis to solve the problems and to improve
sheep genetic resource and sheep productivity (Baker and Gray, 2003). Therefore, major
constraints challenging sheep production in the study area are presented in Table 9. The ranking
index value for sheep production constraint in this study shows feed shortage as the leading
challenge both in the rural and urban part of the study area. Next to feed shortage disease and
water shortage are the constraints in rural and urban part of this study. The third constraints in
the rural and urban area of this study are water shortage and disease/lack of labor forces
respectively. Next to these constraints genotype, predators and drought are listed by few
respondents as constraints of sheep production in the study area. Good understanding of the
relative importance of the different constraints is fundamental prior to initiating any genetic
improvement programmed (Baker and Gray 2003).

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3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1. Description of the Study Area

3.1.1. Geographical Location

The study can carries out in and around fiche town, which is located in northern shewa zone of
Oromo Regional State. It is situated at about 112km away from Addis Ababa to the north, along
the road to Bahirdar. Fiche has a latitude and longitude of 90480N 380440E and elevation
between 2,738 and 2,782 meters above sea level (Data Base of G/Jarsoworeda 2003 E.C).

3.1.2. Climate

The annual rainfall varies between 1200-1400mm. and the average annual temperature ranges
from 150c-180c (Data Base of G/Jarsoworeda 2003 E.C). The tropical and semi temperate
climate of the area favors livestock and crop production which are the main activities in the study
area (Data Base of G/Jarsoworeda 2003 E.C).

3.1.3 Soil type, Land Preparation and grazing

Soil type of the experimental site is dominantly black with medium moisture. The Land is
preparing for purpose of ploughed in April; the grazing land was kept to save edible crops. And
sheep as well other animals shift from grazing methods.

3.2. Sampling techniques

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 Before conducting the real research work general survey will Carrie out. Then discussion is held
with district animal science expert and development agent (DA) to identify the potential kebelles
on their sheep population in and around Fitche town. Then sample kebelle will selecte by
purposive sampling method. And house hold/ respondents will be numerate with the same
sampling technique. Accordingly fife kebelles then ten household from 3 kebelle and eleven
household from two kebelle which make a total of fifty two house hold will include in this study.

3.3. Method of Data collection

Before data collection we are select the targeted kebelle and targeted house hold which are
located in and around Fitche town. Primary data will collect by using questionnaires interview
prepare for this purpose and checklists for focus group discussion and by observation. The
questionnaires include information’s on challenge and opportunities in sheep production around
Salale area. Secondary data will collects from district animal and forage production office.

3.4. Data Analysis

All data collected by household interview, focus group discussion, observation and from
secondary source will be interre in Microsoft excel version 1997-2003. These data will analyze
by descriptive statistics particularly means and standard deviation, frequency count and ranking
index. The data will be subjected to descriptive statistics using statistical analysis software (SAS
2008).

4. Work plans

Submission /completion date

s.no. activities
1 Preparation of of research January February March April May
proposal.
2 Writing research proposal. x x
3 Developing the interview. x

13
4 Developing research question. x

5 Data collection and literature. x x

6 Data analyzing and writing up of x x

the result.

7 Submission of the first draft. x

8 correcting of the comment x

9 submission of the final research x

to the advisor

10 senior research x
presentation/defense

11 final research paper submission x

14
5. Budget requirement

s.no Item Unit No of item Total cost

.

1 paper Stack

2 Pen Stack

3 Binder Pack

4 Printing pkt

5 Photo copy Page

6 Transportati Trip
on

7 Training cost

8 Flash Number

Total

15
6. REFERENCE

Abegaz, S., Negussie E., Duguma G. and Rege J.E.O., (2002): Genetic parameter estimates for
growth traits in Horro sheep. Anim. Breed. Genet., 119:35-45

Ameha, S., (2008): Sheep and Goat Meat Characteristics and Quality. In: AlemuYami and R.C.
Merkel (Eds). Sheep and Goat Production Handbook for Ethiopia. Ethiopian Sheep and
Goats Productivity Improvement Program (ESGPIP), Addis Ababa Ethiopia, 323-328.

Amelmal, A., (2011): phenotypic characterization of indigenous sheep types of Dawuro zone and
Konta special woreda of SNNPR, Ethiopia. Msc. Thesis.Haromaya University,
Haromaya, Ethiopia, 25-30

Ann, W., Gegner L. And Earles R., (2000): Sustainable Sheep Production. NCAT Agriculture
Specialists, 138.

Awgichew, K., (2000): Comparative performance evaluation of Horro and Menz sheep of
Ethiopia under grazing and intensive feeding conditions. Phd Dissertation, Humboldt
University, Berlin, Germany

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Ayalew, W., ewburns, J.M King and Rischkowsky B., (2002): Practicalities of sustaining a goat
crossbreeding programme in eastern Ethiopia. Ethiop. J. Anim. Prod. 2: 71-85.

Azage, T., Berhanu G. And Dirk H., (2006): Institutional arrangements and challenges in market
oriented livestock agriculture in Ethiopia. ESAP (Ethiopian Society of Animal
Production). In: Proceedings of the 14th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Society of
Animal Production (ESAP) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1-20

Baker, R.L., Mugambi, J.M., Audho, J.O., Carles, A.B. and Thorpe, W., (2002): Comparison of
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7. APPENDIX

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF SHEEP PRODUCTION IN

AND AROUND FITCHE TOWN

Questioner

Questionnaire number (code) _______Date: _______enumerator: Region: …….Zone:

___Woreda: ________kebele/PA/Village: _________

Part 1. Socio-economic characteristics

1.1 Sex of the respondent: Male ____ Female ____

1.2 Age of the respondent: ______ years

Educational status

a. non – educated b. read and write c. elementary d. secondary and above

1.1. sheep Production system

26
a. intensive b. semi-intensive c. Extensive

1.2. Purpose of keeping sheep (rank the purpose)

Rank1. Rank2. Rank 3

a. income source _______ _______ _______

b. wealth indicator _______ _______ _______

c. cultural activities _______ _______ _______

d. manure _______ _______ _______

e skin _______ _______ _______

f. wool _______ _______ _______

g. other _______ _______ _______

1.3. Members of household and hired Labor responsible for sheep activities

2. Feeding, grazing and watering

2.1. Feed source

a. Natural pasture

b. Established pasture

27
c. Hay d. Crop residues 0ther.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------

2.2. Grazing method a. Free grazing b. Herded c.Paddock d .0ther. -

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------

2.3. How is sheep flock herded during the day time?

a. M and F are separated b. Lambs are separated

c. All classes sheep herded together d . Sheep herded separately

2.4. Is there seasonal fluctuation in feed supply?

a. Yes b. No

2.5. At which season of the year do you experience feed shortage? ___

2.6. What is your copping mechanism? __________________________________

2.7. Supplementation regime

a. Roughage

b. Minerals (salts)/vitamins

c. Concentrates d.

None others (specify) ___________________________________________________

2.8. Source of water

28
a. Borehole/water well d. Spring
b. Dam/pond e. Pipe water
c. River f. Rain water
Others (specify) ___________________________________________________
2.9. Distance to nearest watering point
Dry season;
a. at home d. 6–10 km
b. <1km e.>10 k
c. 1–5 km d.
Wet season;
a. d at home d. 6–10 km
b. <1km e. >10 km
c. 1–5 km
2.10. Water quality
a. Clean c.Salty
b.Muddy d. other

3. Housing
3.1. Housing/enclosure for sheep;
a. Kraal b. Yard
c . Others (specify) ___________________________________________________
3.2. Type of housing materials
a. Iron sheets
b. Grass/Bushesc Wood
c. Stone/bricks
e. Earth

29
f. Concrete Others (specify) ___________________________________________________
4. Health
4.1. List types of diseases which occur frequently and affect the productivity of sheep in the area
and rank them based on importance
4.2. Access to veterinary services
a. government veterinary service
b. private veterinary service
4.3. Distance to nearest veterinary services
a. < 1km b. 1-5km c. 5-10km d.>1okm

5. Breeding
5.1. Source of ram (s)
a. Born in the flock
b. Purchased
c. borrowed from village
d. other _____________________________________
5.2. Do you practice selection for breeding ram?
a. Yes b. No
5.4. if your answer is yes for 5.2 what is your Selection criteria for breeding ram?
a. Appearance/ conformation b. Color d. Character f. Growth
l. Pedigree k. Wool/hairOthers (Specify)
5.5. Type of mating used
a. controlled b. un controlled
6. Castration and culling
6.1. Do you castrate?
a. Yes b. No
6.2. If yes, reasons for castration
a. Control breeding b. Improve fattening c. Better temperament
6.3. At what age do you castrate?
6.4. Do you give supplementary feed for castrated sheep?
a. Yes b. No
6.5. If yes, type of supplementary feed
6.6. Which class of sheep do you sell first in case of cash needed?
6.7. Average market age in months
Male _____Female _______
6.8. Average culling age due to old age
Male _____Female _______
6.9. Method of sale
1. Sold at market 2. Sold to neighbor

1
7. Reproductive Performance
7.1. Average age at sexual maturity ____________
7.2. Age at first lambing ____________
7. 3. Lambing interval ____________
7.4. Average reproductive lifetime of ewe (in years) ____________
7.5. Average number of lambing per ewes’ life time______
8. Mating
1. Sheep types selected for future breeding should hold what types of production
features/traits? Indicate in the table given bellow
a. Body size b. Fertility c. Drought tolerant d. Growth rate
5. Disease resistance 6.Heat tolerant7.walk ability 8.Longevity
2. Constraints for Sheep Production
1. What are the main constraints and opportunities for sheep production and productivities? Rank
the constraints according to their significance?
Rank1. Rank2. Rank 3
a. Feed shortage _______ _______ _______
b. Disease _______ _______ _______
c. Drought _______ _______ _______
d. Lack of superior genotypes _______ _______ _______
e water shortage _______ _______ _______
h. Predator _______ _______ _______
i. labor _______ _______ _______
j. market _______ _______ _______