Seasonality, balance and copying mechanisms of livestock feed in Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the seasonality, feed balance, and copying mechanisms of livestock feed in the east Gojjam Zone of northwestern Ethiopia. To collect the data, the zone divided into three agroecologies (lowland, midland, and highland) and randomly selected two districts from each agroecology to represent appropriate agroecologies. The study involved 540 respondents – 45 from each peasant association – and utilized key informant interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, and direct observations for data collection. According to the findings, the study reveals that feed availability in all agroecologies fluctuates seasonally. The total dry matter and crude protein supplies per household per year in highland, midland, and lowland agroecologies were 8.69, 15.49, and 14.94 tons, and 0.05, 0.91, and 0.90 tons, respectively. The yearly dry matter and crude protein requirements for livestock in highland, midland, and lowland agroecologies were 11.9, 22.2, and 19.5 t/hh/yr, and 1.4, 2.6, and 2.5 t/hh/yr, respectively. The total amounts of dry matter and crude protein produced in the study areas satisfied only 73.3, 69.7, and 76.6%, and 32.1, 35.5, and 36.3% of the livestock requirements in the highland, midland, and lowland agroecologies, respectively. Producers in the study areas employ strategies such as purchasing feed, preserving crop residue, and reducing herd sizes to address livestock shortages of dry matter and crude protein. To address the issue, a new strategy should be employed, including managing natural pastures, increasing forage crop cultivation, providing protein-rich feed, and improving crop residue quality using effective microorganisms.

Keywords:

• Agroecology
• dry matter
• feed balance
• natural pasture
• seasonality

Reviewing Editor:

• Pedro Gonzalez-Redondo, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain

Subjects:

• Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
• Plant & Animal Ecology
• Botany

Acknowledgement

The author would like to express his gratitude to Debre Markos University’s research and community service offices for doing this work.

Consent to participate statement

All respondents provided oral consent to participate in the study.

Disclosure statement

The author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

According to the local legislation, the study involving human subjects did not require ethical permission; all data were anonymized.

Data availability statement

The data for this study is available from the author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alemu Gashe Desta

Alemu Gashe Desta is a lecturer and researcher at Debre Markos University’s Department of Animal Sciences. He received his Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from Debre Markos University and his Master’s degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management from Haramaya University in Ethiopia. Since September 2011, he has taught various animal science courses at the Debre Markos University, Ethiopia, including forage production, pasture management, rangeland ecology and management, camel production, livestock production, sericulture, swine production, and animal power and technology. Research interests include forage and pasture production technology, livestock production, rangeland restoration, soil fertility management, animal nutrition and food security. Livestock is a key component of the food and nutrition security of Ethiopian communities. However, their production and productivity face challenges including the lack of animal breeds, capital outlay, imbalanced feed, animal disease, and climate change. Feed imbalance is one of the primary factors affecting livestock productivity and production. Therefore, Ethiopia’s livestock production can be enhanced by focusing on high-quality feed production and enhancing natural pastures and range production.