Research Article Open Access

Small Ruminant Production and Constraints in Lanfuro Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Lanfuro woreda from February, 2017 to June, 2017 in Southern Ethiopia. The major objectives of this study were to assess the small ruminant production and health problems and to identify the constraints of small ruminant production. The study used questionnaire survey in 150 households in three kebeles that were reared sheep and goat. The results of this study showed that most of small ruminant owner were kept mainly for the purpose of income, manure and meat, 67.33%. The main supplementary feeds of the small ruminants were maize and atela (sediment) 29.33%, leaves 26% and maize 20.67%. The prominent problem was the diseases and feed shortage, 51% and it followed by water shortage 20.67%, diseases 20% and feed shortage 8%. The small ruminant production constraints faced in the study area were the existence of less market outlet (availability) 21.33%, absence of improved breed 20%, and low selling price 17.33%. The prevalent diseases encountered in the study area were bloating, pasteurollosis, lameness, nerve diseases, PPR and SGP. The prevalent disease of small ruminant was bloating, 29.33% and followed by pasteurollosis 14%. Abdominal swelling, 28% and nasal discharge, 15.33% were the higher recorded clinical symptoms. The respondents mainly used their main house for their sheep and goat, 77%. The households used the small ruminant milk primarily for their home consumption, 91.33% than for selling, 8.67%. The male sheep and goat slaughter was more common, 77.33% than female one, 2.67% during the festival, 90% and funeral ends/working days, 10%. The main reasons for selling of small ruminants in the study area were for buying fertilizer, education and health care for animal and human care expenditures. In conclusion, this study identified the prominent challenges for small ruminant production as diseases, feed and water shortage, less market availability and selling price, and absence of improved breed so as they influenced the production of small ruminant in the study area. Based on the conclusions, the production constraints and or problems should be planned and implemented properly to enhance the productivity; and it’s be better to encourage to constructed the separated house of for the small ruminant so as it could reduce the disease transmission from animal to human and vice versa.

Yibrah Tekle*, Mulugeta Ftiwi and Asmelash Tassew

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