COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF DAIRY COW BREEDS AND FARMERS’ TRAIT PREFERENCE IN ANGOLELANA TERA DISTRICT, NORTH SHEWA ZONE, ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to assess the productive and reproductive performances, and crossbred Jersey traits preferences by farmers in Angolelana Tera district. A total of 158 smallholders holding crossbreed Jersey recruited from seven Kebeles were interviewed face to face using a semi structured questionnaire. Index for traits preferences and one-way analysis of variance for reproductive and productive performances differences of dairy breeds were employed using SPSS version 25. In addition, the data were summarized in mean, frequency and percentage. The faming household headed by males with the mean age and family size of 46.09 years and 2.72, respectively besides an average dairy farming experience of 20.13 years. The sample farmers currently own an average number of 5.65 cattle including 2.97 crossbred Jersey sourced entirely from Mercy project in calf heifer free provision. Improved bull is the dominant means of mating dairy animals in the study district, which is sourced from neighbor (93.06%) with mean price per service of 38.61 ETB. Crop residues (0.18), grazing natural pasture (0.17), hay (0.13), wheat bran (0.13) and treated crop residues (0.11) are among the most ranked feed resources available for crossbreed dairy animals. Milk yield, growth and traction in crossbreed Holstein Friesian, while milk fat, fertility and growth in crossbred Jersey were the most valued traits by farmers in the study district. The overall mean of most reproductive and productive performance parameters of crossbreed Jersey namely age at first calving (30.56 months), daily milk yield per cow (5.02 liters), lactation length (241.32 days), calving interval (441.79 days), number of services per conception (1.55) and longevity (16.53 years) were significantly better than its counterpart crossbreed Holstein Friesian with the corresponding values of 32.91 months, 7.36 liters, 227.28 days, 447.59 days, 1.86 and 15.03 years. However, no significant variations were observed between the two crossbreeds on age at first service and days open. Adoption of improved Jersey breeds because for increased income (100%), milk production (100%), milk consumption (97.5%), demands for inputs and services such as AI service (100%), veterinary service (100%), concentrate feed (70.9%) and improved forages (72.8%). The higher content of chemical compositions of milk from the study animal results was 13.12%, 4.65%, 4.71%,8.53%, 3.16% and 0.67% for total solid, lactose, fat, SNF, protein and ash, respectively. In conclusion, although some parameters are antagonistic with the standards recommended for dairy farming, crossbreed Jersey performed well in the district. It indicates that the project looks targeted on the right breed in the right place with necessary training approaches on caring for animals and milk processing. Therefore, the wide use of crossbreed Jersey must be promoted in the district together with necessary improved management packages.