Abstract: A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of feeding neem (Azadirachta indica) and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seed as natural feed additive for broiler chicks on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass characteristics, mortality, chemical composition and sensory of meat, partial budget analysis and blood parameters of broiler chicks. Unsexed one hundred ninety two day-old Cobb 500 broiler chick with initial weight of 42.57 ± 0.67 (mean± SD) grams were ...
Abstract: The study set out to assess determinants of information seeking behavior of vegetable farmers and to identify the source of information for vegetable farmers in Haramaya Woreda, East Harargh zone of Oromia Regional State. The study employed multi-stage sampling procedures to select four Kebele administrations and 150 sample respondents. Primary data for this study were collected using interview schedule. Simple descriptive statistical analyses and an econometric model (Ordered Logi...
Abstract: Climate change is already having an impact on agriculture as a result of increased prevalence of extreme events, increase of mean temperature, changes in water availability, and perturbations in ecosystems and increased unpredictability of weather patterns. This can lead to reduction in agricultural production and lower income in vulnerable areas. Developing countries and smallholder farmers in particular are being especially hard-hit by these changes. Adoption of climate smart agr...
Abstract: A study was conducted in Adola Reedde district of Guji zone, to asses and identify the major grass species, evaluate their chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and estimate the biomass yield of the major grass species. A total of 60 key informants taken from the sample kebeles of three agro- ecologies were interviewed to asses and identify common grasses in their vernacular name. Sample collection was done in the mid of September for three consecutive days. A total of 6 ru...
Abstract: Different species and varieties of fodder oats and vetches were identified to successfully adapt and perform in the high lands of Bale. However, their feeding value was not well evaluated. Therefore, animal experiment was conducted using thirty five yearling intact male Arsi-Bale sheep with initial body weight of 21.4±0.6 Kg (Mean± SD) with the objective of investigating the varietal differences of vetch hay on feed intake, digestibility, body weight change and carcass characteri...
Abstract: Livestock are still the major vehicle to support pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods in terms of food security and income generation in eastern Ethiopia. However, climate variability is negatively affecting the livestock systems through reducing water and feed resources. In this context, failure to timely understanding and responding to this environmental influence under smallholder conditions would lead to worst scenarios on livestock production and thereby affecting the livest...
Abstract: Information on significant contributions of agroforestry practices for natural resource conservation and factors affecting adoption of these practices by farmers in the North Bench district, Bench Maji Zone, is scant. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective to assess the factors affecting adoption of agroforestry practices by farm households. Farm household head data on demographic, socio-economic, institutional and psychological and physical factors were collected f...
Abstract: The study was conducted at Ambo University using twenty five Horro sheep with initial body weight of 16.84±0.23kg (mean±SD). The objectives of the experiment was to evaluate effect of replacing concentrate mix with Lablab purpureus hay on feed intake, digestibility, live weight gain, and carcass characteristics of Horro sheep fed natural pasture hay as basal diet as well as to assess the economy of replacing concentrate mix with Lablab purpureus(LP)hay. At the end of feeding tria...
Abstract: Climate change causes a serious problem in Ethiopia in general and more so in the study area where people’s livelihoods depend on subsistence rain-fed farming. Effective adaptation to current changes in climatic condition is the key to securing food production and livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the existing adaptation strategies and explore the determinants of the adaptation strategies choice of smallholder farmers in response ...
INTRODUCTION Small ruminant production is an important agricultural activity and has a substantial contribution to smallholder farmers in generating income and securing food in developing countries (Kosgey et al., 2006). In Ethiopia, like other developing countries in sub Saharan Africa, small ruminant production is a major component of the livestock sector. According to CSA (2015) report, the total small ruminant population for the country is estimated to be about 58.4 million, out of which ...
Abstract: This experiment was conducted with the objectives of determining the effect of harvesting stages on agronomic traits, herbage yield, chemical composition, In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and In sacco rumen dry matter degradability of Sudan grass mixed with, Lablab in Faafan zone, Ethiopia. The study was executed using 3 x 3 factorial arrangements in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in plot si...
Abstract: Farmers face a continued challenge in accessing agricultural information and technologies due to several economic, social, cultural and environmental factors. This study set out to assess Farmers’ Access to Agricultural Extension Services in Aweday Rural Kebeles. The specific objectives were to assess the status of farmers’ access to agricultural extension services and to evaluate the factors that influence their access to agricultural extension services in Aweday. The sampling...
Abstract: This study was conducted at Haramaya University ‘Rare’ research site to evaluate morphological characteristics, dry matter yield, and chemical composition of Desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) as affected by vetch intercropping and harvesting stage. The experiment was arranged in a 3*3 factorial using a Randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments comprise sole Vetch, Desho*Vetch intercrop, and sole Desho grass and three harvesting stages (60, 90, and 120 days aft...
Abstract: This study was conducted at Haramaya University ‘Rare’ research site with an objective to determining the effects of intercropping vetch and harvesting stages on morphological characteristics, dry matter yield and chemical composition of brachiaria grass using a three factor factorial in RCBD with three replications. The three factors were 1) harvesting stages (HS) with five levels: 60, 90 and 120 day, 60 and 90 day of regrowth, 2) five-levels of intercropping: sole basilisk, s...
Abstract: The main input of nutrients in agroforestry system is achieved through decomposition of tree biomass, mainly from foliage litter. Foliage litter sourced from tree component shows considerable quality variation among species. Hence, better management and sustainable production within agroforestry land use system remain on the selection of tree/shrub species having efficient nutrient return capabilities through decomposition of foliage litter. A study was conducted to determine the r...