Participatory Demonstration of Fattening Sheep Supplemented with Improved Forage Species in Dabafayd Kebelle, Adadle District, Shebelle Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia
Ismael Hassan Hussein
Godey Livestock and Agricultural Research Center, Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 398, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
Abdi Mohamed Ali
Socio-economic and Extension Research Department, Somali Region Livestock and Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 398, Jigjiga, Ethiopia and Disaster Risk Management and Sustainable Development, College of Dryland Agriculture, Jigjiga University, P.O. Box 1020, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
Mahamed Dol Ateye
*
Food Science and Nutrition Research Directorate, Somali Region Livestock and Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 398, Jigjiga, Ethiopia and Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Dry Land Agriculture, Jigjiga University, P.O.Box 1020, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study was conducted in Adadle District, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia, to evaluate participatory sheep and goat fattening using improved forage-based supplementary feeding for yearlings. Twenty-seven model agro-pastoralists, each with ten yearlings, five Black Head Somali (BHS) and five Local Ethiopian Somali Goats (LESG), were selected based on their prior experience in small ruminant fattening and willingness to participate. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups for BHS and LESG finishing and provided with supplementary rations of locally available feed ingredients, including 1% common salt. Training on improved fattening practices and feeding management was delivered to agro-pastoralists, development agents, and livestock experts to enhance capacity and awareness. Supplementary feed was introduced gradually at 3 kg per head per day over fifteen days, and initial live body weights were recorded. Fortnightly weight measurements were conducted over 90 days, and data were analyzed using ANOVA and the GLM procedure of SAS (2002). Results showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in live body weights for both BHS and LESG yearlings. Economic analysis revealed high returns from selling the finished animals, indicating the profitability of the feeding strategies. The study concludes that these improved forage-based supplementary feeding technologies are effective and recommends their wider adoption to enhance small ruminant production, improve agro-pastoralist livelihoods, and strengthen food security in the region.
Keywords: Sheep fattening, participatory demonstration, yearling fattening performance, supplementary feeding