Assessment of challenges and practices utilized for production and breeding goats in East Wollega, Ethiopia

Abstract

This research analyzes the goat production system and breeding procedures in selected areas of Ethiopia's East Wollega zone. Data were gathered from 180 respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire and group talks. Data were analyzed using descriptive and GLM techniques. The principal agricultural activity is a mixed crop-livestock farming system. It depends largely on huge grazing systems. The average number of goats per family was 9.66, with most kept for cash and meat consumption. The goat flock structure consists predominantly of adult females aged one year and above, with female goats being proportionally higher across all studied agro-ecological zones than male goats. The flock structure of indigenous goats was primarily female. Natural grassland and crop residue were the primary feed supplies in the dry and wet seasons, accounting for 37.53 % and 54.26 %, respectively. Feed scarcity, illnesses, and drought were the primary restraints on goat production. Most goat owners (97.1 %) used an unregulated mating strategy. The majority of farmers (88.93 %) chose breeding goats as parents for the following generation, with body conformation and coat color being the most desirable characteristics. The present level of goat management and breeding practices will not considerably increase productivity and profitability. Therefore, creating management and genetic development programs is crucial for boosting the production of indigenous goats.