Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Groundwater-recharge estimation in Waja-Golesha Sub-basin, Northern Ethiopia: An approach using WetSpass Model

Seyoum Bezabih Kidane — 2023-04-29

Understanding the spatial variability of groundwater recharge in response to distributed Land-use, soil texture, topography, groundwater level, and hydrometeorological parameters is significant when considering the safety of groundwater resource development. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the groundwater recharge of the Waja-Golesha watershed, in northern Ethiopia using the WetSpass (Water and Energy Transfer between, Soil, Plants, and Atmosphere under quasi Steady State) hydrological model. The model inputs are prepared in the form of 20m grid size maps and attribute tables. The model parameters table was prepared using expert knowledge and scientific literature. The modeling results of long-term spatial-temporal annual rainfall of 664.5 mm were fractionated as 161.5 mm (24%) of runoff, 438.2 mm (71%) evapotranspiration, and the remaining 29 mm (5%) of groundwater recharge. From the entire area of the sub-basin (532.6 km2), 1.6*105 cubic meters (m3) of water was added to the groundwater through infiltration. The seasonal distribution of the recharge indicates that 72% occurred in the wet season while the rest 28% resulted in the dry season. The evaluation of the modeled output indicates that WetSpass works well to model the groundwater recharge of the Waja-Golesha sub-basin. To preserve the resource's long-term viability, the balance between groundwater recharge and projected abstraction rates for agriculture and domestic water supply must be considered in future groundwater resource development plans in the watershed.

Identification and characterization of honeybee flora in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia

Tesfa Mossie — 2023-05-09

Due to the existence of diverse floral resources and favorable ecological conditions, Ethiopia is still one of the top ten natural honey producers worldwide. The study was conducted to identify and characterize the phenology and pollen potential of major bee forages in the various Agro-ecological conditions of Jimma zone. A total of 90 beekeepers were purposefully selected from three districts and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. The density and abundance of flowering plants were determined using sixty main quadrant sampling techniques. In addition, sixty-six pollen specimens were collected for one year using pollen traps at seven-day intervals and were also traced back to plant species level under a light microscope. The diversity of the bee flora was determined using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. Based on survey, pollen load collection, and plant inventory data, the study has revealed the presence of 141 pollen and/or nectar-source honeybee plant species belonging to 62 families in the study area. Herbs were the most dominant bee flora growth forms, accounting for 62 (44%) of a total of 141 honeybee plant species, followed by trees at 48 (34%) and shrubs at 31 (22%), respectively. Herbaceous plant had a greater density value of plant species per plot than did trees and shrubs. The families with the highest number of species were Fabaceae 18 (12.8%), Asteraceae 11(7.8%), Poaceae 9(6.4%), Solanaceae 6 (4.3%), Acanthaceae 4 (2.8%), and Euphorbiaceae 4 (2.8%) in the study area. One hundred fifteen (81.6%) bee forage species were both sources of pollen and nectar, whereas fifteen (10.6%) were pollen sources and the remaining eleven (7.8%) were nectar source plant species. The Shannon diversity index and evenness were found to be 2.8 and 0.6, respectively. This indicated that the study area has a rich bee floral plant species and is suitable for beekeeping. The midland Agro-ecology relatively has the highest species diversity, richness and evenness compared to the highland and lowland Agro-ecologies. Two main flowering periods of honeybee plants were followed by two honey flow season. Therefore, beekeepers should follow floral calendar of honeybee plants to exploit the potential of the area for honey production.

Conformation traits of crossbred dairy cows in the South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Mequanint Biks — 2023-05-10

Conformational variations between and within crossbred dairy cattle populations have significant economic and socio-cultural implications for producers. Therefore, this study was conducted to characterize conformation traits of crossbred dairy cows in the South Gondar zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. A total of 204 lactating crossbred dairy cows were selected for measurement purposes. The independent variables considered were location, stage of lactation, genotype level, and parity while linear body conformations (Stature (STA), Chest Width (CW), Body Depth (BW), Body Length (BL), Rump Length (RL), Heart Girth (HG), Neck Length (NL), and Neck Circumferences (NC)), linear udder conformation traits (Rump Width (RW), Udder Depth (UD), Udder Width (UW), Udder Circumferences (UC), Rear Udder Height (RUH), Teat Length (TL)), non-linear body conformations (Angularity (ANG), Rear Legs Rear View (RLRV), Rear Legs Side View (RLSV), Body Condition Score (BSC)) and non-linear udder conformation traits (Fore Udder Attachment (FUA), Rear Teat Placement (RTP), Front Teat Placement (FTP)), Teat Thickness (TT)) were the dependent variables. Data was analyzed using the General Linear Models procedure (GLM) of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2004). The overall STA, CW, BD, BL, RL, HG, NL, NC, RW, RUH, UD, UW, UC and TL were 127.81Â±5.4 cm, 23.1Â±3.1cm, 99.2Â±4cm, 120.45Â±4.6cm, 32.2Â±3.9cm, 168.32Â±5.1cm, 56.7Â±3.2 cm, 92.88Â±3.6cm, 17.39Â±2.65cm, 14.27Â±1.8cm, 18.02Â±2.7cm, 16.85Â±2.5cm, 59.16Â±4.3cm and 4.65Â±0.88cm, respectively. Parity had a significant effect on linear conformational trait characteristics of crossbred dairy cows at (p<0.01) and (p<0.001) significant levels except for CW, BD, RL, and RUH. Similarly, genotype level had a significant effect on linear conformational trait characteristics of crossbred dairy cows at (p<0.05), (p<0.01), and (p<0.001) significant levels except for CW, RL, NL, and RUH but the stage of lactation had no significant effect (p>0.05) on linear body conformation except STA and had a significant effect (p<0.01) on linear udder traits except UD and TL of crossbred dairy cows. Therefore, selecting dairy type traits could be an ideal option to improve cow productivity and enterprise profitability. However, future studies with large populations and various genotype levels are required to associate conformation with reproductive and productive traits.

Crossbred calf rearing method, pre-weaning morbidity and mortality in urban and peri-urban dairy production systems of Dangila district, Ethiopia

Demelash Aychilie — 2023-05-11

The study was conducted to investigate the crossbred calf rearing method, pre-weaning morbidity and mortality in urban and peri-urban dairy production systems of Dangila district, Ethiopia. A total of 160 households were purposefully chosen from urban and peri-urban areas and interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. For the monitoring study, 20 peri-urban households were purposefully chosen from a pool of 100 peri-urban households, and similarly, 10 urban households were chosen purposefully from a pool of 60 urban households. The findings revealed that the majority of dairy farmers in both urban and peri-urban dairy productions used colostrum feeding. In the study area, the most common methods of calf milk feeding were restricted suckling (49.4%) and bucket feeding (50.6%). Among the dairy farms monitored, 33.3% used separate houses, but during the survey, it was discovered that 59.4% used separate calf houses. According to the monitoring study, 36.67% of farms were found to have health problems in calves, which was similar to the survey result (41%). The major constraints for crossbred calf rearing were feed shortage and high cost, disease and parasite, water shortage, and lack of access to veterinary services. In this study, the overall incidences of crossbred calf morbidity and mortality rates were 19.4% and 0%, respectively. Therefore, improved calf management practices such as colostrum and other ration feeding, adequate housing, house hygiene, and proper waste disposal are strongly advised to prevent pre-weaning crossbred calf morbidity.

Phenotypic characterization of the Gamo highland sheep population in Gamo Zone, South Ethiopia

Dereje Dea

The study aimed to identify physical characteristics and prediction of live weight using linear body measurements of indigenous sheep types in two highland districts of the Gamo zone (Chencha and Qogota). Districts were purposively selected whereas farmers and animals were randomly selected. About 335 mature sheep (270 female and 65 male) were sampled for the body measurements. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version (20). Overall, the current findings revealed that mixed (62.50%) followed by black (21.90%) were the dominant coat colours with patchy coat colour patterns (56.30%). The majority of the sheep were horned (62.5%), curved horn (67.50%) and obliquely backward horn types (77.50%). Horizontal ear orientation (76.00%) and straight head profile (96.90) were predominantly observed. In general, about 71.60% of the sheep were hairy type and had straight crimp-curled hair (73.60%). The total hair coverage on the head, face, belly and leg was about 3.0%, 94%, 92.5% and 13.4%, respectively. About 55.20% of the study sheep revealed near hocks tail length. The mean body weight, body length, height at wither, chest girth, horn length, head length, hair length, ear length and tail length were 20.26Â±3.60 kg, 54.55Â±3.48, 55.13Â±3.83, 66.73Â±4.79, 9.42Â±7.46, 16.83Â±1.85, 7.41Â±3.12, 10.27Â±0.97 and 26.62Â±2.66 cm, respectively. In general, sex, district and age (dentition) significantly (P<0.05) affected linear body measurements. Body weight and most of the linear body measurements were positively correlated. Chest girth was the single best predictor of body weight (P<0.05). Molecular characterization of Gamo highland sheep is recommended for further advanced breeding strategies.

Effects of replacement of cafeteria leftover by concentrate mixture on biological performance and economic return of Washera lambs fed desho grass hay as basal diet

Tsigemariam Tesfaye

The study was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of cafeteria leftover (CL) on biological performance and economic return of Washera lambs fed desho grass and supplemented with concentrate mix (CM) in Ethiopia. Microbiological analyzes were performed in order to assess the feed safety of CL using standard microbiological guidelines. Twenty-five male Washera lambs with a mean body weight of 21.9Â±1.01 kg (mean Â± SD) were used in randomized complete block design consisted of five replications. The dietary treatments included: 0% CL+100% CM (T1), 25% CL+75% CM (T2), 50% CL+50% CM (T3), 75% CL+25% CM (T4) and 100% CL+0% CM (T5). The data collected includes, chemical composition of diets, nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield and quality. The microbiological quality assessment of the CL indicated that it conformed to satisfactory limits of feed safety and therefore it fit for animal feeding. Sheep under T2 had higher (p<0.001) total dry matter intake (DMI) and organic matter intake (OMI) whereas as compared to other treatment groups, sheep under T1 and T5 had lower (p<.001) total DMI and OMI, respectively. The DM digestibility coefficient was higher (p<0.01) for sheep fed with mixed supplement diet (T2 to T4). The protein digestibility coefficient was higher (p<0.01) for the mixed supplement and lower for solely dried studentsâ€™ cafeteria leftover (CL). Average daily gain showed higher (p<0.01) for T1 but similar values for treatments (T2 to T4) compared to (T1 and T5). The average empty body weight (EBW) and hot carcass weight (HCW) showed higher (p<0.01) for the dietary treatments (T2 to T4). According to the partial budget analysis, T4 was the most profitable diet, followed by T3, T2, T1, and T5. Based on this, it is possible to conclude that CL could be included in Washera lambs CM rations at a level of 75% without any adverse effect on the performance and carcass characteristics of sheep. Drying and processing of the entire student cafeteria leftover imposed due to sun drying of laxative food leftover such as pasta. As food leftover contains more moisture and is easily spoiled, guidelines for collecting, transporting, drying, and storing raw materials should be developed to ensure the safety of food leftover for animal feed. Thus, further research is required to investigate technological options for properly drying laxative food leftovers such as pasta so that such food leftovers can be used for ruminant animal feed.

Efficiency of the oestrus synchronization with hand mating and artificial insemination on the reproductive performances of Woyto-Guji Goat under community-based breeding program

Dereje Dea

Abstract

The present study was designed to describe the efficiency of oestrus synchronization on Woyto-Guji goats under community-based breeding program in Konso zone. Single and double injections of PGF2Î± followed by AI and single injection followed by buck mating were the protocols applied. Percent responded, inseminated, conceived, delivered, aborted, time of insemination, gestation length and litter size were data collected for the experiment. A total of 177 does were used for oestrus synchronization by using PGF2Î± hormone. Overall, the findings revealed that about 88.14% of the does expressed oestrus within 57.48Â±2.64 hours after hormone administration. The overall percent inseminated, conceived, delivered and aborted and gestation length (day) were 91.67, 93.71, 72.03, 2.82%, and 152.48Â±2.34, respectively. The overall percent of kid sex born was about 51% female and 49% male, and litter size was about 58% single and 42% twin. The response rate was significantly affected by age (P<0.05). Percent inseminated, conceived, kid delivered and time of insemination were significantly affected by protocol, parity and age (P<0.05). Buck mating on hormone treated does was relatively easily applicable for increased conception rate under the community level.

Dry matter accumulation dynamics, morphological characteristics and nutritive value of desho (Pennisetum glaucifolium) grass varieties in the central Highlands of Ethiopia

Gezahagn Kebede — 2023-05-31

Desho (Pennisetum glaucifolium) grass is one of the indigenous cultivated multipurpose perennial forage crops grown for animal feed and soil conservation practices in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to evaluate desho grass varieties for their morphological characteristics, dry matter yield performance, and nutritive value in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The study was conducted at Holetta Agricultural Research Center during the main cropping seasons of 2013 - 2017 under rain fed conditions. Four varieties of desho grass, viz. Areka (DZF # 590), Kulumsa (DZF # 592), Kindu Kosha-1 (DZF # 591), and Kindu Kosha-2 (DZF # 589) were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Though the plant height of desho grass varieties was not significant (P>0.05) at each production year and combined over years, it significantly differed among the production years. The number of nodes per plant and leaf to stem ratio varied significantly while the internode length was not significant among desho grass varieties. The combined over years analysis indicated that the leaf and stem dry matter yields varied significantly (P<0.05) for desho grass varieties. Furthermore, the leaf and stem dry matter yields differed significantly among the production years. The total dry matter yield accumulated by desho grass varieties varied significantly and Areka (DZF # 590) variety accumulated the highest dry matter yield (23.8 t/ha) followed by Kulumsa (DZF # 592) variety (23.1 t/ha), while Kindu Kosha-1 (DZF # 591) accumulated the least (18.8 t/ha) dry matter yield. The first year of production produced the lowest dry matter yield while the accumulation of dry matter yield increased for consecutive production years but the yield declined in the last production year. The highest dry matter yield was accumulated in the 2016 production year and it had 19.8 and 4.3% advantages over the 2014 and 2015 production years, respectively. The crude protein yield and nutritive value among desho grass varieties was not significant. The result indicated that the crude protein yield of desho grass varieties ranged from 2.8 to 4.0 t/ha with a mean of 3.4 t/ha. Similarly, the crude protein content ranged from 10.7 to 12.5% with a mean of 11.7%. Generally, the varieties have comparable performances for measured traits in the study area. However, further study should be conducted over locations and years to select and recommend the best variety for the study area and to other similar agro-ecologies.