ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Above and first of all, I would like to offer glorious gratitude to almighty of God for helping me
in every manner of my life.

Next I have no enough words to express my great full pretty thanks, sincere appreciation and
great respect for Bahir Dar town farm workers i.e Andasa livestock research center, Kobele
industrial share company farm workers and Shewaye swine production farm for their valuable
piece of advice, encouragement and support to attain good skills on how to manage and start
farm in welled manner. I am great full thanks to Gondar University whose support us financially
and provide material for success of our clinical field experience.

I
TABLE OF CONTENT
Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.............................................................................................................I
TABLE OF CONTENT...............................................................................................................II
LIST OF FIGURES....................................................................................................................IV
LIST OF ABBREVIATION........................................................................................................V
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................1
1. ANDASSA LIVESTOCK RESEARCH CENTER/ALRC....................................................2
1.1. GENERAL VIEW....................................................................................................................2
1.2. FEEDS AND NUTRITION.......................................................................................................3
1.2.1 Major feed resources......................................................................................................3
1.2.2 Ration formulation..........................................................................................................3
1.2.3 Forage development and feed production strategies......................................................3
1.3. BREEDING AND GENETICS..........................................................................................4
1.3.1 Genotypes and species....................................................................................................4
1.3.2 Herd profile.....................................................................................................................4
1.3.3 Methods of selection.......................................................................................................4
1.4 MATING /BREEDING SYSTEM...............................................................................................5
1.4.1 Pure breeding..................................................................................................................5
1.4.2. Cross breeding...............................................................................................................5
1.4.3 Types of insemination....................................................................................................5
1.4.4. Level of inbreeding........................................................................................................5
1.5. HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT.................................................................................6
1.5.1 Infectious diseases..........................................................................................................7
1.5.2 Non infectious disease....................................................................................................7
1.5.3 Reproductive health management...................................................................................7
1.6. HOUSING AND OTHER FARM INFRASTRUCTURE...............................................8
1.6.1 Housing...........................................................................................................................8
1.6.2 Young stock housing......................................................................................................9
1.6.3 Type of milking and milking parlour.............................................................................9
1.6.4 Other infrastructures.......................................................................................................9
1.7. FARM RECORD MANAGEMENT...............................................................................10
1.7.1 Feeding and nutrition record.........................................................................................10

II
 1.7.2 Breeding records...........................................................................................................10
2. APIARY....................................................................................................................................12
2.1. PREDATORS........................................................................................................................12
2.2. PLANTS...............................................................................................................................12
2.3. RECORD..............................................................................................................................12
2.4. HONEY PRODUCTION.........................................................................................................12
3. COBELE INDUSTRY FARM................................................................................................14
3.1 DAIRY FARMING..................................................................................................................14
3.2. FATTENING.........................................................................................................................14
3.3. SOURCE OF FATTENING CATTLE......................................................................................15
3.4. LENGTH AND METHOD OF FEEDING................................................................................15
3.5. HOUSING OF FATTENING CATTLE....................................................................................15
3.6 FEED AND NUTRITION.........................................................................................................15
3.6.1 Ration formulation........................................................................................................15
3.7. METHOD OF SELECTION....................................................................................................16
3.7.1. Breeding system..........................................................................................................16
3.7.2 Reproductive performance...........................................................................................16
3.8 HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT............................................................................................16
3.8.1 Vaccination...................................................................................................................17
3.8.2 Infertility and abortion..................................................................................................17
3.8.3. Heat detection..............................................................................................................17
3.9. HOUSING AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE.........................................................................17
3.10 FARM RECORD MANAGEMENT.........................................................................................17
3.10.1 Financial records.........................................................................................................18
4. SHEWAYE SWINE FARM...................................................................................................19
4.1 BREEDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM....................................................................................19
4.1.1 Reproductive performance...........................................................................................19
4.2 HEALTH MANAGEMENT......................................................................................................19
4.3 FEED AND NUTRITION.........................................................................................................19
4.3.1 Ration formulation........................................................................................................20
4.3.2 Housing and other infrastructure..................................................................................20
4.4. FARM RECORD MANAGEMENT:.........................................................................................21
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................................22
6. REFERENCE...........................................................................................................................24

III
LIST OF TABLE

Table 1: Cattle breeds and population that currently found at ALRC

IV
LIST OF FIGURES

Page
Fig 1: hay storage in ALRC 19
Fig 2: grazing animals in ALRC 19
Fig 3: Modern hives in ALRC 23
Fig 4: hives in the house at ALRC 23
Fig 5: Fattening animals at kobele industry farm 25
Fig 6: pigs resting in the house 30
Fig 7: pigs feed on the ground 30

V
LIST OF ABBREVIATION

% Percent
0
C Degree Centigrade
AI Artificial Insemination
ALRC Andasa Livestock Research Center
AM After Meridian
ARARI Amhara Regional Agriculture Research Institute
BOA Bureau of agriculture
CI Calving Interval
DVM Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine
E.C Ethiopian Calendar
ESAP Ethiopian society of animal production
FMD Foot And Mouth Disease
GC Gregorean Calendar
KG Killogram
KM kilometer
Lit Liter
LSD Lumpy Skin Disease
masl Meter Above Sea Level
Mm Millimeter
OXYTTC Oxytetracycline
PM Post Meridian

VI
INTRODUCTION

Farm experience is one of the fundamental activities of extern ship program performed by under
graduate veterinary students for the partial fulfillment of the requirement of degree of doctor of
veterinary medicine. I have been practiced my extern ship program in Bahir Dar town, which is
the capital city of Amhara regional state. So, I have done my farm experience on different sites
namely Andassa Livestock Research Center ,cobel industrial share company farm & shewaye
pig production farm starting from january to March 2014.

Livestock production is an important component in local economies at both the national and
farm household level, where cattle constitute the main livestock species kept by the farmers
(Devendra et al., 1997).

Therefore the objectives of my close supervision of these farms were the following:

 To observe and identify the major problems of animal husbandry and animal production
systems of these farms.
 To evaluate the farm management practices, reproductive management and record
keeping systems of these farms.
 Finally to come up with possible words of recommendations which will help to reduce
the problems

1
1. ANDASSA LIVESTOCK RESEARCH CENTER/ALRC

1.1. General view

Andassa livestock research center (initially the ranch) was established in 1964 G.C as the
imperial fogera cattle conservation center with 57 fogera cow and three bulls purchased locally.
It was re-established as the farm in 1980/81 G.C and started its operation with main objectives
of conserving fogera cattle and producing F1 Holstein x fogera crosses for distribution to
farmers to increase milk production. In 2000G.C it became a sole Livestock Research Center
under Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI).

Andassa livestock research center is located in Amhara regional state, western Gojam zone,
Bahir Dar Zuria woreda. It is 587 km away from Addis Ababa in North West direction and 22
kms away from Bahir Dar town in south direction and covers area of 365 hectars. It is located at
an altitude of 1730 m.a.s.l, 110 29’ N latitude and 37029’E longitude. The mean annual
temperature vary from a maximum of 30 oC to a minimum of 6.5oC.The mean annual rainfall is
1150mm.The soil is dominantly characterized by dark clay soil, which is seasonally water
logged in the rainy season and cracked when dry. The topography of the area varies from a river
valley plain to a gentle slope of grass land (BOA, 2000).

Currently, around 465 animals (pure fogera, cross breed fogera with Holstein and 2 boran bulls
and 1boran heifer) at ALRC.

Breed Sex 0- 8-19 19-32 >32 Total

8Month
Fogera M 54 17 - 15 86
F 47 62 69 131 309
FoXHF M 4 1 - 1 6
F 15 13 11 14 53
FoXJE M - - - - -
F 2 4 1 1 8
FoXBo F - 1 - - 1
M - - - 2 2
Borena Total 122 98 81 164 465

2
Table 1: Cattle breeds and population that currently found at ALRC.

1.2. Feeds and Nutrition

1.2.1 Major feed resources
The major feed resources at Andasa livestock research center is almost natural pasture in the
form of hay and grazing land which are generally poor in energy gain and protein content
(Ranipinan, 1980).

Animals are grazed on 360-hectare land. The grazing system was rotational, during grazing
animals are divided in to groups based on sex, age by animal attendants. Animals were allowed
to graze the natural pasture for eight hours. During dry season they were provided with hay
harvested from the natural grazing pasture. Animals are watered from Andassa River.

The amount of pasture on the grazing land varies in different season of the year. During wet
season the amount of pasture will increased while in dry season the amount of pasture will
decline (Banerjee, 1998). But sometimes concentrate is supplemented for milking cows, bulls
and sick animals. Maize, fagulo, and furishica are the major concentrate feeds used in the
center. There was ration formulation at the center.

1.2.2 Ration formulation

Feeding standards take in to account the physiological needs for specific functions such as
maintenance, milk production, growth, pregnancy and draught. These functions require
adequate amounts of energy, protein minerals and vitamins. Since in the farm the main feed
resource for animals is natural grass in the form of hay and on grazing land, there was no ration
formulation practiced in the center or simply 68% maize, 30% fagulo and 2% salt is mixed and
given as a ration formulation.

1.2.3 Forage development and feed production strategies

There is a demarcated site for forage development and feed production strategies in the center
compound. Different types of grasses are planted in this site in order to feed animals during dry
season and to distribute improved forages to interested farmers. Major grasses planted in the
center are listed under here,
 Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa)
 Napier grass with different varieties
 Suspania

3
 Elephant grass (pennisetum purpureum rass)
 Desmodium
 Oat
 Fodder beat

1.3. BREEDING AND GENETICS

1.3.1 Genotypes and species

Animals found in the center are pure fogera, cross fogera with Holstein and 3 boaran (2
bulls+1heifer).

1.3.2 Herd profile

There were twelve (12) herds in the farm, in one herd; 30-40 cattle are present. Herds are
arranged by using age, breed, and sex. During grazing males and females are not allowed to
graze together. In case of natural breeding, one bull is allocated to one herd.

1.3.3 Methods of selection

Milk production, appearance, confirmation and milking temperament are most important
selection attributes that are to be considered. Past information of the cow or its siblings of
parents should be considered for successful selection. Selection parameters of the individual
animal are age, good body confirmation, short calving interval, docile temperament and
improved milk yield. Selection of typical fogera breeds at the field. For breeding conservation
purpose typical fogera breeds is selected from South Gondar, around Lake Tana where the
breed is dominantly found.

Alberro and Haile-Mariam (1982) characterized Fogera cattle as having medium head size,
horns are stumpy, small and pointing up and many animals are polled. The dewlap is long and
folded; the naval flap in females and prenuptial sheath in males is very long and pendulous.
From the withers, the back goes straight up to the beginning of the rump, and then the rump
slopes down very steeply. They are generally of large size, being tall animals with long legs and
wide hooves. Their coat color varies, white with black spots or pure white being the two most
commonly found. Muzzle and hooves are almost always black.

This breed has many unique genetic characteristics among which include substantial tolerance
or resistance against heat stress and solar radiation may be because of its white color and short

4
hair length. The breed is known for its tolerance to high altitudes, parasitic and disease
infestations fly burden, wet soils or swampy areas, chronic lack of water, seasonal scarcity, low
quality of feed and other unfavorable environmental conditions.

1.4 Mating /Breeding system

Both Pure breeding and cross breeding systems are performed in the center.

1.4.1 Pure breeding

Pure breeding is practiced in the center aiming to conservation of the genetic potential of pure
fogera breed.
Natural breeding of pure fogera: One bull assigned to 30- 40 cows/heifers of one herd for the
conservation of its breed.

1.4.2. Cross breeding

Cross breeding is practiced in the research center so as to improve fogera breed.

Cross breeding by using Artificial Insemination and natural mating by using 50% F1
(fogera x Holstein) bull are the ways of breed improvement of fogera cattle.

1.4.3 Types of insemination

Natural mating is performed by the bull itself but artificial insemination is performed by skilled
Artificial inseminator. The process of artificial insemination is practiced by putting semen in to
the female reproductive tract (uterus) without contact between the male and female is common
practice throughout the world. This technology is the first application of genetic engineering to
the livestock industry. The major advantage of AI is the potential genetic gains, disease control,
safety and cost effectiveness (Willis, 1991).

1.4.4. Level of inbreeding

The primary consequence inbreeding at the farm level is inbreeding depression. Inbreeding
occurs in the progeny of related parents and it increases the chance of expression of deleterious
recessive genes, which would allow culling of affected and carrier animals. Inbreeding impairs
growth, lactation performance, health, fertility and survival (Payne, 1998).

5
In Andassa livestock Research Center the use of fewer sires for long period of time in the herd
may highly contribute for the inbreeding effect. Though it is not clearly put in figure at what
level the coefficient of inbreeding of fogera cattle at ALRC, the whole existing herd is down
lined from two sires. This is to mean that in the last 42 years, the breading program has been
undertaken with in a family as clearly seen in the animals' pedigree/breeding line. It is believed
that it resulted infertility of the animals, for instance some of the males are not that much active
for mating; this highly contributes the poor reproductive performance of the herd. Similarly, in
the previous time fogera cattle were known with their high milk production (5lit/day); however
the current farm record of the research center indicates that the milk production is reduced to 3
lit/day. This has strengthened the assumption that how much the animals are affected by
inbreeding (Osman, 1979).

1.5. HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Herd management practices in cow handling, nutrition; milking procedures, sanitation, and
housing play major roles in predisposing the individual animal as well as herds to
diseases.Thus, herd management practices combined with veterinary program can be most
effective in optimizing production and profitability through prevention of diseases. In general
the herd was monitored by a veterinarian once a week in the center.

Disease often acts as a restraining factor in expressing the full productivity of livestock. Health
management practice had lied on prevention and control scheme. The prevention scheme
focused on vaccination against blackleg and bovine pasteurellosis at interval of 6 months, LSD
and anthrax annually. Mass treatment against internal parasites was conducted twice a year, at
the start and end of the rainy season. Animals were spray at interval of 2 weeks for ecto-
parasites prevention during summer (rainy) season by using Diazinol unless treatment is given
when the case is occurred. Since animals are watered at Andasa River, gastro- intestinal
parasitism is a common problem. Therefore, in order to control this problem strategic
deworming is the means of heliment control. According to the information from animal health
research division, deworming was practiced at interval of 3 months throughout the year.

Infectious disease are treated by Antibiotics like OXYTTC, Pene-strip and Sulpha drugs while
external parasites (lice, fleas, ticks and mites) are treated by Ivermectin. Clinical Mastitis was
the most common problem of the center. However; sub clinical mastitis is not yet tested. During
my observation, there was no good milking management evidenced by milkers were milk cows
6
without personal hygiene, and washing the udder without soap, this practice probably,
predisposed cows to sub clinical mastitis which plays great role in dairy lose.

Calf management: Calf mortality is low in the center because of adequate amount of
colostrums feeding immediately after birth. Male calves after six (6) months of age are sold
while females are reared in the farm for stock replacement.

1.5.1 Infectious diseases

In Andassa livestock research center infectious diseases such as Fasciolosis, Schistosomiasis,

Paramphistomum, Strongylosisis, Brucellosis, FMD, Dermatophylosis, Pastureolosis, Anthrax,
Black leg, LSD, and Ecto parasites such as ticks, fleas & lice are common problems of the
center.

1.5.2 Non infectious disease

Intermittent bloating in calves and adults sometimes encountered and these problems are
corrected with feeding adjustment and vegetable oil. Milk fever also sometimes occurred in
high yielding dairy cows.

1.5.3 Reproductive health management

For exploiting the potential of dairy animals, there by maximizing the profit from dairying,
reproductive management should be given at most importance. To make cattle keeping more
economic, heifer should calve at the lowest possible age and cows should calve at regular
intervals with short caving interval. The high age of puberty is mainly because calves are
generally neglected after weaning resulting in low nutrient intake and retarded growth. The long
caving interval may probably be due to poor heat detection, conception failure and deliberate
skipping of heat (Mukasa, 1989).

Animals in the center are regularly evaluated for their reproductive performance and
reproductive diseases are also strictly examined.

1.5.3.1 Heat detection

Timely heat detection for artificial insemination is one of per mount importance for successful
conception. Cows can come to heat any time during the day. So continual monitoring is needed.
Once detected in heat, cows should be inseminated at the middle of the standing heat. In the

7
center heat detection is performed by attendants and bull both at the barn and under free range
conditions. Attendants can observe heat according to obvious signs of estrus manifested by the
animal. Signs of estrus like;
 Swelling and Redding of the vulva
 Secretion of clear, glassy, stringy mucus from the vulva
 Restlessness/bellowing
 Decreased appetite and milk yield
 Standing and mounted by a bull or another cow
1.5.3.2 Infertility

Infertility means a reduced ability or temporary inability of the female or male to reproduce.
Since animals are regularly evaluated for their reproductive performance, infertility is not a
problem of the center.
1.5.3.3. Abortion

In ALRC, due to regular herd screening, brucellosis and other reproductive diseases have been
controlled. As a result abortion was not a problem of the center.

1.6. HOUSING AND OTHER FARM INFRASTRUCTURE

It is very important to provide appropriate conditions for rearing dairy cows in the tropics by
reducing the extreme effects of climate such as heat and moisture. Good housing and layout of
the farm can reduce stress (Grandin, 2007).

Environmental control improves milk production by reducing stress and disease hazards. In
conjunction with a good herd health management program, housing can be a main determinant
of productivity (Bhat,1989). In Andesa livestock research center, the house of animal is divided
based on herd structures i.e. for calves, dairy cows, and sick animals. In one herd 30-40 cattle
are present.

1.6.1 Housing

In Andesa livestock research center, the house of animal was divided based on herd structures
i.e. for calves, dairy cows, heifers, sick animals, and breeding males. In one herd 30-50 cattle
are present.
Housing for dairy cows was constructed with concrete floor with adequate drainage to meet
hygiene criteria, good ventilation (the roof is high enough to release heat, moisture and

8
pollutants and half open sided walls to allow maximum ventilation and air movement through
the shelter), ample space for each cows, and enough feeding troughs and cows was arranged tail
to ail i.e. face out system

1.6.2 Young stock housing

The house of calves was constructed with concrete floor, no ample space, poor hygiene, i.e. lack
of drainage and no water supply in their house.

1.6.3 Type of milking and milking parlour

In ALRC cows were milked at their milking barn and the type of milking was manual. Calves
had free access to suckle their dams for the first four days to ensure that they consume enough
colostrums. They were then separated from their dams and allowed to partially suckle (two
teats) at milking times until weaning. Calves stayed around the barn until three months of age
and allowed for grazing thereafter. While they were at barn they were provided with hay and
water. Calf weight was taken fortnightly until weaning to study their growth pattern under
partial suckling system. Cows were partially hand milked (two teats) twice a day at about 06:00
AM in the morning and 05:00 PM in the afternoon. The milk of each individual cow was
measured using measuring can and registered on milk recording sheets.

Cows should be milked regularly at the same time. Intervals between the mornings milking
should be almost equal. Before milking the udder and the teat should be washed properly.
Milking process should be completed as quickly as possible because the effect of letting down
remains for only about 5-6 minutes. Full hand milking followed by stipping towards the end of
milking should be adapted (ESAP, 2001).

In ALRC the type of milking was manual. The udder is always washed by water with soap and
dry with towel before milking. During milking, two teats are milked but the other two teats
leave for calf this is for fogera breed. In cross breed cannot leave two teats i.e. all four teats
milked then two liters of milks to give the calf. The cow is milked two times per day i.e.
morning and afternoon.

1.6.4 Other infrastructures

1.6.4.1 Crutches

The center has its own prepared crutches for mass vaccination and treatment services.

9
1.6.4.2 Weighing balance

The center use Weighing balance (currently not functional) and heart girth to evaluate the
growth performance of animals and dosing of sick animals.
1.6.4.3 Fencing

ALRC is established on 360 hectare fenced land. But currently the fence has got destroyed and
the center is not protected from the exterior.
1.6.4.4 Farm equipments

Farm equipments such as Burdizzo, Artificial insemination (AI) equipments, and ear tag
applicator are available.

1.7. FARM RECORD MANAGEMENT

1.7.1 Feeding and nutrition record

As the main source of feed was natural pasture almost for all animals, the quantity of the food
consumed by the animal was unknown. But milking cows, sick animals, and mating bulls were
supplemented with concentrate of 2kg/head/day.

Fig 1: hay storage in ALRC Fig 2: grazing animals in ALRC

1.7.2 Breeding records

1.7.2.1 Identity of parents

The identity of each individual was recorded. Pure fogera and cross breed (fogera x Holstein)
parents were the sources of the entire herd. The center had identified the parent's by using name
and ear tag numbers.
1.7.2.2 Sources of parents

10
The sources of parents were fogera breeds from South Gondar and Holstein semen from abroad.
1.7.2.3 Exotic blood level

The recorded minimum and maximum exotic blood level had been ranges from 50% to 75%
respectively.
1.7.2.4 Herd profile (structure)

The herd was divided based on Age, breed, sex and number of animals. There are five herds in
the farm. In one group (herd) 30-40 animals are present.
1.7.2.5 Production record

Weight (Birth, weaning, mature etc)

In ALRC the weight of animals is measured by both heart girth and weighing balances
(currently not functional).

1.7.2.6 Health records

There was a well designed health recording format like Case registration sheet (individual
patient card), for abortion, for deworming and vaccination and accaricide spray.

Reproductive performance: In Andassa livestock research center reproductive performance of

each individual is a regular practice. Performances like calving interval (CI), lactation length,
and milk yield are recorded. Repeat breeding is a common problem of the center; this might be
associated with incorrect heat detection.

Reproductive problem (abortion, infertility etc): Few years ago, brucellosis was the major
causes of abortion and infertility .But currently due to good management and regular screening
of animals, these problems have been significantly reduced.
1.7.2.7Financial records

Income: (sale of product, animal by products, live animal)

Incomes from sale of fresh milk (milk sale only for staff members), live animals sold (male
calves and culled animals) are recorded.

Evaluation of farm economics: Since the research center is not directly profit oriented, rather it
is engaged in long-term different livestock research activities, it is difficult to calculate the cost-
benefit analysis as other commercial enterprises.

11
2. APIARY

Apiculture research division was started in andasa livestock research center in 1996E.C by 1
researcher and 1 technical assistant with translation of 6 traditional hives in to 3 transitional and
3 modern with bee species of apis melifera. Currently there are 4 types of hives:
1. Modern hive (8hives)
2. Boat hives (6 hives) which is on process of doing.
3. Aba Mengstie made hive (1hive): between transition and modern which is made of mud
and bamboo.
4. Transitional hive(8hives)

2.1. Predators

Select bees with genetic resistance to survive parasites and pathogens without chemicals, and
still produce strong, healthy hives and abundant honey crops (Webster, 2006). Birds, Ants and
Wax moth were the main predators of honey bees in the area.

2.2. Plants

The food supply for bees is made up of many honey lands of unequal values. It is important for
growing around the apiary honey plants, which bloom at different times and create a source for
continuous collection of nectar and pollen throughout the beekeeping season (Carnegie, 2013).
Wanza, Bsana, Shiferaw and girar were important source of nectar in the area. Natural plants
Suspania, Dokma, esh and agam are other crucial plants there. The water source is Andasa river.

2.3. Record

By inspection if honey, pollen or predator etc.

2.4. Honey production

The main seasons of honey harvesting were from November - December and from March - June
(twice a year).The main season or more honey in andasa was from March - June. On production
concern Aba Mengstie hive gives a maximum of 6 kg meanwhile modern & transition hives
give a maximum of 20kg honey. The honey differs in color & taste from season to season

12
depending on flower types and here it is commonly yellow.

Fig 3: Modern hives in ALRC Fig 4: hives in the house at ALRC

13
3. KOBELE INDUSTRY FARM

Kobel industry shearing company is found in Bahir Dar at Adisalem (Abay mado). It was
established in 1989/90E.C by 72 disabled personnel who return from military forces, 3 of them
are females. The main objective of establishment of this farm was to support disabled personnel
from military damage. The initial capital of the company was 40,000birr which taken from
ALEM as a fund. As the manager told the company was very profitable and now a day had
46million birr in the bank. The area of the farm covers 4 hectares within which both dairy
farming and feedlot practiced.

3.1 Dairy farming

In view of its ability to generate significant amount of daily cash income and its contribution to
the improvement of the livelihoods of very poor people, dairy production is becoming
increasingly important in many developing countries including Ethiopia (Aklilu and
Eshete,2009). So, the company starts dairy farming by one cow called Ambar which come from
andasa livestock research center for the purpose of dairy. But, after a year extra number of cows
brought from debretabour and chagnie. And currently it has 23 dairy cows, 7 heifers, 12 calves,
2 male (‘’woyfen’’) and 1 bull. The source of dairy cows is Andasa, Debretabour and chagene.
Genotypically the cows were 75% Holstein feresian.

Lactation performance: Currently there are 19 milking cows. The cows milked twice a day at
the morning and at the evening. The milk production increase in amount during autumn
(September, November, December) when they feed green grass and starting from birth up to 4
or 5 months. In average 7 liter of milk is collected daily per cow. One cow gives a maximum of
7 calves. The calves feed with colostrums up to 4 days of age.

3.2. Fattening

The company started feedlot in 1993E.C. Their plan of fattening in this year (2014) is preparing
426 oxes and presenting them to the market. But, currently it has 110 beef animals. They use
mostly castrated oxes collected from different markets (Adet, Debretabour and gojjam) having
age not so young or not so old. Then stay in quarantine room for 1 week. They spend 2-3months
in fattening barn. They use castrated bulls, because non castrated bulls give red meat which is
less acceptable in the market than fatty color.

14
Fig 5: Fattening animals at Kobele industry farm

3.3. Source of Fattening Cattle

Sources of fattening cattle were culled oxen being unproductive and immediate purchase for
fattening purpose.

3.4. Length and Method of Feeding

Feeding lengths that have been identified overall in the study area were 2 months. Feeding
length was dependent on feeding method in that the cattle being fatten with pure feedlot
finished within 2 months but some animals may take up to 3 months of feeding length.

3.5. Housing of Fattening Cattle

The houses which had been used to keep the fattening cattle were separated zoo constructed for
the cattle from wood (enclosed barn) without any shed.

3.5 Feed and nutrition

The major feed sources of this farm (dairy & feedlot) were hay, furshica (wheat bran) and
fuagulo/nugcake.They use tap water. The amount of feed given increases when give of birth.
The calves are separated immediately after 4 days of birth and feeds milk in trough. In general
the feeding systems of the farm were different. The feeding system activated according to the
performance of the animals presented. The milking cows need special supplementary feed and
taken extra amounts of feed until 20 days started from delivery period.

3.6.1 Ration formulation

For dairy the formulation is: For fattening the formulation is

15
33%Nugcake 66%Nugcake
66%Weatbran 33%Wheatbran
1% salt 1% Salt

3.7. Method of selection

As the manager told identity of the cow with good production, location, color and age (5-
8years) could help for selection. The common remembered traits which had peak yield lactation
length correlated with milk production were used for indirect selection trait for dairy purpose
(Conrow, 2005). The color, destination and age are most significant to select for beef purpose
(i.e. red, zebra color are preferable).Young bulls and heifers to be used for breeding purpose
was selected based on its pedigree, milk production of their dams, breeding character and
general body conformation.
3.7.1. Breeding system

Both pure breeding and cross breeding systems were performed in the farm. So,artificial
insemination (AI) and natural mating undertaken. But 90% performed by using AI and only
10% through natural mating by using bull. Record keeping is practiced. Therefore there is no
inbreeding problem in the farm. In general culling practiced in the farm occasions like
reproductive failure, aged (old), and repeated abortion and disease (unrecovered).

3.7.2 Reproductive performance

The heifers give birth at age of above 2 years. The cow remain in the farm up to give of
5birth.The2nd AI after birth is at 5-6month.And the cow gives milk until 7 th month of
pregnancy so ,the average milking period is 8-9months.The average calving interval is 1year
and 2 months.

3.8 Herd health management

There was different disease encountered; of which the most common were LSD, salmonellosis
and Trypanosomiasis. There is an animal health care professional he visit the farm in 3 days
interval. Moreover, depending on historical diagnosis, for those cattle coming from wetland
areas, since Liver-fluke was suspected Fasinix and Albendazol were given for immature and
adult worms, respectively. The good performance of animals dewormed with broad spectrum
anthelmintics without considering the type of feed given was an indicative of the importance of
internal parasites in limiting productivity of beef cattle as reported by (Abebe et al. 2001).

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3.8.1 Vaccination

Vaccination programs were performed per years for the prevention and control of the disease
especially black leg, LSD and anthrax.

3.8.2 Infertility and abortion

In the farm still there were 4 cows which aborted and one infertility.
3.8.3. Heat detection

This activity was undertaken by herd keeper/attendants of the farm.

3.9. Housing and other infrastructure

Keeping cows comfortable is essential to insure good welfare. If the house is not well designed
and managed, can be un comfortable for them to lie down in (Batttaglia, 2007).The housing
system is concrete floor, separated according to age and sex for (Bull, Calves, Milking cows and
heifers).In this farm a total of 5 houses, such as delivery room, dairy house, bull house (feedlot),
calf room and storage house together with one office. Other infrastructures like AI instrument
and, car and grass chopper were present. The house washed once a month and the dung
removed daily.

Routine activities: Dairy activities of the farm like feeding milking, cleaning and watering were
mentioned below
Morning: 12:30-1:30 feeding
1:30-2:30 milking
6:00-7:00watering and feeding
Afternoon: 11:00-12:00 milking for the 2nd time
12:00-1:00 feeding and watering of the cow

3.10 Farm record management

The attendants followed the animal based on the identity of the animal. The manager had
identified each animal by name and ear tage numbers. The sources of parents were fogera
breeds from south Gondar and Holstein fresian from debrezeit also recorded. The recorded
minimum and maximum exotic blood level had been ranged from 50% to75% respectively.
There was also a well designed health recording sheet for abortion, deworming, vaccination
infertility and accaricides spray.

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3.10.1 Financial records

In cobel industrial shearing company there was a total of 13 workers. From this one animal
health worker (DVM) but, not permanent, one breeder and others are milkers and attendants.
The farm had annually income and outcome records.
Income: As in many countries livestock, particularly cattle play multiple roles in Ethiopia being
a source of milk, meat, hides etc (ESAP, 2003). Income from sells of milk, fattened animals,
culling animals and tax from employers.
1 litter milk=15 birr 1 culled animal=3-5000birr
1kuntal animal dung=15birr 1fattened bull=13-16000birr

Cost: Costs of feed for one dairy cow is 47 birr/day and 24 birr for a dry cow or feedlot/day. As
a result:
1kg hay=3.5 birr Salt=4birr/kg
Bought bull=6-7000birr 1 kuntal fagulo=380birr
1kuntal furshika (Nugcake) =360birr
In general the company’s cost estimated was 450 birr/day so that 13,500birr/month or
162000/year and income (profit) 3.5million birr annually started from1994.In my point of view
the farm is very profitable but, it may not to do more due to place availability.

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4. SHEWAYE SWINE FARM

The farm is found in Bahir Dar town at Abay Mado “South of Semahitat hoult” in amhara
regional state and the farm was established by two owners and by two pigs (1male&1female) in
2000 E.C.Those two pigs were brought from debrezeit by the initial capital of 13000birr which
was the starting capital for the farm. The farm covers half hectar land.

4.1 Breeding management system

By the time I visited the farm had around 400swines of which 219 are males that are used for
fattening and 181 are female sow which are using for breeding purpose. As shewaye explained
that to avoid in breeding male (boars) pigs was bought from different parts of the country.

4.1.1 Reproductive performance

Pig are the most prolific, 6-12 piglets in every litter, and they are fast growing, attain a weight
of about 68kg in about 6-8 months time, when they can be slaughtered. Throughout the world
the secondary consideration of pig farming are the production of pig skin, bristles and manure
(Banerjee, 1998). In average one sow gives 7 piglets per pregnancy (Ensminger, 1984).Piglets
used their mother’s milk for abought 20 days. After that offals will be their feed source. As she
explained to me that after 6 months piglets are reached for fattening and sold for different
companies (mostly for Chinese).

4.2 Health management

In the farm there was poor health care practice. Only OXYTTC is given for those diseased and
castrated pigs. And applying grease/Vaseline topically for pigs suffered with skin disease. There
was no vaccination, deworming and disinfection practice at all as she explained. The major
health problems were abortion, skin disease high piglets mortality and cannibalism.

4.3 Feed and nutrition

Pigs thrive best on those foods that are suitable for humans, fortunately they also thrive on by
product feeds and other materials which are practically useless as food for human (Payne,
1999). The major feed sources of the farm were grass from around abay river and offal feed
from Bahir Dar University. But during summer season remnants of juice from juice house, grain

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powder and offal feeds from hotels are also the source of feed for the farm as the owners of the
farm explained.

4.3.1 Ration formulation

Diet formulation is an activity that tries to meet the nutrient requirement of the pigs. In contrast
to this there is no feed formulation in the farm, because of lack of knowledge of nutritional
analysis. Simply they feed three times in a day. Therefore at the morning, mid day and at
evening.

Watering: pigs are watered from abay river. But, diseased and young piglets are watered by
fetching water from abay river by workers.

4.3.2 Housing and other infrastructure

Optimum environmental temperatures for the pig range between 55 and 85 f o, depending on the
age or stage of development in the life cycle. This fact is responsible for the use of shelter or
buildings in swine rearing. The simplest housing is probably an A- frame type – a water
tight roof that forms the sides of the building and areal wall (Battaglia, 2007)

The house was constructed from wood wall, tin roof and muddy floor. Up on my observation
which was somewhat traditional. And the housing system was dividing based on age, sex and
body weight (Mpofu,2003).There are 6 rooms (Piglet room,castrated room,uncastrated
room,delivery room,sow room and quarantine room (30 swines in each)).

Fig 6: pigs resting in the house Fig 7: pigs feed on the ground

These houses are cleaned once per a week during summer season but not in winter as shewaye
explained.

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Castration: All male pigs are castrated for fattening purpose since the customers doesn’t need un
castrated pigs.
The farm had one Bajaj and carts for transportation of feed.

4.4. Farm record management:

Up on my observation the farm had no documented farm records. But, as she told there were
financial records for her workers salary. She had a total of 7workers but, 4 of them are her child
and relatives. Therefore she played only for 3 workers 300birr for each per month. So, the total
cost expenditure of the farm was 900birr per month for workers. On the other hand the farm had
additional cost expenditure for feed and fuel for transportation. As she told one pig sold 5000-
6000birr.Eventhough the farm had constraints like poor community understanding, marketing
problem little attention from government, poor housing, poor health care service, no farm
recording and insufficient feed etc. The farm had about a total amount of capital 1 million birr.

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5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Andassa Livestock Research Center (ALRC) is currently engaging in different livestock

research activities besides fogera breed conservation, multiplication, improvement. The major
feed resource in Andasa research center and Cobel industry farm was natural pasture in the form
of open grazing and hay. Some improved forages were planted in the center compound and hay
was prepared from natural grasses. Pure fogera and cross fogera with Holstein and some boran
bulls were the available breeds found in the center where as in cobel cross breed Holstein
fresian and local breed bulls (castrated) are available for dairy and feedlot respectively.
Breeding was performed by using both natural mating and artificial insemination in both farms.
Herd health management has been laid on prevention schemes i.e. animals are strategically
vaccinated and dewormed against different of diseases. More over apiary was practiced in
ALRC.

On the other hand shewaye pig farm was established in 2000E.C by two owners with two pigs
in Bahir Dar town. While I visited the farm it had around 400 pigs. Their major feed source was
grass from around abay basin and offal feed from Bahir Dar University. Health management
care of this farm was poor. There is no any vaccination, deworming and disinfection rather only
oxytetracycline is given for diseased ones.

In General andasa livestock research center and cobel industry farm have been a good recording
system. Breeding and production records such as exotic blood level & herd profile, production
records and well designed health recording were the main elements for documentation. But,
there are no such activities in Shewaye pig farm except financial record for salary of workers.

The following recommendations are for warded:-

 As a research station and farming activity the whole farm management system should be
improved so as to obtain the maximum production and productivity.
 Scientific ration formulation should be made based on the feed requirement of each cow,
the amount of milk yield per cow, for mating bulls, for calves and yearlings as well as
for beef cattle in both ALRC and cobel industry farm.
 However, the housing system is good but, poor in hygienic measures and drainage
specially calves house in ALRC which predispose to different disease.

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 Cobel industry farm and Shewaye pig farm should be have permanent animal health
professional for effective prevention, treatment and control of disease on time.
 There were no adequate experimental houses in the research center. This problem plays
a significant role in the achievements of the research goal. Therefore the center should
establish adequate experimental houses in order to effectively undertaking the research
program.
 For actual weighing of animals, the waging balance should be functional.
 The laboratory of ALRC should be equipped into a better standard since currently it
doesn’t do any laboratory tests rather than parasitology.
 In ALRC animals were watered at Andasa River; they are prone to different gastro-
intestinal parasites. Similarly pigs in Shewaye pig farm were watered from abay river so,
it may predispose to different disease. Therefore to reduce this problem clean water
should be provided.
 The fence of ALRC and shewaye pig farm has got destroyed; it is not protected from the
exterior. Other animals and peoples were traveled across and it may play role in disease
transmission. Therefore, the compounds should be refence/repair.

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6. REFERENCE

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Supplementation and Deworming on Beef Performance of Indigenous Ethiopian Zebu
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Debrezeit, Ethiopia.
Aklilu. W. and Eshete. D. 2009. The supply marketing and trade of live animals in the
Alberro, M and Haile M. 1982. The indigenous cattle of Ethiopia.
Amhara region. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Banerjee.G.C. 1998.A text Book of Animal Husbandry 8th ed .Oxford and IBH, New Delhi,
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Battaglia.R.A, 2007.Hand book of livestock Management, .4th ed. Pearson prentice
Bhat.N.N (1989).Animal productivity.1st ed, Oxford &IBH publishing CO.PVT.LTD, New
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BOA. (2000): Livestock population of amhara region. A document of the animal health
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Conrow. C, 2005.Participatory Livestock Research; A guide, 1st ed. ITDG Publishing, UK.
Contribution .1st ed. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Devendra.C., Thomas., D., Jabbar, A.Kudo, H, 1997.Improvement of live stock production in
crop-animal system in rain feed agro ecological zones of south East Asia.
Ensminger 1984: Swine Science. 5th ed. Danville, Their Interstate Printers and Publishers, Inc.
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Grandin.T., 2007.Livestock Handling and transportation.3rd ed. CABI, UK .
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Mpofu, I. 2003: Pig Production Science and Technology 1st ed. Leicestershire, Up Front
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Mukasa,M.,1989.Arevew of reproductive performance of female Bosindicus (zebu) cattle.
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Payne, J.A., 1999: An Introduction to Animal Husbandry in the Tropics.5th ed. Ames, Black
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