Characterization of Production Systems and Breeding Objectives of Indigenous Goat Populations in Anfillo and Sibu Sire Districts of Western Oromia

Abstract

A study was conducted to characterize sheep production systems and breeding objectives of native goat populations in the Qellem and East Wallaga zones of western Oromia. A semi-structured questionnaire and focus groups were used to collect data from 135 goat-producing households. The average number of goats within a flock was 8.86±2.56. Goats were primarily raised to generate income and for meat production. The average age of males and females at first service was 7.10±0.83 and 7.88±0.54 months, respectively. For the first kidding and kidding interval, the total mean ages were 13.15±0.71 and 7.55±0.72 months, respectively. The most popular feed source was natural pasture. Rainwater and rivers were important sources of water during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. The majority of goat producers 72.6% herd their flock separately, mingling with others in shared grazing areas. Challenges to sheep production included diseases, seasonal feed shortages, and predators. Body conformation, growth rate, coat color for breeding bucks, twinning ability, growth rate, and age at first kidding for breeding females were the preferred breeding objectives. In conclusion, any genetic improvement shall take into account the identified breeding objectives with due attention to the significant bottlenecks identified.