Milk Production and reproduction performances of local and crossbred cows, milk processing and milk marketing systems in rural and urban villages of Diga district of East Wollega zone, Oromia

Abstract

The study was conducted in rural and urban areas of Diga district, East Wallaga zone, Oromia, to investigate milk production and reproduction performances of local and crossbred cows, milk processing, and marketing systems. A total of 240 dairy producers were involved in the study from eight purposefully selected peasant associations (PAs) in the district. A questionnaire survey was supported by group discussions and key informant interviews to capture the data. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 2018) and the General Linear Model (GLM) procedures (SAS, 2008) as deemed necessary. The result of the study revealed that the average milk yields of local and crossbred cows were 1.62±0.55 and 3.34±1.24 litres per head per day, respectively. The average milk yield per head per day was significantly (p<0.05) higher for crossbreds. About 7.0±07 and 8.04±0.98 months of mean lactation length were reported for local and crossbred cows, respectively. The average age at first sexual maturity of local and crossbred female dairy cows in urban and rural areas was 3.68±0.09 and 3.9±0.05 years, respectively. The mean age at first calving of local cows was 4.5±0.10 years in urban areas and 4.6±0.06 years in rural areas. The corresponding ages at first calving for crossbred cows were 3.6±0.022 and 3.63±0.21 years. The mean calving intervals for local and crossbred cows in urban and rural areas were 1.8±0.06 and 1.9±0.03, 1.3±0.11 and 1.5±0.11 years, respectively. In the study areas, about 20.8% and 66.7% of milk producers used whole milk before and after processing, respectively. Guard (81.2%) and plastic materials (18.8%) were mostly milking utensils used in the study areas. Informal dairy product marketing was generally practiced, and milk marketing in rural settings was nil. Milk production, processing, and marketing are not consistent across the years. They vary due to seasonal effects, feed shortages, disease, shortages of improved breeds, and inadequate AI services. On the other hand, the presence of a conducive climate, increasing demand for milk and milk products, and the availability of perennial rivers are some of the most important opportunities for dairy production in the study areas. In addition, the diverse flora, different spices, and smoking plant materials, as well as the rich indigenous knowledge in milk production and processing, are also important positive drivers for dairy development in the study areas.