Abstract

A case history based study was conducted in Wolaita and Siltie zones, with the objectives of evaluating the productive performance of Dorper sheep crosses. The study woreda were purposively selected from two zones, on the basis of Dorper sheep breed distribution with purposive sampling techniques. Households of all farmers who received the Dorper sheep breed were monitored by establishing sample frame. Production data were subjected to GLM procedure of Statistical Analysis System. Dorper lambs gained from 0.30 to 0.43 kg per day under different environmental conditions. Mean market age for Dorper sheep crosses were 12.87±0.70 and 12.05±0.76 in Siltie and Wolaita, respectively. Market weight is higher in Wolaita (31.29 kg) than Siltie zone (30.47 kg). It was concluded that the breed consume all types of feed stuffs that helps to adapts well to a wide variety of environmental conditions. Market problem was identified in Wolaita zone because of the breed lack tail. Crossbreeding Dorper sheep blood level with Adilo indigenous sheep reduces market problem in Wolaita zone. Further study is needed to show value chain on Dorper sheep production to increase production level in different climatic conditions.

Key words: Agro ecological, crosses, Dorper, farmer condition, productive performance.