Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate feed resource availability in association with livestock production in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Random sampling was used to select target farms. A total of 60 livestock owners were selected from two districts namely Admi Tullu Jidokombolcha and Dugda Bora both in the central Rift Valley. Structured questionnaire, focused group discussions, secondary data sources and field observations were employed to generate data on household structure, farm size, land use pattern, herd size, herd composition, purpose of livestock raising,  major crops grown, crop grain yield, livestock feed types and quantity of total feed. The results of the study indicated that natural pastures and crop residues were the main basal diets in both districts, with crop residues supplying the largest proportion of dry matter.The total livestock population is estimated as 15 and 16 TLU in Adami Tullu Jidokombolcha and Dugda Bora districts, respectively. The total annual DM production met 81 and 80% of the total livestock requirement per annum per farm in Admi Tullu Jidokombolcha and Dugda Bora districts, respectively. From the current study, it was concluded that the available basal roughage feeds were not sufficient to meet livestock dry matter requirement. Alternative means of feed production and supply should be sought with the involvement of all stakeholders.

Key words: Dry matter, feed resources, livestock.