June 2018

Success drivers of pig artificial insemination based on imported fresh semen

This study was conducted to assess the factors that affect pig litter size, proportion of live pigs at birth, number of inseminations per conception, and efficiency of artificial insemination. The main factors assessed were sow breed (n = 2), sire breed (n = 3), sow parity (n = 7) and insemination method (n = 2). The sow breeds used were Landrace, LL (n = 27) and Landrace × Pietran crossbreds, LP (n = 37); boar...

Author(s): Vincent Niyiragira, Kugonza Donald Rugira, and Hirwa Claire D’Andre

June 2018

Relationships between sperm morphology and semen cation concentrations in red sokoto goats (Capra aegagrus hircus)

The study evaluated the relationships between sperm morphology and semen cation concentrations in Red Sokoto bucks. A total of 31 Red Sokoto bucks were used for the study. Semen samples were collected from each animal on weekly basis for 52 weeks using an electro-ejaculator. Sperm morphological traits: detached mid-piece and tail (DMT), detached head (DH), mid-piece droplet (MPD), coiled and bent tail (CBT), and...

Author(s): Ambali A. L., Anoh K. U., and Suleiman I. O.

June 2018

Feed resources assessment, laboratory evaluation of chemical composition of feeds and livestock feed balance in enset (Ensete ventricosum)-based mixed production systems of Gurage zone, southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in four districts of Gurage zone, Sothern Nations Nationalities and People’s Region to determine the quantity and quality of available feed resources and to measure the livestock feed balance. A total of 360 households from dega (highland) and weinadega (midaltitude) peasant associations were selected using proportional sample size determination (Cochran, 1909; Thrustfield, 2013). The DM...

Author(s): Dirsha Demam Wonchesa , Ashenafi Mengistu Wossen and Gebeyehu Goshu Negia

June 2018

Evaluation of the reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian dairy cows in Alage ATVET college, Ethiopia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of pure Holstein Friesian dairy cows exploring 28 years records (1987 to 2015) in Alage Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education Training (ATVET) College dairy farm. General linear model procedures of SAS version 9.2 was employed to determine the effects of period of birth, season of birth, period of calving, season of calving and parity on...

Author(s): Destaw Worku Mengistu and Kefyalew Alemayehu Wondimagegn

June 2018

Supplementary value of two Lablab purpureus cultivars and concentrate mixture to natural grass hay basal diet based on feed intake, digestibility, growth performance and net return of Horro sheep

This study was undertaken with the aim to determine the supplementary value of Beresa-55 and Gebisa-17 cultivars and concentrate mixture to a basal diet of natural pasture hay based on growth performance, feed utilization, digestibility and net return of Horro sheep. A total of twenty five yearlings Horro sheep were stratified into five groups based on initial body weight in randomized complete block design and animals...

Author(s): Abuye Tulu, Yadav Ram Khushi, Diriba Geleti Challi

June 2018

Indigenous breeding practices and selection criteria of sheep breed in central zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

This study was conducted with the aim to generate organized information on traditional breeding practices and selection criteria for indigenous sheep types in three districts of central zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia. A total of 180 households were randomly sampled for the interview. A semi-structured questionnaire and group discussion were further used to gather information on sheep breeding practices and selection...

Author(s): H. Hagos, A. K. Banerjee and Y. Y. Mummed