Cattle Productivity under Traditional Village Husbandry System in Sellale, Central Ethiopia: A Four and a Half Year Herd Follow-Up

We conducted a longitudinal cattle productivity survey over 4.5 years amongst 20 traditional small-holder farms which included 794 cattle, in Sellale, Central Ethiopia. Upgraded high yield cattle (Holstein Friesian and their crosses) were kept the same way as traditional zebu breeds. The aims of this study were to assess herd dynamics, productivity profile, and investigate production constraints in these traditional small-holder farms. The results showed that overall herd size had increased during the study period, in particular the cross-breed animals but that all animals had low productivity (fertility and milk production). Crossbreeds showed highest adult mortality and highest weight loss at the end of the dry season. The main constraint to productivity was lack of proper feed. Constraints and recommendations are discussed.