@article{MAKHILLJAVA201918124609,
    title = {Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Malle Cattle Reared in Malle District South Omo Zone
of Southwest Ethiopia},
    journal = {Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances},
    volume = {18},
    number = {12},
    pages = {323-338},
    year = {2019},
    issn = {1680-5593},
    doi = {javaa.2019.323.338},
    url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1680-5593&doi=javaa.2019.323.338},
    author = {Demerew,Sandip and},
    keywords = {reproduction traits,production,Malle cattle,breeding practices,Ethiopia,South Omo},
    abstract = {Cattle reared at South Omo of Southern
Ethiopia play important roles in the livelihood of the
people residing in the area. However, due to the
remoteness of the area very few scientific studies have
taken place and most of the cattle in the region are yet to
be studied. The objective of this study was to identify
the prevailing cattle production/husbandry practices of
Malle cattle. Data were collected through semi-structure
questionnaire, field observations and focus group
discussions. A total of 360 cattle with different ages were
selected randomly from different locations. Data was
evaluate using non parametric tests viz. chi-square (&#967;<sup>2</sup>)
and analysed using descriptive statistics. The major feed
resource was natural pasture and source of water was
from river. Mating was panmictic and the cattle were
raised for milk, income, draft power, dowry, besides
others. Body size and conformation, coat color and
growth rate were criteria in selecting breeding bulls while
cows were selected based on their milk yield, coat color
and reproductive efficiency. Reported production
constraints were feed and water shortage, disease and
recurrent drought. The average age at first mating, age at
first calving, calving interval and length of dry period of
cows were 45.25&plusmn;0.87, 58.78&plusmn;0.73, 22.7&plusmn;0.63 and
3.15&plusmn;0.13 months, respectively. The average ages at first
mating of bulls’ were 46.8&plusmn;0.83 months. Mall cattle
showed well adapted under the prevailing harsh
environmental conditions. However, communities must be
advised on proper rangeland management and
improvement measures.}
    }