Towards Livestock Sector Transformation: The Role of Livestock Research Endeavors for Livestock Sector Development in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Likawent Yeheyis1*, Zeleke Tesema2 and Alemu Tarekegn3

Towards Livestock Sector Transformation: The Role of Livestock Research Endeavors for Livestock Sector Development in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Likawent Yeheyis1*, Zeleke Tesema2 and Alemu Tarekegn3

1*Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 2Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 74,Woldia, Ethiopia 3Gondar Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 1337, Gondar, Ethiopia Corresponding Author email: likawenty@yahoo.com

This paper highlights the major contributions of livestock research activities in Amhara Agricultural Research Institute for the development of livestock production in the region. The overall research output evaluation shows that small ruminant genetic improvement both through crossbreeding and selection has been exemplary. Of these, within-breed selection of Menz sheep and the sheep crossbreeding program using Awassi sheep improved the livelihood of several smallholders in the highland areas and farmers have started producing genetic materials that can be used in the region’s sheep production system. The efficiency of artificial insemination in cattle, goats, and sheep was 60, 65, and 59%, respectively and this is one of the major achievements. Through selection, the lactation milk yield of Fogera cattle increased genetically by 0.86 liters year-1. Selected Fogera bulls were disseminated to farmers to improve productivity through a community-based breed improvement approach. Productive dual-purpose exotic chicken breeds have been introduced, evaluated under smallholder farmers’ conditions, and demonstrated with improved management packages. Many improved forage varieties were imported, evaluated, and recommended for different agro-ecologies with their respective development strategies and methods of utilization. Economically important livestock diseases and parasites were identified and treatment options were recommended for a few economically important diseases. The trend of fish productivity, species diversity, and water quality of the lakes were evaluated periodically. Most of the natural and artificial water bodies in the region were characterized for their fish production potential. Besides, about 50,000 fingerlings were distributed annually in the region to enhance the fish productivity of artificial and natural water bodies. The artificial fingerling multiplication method for Catfish and Tilapia has been developed. Several promising honey bee floras were identified, prevention measure for Wax Moth was obtained and honey characterization was conducted to increase its commercial value. Though many promising livestock production technologies have been developed in the past efforts of the Amhara Agricultural Research Institute and its allies, there are still many issues to be addressed to sustainably support livestock development in the region. To achieve this important goal, human resource development, renovation of the research infrastructure, and financial support are crucial issues to be addressed. Strengthening the livestock extension service and using the available effective livestock technologies at large scale is very important action points to transform the livestock sector in the region and in the country. Therefore, the government and other actors should give due attention to the sector to maximize the benefit from the huge livestock resource.

Keywords: Dairy, Feeds, Fishery, Apiculture, Livestock Research, Poultry, Small Ruminant

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