Fattening Practices, Marketing Systems and Body Weight Estimation of Beef Cattle in Arba Minch Zuria District, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Cattle fattening is a significant agricultural practice in Ethiopia, contributing to food security and the livelihoods of many rural households. The study was conducted to assess cattle fattening practices, marketing systems, constraints, opportunities and to predict body weight of beef cattle in Arba Minch Zuria District of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Selected purposively for its cattle fattening potential and accessibility, the district was stratified into three agroecological zones. Six representative kebeles were proportionally selected based on their agroecological variation, and 162 households were systematically sampled. Utilizing formal surveys, a cross-sectional analysis employing one-way ANOVA and cross-tabulations was conducted. Mixed crop-livestock farming system was primary means of livelihood in the study area. The main purpose of fattening cattle was for income generation (100%). The fattening period was depended on body condition and target market availability. The main market place for the fattened cattle was local nearby market. Only eye ball estimation was used during purchasing and selling of fattened cattle. Significantly higher body condition score was observed in low land agro-ecology than highland agro-ecology. The main challenge to fattening were shortage of feed and grazing land. The seasonality of markets followed by road and transportation problems and low market price was major problems for fattened cattle. To overcome the shortage of feed resource through enhancing extension service on improved forage cultivation and conservation practice, urea treatment for crop residues and to provide agro-industrial by product for fattened cattle as source of supplementary feed resource.