The study was conducted in Ethiopia's Somali Region's Korahey Zone. This study set out to evaluate black-headed Somali sheep's reproductive performance, breeding habits, and preferred traits. 180 households in all will be identified, with 90 per district and 30 every peasant association (Kebele). At first lambing, the average age was 16.9±0.18 months. According to the survey results, the overall goals for raising sheep in each region were graded according to cultural function (0.05), income (0.52), meat (0.29), and saving (0.14). With index values of 0.34 and 0.33 in the districts of Kabrid Dehar and Sheygosh, respectively, natural pasture was ranked as the top feed source for sheep during the wet season. During the rainy season, rainwater was the primary water source for sheep in all districts, followed by river water. In contrast, during the dry season, harvested water was the main source, with pond water as the secondary option. The findings revealed that the major challenges faced by blackhead Somali sheep across all districts were the prolonged dry season, feed shortage, water scarcity, diseases, and predators, with overall index values of 0.31, 0.27, 0.18, 0.16, and 0.07, respectively. Black-headed Somali sheep were frequently reported to have poor reproductive performance. Poor management, illness, and inadequate nutrition could be the cause of this. Farmers use breeding and selection to enhance sheep's commercially significant features. Therefore, when creating a community-based program to improve the production of blackhead Somali sheep in the study region, it is important to take into account the features that blackhead Somali sheep owners demand in terms of selection, breeding, and production by sheep farmers.
| Published in | American Journal of Zoology (Volume 8, Issue 2) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.ajz.20250802.12 |
| Page(s) | 28-37 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Breeding Objective, Management Practice, Reproductive Performance
| [1] | Adane, Y., & Girma, A. (2008). Economic significance of sheep and goats. In Sheep and Goat, Production Handbook for Ethiopia. ESGPIP, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Pp. 2-4. |
| [2] | Alubel, A. (2015) On-farm Phenotypic Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Abergelle and Central highland goat breeds as an input for designing community-based breeding program. Accept for award of M. Sc (Animal Genetic and breeding), Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia, 2014 pp 147. |
| [3] | Amare, B. K., Abrha, H. B., Birhane, H., & Shishay, G. E. (2021). On Farm Reproductive Performance and Trait Preferences of Sheep and Goat in Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Areas of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia. Journal of Animal Science and Research. 5(1). |
| [4] | Amare, T., Gebeyehu, G., Berhan, T. (2018). Flock composition, breeding strategies and farmers’ traits of interest evaluation of Wollo highland sheep and their F1crosses. J Anim Sci Technol 60: 14. |
| [5] | Amelmal, A. (2011). phenotypic characterization of indigenous sheep types of Dawuro Zone and Konta special woreda. Award for M. Sc Thesis Presented to School of Graduate Studies, Haramaya University, Ethiopia. 118 pp. |
| [6] | Arse, G., Feyisa, H., Gurmessa, U., Merga, M., Girma, D. (2013). Assessment on challenges and opportunities of goat farming system in Adami Tulu, Arsi Negelle and Fantale Districts of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Afr J Agric Res 8: 26-31. |
| [7] | Asefa, B., Kebede, K., Effa, K. (2015). Breeding objective, selection criteria and breeding system of indigenous goats types in Bale Zone, Oromia Ethiopia. Int J Agri Res Innov & Tech 5: 7-15. |
| [8] | Belete, S. (2009). Production and marketing systems of small ruminants in Gomma district of Jimma zone, western Ethiopia. M. Sc. Thesis. Hawasa University, Awassa, Ethiopia. Pp 38-54. |
| [9] | Berhanu, G. D., Hoekstra, Azage, T. (2006). Improving the competitiveness of agricultural input markets in ethiopia. international association of agricultural economics (IAAE), August 12-18, 2006, Gold Coast, Australia. |
| [10] | Biruh, T. (2013). Phenotypic and production system characterization of Woyto Guji Goats in Lowland areas of South Omo Zone. An MSc thesis submitted to School of Animal and Range Science, School of Graduate Studies Haramaya University. 89 pp. |
| [11] | Cochran, W. G. (1963). Sampling Techniques. 2nd Edn. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. |
| [12] | CSA (Central Statistical Agency). 2013. Ethiopian agricultural sample survey. Vol II. Rep ort on livestock and livestock characteristics. Statistical Bulletin 570. CSA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. |
| [13] | CSA (Central Statistics Agency). 2014. Ethiopia Agricultural Sample Survey, 2014 / 15 (2007 E. C). Volume II, report on livestock and livestock characteristics. Statistical Bulletin, 532, March 2015, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. |
| [14] | DAGRIS (Domestic Animal Genetic Resources Information System DAGRIS). 2006. (Eds. J. E. O. Rege, W. Ayalew, E. Getahun, O. Hanotte and T. Dessie). International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Online data base |
| [15] | Deribe, G. (2009). On-farm performance evaluation of indigenous sheep and goats in Alaba, southern Ethiopia (Doctoral dissertation, Hawassa University). |
| [16] | Diribi, M. & Aman, G. (2022). Small Ruminant Production System, Productivity and Their Role in Ethiopian Economy: Review; International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture, 2022, 6(2), 175-184. |
| [17] | Fekerte, F. (2008). On-Farm Characterization of Blackhead Somali Sheep Breed and Its Production System in Shinile and Erer Districts of Shinile Zone. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya. |
| [18] | Getahun, L. (2008). Productive and Economic performance of Small Ruminant production in production system of the Highlands of Ethiopia. Ph. D. dissertation. University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart-Hoheinheim, Germany. |
| [19] | Girma, A. (1999). Black Head Ogaden Sheep under traditional management practices in South Eastern Ethiopia. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University. P. O. Box 34. Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. |
| [20] | Girma, A., Merkel, R. C., Sahlu, T. (2000). Enhancing food security and income generation potential of families in Southern Ethiopia through improved goat production and extension. Langston Univ. da la Garza Inst. for Goat Research; Debub Univ. Awassa, Ethiopia. |
| [21] | Girma, A. (2008). Reproduction in sheep and goats. Alemu Yami and R. C. Merkel (Eds.). IN: Sheep and goat Production Hand Book for Ethiopia. Ethiopia sheep and goats productivity improvement program (ESGPIP), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. pp. 57-72. |
| [22] | Hundie, D., & Gelata, G. (2015). Assessment on production situation and breeding practices of ‘Horro sheep’under traditional management in Horro Guduru and East Wollega Zones, West Ethiopia. Global Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 3(3), pp. 146. |
| [23] | Improving Productivity and Market Success (IPMS) of Ethiopian Farmers Project, 2010. |
| [24] | Kosgey, I. S. (2004). Breeding objectives and breeding strategies for small ruminants inthetropics. ThesisWageninUniversity. |
| [25] | Legese, G., & Fadiga, M. (2014). Small ruminant value chain development in Ethiopia: Situation analysis and trends. International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas/International Livestock Research Institute, ICARDA/ILRI Project Report, Nairobi, Kenya. |
| [26] | Mengistie, T., Girma, A., Solomon, G., Sisay, L., Abebe, M. and Tibbo, M. (2010). Traditional management systems and linear body measurements of Washera sheep in the western highlands of the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development Volume, 22, 169. |
| [27] | Mesfin, L., Mussie, H. M., Getinet, M., Solomon, A., Haimanot, S. (2014). Reproductive Performance and Mortality Rate in Local and Dorper × Local Crossbred Sheep Following Controlled Breeding in Ethiopia. Ethip. An. Sc. (4): 278-284. |
| [28] | Otte, M. J. & Chilonda, P. (2002). Cattle and small ruminant production systems in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review. |
| [29] | Sisay, T., Pravee, V., Pornsri, C. h., & Suwapong, S. (2006). Assessment of Small Ruminant Management Practices in Jijiga and Shinile Zones of Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. Kasetsart J. (Nat. Sci.) 40: 987 – 999. |
| [30] | Sisay, L. (2009). Phenotypic characterization of indigenous sheep breeds in the Amhara national regional state of Ethiopia. An M. Sc Thesis, Alemaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.. |
| [31] | Solomon, G. (2008). Sheep resources of Ethiopia: genetic diversity and breeding strategy. PhD thesis, Wageningen University, The Netherlands. |
| [32] | Solomon, G., Azage, T., Berhanu, G., and Dirk, H. (2010). Sheep and Goat Production and Marketing Systems in Ethiopia: Characteristics and Strategies for Improvement. IPMS (Improving Productivity and Market Success) of Ethiopian Farmers Project Working Paper 23. ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute). Nairobi, Kenya. 58 pp. |
| [33] | Tadele, M. (2010). Identifying breeding objectives of smallholders/pastoralists and optimizing community-based breeding programs, for adapted sheep breeds in Ethiopia. Accept for award of Doctoral Thesis, University of Natural Resources and Live Sciences, Vienna, Boku. 2010 pp 125. |
| [34] | Tegene, N., Dinku, G., and Mohammed, B. (2015). Assessment of potential of natural pasture and other feed resources in sweet potato production system of Shebedino District, Sidama Zone, SNNPRS, Ethiopia. International Journal of Livestock Production, 6(8), pp. 91-98. |
| [35] | Tesfaye, G. (2008). Characterization of Menz and afar indigenous sheep breeds of smallholders and pastoralists for designing community-based breeding strategies in Ethiopia msc. thesis October 2008 Haramaya University. Haramaya. |
| [36] | Tsedeke, K. (2007). Production and marketing system of sheep and goats in Alaba, Southern Ethiopia. |
| [37] | Tsegaye, D., Belay, B., & Haile, A. (2013). Prevalence of Major Goat Diseases and Mortality of Goat in Daro-Labu District of West Hararghe, Eastern Ethiopia. J. Sci. Innovative Rese. 2(3): 665-672. |
| [38] | Tibbo, M. (2006). Productivity and health of indigenous sheep breeds and crossbreds in the central Ethiopian highlands (Vol. 2006, No. 51). |
| [39] | Wilson, R. T. (1989). Reproductive performance of African indigenous small ruminants under various management systems: a review. Animal Reproduction Science, 20(4), 265-286. |
| [40] | Wollny, C. B. (2003). the need to conserve farm animal genetic resources in Africa: should policy makers be concerned Ecological Economics, 45(3), pp. 341-351. |
| [41] | Workneh, A., and Rowlands, J. (2004). Design, excuetion and analysis of livestock breed survey in Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia. International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Nairobi, Kenya, pp: 260. |
| [42] | Yadeta, N. (2016). Production and reproduction performances, producers’ trait preferences and marketing system of small ruminants in ada barga and ejere districts of west shoa zone, Ethiopia. M. Sc. thesis jimma university, jimma. |
| [43] | Yenesew, A., Solomon, M., and Azage, T. (2013). Assessment of sheep marketing system in Burie district, North Western Ethiopia. Wudpecker Journal of Agricultural Research 2(3): 97 – 102. |
| [44] | Yisehak, K., Taye, T., and Aynalem, H. (2013). Characteristics and Determinants of Livestock Production in Jimma Zone/Southwestern Ethiopia. Afri. J. Bas. & Ap. Sci. 5(2): 69-81. |
| [45] | Zewdu, S. (1991). Effects of Watering Frequency on Water Budget, Feed Intake, Nutrient Utilization, Body Weight Change and Subsequent Survival of Blackhead Ogaden Sheep. MSc Thesis, Alemaya University of Agriculture, Ethiopia. |
APA Style
Birhanu, A., Tadesse, W. (2025). Assessment of Reproductive Performance and Breeding Objective of Blackhead Somali Sheep in Korahey Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia. American Journal of Zoology, 8(2), 28-37. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250802.12
ACS Style
Birhanu, A.; Tadesse, W. Assessment of Reproductive Performance and Breeding Objective of Blackhead Somali Sheep in Korahey Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia. Am. J. Zool. 2025, 8(2), 28-37. doi: 10.11648/j.ajz.20250802.12
Share This Article
Twitter
Linked In
Facebook
Copy
Download@article{10.11648/j.ajz.20250802.12,
author = {Ayana Birhanu and Wondimagegn Tadesse},
title = {Assessment of Reproductive Performance and Breeding Objective of Blackhead Somali Sheep in Korahey Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia
},
journal = {American Journal of Zoology},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {28-37},
doi = {10.11648/j.ajz.20250802.12},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250802.12},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajz.20250802.12},
abstract = {The study was conducted in Ethiopia's Somali Region's Korahey Zone. This study set out to evaluate black-headed Somali sheep's reproductive performance, breeding habits, and preferred traits. 180 households in all will be identified, with 90 per district and 30 every peasant association (Kebele). At first lambing, the average age was 16.9±0.18 months. According to the survey results, the overall goals for raising sheep in each region were graded according to cultural function (0.05), income (0.52), meat (0.29), and saving (0.14). With index values of 0.34 and 0.33 in the districts of Kabrid Dehar and Sheygosh, respectively, natural pasture was ranked as the top feed source for sheep during the wet season. During the rainy season, rainwater was the primary water source for sheep in all districts, followed by river water. In contrast, during the dry season, harvested water was the main source, with pond water as the secondary option. The findings revealed that the major challenges faced by blackhead Somali sheep across all districts were the prolonged dry season, feed shortage, water scarcity, diseases, and predators, with overall index values of 0.31, 0.27, 0.18, 0.16, and 0.07, respectively. Black-headed Somali sheep were frequently reported to have poor reproductive performance. Poor management, illness, and inadequate nutrition could be the cause of this. Farmers use breeding and selection to enhance sheep's commercially significant features. Therefore, when creating a community-based program to improve the production of blackhead Somali sheep in the study region, it is important to take into account the features that blackhead Somali sheep owners demand in terms of selection, breeding, and production by sheep farmers.
},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Assessment of Reproductive Performance and Breeding Objective of Blackhead Somali Sheep in Korahey Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia AU - Ayana Birhanu AU - Wondimagegn Tadesse Y1 - 2025/05/29 PY - 2025 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250802.12 DO - 10.11648/j.ajz.20250802.12 T2 - American Journal of Zoology JF - American Journal of Zoology JO - American Journal of Zoology SP - 28 EP - 37 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2994-7413 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250802.12 AB - The study was conducted in Ethiopia's Somali Region's Korahey Zone. This study set out to evaluate black-headed Somali sheep's reproductive performance, breeding habits, and preferred traits. 180 households in all will be identified, with 90 per district and 30 every peasant association (Kebele). At first lambing, the average age was 16.9±0.18 months. According to the survey results, the overall goals for raising sheep in each region were graded according to cultural function (0.05), income (0.52), meat (0.29), and saving (0.14). With index values of 0.34 and 0.33 in the districts of Kabrid Dehar and Sheygosh, respectively, natural pasture was ranked as the top feed source for sheep during the wet season. During the rainy season, rainwater was the primary water source for sheep in all districts, followed by river water. In contrast, during the dry season, harvested water was the main source, with pond water as the secondary option. The findings revealed that the major challenges faced by blackhead Somali sheep across all districts were the prolonged dry season, feed shortage, water scarcity, diseases, and predators, with overall index values of 0.31, 0.27, 0.18, 0.16, and 0.07, respectively. Black-headed Somali sheep were frequently reported to have poor reproductive performance. Poor management, illness, and inadequate nutrition could be the cause of this. Farmers use breeding and selection to enhance sheep's commercially significant features. Therefore, when creating a community-based program to improve the production of blackhead Somali sheep in the study region, it is important to take into account the features that blackhead Somali sheep owners demand in terms of selection, breeding, and production by sheep farmers. VL - 8 IS - 2 ER -
Department of Animal Science, College of Dryland Agriculture, Kabri Dehar University, Kabri Dehar, Ethiopia
Department of Animal Science, College of Dryland Agriculture, Kabri Dehar University, Kabri Dehar, Ethiopia
Information