Evaluation of Abera Sheep Community-Based Breeding Programs in Dara and Hula Districts, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract:

This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating Abera sheep community-based breeding programs (CBBPs) in Dara and Hula districts of Sidama Regional State and station-based breed improvement programs which has been implemented since 2018. Performance and pedigree data obtained from the ongoing community-based breeding programs and from the on-station program were used. Furthermore, survey data were used to evaluate the ongoing CBBPs. A total of 188 households, 91 CBBP participants and 97 non-participants were selected using proportional and simple random sampling methods, respectively. On-farm least-square mean of bodyweight at birth, weaning age, six-month age, yearling age, pre-weaning daily gain, and post-weaning daily weight gain was observed as 3.14±0.01 kg,15.13±0.016 kg, 20.80 kg, 28.63 kg, 135.31±0.50 g, and 63.64±0.49 g, respectively. Sex, litter size, years, dam parity, and breeder cooperatives were observed as fixed factors had effect on farm six-month growth performance (P