Assessment on Available Livestock Feed Resources and Feeding System in Korahey Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia
Wondimagegn Tadesse, Kibebew Babege, Mahamed AbdiABSTRACT
Objective
This study aimed to assess livestock feed resources, feeding systems, feed availability and major feed‐related constraints in the Korahey Zone of the Somali Region, Ethiopia.
Materials and Methods
A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in four purposively selected districts of the Korahey Zone. Three kebeles (the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia) were selected from each district, and 240 livestock‐owning households were purposively sampled. Data on livestock population, landholding size, feed resources, feeding systems and feed‐related constraints were collected using a semi‐structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Feed‐related constraints were prioritized using a ranking index, while dry matter (DM) supply and livestock maintenance requirements were estimated to determine the feed balance.
Results
Camels and goats were the dominant livestock species in the study area. Natural pasture was the principal feed resource (75%), and 90% of respondents practised free grazing on natural pasture. The estimated annual feed supply from natural pasture was 2196 tons DM, whereas the annual livestock maintenance requirement was 4023.68 tons DM, indicating that available feed met only 54.6% of the maintenance requirement. The major feed resources included natural pasture, crop residues, improved forages, household food leftovers, maize and sorghum. The main constraints affecting feed availability were drought, grazing land shortages, limited availability of improved forage seeds, feed shortages, invasive plant species, inadequate extension services and land‐use conflicts.
Conclusion
Livestock production in the Korahey Zone is constrained by insufficient feed resources, resulting in a substantial feed deficit. Improving livestock productivity requires rangeland rehabilitation, expansion of improved forage production, better feed resource management, strengthened extension services and further research to develop sustainable feeding strategies for the area.