Community-based breeding programs (CBBPs) for small ruminants have been suggested as alternatives to centralised, government-controlled breeding schemes which have been implemented in many developing countries. An innovative methodological framework on how to design, implement and sustain CBBPs was tested in three sites in Ethiopia: Bonga, Horro and Menz. In these CBBPs, the main selection trait identified through participatory approaches was 6-month weight in all three sites. In Horro and Bonga, where resources such as feed and water permitted larger litter sizes, twinning rate was included. Ten-year (2009 to 2018) performance data from the breeding programs were analysed using Average Information Restricted Maximum Likelihood method (AI-REML). Additionally, the socioeconomic impact of CBBPs was assessed. Results indicated that 6-month weight increased over the years in all breeds. In Bonga, the average increase was 0.21 ± 0.018 kg/year, followed by 0.18 ± 0.007 and 0.11 ± 0.003 kg/year in Horro and Menz, respectively. This was quite substantial in an on-farm situation. The birth weight of lambs did not improve over the years in Bonga and Horro sheep but significant increases occurred in Menz. Considering that there was no direct selection on birth weight in the community flock, the increased weights observed in Menz could be due to correlated responses, but this was not the case in Bonga and Horro. The genetic trend for prolificacy over the years in both Bonga and Horro flocks was positive and significant (P < 0.01). This increase in litter size, combined with the increased 6-month body weight, increased income by 20% and farm-level meat consumption from slaughter of one sheep per year to three. The results show that CBBPs are technically feasible, result in measurable genetic gains in performance traits and impact the livelihoods of farmers.

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The objective of the study was to assess the dairy cattle production, handling and marketing systems of milk and milk products. Primary data was collected from 150 sample dairy cattle producers, multiple key informants and group discussions. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics and SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 20. The study district was stratified in to three based on agro-ecological differences as lowland, midland and highlands. Result of the study showed that the dairy cattle a production practice that prevails in the district is mainly mixed crop-livestock. Shortage of land and inefficient breeding services were ranked as main challenges while year round availability of water, absence of cultural prohibition and high demand of dairy products consumption were mentioned as important dairy farming opportunities in the area. Grazing natural pasture and cereal crop residues were mentioned as main feed resources for dairy cattle. Average lactation length for indigenous and crossbreds were: 7.3±0.09 and 9.00±0.6 months, respectively. The averages daily milk off-take of indigenous cows during wet and dry seasons respectively was (litre/cow) (1.7±0.1) and (1.5±0.03); whereas those of crossbreds were 6.5±0.1 and 5±0.6). The average age at first service identified for local and crossbreds' heifers were 44.5±0.2 and 29±0.3 months respectively. The average age at first calving for local and crossbreds in the study area were: 54.5±0.2 and 38.4±0.5 months respectively. The overall average calving interval reported for local and crossbreds' dairy animals were 16.6±0.2 and 14.2±0.8 months respectively. Plastic containers are important utensils figured for dairy products handling. The study concluded that dairy cattle production in the area is not improved, as only few crossbreeds prevail, shortage of grazing lands, health problems and lack of working capital are some of the major reasons for poor performance of dairy cattle production. Based on the result, extension services, awareness creation, trainings and intensive work should be developed as well as dairy value chain is needed to develop and promote the sub-sector.