On-farm Evaluation and Demonstration of Different Feeding Technological Options forBeef Cattle Fattening in Adami Tulu Jidokombolcha District, East Shoa Zone

Abstract

Evaluation and demonstration study was conducted at Kemo-Gerbi kebele of Adami Tulu Jidokombolcha district on Borana bulls with the objectives of evaluation and demonstration of bulls fattening technologies at on-farm level. One farmer’s research extension group (FREG) was formed for fattening the bulls. Twenty bulls were purchased from Borana zone by farmers for the fattening trials. Two feeding treatments (T1= Grazing + 20% crushed maize grain + 45% wheat bran + 35% Noug cake and T2 = Grazing + 65% wheat bran + 35% cotton seed cakes) were evaluated. The animals were randomly assigned for dietary rations and data on live weight change of the animals were taken using weight chart tape (developed by JICA project). Final body weights, total weight gain and average daily weight gain of the bulls were not significant (P>0.05) among the treatments. Bulls fed on treatment one attained an average daily weight gain of 0.83 kg per bull ; while bulls fed on treatment two gained 0.76 kg per bull per day. Total gross margin of treatment one (53,154.5 ETB) was higher than treatment two (49,467.75 ETB). Cost-benefit analysis indicated that feeding option number one (T1) is more economical as compared to bulls fed on T2. However, fatteners can use any of the feeding options depending on availability of the ingredients in their area.