Abstract

The study was conducted in the Bule district of Gedeo zone in southern Ethiopia to assess the available feed resources for sheep fattening and their chemical composition in backyard sheep fattening operations. A reconnaissance study identified the main sources of feed, followed by a multi-stage sampling procedure to select kebeles and households involved in sheep fattening. Six kebeles were specifically selected based on sheep population, experienced fatteners and accessibility. A total of 126 households were randomly selected for the study. The main food sources included natural pasture, stubble pasture, forage, bamboo leaves, enset (Ensete ventricosum), crop residues, desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum), tree alfalfa, kitchen residues and mill products. Feed samples were taken for laboratory analysis, and the average values for dry matter (88.3), ash (10.71), organic matter (77.25), crude protein (11.21), neutral detergent fibers (60.2), and acidic detergent fibers yielded (39.42) and acidic detergent lignin (10.22). Tree alfalfa (26.06), mill products (16.11), green fodder (13.88), and bamboo leaf (12.45) had the highest crude protein content. Bamboo leaves (21.15), forage (15.17), and stubble pasture (12.36) provided suitable ash levels for mineral intake. However, concerns arise regarding fiber content in crop residues, grazing practices, and bamboo leaf quality, affecting feed intake, digestibility, and absorption. Promising feeds such as alfalfa, mill products, and forage boost high protein content, but better fiber management is essential for feeds with excessive fiber. Tailored feeding strategies, enhanced feed conversion, and thorough training for sheep fatteners are pivotal to address these challenges.