Abstract

The causes for low productivity of sheep and goat include poor veterinary services, inadequate quantity and quality of feed. Among these limiting factors, poor feed supply and feeding system is the most important. The objectives of this project were to demonstrate and evaluate Urea Molasses Multi-Nutrient Blocks (UMMNB) and concentrates mix feed technologies in participatory manner through Pastoralist Research Group (PRG) approach and look in to the perception and opinions of agro-pastoralist to the new feed and feeding techniques. The PRG has 25 members and was established a year ago. Among the PRG members, 6 trial agro- pastoralists were selected by the PRG members purposefully to implement the experiment. A total of 36 small ruminants (sheep and goat) were used for the trial. Training on UMMB preparation, formulation of concentrate feed, animal management and data collection were given for PRG members and Development Agents (DAs). The demonstration and evaluation trial were lasts for 4 months data collection period. Data were collected by the trial PRG agro-pastoralist throughout the trial period with close follow up of DAs and woreda experts. For data analysis purpose the researchers used descriptive statistics. The results showed that the final body weight and daily body weight gain was higher in grazing when supplemented with concentrates mix (Treatment 3) in compared to grazing + urea molasses block supplementation (T2) and control one/free grazing (T1). The partial budget analysis also indicated that small ruminant daily weight gain for 4 months with supplementation of concentrate mix supplemented groups (T3) was found to give on average economic return of 250 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) or 6.70 Euro per head. From this study, it can be concluded that the supplementation concentrate mix for small ruminants (sheep and goat) has better weight gain and economically feasible for the chifera district PRG established in 2017. It was also economical at PRG level, with average gross profit of 250 ETB per head in chifera area. Because of this, so money agro-pastoralists has been attracted by the business and engaged in small ruminant fattening practices by purchasing animals from market place without external advice and support. © 2020, Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research. All Rights Reserved