Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate comparative trait preferences of farmers’ and selection practices for Rutana and Gumuz sheep breeds in existing production system. Ranking method, such as direct and own-flock ranking experiment with sheep keepers were carried in smallholder and large-scale production systems. Appearance, coat colour and fast growth rate were important traits in selecting breeding rams in smallholder system where as fast growth rate, tail length and appearance were preferred in large-scale system. Mothering ability, multiple births and lambing interval were most preferred for ranking breeding ewes in both systems. The mean of all objectively measured body conformation traits and body weight varies significantly across the farmers ranking categories and in line with their selection decision. In Gumuz sheep breed the average body weight of ewes which ranked as best was superior to rank as poor (34.5 kg vs. 26.7kg); whereas, in Rutana breed it was 39.4 kg vs. 29.5 kg (P<0.05). The farmers’ breeding objectives were improving reproduction, conformation and growth traits, which can increase net cash income per flock through increased number of marketable animals for meat production. Therefore, considering meat production traits is recommended as feasible strategy for future for Gumuz and Rutana sheep genetic improvement and conservation program.