Weed Management Systems Adopted For Natural Pastureland: Implication to Improve Yield and Health of the Pastureland in Ethiopia
Hailegabriel Ajema Desalegn
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
48-56
Received:
Sep. 17, 2023
Accepted:
Oct. 04, 2023
Published:
Oct. 14, 2023
Abstract: Feed problem is the major among constraints hindering the full exploitation of Livestock sector in Ethiopia. This is due to decline of Pasture land productivity either in quantity or quality. To overcome these challenges exploring the methods of pasture management to increase production and productivity of the forages is essential. Nowadays many factors affect the productivity of the pastureland, among these unwanted plants or weeds are the main factors devastating the pastureland and reducing the quantity and quality of forage produced from the pasture especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Although exceptions exist, most weeds struggle to compete with a dense stand of valuable forage species. To reduce the impact of weedy plants, pastures and hayfields should be maintained to encourage the strong growth of desired forage species. Maintaining proper pastureland management using controlled grazing practices; mowing at the proper timing and stage of maturity; allowing new seedlings to become well established before use; renovating pastures when needed are all examples of effective pasture management programs. To achieve long-term weed management, weeds must be targeted more precisely, and reliance on single treatments like pesticides or machines must be minimized as more integrated strategies are adopted. As long as farming or grazing is practiced, weeds will be a part of primary production. Effective weed management techniques are critical in light of the current emphasis on sustainable land use. The seemingly insurmountable problem is to establish a control choice that is effective, selective, and directs to quick, positive economic return from original input while conserving and improving local, regional, and global sustainability. So assessing the methods and ways to manage these problems and knowing the kind of weeds available in grassland of specific areas were the priority issues to be considered to overcome the consequences of these invasive weed species. This paper is aimed to present some management practices applied across the globe to overcome these challenges.
Abstract: Feed problem is the major among constraints hindering the full exploitation of Livestock sector in Ethiopia. This is due to decline of Pasture land productivity either in quantity or quality. To overcome these challenges exploring the methods of pasture management to increase production and productivity of the forages is essential. Nowadays many fa...
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Research Article
Economic Profitability and Constraints of Commercial Beef Cattle Fattening in East Shewa Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
57-65
Received:
Sep. 14, 2023
Accepted:
Oct. 05, 2023
Published:
Oct. 28, 2023
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijast.20230704.12
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Abstract: This study was conducted in the Adama, Lome, and Adami-Tulu districts of the East Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State to assess the economic profitability and constraints of commercial beef cattle fattening. A questionnaire-based formal survey was conducted using a cross-sectional survey by interviewing 45 feedlot operators purposively selected from the three districts. Quantitative and qualitative data on beef cattle fattening systems were obtained. The average total weight gain and average daily weight gain of animals recorded in 90 days of fattening was significantly higher (P<0.05) for large (97.7±1.16; 1.09±0.01) and medium (97.58±1.16; 1.09±0.01) than for small-scale (91.04±1.169 kg; 1.01±0.01 kg) commercial fattening. Whereas, the average weight gain and daily weight gain recorded across the phase of fattening was significantly higher (P<0.001) for initial (33.18±0.44; 1.11±0.01) and middle (31.79±0.44; 1.06±0.01) phase as compared to small scale (30.46±0.44 kg; 1.02±0.01 kg) commercial fattening. The average weight gain recorded was significantly (P<0.001) higher in the initial phase (1.11 kg /day) than in the middle (1.06 kg /day) and final phase (1.02 kg/day) phases of fattening. The highest profit was made for large-scale commercial fattening compared to medium- and small-scale commercial fattening. However, the highest unit profit was made for medium-scale commercial fattening compared to small- and large-scale commercial fattening. It was concluded that large-scale feedlot operators are better at cattle management and earning profits than medium- and small-scale feedlot operators. Therefore, policies aimed at increasing access to modern inputs and markets, developing and improving infrastructure, product upgrading by farmers, and investment in abattoirs are crucial, and cooperative development is recommended to accelerate beef cattle development.
Abstract: This study was conducted in the Adama, Lome, and Adami-Tulu districts of the East Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State to assess the economic profitability and constraints of commercial beef cattle fattening. A questionnaire-based formal survey was conducted using a cross-sectional survey by interviewing 45 feedlot operators purposively selected from...
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