Assessment on major production constraints, and reproductive performances of camel in West Hararghe Zone Oromia Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Mieso and Bordede districts, in West Hararghe Zone of Oromiya National Regional State with the objectives of assessing major constraints of camel production, reproductive performances, and physicochemical quality of camel milk in the study areas. A total of 120 households (camel owners) were selected purposively for interview (i.e 20 households from each kebeles). Feed shortage, conflict over the scarcity of natural resources, low productivity of grazing land, and water scarcity were the main constraints of camel production. The mean age at first mating for male and female camels was 5.92±2.91 and 4.79±1.84 years respectively, similarly, the average number of services per conception of camels in this finding was 1.73±0.64. The reproductive span of male and female camels in the study area were 20.04±6.50 and 25.20±7.83 years, respectively and the gestation period of camels recorded in this study was 1.73±0.64. The lactation length of a camel was 9.77±2.10 and 17.30±5.66 months in Mieso and Bordede, respectively. Late maturity is reported as the primary reproductive constraint followed by long calving interval, the presence of reproductive disease, low conception rate and the birth of stunted calves in Mieso district. Whereas in Bordede district the primary reproductive constraints were late maturity followed by the presence of reproductive disease, long calving interval, low conception rate and birth of stunted calf. In conclusion, camel is one of the most important livestock for pastoralists’ livelihood as a source of milk, meat and draught power. In order to increase the productivity of camels, the major constraints such as shortage of feed and water, disease problems and others should be given attention.