Major Feed Resources for Small Ruminant and Traditional Feding Practice in Bursa District of Sidama Region, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Bursa districts of the highland areas of Sidama region to Evaluate traditional fattening practice, and availability of major feed resources for small ruminants. For the survey, 92 households were randomly selected by using multi-stage purpose sampling techniques. The survey data were collected on fattening practices, feed availability and constraints related to small ruminant fattening by using structured questionnaires’, field observation, focal group discussion and key informant interviews. Secondary information was obtained from respective districts of livestock development offices. According to the results this study, the major sources of small ruminant for fattening were obtained through purchasing (63.9%) followed by own at home (36.1%) and majority of the farmers fatten small ruminant twice within a year (47%) in 4-6 months (63%). The major available feed resources for small ruminant in the study area were natural pasture, Desho grass, bamboo leaf, enset leaf and barely straw. According to most respondents, the shortage of feed occurred from January to March, While, July to October was considered as months with ample feed resources.