Selection criteria and breeding practices of farmers for indigenous goat populations in selected districts of Awi Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The study was carried out in three agro-ecological zones, namely Ankesha (highland), Dangila (midland) and Jawi (lowland) districts of Awi Zone that were selected purposively based on goat production potential and agro-ecology. The objective of the study was to identify the selection criteria and breeding practices of farmers that keep indigenous goat populations in Awi Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. A total of 180 households were selected randomly for the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Different types of statistical analysis were employed depending on the nature of the data. Data collected through questionnaire were analyzed by descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and a T-test was applied when required to test the statistical significance. Indices were calculated to provide ranking of different variables. The result of the study showed that twining ability, appearance, age at sexual maturity and color were the main selection criteria for does whereas appearance and color were the main criteria for selection of breeding bucks. The mating practice was uncontrolled within the household’s flock and between neighbouring flocks. The rate of inbreeding (∆F) for goats in the Ankesha, Dangila and Jawi districts were 0.001, 0.0026 and 0.0030, respectively which is lower than the maximum acceptable level of 0.063 from literature. The result of this study highlighted the importance of designing breeding programs that take into account selection criteria and trait preferences of farmers for improving goat productivity in the study area.