Breed Preferences and Breeding Practices of Dairy Cattle in Arsi Negele Town, West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

This study investigated farmers’ breeding practices, trait preferences, and dairy cattle performance in Arsi Negele town, West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. <i>Although Ethiopia’s cattle genetic diversity is extensive and indigenous breeds are highly adaptable, productivity remains low due to</i> limited genetic improvement and husbandry challenges. A cross-sectional survey involving 150 households from three urban kebele, data on herd structure, breeding systems, socio-economic status, and farmer preferences were collected through questionnaires, participatory appraisals, and direct observations. Results indicate that farmers predominantly prefer high-grade dairy cattle for improved milk yield and reproductive performance, in line with national breeding goals emphasizing high levels of exotic breed genetics. Artificial insemination (AI) and natural mating with improved bulls are practiced. However, AI service delivery faces constraints such as shortages of semen and limited farmer awareness. Cattle constitute the main livestock holding and a primary income source through milk and meat sales. Households display slightly larger family sizes than national averages, with gender-differentiated labor, notably female participation in milking and milk processing. Health management suffers from insufficient veterinary resources despite farmers’ good disease awareness, pushing many to rely on private providers. The study underscores local knowledge and willingness to improve productivity, but structural limitations in AI services, animal health, and feed resources hinder progress. Recommendations include improving semen supply chains, enhancing AI technician training, increasing farmer education on breeding, strengthening veterinary services, promoting feed conservation, and supporting gender-inclusive capacity building. Establishing community-based breeding programs and longitudinal studies are advocated to monitor genetic gains and socio-economic impacts, guiding sustainable interventions for dairy development in the area.