Performance and farmers preferred traits of Jersey × local cows in the tropics: the case of Angolelana Tera district, North Shewa zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to assess the productive and reproductive performances, and crossbred Jersey farmers preferences traits in Angolelana Tera district, Amhara region, Ethiopia. A total of 158 smallholders holding Jersey crossbreed recruited from seven Kebeles were interviewed face to face using a semi structured questionnaire. Index for traits preferences and one-way analysis of variance for reproductive and productive performances differences of dairy cattle breeds were employed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Milk yield, growth and traction in Holstein-Friesian crossbred, while milk fat, fertility and growth in Jersey crossbred, and disease’s resistant ability, traction power and adaptation to local climates in indigenous breed were the most valued traits by farmers in the study district. The overall mean of the most reproductive and productive performance parameters of Jersey crossbred namely age at first calving (30.56 months), lactation length (241.32 days), calving interval (441.79 days), number of services per conception (1.55) and longevity (16.53 years) were significantly better than its counterpart Holstein-Friesian crossbreed with the corresponding values of 32.91 months, 227.28 days, 447.59 days, 1.86 and 15.03 years, respectively. However, no significant variations were observed between the two crossbreeds of Holstein-Friesian and Jersey on age at first service and days open in the present study. Generally, indigenous breeds significantly lower productive and reproductive performances than crossbred cattle. In conclusion, although some parameters are antagonistic with the standards recommended for modern dairy farming, Jersey crossbreed performed well in the district. These indicates that the project looks targeted on the right breed in the right place with necessary training approaches on caring of crossbred Jersey breed and milk processing. Therefore, the wide use of Jersey crossbreed must be promoted in the district together with necessary improved management packages.

Keywords

• Jersey
• Michael Hardman, University of Salford, UK
• Agriculture
• Agriculture and Food
• Animal Ecology
• Animal Physiology