Indigenous Sheep Populations Production System in Agarfa Woreda, Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: Inference for Sustainable Utilization of Genetic Resources

¹Ministry of Labour and Skill, Agarfa College, Agarfa, Ethiopia

^2,3School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia

*Corresponding author: Amanu Abate, Ministry of Labour and Skill, Agarfa College, Agarfa P.O.BOX-15/2011, Ethiopia, Phone: +88-01712563750, E-mail: [email protected]

Received Date: October 30, 2025

Published Date: November 15, 2025

Citation: Abate A, et al. (2025). Indigenous Sheep Populations Production System in Agarfa Woreda, Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: Inference for Sustainable Utilization of Genetic Resources. Mathews J Vet Sci. 9(7):91.

Copyrights: Abate A, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to generate organized information on production system of indigenous, sheep types, major constraints of sheep husbandry and traits preferences of sheep types in three Agro ecological zones. The study was performed based on household survey. Two kebeles from each Agro ecology and 30 households from each kebeles were sampled using purposive sampling techniques. For household survey, 180 households (60 from each agro ecology) were participated. Data were collected through semi structured questionnaire, participatory focus group discussion, secondary information. Data were analyzed by using statistical analysis system (version, 9.4, 2012) and SPSS; Version, 22. The results showed that the major purpose of sheep rearing in the study area were for income, saving, meat, wealth, manure and socio-cultural uses. The major constraints of sheep husbandry across the study areas were feed shortage, disease prevalence, water shortage and predator. The most important trait of preferences by the farmers in all the three agro ecologies were body conformation/appearance, tail type and color. Improving the management and seasonal shortage of feed should be considered in any intervention activities.

Keywords: Agarfa Woreda, Indigenous Sheep Types, Agro Ecology, Production System, Trait Preference.