Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Beshir Hussien; Adem Kumbe; Anaf Oneta; Birhanu Bekele; Feyisa Lemessa

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12

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Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Beshir Hussien^*

, Adem Kumbe

, Anaf Oneta, Birhanu Bekele, Feyisa Lemessa

Published in American Journal of Zoology (Volume 8, Issue 1)

Received: 24 February 2025 Accepted: 10 April 2025 Published: 24 May 2025

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Abstract

The study was conducted in Dire, Golbo, Gomole, Melbe, and Woyama grazing land escapes of Boran Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, from September 2021 to June 2023 to, assess the traditional farming and breeding practices of the pastoralists in the study area. Field studies and collection of data were carried out through semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informants, observations, and linear body measurements of sample cattle and secondary data collection from different sources. A total of 360 households were randomly selected and interviewed. The majority of respondents reported that the type of farming activity was pastoralist i.e. their livelihood depended almost on livestock production, Even though crop farming practices are an increasing trend. Despite being primarily used for beef, the majority of Borana cattle were used for milk and income purposes. According to this finding, the mean milk yield of Borana cattle was 0.30 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.78 litter per day in dry and wet seasons respectively. The mean milk output of Borana cattle cattle during the dry and rainy seasons was, respectively, 0.30 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.78 litter per day. The average age at first calving and calving interval were 5.05 ± 0.24 and 2.25 ± 0.33, respectively, whereas the mean for the age of sexual maturity for males and females was 5.20 ± 0.34 and 4.04 ± 1.80, respectively. The major selection criteria for both breeding female and bull were body size, body conformation, and coat color. According to the majority of respondents, uncontrolled seasonal natural mating was the sort of mating that was practiced. In general, the result of the current finding showed that there was a lower productive and reproductive performance as well as lower for most quantitate measurements from previous work done within the same areas of study. Therefore, traits milk yield growth in males and associated traits like adaptation and reproductive performances need to be incorporated in designing a breeding program for the improvement of Borana cattle.

Published in	American Journal of Zoology (Volume 8, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12
Page(s)	10-21
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Breeding Practices, Husbandry, Cattle, Breed, Borana Zone

References

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[2]	Jemberu, W., et al. (2021). Characterizing Ethiopian cattle production systems for disease burden analysis. PMC
[3]	Azage T, Berhanu G, Hoekstra D (2010). Livestock input supply and service provision in Ethiopia: Challenges and opportunities for market oriented development. IPMS (Improving Productivity and Market Success) of Ethiopian Farmers Project Working Paper 20. ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute), Nairobi, Kenya p.
[4]	Gebru, G., Alemu, T., & Desta, S. (2014). Genetic erosion threatens resilience of Ethiopian Boran Cattle. CGIAR Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security.
[5]	Aynalem Haile, Workneh Ayalew, Noah Kebede, Tadelle Dessie, and Azage Tegegne. 2011. Breeding strategy to improve Ethiopian Boran cattle for meat and milk production. IPMS (Improving Productivity and Market Success) of Ethiopian Farmers Project Working Paper 26. Nairobi, Kenya, ILRI.
[6]	Dereje Bekele, 2015. On Farm Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Cattle and Their Production Systems in Bako Tibe and Gobu Sayo Districts of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. M. Sc Thesis. Haramaya University, Haramaya.
[7]	Borana Zone agricultural and pastoral development office (BZAO) (2022). Yabello, Ethiopia.
[8]	Fasil Getachew, Abraham Assefa, Tesfaye Getachew, Solomon Abegaz Kebede, Abebe Hailu, Manaye Mesganaw, Yibrehu Emishaw, Misikire Tessema. 2020. On-Farm Phenotypic Characterization of Begaria Cattle Population and Their Production System in Guba District, North Western Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production. 20(1). 1-17.
[9]	Hassan, H., Beyero, N., & Bayssa, M. (2020). Estimation of major livestock feed resources and feed balance in Moyale district of Boran Zone, Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Livestock Production, 11(1), 43-51.
[10]	Dejene Takele Gebissa. Assessment of Dairy Cattle Husbandry and Breeding Management Practices of Lowland and Mid-Highland Agro-Ecologies of Borana Zone. Animal and Veterinary Sciences. Vol. 2, No. 3, 2014, pp. 62-69. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20140203.12
[11]	Tsegaye M, Tolera A, Nurfeta A, Ashagrie A K and Kebreab E 2023 Milk yield and composition of crossbred and indigenous Boran cows fed hay supplemented with various levels of energy. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 35, Article #48. Retrieved April 18, 2025, from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd35/5/3548kild.html
[12]	Ayalew W and Feyisa T. (2017). Productive and reproductive performances of local cows in Guraghe zone, South West Ethiopia. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 7(5): 105-112
[13]	Endashaw Terefe, 2010. Characterization of Mursi cattle breed in its production environment in Salamago Wereda, SNNP Regional State, Ethiopia. MSc thesis, Alemaya University, Ethiopia.
[14]	Makanjuola et al.2020: Effects Of Genomic Selection On Genetic Variability. Journal of Dairy Science 103. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-18013
[15]	Habtamu Alebachew, 2017. On-farm phenotypic characterization, husbandry and breeding practices of indigenous cattle breed in Selected areas of Benishangul-Gumuz, Western Ethiopia. Msc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.

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APA Style

Hussien, B., Kumbe, A., Oneta, A., Bekele, B., Lemessa, F. (2025). Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. American Journal of Zoology, 8(1), 10-21. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12

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ACS Style

Hussien, B.; Kumbe, A.; Oneta, A.; Bekele, B.; Lemessa, F. Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Am. J. Zool. 2025, 8(1), 10-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12

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AMA Style

Hussien B, Kumbe A, Oneta A, Bekele B, Lemessa F. Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Am J Zool. 2025;8(1):10-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12,
  author = {Beshir Hussien and Adem Kumbe and Anaf Oneta and Birhanu Bekele and Feyisa Lemessa},
  title = {Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
},
  journal = {American Journal of Zoology},
  volume = {8},
  number = {1},
  pages = {10-21},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajz.20250801.12},
  abstract = {The study was conducted in Dire, Golbo, Gomole, Melbe, and Woyama grazing land escapes of Boran Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, from September 2021 to June 2023 to, assess the traditional farming and breeding practices of the pastoralists in the study area. Field studies and collection of data were carried out through semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informants, observations, and linear body measurements of sample cattle and secondary data collection from different sources. A total of 360 households were randomly selected and interviewed. The majority of respondents reported that the type of farming activity was pastoralist i.e. their livelihood depended almost on livestock production, Even though crop farming practices are an increasing trend. Despite being primarily used for beef, the majority of Borana cattle were used for milk and income purposes. According to this finding, the mean milk yield of Borana cattle was 0.30 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.78 litter per day in dry and wet seasons respectively. The mean milk output of Borana cattle cattle during the dry and rainy seasons was, respectively, 0.30 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.78 litter per day. The average age at first calving and calving interval were 5.05 ± 0.24 and 2.25 ± 0.33, respectively, whereas the mean for the age of sexual maturity for males and females was 5.20 ± 0.34 and 4.04 ± 1.80, respectively. The major selection criteria for both breeding female and bull were body size, body conformation, and coat color. According to the majority of respondents, uncontrolled seasonal natural mating was the sort of mating that was practiced. In general, the result of the current finding showed that there was a lower productive and reproductive performance as well as lower for most quantitate measurements from previous work done within the same areas of study. Therefore, traits milk yield growth in males and associated traits like adaptation and reproductive performances need to be incorporated in designing a breeding program for the improvement of Borana cattle.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

AU  - Beshir Hussien
AU  - Adem Kumbe
AU  - Anaf Oneta
AU  - Birhanu Bekele
AU  - Feyisa Lemessa
Y1  - 2025/05/24
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12
T2  - American Journal of Zoology
JF  - American Journal of Zoology
JO  - American Journal of Zoology
SP  - 10
EP  - 21
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-7413
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12
AB  - The study was conducted in Dire, Golbo, Gomole, Melbe, and Woyama grazing land escapes of Boran Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, from September 2021 to June 2023 to, assess the traditional farming and breeding practices of the pastoralists in the study area. Field studies and collection of data were carried out through semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informants, observations, and linear body measurements of sample cattle and secondary data collection from different sources. A total of 360 households were randomly selected and interviewed. The majority of respondents reported that the type of farming activity was pastoralist i.e. their livelihood depended almost on livestock production, Even though crop farming practices are an increasing trend. Despite being primarily used for beef, the majority of Borana cattle were used for milk and income purposes. According to this finding, the mean milk yield of Borana cattle was 0.30 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.78 litter per day in dry and wet seasons respectively. The mean milk output of Borana cattle cattle during the dry and rainy seasons was, respectively, 0.30 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.78 litter per day. The average age at first calving and calving interval were 5.05 ± 0.24 and 2.25 ± 0.33, respectively, whereas the mean for the age of sexual maturity for males and females was 5.20 ± 0.34 and 4.04 ± 1.80, respectively. The major selection criteria for both breeding female and bull were body size, body conformation, and coat color. According to the majority of respondents, uncontrolled seasonal natural mating was the sort of mating that was practiced. In general, the result of the current finding showed that there was a lower productive and reproductive performance as well as lower for most quantitate measurements from previous work done within the same areas of study. Therefore, traits milk yield growth in males and associated traits like adaptation and reproductive performances need to be incorporated in designing a breeding program for the improvement of Borana cattle.

VL  - 8
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Beshir Hussien

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture Research Center, Yabello, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1206-0057
Adem Kumbe

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture Research Center, Yabello, Ethiopia

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3496-6316
Anaf Oneta

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Adami Tulu Agriculture Research Center, Batu, Ethiopia
Birhanu Bekele

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture Research Center, Yabello, Ethiopia
Feyisa Lemessa

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture Research Center, Yabello, Ethiopia

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APA Style

Hussien, B., Kumbe, A., Oneta, A., Bekele, B., Lemessa, F. (2025). Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. American Journal of Zoology, 8(1), 10-21. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12

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ACS Style

Hussien, B.; Kumbe, A.; Oneta, A.; Bekele, B.; Lemessa, F. Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Am. J. Zool. 2025, 8(1), 10-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12

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AMA Style

Hussien B, Kumbe A, Oneta A, Bekele B, Lemessa F. Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Am J Zool. 2025;8(1):10-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12,
  author = {Beshir Hussien and Adem Kumbe and Anaf Oneta and Birhanu Bekele and Feyisa Lemessa},
  title = {Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
},
  journal = {American Journal of Zoology},
  volume = {8},
  number = {1},
  pages = {10-21},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajz.20250801.12},
  abstract = {The study was conducted in Dire, Golbo, Gomole, Melbe, and Woyama grazing land escapes of Boran Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, from September 2021 to June 2023 to, assess the traditional farming and breeding practices of the pastoralists in the study area. Field studies and collection of data were carried out through semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informants, observations, and linear body measurements of sample cattle and secondary data collection from different sources. A total of 360 households were randomly selected and interviewed. The majority of respondents reported that the type of farming activity was pastoralist i.e. their livelihood depended almost on livestock production, Even though crop farming practices are an increasing trend. Despite being primarily used for beef, the majority of Borana cattle were used for milk and income purposes. According to this finding, the mean milk yield of Borana cattle was 0.30 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.78 litter per day in dry and wet seasons respectively. The mean milk output of Borana cattle cattle during the dry and rainy seasons was, respectively, 0.30 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.78 litter per day. The average age at first calving and calving interval were 5.05 ± 0.24 and 2.25 ± 0.33, respectively, whereas the mean for the age of sexual maturity for males and females was 5.20 ± 0.34 and 4.04 ± 1.80, respectively. The major selection criteria for both breeding female and bull were body size, body conformation, and coat color. According to the majority of respondents, uncontrolled seasonal natural mating was the sort of mating that was practiced. In general, the result of the current finding showed that there was a lower productive and reproductive performance as well as lower for most quantitate measurements from previous work done within the same areas of study. Therefore, traits milk yield growth in males and associated traits like adaptation and reproductive performances need to be incorporated in designing a breeding program for the improvement of Borana cattle.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Cattle Breed in Borana Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

AU  - Beshir Hussien
AU  - Adem Kumbe
AU  - Anaf Oneta
AU  - Birhanu Bekele
AU  - Feyisa Lemessa
Y1  - 2025/05/24
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12
T2  - American Journal of Zoology
JF  - American Journal of Zoology
JO  - American Journal of Zoology
SP  - 10
EP  - 21
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-7413
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.12
AB  - The study was conducted in Dire, Golbo, Gomole, Melbe, and Woyama grazing land escapes of Boran Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, from September 2021 to June 2023 to, assess the traditional farming and breeding practices of the pastoralists in the study area. Field studies and collection of data were carried out through semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informants, observations, and linear body measurements of sample cattle and secondary data collection from different sources. A total of 360 households were randomly selected and interviewed. The majority of respondents reported that the type of farming activity was pastoralist i.e. their livelihood depended almost on livestock production, Even though crop farming practices are an increasing trend. Despite being primarily used for beef, the majority of Borana cattle were used for milk and income purposes. According to this finding, the mean milk yield of Borana cattle was 0.30 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.78 litter per day in dry and wet seasons respectively. The mean milk output of Borana cattle cattle during the dry and rainy seasons was, respectively, 0.30 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.78 litter per day. The average age at first calving and calving interval were 5.05 ± 0.24 and 2.25 ± 0.33, respectively, whereas the mean for the age of sexual maturity for males and females was 5.20 ± 0.34 and 4.04 ± 1.80, respectively. The major selection criteria for both breeding female and bull were body size, body conformation, and coat color. According to the majority of respondents, uncontrolled seasonal natural mating was the sort of mating that was practiced. In general, the result of the current finding showed that there was a lower productive and reproductive performance as well as lower for most quantitate measurements from previous work done within the same areas of study. Therefore, traits milk yield growth in males and associated traits like adaptation and reproductive performances need to be incorporated in designing a breeding program for the improvement of Borana cattle.

VL  - 8
IS  - 1
ER  -

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