Camel production practice in west Hararghe zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia Demlie Mulu1,*, Nurye Muhammed2, Sied Mehammed1, Kefyalew Awoke1 1Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Oda Bultum University, P.O. Box 226, Chiro, Ethiopia 2Department of Food Science and Post-Harvest Technology, College of Agriculture, Oda Bultum University, P.O. Box 226, Chiro, Ethiopia *Corresponding Author: Mulu Demlie, Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Oda Bultum University, P.O. Box 226, Chiro, Ethiopia, Email: muludemlie21@gmail.com
Online published on 6 November, 2023. Abstract Background Dromedary camels are major component of the agro-pastoral systems in vast pastoral areas in arid and semi-arid area of Ethiopia due to highest icon of adaptation to challenging ways of living. But little is known about its production practice and production systems compared to other domestic animals. Therefore, the current study was aimed to assess camel production practice in West Hararghe zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Methods The research was conducted during the period of 2018-2019 using two potential districts (Mieso and Bordede) which have large number of camel populations. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data regarding camel production practice. Result Based on the data collected the major feed resource in the study area both in Bordede (56.7%) and Mieso (40%) was browse species. The sources of water for camels were river (53.3) and well water (51.7%) in Bordede and Mieso districts, respectively. About 61.67% and 91.67% of respondents in Bordede and Mieso respectively kept camel overnight in yard. The major constraints in the study area were shortage of feed and water especially during dry season in both districts. Top Keywords Camel, Production practice, West Hararghe. Top |