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| dc.contributor.author | Tiruwork Chekol | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2022-01-25T06:23:11Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2022-01-25T06:23:11Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2022-01-25 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/12968 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The study was conducted in three selected districts of Awi Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. This study was conducted to characterize dairy cow’s conformation traits and identify breeding practices of farmers in the study area. A total of 302 dairy cows, Local (269) and Crossbreds (33) were purposively selected for measurement of conformation traits, and a total of 182 dairy cows owners were randomly selected and interviewed with pre-tested semi structured questionnaires to obtain general information. Conformation trait measurements were taken in centimeter (cm) in the morning before milking and prior to any feed intake using graduated measuring stick and flexible meter tape. SPSS (version 25) was used to analyze qualitative/survey data and SAS (2021, version 9.4) for quantitative/measured traits. The results revealed that Udder depth were ranked first for selecting dairy cows followed by teat length. Next to teat length, teat thickness were identified. The primary challenge for dairy cows production identified in the study area was low genetic potential and 50% of the respondents was used local bull for mating service. In highland, midland and low land areas, 47.3%, 39.0% and 73.3% of respondents used natural mating by using local bull, respectively. All qualitative traits were laid intermediate levels (4-6 point) except foot angle which is found Very low angle (1-3) (39.7%) and Udder depth (UD) was Deep udder (1-3) (39.7%). Crossbreds of dairy cows had a significant effect (P<0.01) on BD, CW, RW, RUW and TL. Breed had a significant effect (P<0.01) on conformation traits. From phenotypic characterization of dairy cows conformation traits, Angularity and muscularity have no significant difference between them (p>0.05), but other traits BD, CW, RW, RUW, TT, FUA, HQ, RLS and RTP have significant difference (p<0.05). From comparing of local and crossbred dairy cows by using conformation traits, Rear Legs Set, Hock quality, Fore Udder x Attachment and Rear Teat Placement have no significant difference among themselves (p>0.05), in other ways BD, CW, RW, RUW, TT and RTP have significant difference (p<0.05). The conformational traits data obtained in this study are vital and valuable tool for husbandry practices of dairy cows and is useful tool in future strategies and should be well utilized to improve the performance of dairy cows. From this research, it could be concluded that there were significant differences of conformation traits between crossbred dairy and local dairy cows. Hence, characterization of conformation traits of dairy cows can be a vital tool to make decisions on dairy cows’ selection and breed improvemen | en_US |
| dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
| dc.subject | ANIMAL GENETICS and BREEDING | en_US |
| dc.title | On Farm Phenotypic Characterization of Dairy Cows Conformation Traits and Breeding Practices of Farmers in Selected Districts of Awi Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia | en_US |
| dc.type | Thesis | en_US |
