SHEIKH TECHNICAL VETERINARY SCHOOL (STVS)

MAJOR CONSTRAINTS FACING GREENVALLEY DAIRY FARM

By Abdi sahal Ahmed Mohamed Registration Number: 097

A thesis submitted to Sheikh technical veterinary school (STVS) as a partial fulfilment for the requirements of the award Of Diploma of Livestock Development and entrepreneurship (DLD)

July, 2012 STVS Somaliland

DECLARATION I, under signed declared that the thesis is my original work, has not been presented in this or any other university for the award of diploma.

Signature: ________________________________ Abdi Sahal Ahmed Mohamed Signature _________________________________ Name of supervisor: Mr. Matinde Tomas

Place: Sheikh technical veterinary School (STVS) Date of Submission ______________________

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DEDICATION Special dedication to my mum Saynab Adan Hassan and my Ant Sahara Dahir Bullale for their sincere love and commitment to my studies to my beloved brothers Ali and Mursal and my Sisters Deka,sahra and Saynab.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT All thanks due to ALLAH lord of the world. I am highly indebted to my supervisors Mr.Matinde Thomas for his great contribution in my thesis his valuable guidance; support and dedication have made it possible for me to accomplish the research. I am highly indebted to my advisor, Dr Ibrahim Suleiman, for his suggestion, comments, and devotion of his precious time for critical correction and addition of important ideas to this manuscript to produce the final version. I am also indebted to Eng Osman and Adnaan for the help they offered me in data collection. The moral and financial support from TERRANOUVA and my family is highly appreciated and above all God for giving me the chance to go through this opportunity. I am thankful to my friends, Mr. Mohamed Saed, Mr.Shucab Farah Ahmed, Mr. Ahmed Jama Warsame for their support and encouragement during my study. I would like to thanks my whole family for their kindness, support and patience for the completion of my thesis work. Finally, I am obliged to my ant SahraDahirBullale for her constant encouragement and help in my entire endeavour and also she was the source of special strength towards the

successful completion of this study.

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Table of contents................................................................................................Page Number DECLARATION .......................................................................................................................ii DEDICATION ......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................................ iv MAJOR CONSTRAINS FACED GREEN VALLY DAIRY FARM ....................................... 1 CHAPTER INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1 1.1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Justification of the study ...................................................................................................... 2 CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVEIW ............................................................................. 3 2.1 MANAGEMENT OF DAIRY FARM INTERPRISE ......................................................... 3 2.2 DAIRY HOUSING .............................................................................................................. 5 2.3.1. Feeding Systems in Green valley dairy farm ................................................................... 7 2.3.2 Factors Affecting Productivity of the cattle ...................................................................... 8 2.3.3 NUTRIENTS REQUIRED FOR DAIRY CATTLE ........................................................ 8 CHAPTER THREE MATERIALS AND METHODS............................................................ 10 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................. 10 3.1 General Objectives 10
3.2 Specific Objectives..10

3.3.1 DESCRTION OF THE STUDY AREA ......................................................................... 10 3.3.2 Watering .......................................................................................................................... 11 3.3.3 Feeding ............................................................................................................................ 11 DATA COLLECTION ............................................................................................................ 12 3.4.0 QUESTIONER AND DIRECT OBSEVATION ............................................................ 12 3.4.1 DIRECT OBSERVATION ............................................................................................. 12 3.4.2 QUESTIONNAIRE ........................................................................................................ 12 CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS AND DISCUTION ................................................................. 13 4.0 RESULTS .......................................................................................................................... 13 4.1 HOUSING.......................................................................................................................... 13 4.2.1 Feeding constrains .......................................................................................................... 14 4.2.2Consequence of poor feeding on the performance of cattle ............................................ 14 4.3 Low milk production.......................................................................................................... 15 4.3 Farm records keeping ......................................................................................................... 16 4.4 Cattle culling criteria & disposal of cadaver & abortion materials ................................... 16

4.5 Cattle lost in the past two years (2010/11)......................................................................... 16 4.6 Cattle Health Problems ...................................................................................................... 17 4.7 Milk marketing Challenges ................................................................................................ 17 CHAPTER FIVE DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 DISCUSSION...................................................................................................................19 5.2 CONCLUTIONS..............................................................................................................20 5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................21

List of tables Table 1, Maintenance requirements per animal per day9 Table 2: Herd composition of green valley Dairy farm...........................................................11 Table 3 Size of individual cows space13 Table4 Feed Recourses of farm..14 Table 5 constrains that limiting Green valley Dairy farm milk production.............................15 Table 6 Different reasons for cattle culled in the farm............................................................16 Table 7 diseased cows in the farm.. 17 Table 8 milk marketing challenges 18

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List of Figures: Figure1: Location of the study area........................................................................................11 Figure 2: factors that limiting milk production in study area................................................ 15
Figure three milk marketing challenges........................................................................................19

List of Abbreviation: G.V.D.F (Green Valley Dairy Farm) B.D (Body Weight) B.S (Body Score) Annex (1), Questioner Annex (1), Pictures

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MAJOR CONSTRAINS FACED GREEN VALLY DAIRY FARM CHAPTER INTRODUCTION 1.1. INTRODUCTION Livestock production constitutes one of the principal means of achieving improved living standards in many regions of the developing world. In sub-Saharan Africa countries livestock plays a crucial role both for the national economy and the livelihood of rural communities. It provides drought power, milk, and meat, input for crop production and soil fertility and raw material for industry (ILCA, 1980). Livestock in great horn of Africa is vital resource in promoting development. They provide 20-30% of the Gross Domestic Production (GDP) and at the farmer level as much as 70% of cash income is generated from livestock (Ndikima et al, 2000). Livestock production has been the mainstay for the people of Somaliland. Livestock production is predominantly pastoral and agro pastoral employing over 70% of the population. Livestock production contributes 60% of GDP and about 85% of foreign export earnings. Livestock is the source of pastoral livelihoods, Contributes to government revenues and provides employment to a wide range of professionals and other service providers. Somaliland has had a long history of live animals export to the Arabian Gulf states through e Berbera port. These exports have experienced a series of trade embargos due to suspicions of diseases like Rift Valley Fever, Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR) and suspected presence of Rinderpest. The bans have adversely affected the income and livelihoods of pastoralist families and the national economy in general (Somali land government December 2006). Underdevelopment and lack of market oriented production, lack of adequate information on livestock recourses, prevalence of animal disease; illegal trade and inadequate market information; both internal and external are mentioned as some of the major reasons for poor performance of the livestock sector (Akliilu, 2002; Hurissa and Eshetu,2002).

Dairy production, among the sector of livestock production systems, is a critical issue in Somali land where all livestock and its products are important sources of food and income, and dairying has not been fully exploited and promoted in the country.

Somali land Dairying was mostly traditional. One modern dairy farm was started in the early 2010 in Darasalam Village near Hargeisa area, by national non-government organization that has been envisioned by Somaliland entrepreneurs who articulated a great concern after recognizing the acute shortage of milk production in Somaliland. Consequently, they have undertaken a solemn strategy to establish a model farm that will provide fresh and nutrient milk to the community of Somaliland, thereby alleviating the malnourishment currently prevalent in Somaliland. Due to fast growing urbanization process and environmental degradation and erosion of grazing lands, the animal numbers are invariably decreasing, thus causing the procurement of milk to the city of Hargeisa with 350,000 populations and beyond the national border to as far as Ethiopia, 150 kilometres away. Green Valley dairy farm keeps crossbreeds which are improvements to the indigenous breeds. The farm faces a numbers of constrains including pure & cross breeds Frequently become sick because of climate conditions and poor nutritive feed, since the crossbred animals are high yielders and required high quality concentrates and green fodder, Skilled and well trained workers are essential in order to produce high yield of milk production

Inadequate supply of quality and quantity feed the animals is a major limiting factor in dairy productivity in GVDF. Feed which is usually based on fodder and grass and even that is either not available or in insufficient quantities due to fluctuating weather conditions or when the available is poor nutritional and too expensive These constraints result in low milk production, low animal Body Weights (BW) and malnutrition.

1.2 Justification of the study Despite the effort that are put by the investors in Green valley dairy farm the expected output is generally low due to several reasons low availability of good quality feed, lack animal husbandry professionals, poor feeding, and health problems lack of veterinary nearby in the area. In order to ascertain the real problems, this study was con ducted 17 May to 15 June in Green valley dairy farm this will assist the formulation of strategic plan for the farmer.

CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVEIW 2.1 MANAGEMENT OF DAIRY FARM INTERPRISE Management professionals believe that different management skills and practices on the same type of enterprise and the same production systems will have different financial success (Ford and Shonkwiler, 1994). The importance of management in any enterprise thus cannot be over emphasized. Management practices are characterized into a number of functions which include production management, financial management and human resource management (Gloy, 2002). Financial management is considered to deal mainly with how farms obtain finances and how those finances are managed (Gloy et al., 2003). They determine the capital structure of the farm and guidance in making the decision of whether to borrow or use own equity. Other works dwell on determining the relationships between profitability and leverage, while others only consider leasing and book keeping practices (Gloy e. al., 2002). There are also research works that have diverted into looking at the ratios to explain the financial position of different farms (Gloy et al., 2002). They use ratios like asset to debt ratio, operating margin, equity to asset ratio, operating expense ratios, depreciation ratios among others to measure the financial position of the farm (Gloy et al., 2002). Most of the findings sometimes had mixed results on the use of debt and how it relates to profitability. Some experimental works have been able to find no significant relationship, others found mixed results. When the coefficient was statistically significant the indication generally tended to be negative (Gloy et Al., 2002). This showed a negative relationship between debt use and profitability. Therefore the use of debt in a farm business may depend on other factors that surround the management of the business. Financial records are known to provide information on the performance of a business. They keep track of how the business is performing in terms of liquidity, profitability, and efficiency in use of assets and capital (Gary and Jenny, 1998). Additionally they help the farmer to track down the performance of the farm in respect of the different aspects. These may include investment in assets versus profitability (Asset turnover ratio), cost of operations, and the margins that the farmers get (western dairy management conference, 1999). Other important financial measures that farmers need to have are the liquidity

measures, profitability measures, financial efficiency and repayment capacity. This may pose a challenge in our local smallholder sector because the farmers do no keep adequate records. This can be a helpful tool for the farmer to make critical decisions by knowing whether his business is doing well or otherwise. Mostly this can be done through benchmarking with other players in the same industry (western dairy management conference, 1999). This can be considered as an important component of training by the players that are involved in the improvement of the smallholder dairy industry. Furthermore it should be included in the National Agriculture Sector Extension Program (NASEP) and the bench marks should be further included in the dairy sector policy which is under development. A farm is deemed to be financially successful if it generates profits and improves its real note worthy position. Additionally maintaining a healthy cash flow is considered as a financial success factor too (Kaaseet al., 2003). Therefore using profitability as a measure to efficiency performance of the farmer is practical and acceptable. This is despite the fact that some farmers especially peasant farmers have different farming objectives which can be linked to conventions, culture and path dependence. The cash flow is an important factor in any business farming included. This is because the cash flow status determines if the business is to be able to meet its daily obligations (Carroll et al., 2006). It indicates if the business has the cash to pay its day to day dues and thus a farm with good cash flow cannot lack money to buy things like feed, supplements, quality and veterinary services, labour and creditors. Therefore a good cash flow is paramount for the dairy business. The level of debt also determines the farms success; the actual level of debt that is optimal has not been established and is relative to different farm businesses. Moreover farms with high level of debt are found to be less successful than those with moderate debt amounts (Kaaseet al., 2003, Carroll et al, 2006). Therefore the level of gearing needs to be keenly monitored in order to have success in any business. Too high levels are detrimental and also insufficient or lack of debt is also limiting to the business. To gauge the level of debt, the debt asset ratio may beused; it is the ratio between the debt amount and the value of assets of the farm. When the ratio is too high, it shows poor performance as the amount of debt is out doing the farms asset level.

2.2 DAIRY HOUSING Dairy Cows housed primarily indoors in either tied or free stalls. Cows in tie stalls also have more limited social interactions with other cows than unrestrained cows. Isolating cows in this manner and restricting or depriving their opportunity to lie down freely can result in stress. (Munksgaard ;1998).found that both the amount of leaning and the frequency of grooming and standing idle increased when cows were prevented from lying down or were isolated from other cows. When cows housed in this manner were exposed to novel situations, the animals exhibited behavioural and physiological responses indicative of stress, leading the researchers to conclude that socially isolated cows experience frustration and that cows find being deprived of the chance to lie down. Health problems have also been associated with use of tie stalls. Mammary infections and/or teat injuries have been found to be more common in cows kept in tie stalls compared to cows kept in free stalls Cows in tie stalls with minimal outdoor access had higher rates of lameness, skin injuries around the hock, and callosities at the carpal joints Green valley Dairy farm uses tie stalls. It known fact free stalling allows cows to behave more normal than tie stalls though problems may result if there are too few stalls for the number of cows, or if the stalls are poorly designed, too small, or not well maintained

The size and design of stalls is important because it affects the social and physical behaviour of cows, which in turn affects susceptibility to lameness and other health problems. Poorly designed or maintained stalls cause cows to spend less time resting and more time standing idle, which can contribute to lameness by increasing exposure to damaging mechanical forces and slurry Cook et al() Faull and others(2)studied dairy cows at pasture and found that they required approximately 240 cm x 120 cm lying space

Physical accommodations for dairy cattle should provide a relatively dry area for the animals to lie down in and be comfortable (Cook et al., 2005) and should be conducive to cows lying for as many hours of the day as they desire. Recent work indicates that blood flow to the udder, which is related to the level of milk production, is substantially higher (28%) when a cow is lying than when a cow is standing (Metcalf et al., 1992).

Criteria for a satisfactory environment for dairy cattle include thermal comfort (effective environmental temperature), physical comfort (injury-free space and contact surfaces),
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disease control (good ventilation and clean surroundings), and freedom from fear. Cattle can thrive in almost any region of the world if they are given sufficient shelter from excessive wind, solar radiation, and precipitation (Webster, 1983).

Housing and handling systems vary widely, depending on the particular use of the cattle in research and teaching (Albright, 1983, 1987). Recommended facilities for dairy cattle range from fenced pastures, corrals, and exercise yards with shelters to insulated and ventilated barns with special equipment to restrain, isolate, and treat the cattle (Bickert, 2003a). Generally, headlocks (one per cow), corrals, and sunshades are used in warm semi-arid regions. Pastures and shelters are common in warm humid areas naturally ventilated barns with free stalls are used widely in both warm and cold regions.

During good weather, to enrich the environment and to improve overall health and wellbeing, cows should be moved if possible from indoor stalls into the barnyard, where they can groom themselves and one another (Wood,1977), stretch, sun themselves, exhibit oestrousbehaviour, and exercise (Albright, 1993b). Exercise decreases the incidence of leg problems, mastitis, bloat, and calving- related disorders (Gustafson, 1993). Free-stall barns are a type of loose housing with one free stall recommended for each lactating cow. Depending upon provisions for feeding, different groups of cows can be fed differently according to their particular nutritional requirements. This has led to barn arrangements that permit division of milking herds into groups; usually by production one free stall is recommended for each lactating cow. The stall base and bedding provide a resilient bed for cow comfort and a clean, dry surface to reduce the incidence of mastitis. Because cows prefer to stand uphill, the stall base should be sloped forward 3 to 4% from rear to front. Commonly used materials for the base include concrete, clay, sand, and stone dust; hardwood planks tend to rot. Rubber tires, if not firmly imbedded, tend to become loose (MWPS, 1995). In an ideal free stall, the stall bed and partition should define the lying position of the cow and accommodate natural lying and rising behavior (McFarland and Gamroth, 1994; MWPS, 2000).

Proper free-stall care includes daily inspection and removal of wet bedding and manure, in addition to adding dry bedding periodically. Neglected free stalls with excessive moisture or accumulations of manure can lead to an increased incidence of mastitis. For stalls with bases

that must be replenished such as sand, an upward slope of the base toward the front should be maintained. This upward slope helps position cows more squarely in the stall when lying down, which contributes to cleaner stalls and cleaner cows. Free-stall hardware and other components should be kept in good repair.

Corrals should be scraped as needed and concrete alleys should be scraped or flushed regularly to clean them effectively. Feed bunk areas should be scraped regularly and any leftover feed removed. Shades and corrals should be designed to minimize areas of moisture and mud. 2.3.1. Feeding Systems in Green valley dairy farm Green Valley dairy farm practices stall feeding system which is very labor-intensive system there for it requires financial investment, labor, well trained people and specialized knowledge. The farm did not cultivated enough Grass land so they buy the grass somewhere from private owned grazing land.Puck Bonnier and et al (.Dairy cattle husbandry: 2nd Ed: 2004: p8, 10) say that Investments made in zero grazing will only pay off if you can get a good price for the milk, but un fortunately the people did not pay the milk because powder imported milk are far cheaper than fresh milk which Greenvalley dairy farm produce. Inadequate supply of quality feed and the low productivity of the cross breed are the major constrains of Green valley dairy farm. Feed, usually based on fodder and grass, are either not available in sufficient quantities due to fluctuating weather conditions or when available are of poor nutritional quality. These constraints result in low milk yields, cross breeds frequently become sick, animal become malnutrition longer parturition intervals, and low animal weights and poor animal conditions (McIntire et al., 1992).

Hay making is as a commonly used means of feed preservation technique in Green valley dairy farm, which is expected to mitigate problems of cattle feeding during the dry period.on. High quality hay can be defined as forage that is dried without deterioration and retaining most of its nutrients. Moreover, being free from mould development, retention on natural

colour and palatability and capability for storage over a long period of time are other (Vernooij, 2007). 2.3.2Factors Affecting Productivity of the cattle The productivity of a dairy cow and a dairy farm can be influenced by different factors. Some of these factors are considered in the following paragraphs. The productivity of dairy cows is affected by the breed type. The breed of the animal bears a distinct relation to the quantity of milk produced and to its fat content. For the dairy animal the lack of feed of adequate quantity and quality affects milk production both directly and indirectly. The problem of having sufficient labour in conducting a dairy farm affects its productivity. The prevalence of animal diseases and the lack of infrastructural and veterinary services also affect productivity of dairy farm. 2.3.3 NUTRIENTS REQUIRED FOR DAIRY CATTLE Generally, cattle require nutrients for maintenance, growth, production and reproduction. Nutrients required for these functions are expressed in terms of energy, protein, minerals (Particularly calcium and phosphorous) and vitamins. Energy, protein, and digestibility of feeds are central in determining nutritional adequacy and feeding levels for different classes of stock (Streeter, 2006). Energy is usually the most important feed component needed to produce milk. The energy needed depends on the composition of the milk (i.e., fat and protein content). The value of feed is clearly related to the amount of energy it can supply, since energy is usually the chief limiting nutrient (Wilson and Brigstocke, 1983).

According to McDonald and Greenhalgh (1988) energy requirement of animals is most commonly expressed in the simplest way possible as the absolute quantities of energy gained or lost by animals. Energy for maintenance can be defined as the amount of feed energy required for essential metabolic processes and physical activities, which results in no net loss or gain from, or to the tissues of the animal (NRC, 1996). Demand for energy depends on breed, live weight, sex and physiological state (pregnancy, lactation) of the animal (Church and Pond, 1982). The amount of feed needed to meet maintenance requirements will vary with the type and quality of feed available (McDonald, 1988).

Proteins are the main constituents of an animal body and are continuously needed in the feedstuff. The protein content of herbage falls with the phosphorous so that protein deficiency, and frequently also a deficiency of available energy, are exacerbating factors in the malnutrition of livestock in phosphorous deficient areas (Eric, 1981). With increasing crude protein concentrations, milk yield increased by 4.0 kg/day at the same concentrate intake but tended to fall at reduced concentrate intake (Sutton et al., 1996). Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are closely correlated for building the skeletal structure. Approximately 90% of the calcium and 70% of the phosphorus can be found in skeleton and teeth. Phosphorus in addition to its function in bone building is required in the utilization of energy and in the cell structure. They are also the ones most often added to ruminant diets. Animals usually require 1.5 parts of Ca for every part of P. Phosphorous deficiency can be regarded as the most prevalent and serious mineral limitation to livestock production (McDowell, 1985). However, to meet the dietary requirements of cattle, P supplementation should be seriously considered. The dietary P concentration needed to meet dietary requirements varies widely with feed intake, breed, body weight, growth rate and physiological state (Chantiratikulet al., 2009). Kearl (1982) recommended P requirements for tropical beef cattle ranging from 1.7-3.5 g kg-1 feed. Assessment on the quantity and quality of available feed resources in relation with livestock requirement has not been yet well addressed in most livestock production areas in Somali land. Table 1Maintenance requirements per animal per day

Animal weight (kg)

Energy (MJ)

Protein (grams)

Water(liter) Dry matter (KG)

350

45

341

45

500

49

432

60

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Sources :( Dairy cattle husbandry 14 agrodox: 2004)

CHAPTER THREE MATERIALS AND METHODS OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 3.1 General Objectives To study production system characteristics with emphasis on major constrains facing Green valley dairy farm. 3.2 Specific objectives

To characterize dairy production system and to prioritize Problems and challenges facing milk production of Green valley Dairy farm. To analyze feeding related constraints of the farm. To establish factors that limits the potentiality of milk production of the farm.

3.3.1 DESCRTION OF THE STUDY AREA Daarasalam village was selected as study area it is one of Hargeisa village around, the village, is found 30 km north direction of Hargeisa capital city.The main cattle production in this area has been based two years on the Village black and white cross breed was kept in the farm which is improvement of indigenous cattle (local cattle) the total number cattle in the farm are 84 cows and 14 calves total number of lactation cows were 6 cows the rest were dry cow there were no Bulls in the farm they practise in artificial insemination. Farm cultivated 19 hectors for growing several grasses including Sudan grass, Alfa Alfa grass and natural grass.The mean annual temperature in the study area is similar like Hargeisa District (13C (Celsius) and 36 C (Celsius). The average of humidity is 24%.The area receives an annual rainfall 562mm (millimetre) per year (April-May and September-October).

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Figure1: Location of the study area

Study area: source: www.googlemap.com 3.3.2 Watering The major source of water in the farm was well the water was stored very pig sized tanks and berets after cattle drink and farm irrigation. 3.3.3 Feeding Maize straws, Dry roughages and natural pasture were the most frequently used resources in Sudan and Alfa Alfa grasses was cultivated area most of feeding was purchased in

neighbouring farms because farm did not cultivate enough grass in the cattle. Table 2: Herd composition of green valley Dairy farm Type of the animal Cows Lactating cows Dry cows Male calves Female calves Heifer Population 84 6 74 4 10 4

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According to the above table 6 cows were lactating out of 84 cows and. And there was no bull in the farm, the farm practise artificial insemination. DATA COLLECTION 3.4.0 QUESTIONER AND DIRECT OBSEVATION 3.4.1 DIRECT OBSERVATION Direct observations were used on the cattle housing structures, availability water and veterinary service in the area and condition of infrastructure and condition of cattle themselves. 3.4.2 QUESTIONNAIRE A detailed structured questionnaire format (Annex 1) was designed to generate information related to cattle and major constrains faced in the farm production system with particular emphasis on cattle management practices (feeding, housing, and others), major cattle health problems, and availability of extension services of the Farm. An interview was carried out to collect the above mentioned information from the beginning of 17th May to the 15th June. A personally administered questionnaire was used mainly because of the following Reasons: Of the high response rate associated with these data collection techniques as the Interviewer can ensure that all questions are answered. The high reliability of the data that could be obtained because the interviewer can Probe in with further questions if the respondents appeared to have misunderstood the question or appeared to be giving false information. In addition, the interviewer can explain to the respondent if they have any problems.

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CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS AND DISCUTION 4.0 RESULTS 4.1 HOUSING In study area tie install was practiced with concrete based install the space of each individual cows was very small and uncomfortable for cow. Most of cows spend their times standing. it was difficult cows to turn around, another problems in the housing was poor lying position same cows were lying partially in the stall and partially in the alley dirty and wet all the time only water was used for cleaning cattle are not allowed to go out for exercise and there was no rest area in the farm the install was based on concrete which was cool and wet all the time this leads cattle become lameness Cattle calves were housed in well-protected enclosures until they reach one month old. However, after one month of age are allowed to go out for grazing in the day time During the dry season calves are not allowed to go out the house in the calves was concretes install Table 3 Size of individual cows space Components Breast locator Stall loop Divider Neck rail Stall base Plat farm Width in meter 1.48 0.60 0.40 0.48 0.35 Height in meter 1.5 0.48 0.32 0.58 0.8 Comments Too high Too low Too short Concrete base in tall too short

According to the above table the observation revealed that the farm practised tailed install Which the cows did not go freely the housing of the cattle was uncomfortable for cows wet and dirty which may cause lameness and stress.
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4.2.1Feeding system and feed constrains In study area feed constrain was one of the most important problems in the farm dry roughage and maize straws which was very old, dry and has no test for cattle and no nutritional value was used significantly in dry seasons while Alfa Alfa, Sudan grasses and natural grasses was used in wet season but the farm not cultivated sufficient amount or good quality to adequately feed of cross breed cattle. However cattle become malnourish low milk production, very week in body condition the B.S (body score) of each cows was two and three in body score. This significant constrains is evident by the observation of cattle in the farm; the farmer have little knowledge of value of good forage for feed. The prices of the feed were major problems of feeding in the area. The amount of purchased dry forages such as hay and straw was determined by estimating one lorry load of hay by asking how many loads of hay would be purchased for a month respondents 5 lorry loads and each lorry is &350 with equivalent $ 1750 per month the low milk production of the farm Negatively affects the income of the farm. Table4 Feed Recourses of farm Types of Feed Sudan grass Alfa Alfa Maize straw Hay Season available wet season wet season Dry season Dry season Cultivated Yes Yes No No Purchased No Yes Yes Yes

Form these findings show that the farm cultivated same grasses (Alfa alfa and Sudan grass) in the wet season, but is not enough the farm purchased mostly hay and maize or sorghum. 4.2.2Consequence of poor feeding on the performance of cattle The consequences of poor quality feeding for cross breed in study areas include weight loss, lower Milk yield, and absence of heat in the cattle,

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4.3 Low milk production Low milk productivity in term of milk production remained as major constrains, in this area The average of daily milk production in the farm was 9.8 litters per day with equivalent 3528 litters per year hand milking was use in the farm because low productivity machine milking is not possible. The major constrains that limiting dairy milk production on the farm are showed in figure 2 and table 4.these constrains are related feed resources. Table 5factors that limiting Green valley Dairy farm milk production Constrains Feeding Mineral supplement(deficiency ) Diseases Housing 5% 5% Percentage (%) 80% 10%

Figure 2: factors that limiting milk production in study area

According to the respondent the factors that limiting milk production of the area are related feed constrains, lack of mineral supplement, poor housing design and diseases such

malnutrition mineral deficiency and lameness.

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4.3 Farm records keeping Record keeping is important during production processing; purchased feed. Supplement and drugs. Green valley dairy farm did not record any kind of record keeping due to lack of welltrained employee low productivity of the cattle. 4.4 Cattle culling criteria & disposal of cadaver & abortion materials The most common reasons of culling cattle mentioned by farmer were limpness, low production, infertility, the total number of cattle culled in the farm past two years were 6 cows .the respondents explained that they do not dispose fatal membranes (aborted materials) cadaver properly, after skinning dead animals, they leave for scavengers, Haynes and other wild animals. Table 6 Different reasons for cattle culled in the farm Number of cattle culled 3 2 1 Reasons lameness Infertility Low milk production

As the result showed the most culling reason for the cattle in the farm was lameness this was confirmed by observation during housing and cattle observation. 4.5 Cattle lost in the past two years (2010/11) During the past two years a total of 10 cows including three calves were lost from different causes but according to farmer response most of the cattle died of starvation and diseases categorized as unknown diseases Because lack of good quality and enough quantity of feed, lack of veterinary technician, lack drugs availability and veterinary service nearby.

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4.6 Cattle Health Problems Diseases are major constrains to improvement of livestock industry in tropics (Devendra, el,al.,2000).animal health issues are barrier of livestock product whilst specific diseases decrease milk production of dairy animals these diseases are mastitis. Respondent of the farm confirmed that cattle health and disease are front constrain of their milk production the most important diseases mentioned by the farm were mastitis, lameness and injury respectively in addition cows were also affected bloat and malnutrition. Table 7 diseased cows in the farm Disease Mastitis Lameness Injury Bloat. Malnutrition Number of cows effected 4 2 3 6 98 Percentage in the Herd 66.6% 2.2% 4.9% 17% 100%

As the result showed most of disease in the farm which the farm respondent confirmed was mastitis, lameness and injury respectively in addition cattle was affected with Bloat due to improper feeding management 4.7 Milk marketing Challenges The cattle in this area produce little amount of milk therefore farm prefer to collect same days and to gather and processing in modern processing to fresh milk, sour milk and yoghourt,it was sold to local market such as cafeteria, supermarkets, hotels and shops in the city. The average of milk price in the market was highest during dry seasons and fast periods (Ramadan).The Challengesfaced Green valley milk marketing were poor road infrastructure distance to the market the demand of milk in the market was very low due to high price and also people prefer imported milk powder which is cheaper than fresh milk which the farm produce this affected the income of the farm. Due low productivity of milk and low income
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of the farm the owners of the farm established beverage processing plant to composite or support the salary of the employee ,feeding of the cattle and other expanses of the farm Table 8 milk marketing challenges: Challenges Low milk production Poor quality feed Distance to the market Poor road infrastructure Percentages (%) 60% 20% 10% 10%

As the tha result showed low milk production was most important challenge in the area

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CHAPTER FIVE DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 DISCUSSION The major Constraints that faced green valley dairy farm are studied under five major categories poor housing design, feeding constrains, low milk production and cattle health problems and milk and milk products marking challenges. Regarding poor housing design, the housing structure currently being used G.V.D.F was not appropriate, The table two in result showed that the space of the individual cows in the farm was very small according to the animal size and weights due to poorly contracted The size and design of stalls is important because it affects the social and physical behaviour of cows, which in turn affects susceptibility to lameness and other health problems. Poorly designed stalls cause cows to spend less time resting and more time standing idle, which can contribute to lameness, injury and by increasing exposure to damaging mechanical forces and slurry Cook et al, Faull and others studied dairy cows at pasture and found that they required approximately 240 cm x 120 cm lying space. The Corrals, concrete alleys and feed bunk areas in the study area were dirty due lack of scraped or flushed or lack of improper inspection. Regarding feeding constrains the result showed that feed constrains (80%) was most important constrain in the farm as the result showed the feed resources in the farm was mainly dry roughage which was dry and old in term of quality it was poor and intern of quantity it was insufficient for cross breed feed since cross breed are high yielders they need good quality for feeding Low levels of protein in the diet badly affected the reproduction system and disturb the estrus cyclist (Tomar and Arora, 1982). Regarding low milk production, in the area Inavailability of feedinadequate quantity and quality, poor housing structure is recognized to be a major limiting factor for milk production. Incidence of diseases and inefficient animal health care are also major constraints against improved green valley dairy production and are major causes of health problem of cattle; the most common diseases were mastitis and lameness.

Regarding animal health problems the result shows in the study area mastitis (66.6%) was most important economically disease due to productivity loses, cost of control and cost of

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cow itself and high susceptibility of the cows in the area the prevalence of mantis in the farm was high due to improper milk handler and poor hygiene of the house. The occurrence of cases of mastitis is also reported by Frese (1999) (44.5 %) at DebreZeit and Addis Ababa. Cows are at risk of acquiring mastitis when there is improper milking and poor udder health management like preventing teat from lesion causing agent like tick infection (Quinnet al., 1994). Mastitis is economically important disease due to reduced milk production, cost of treatment and premature culling (Radostitis et al.,2001). Lameness and Injury were also observed to be important health problems in the farm in the farm. These are related poor engineering construction in the housing. Regard themilk marketing challenges in the farm was most significant obstacle that the farm faced due low milk production, poor road, distance farm market negatively affected the income of the farm. 5.2 CONCLUTIONS It can be concluded that inadequate feeding, poor housing structure, low milk production, health problem and milk marketing challenges in the farm were the major constraints that faced Green valley dairy farm. Also there was lack or poor knowledge of farmer workers The rapid urbanization of the regional capital towns such Hargeisa ,Burao and Erigabo, Dairy development in the studied areas can be improved by encouraging private investors to establish dairy processing plant in the area low demand these

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5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS Based on these conclusions, the following are recommended: The green valley dairy farm should provide adequate housing with appropriate drainage, adequate install. Movement for the cows should be encouraged all of which influence dairy productivity. It was noted that farmer in Green valley dairy farm, lack awareness on the use of improved forages and hence consolidated extension service and training is required for the farmer by agricultural development professionals.

Farm workers need to be trained on the basic knowledge of nutritional and animal health management.

Introduction of farm feed resources rich in protein and energy like multipurpose trees is highly recommended; Emphasis should be given to surveillance, monitoring and control of major diseases affecting cattle and change the construction of the house.

Green valley should rebuild the farm house should make rest area for cattle to reduce the stress and incidences of mastitis in the cattle.

Green valley should improve management of the cattle to improve the conception rate and reduce health problems, in particular mastitis.

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REFRENCES: Adugna, T. and Aster, A., 2007.Livestock production in pastoral and agro-pastoral production. Adugna, T. and Said, A.N., 1994. Assessment of feed resources in WelaytaSodo.Ethiopia. Albright, J. L. 1983. Status of animal welfare awareness of producers and direction of animal welfare research in the future. J. Dairy. Albright, J. L. 1987. Dairy animal welfare: Current and needed research. Alemayehu, M., 1985. Feed resources in Ethiopia. PP.35. In: Animal feed resources for smallscale. Alemayehu, M., 1987. Feed Resources in Ethiopia. PP.42. In: Proceedings of the Second Alemayehu, M., 1998. The Borana and the 1991-92 Drought: A Rangeland and Livestock Alemayehu, M., 2004.Pasture and Forage Resource profiles of Ethiopia.PP.19. Alemayehu, M., 2005. Feed Resources Base of Ethiopia: Status Limitations and opportunities and Nutritive Value of Crop Residues. Proceedings of a Workshop. Held at ILCA, Addis Church, D.C. and Pond, W.C., 1982. Basic Animal Nutrition and Feeding Record. John Wiley and Sons, U.S.A. 1135p. Dairy Development project.Republic of Kenya.DOC. U.S.A. 41p. efficiency. Animal Reproduction Science.96 (2006): 282-296. EPTD discussion paper No. 123. International Food Policy Research Institute. Washington, Eric J. Underwood, 1981. The mineral nutrition of livestock. PP. 31-48. Second edition, Ethiopia, 27-29 April 1995. Ethiopia/FAO. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Farming Systems. PP.3-27. In: J.D. Reed, B.S. Capper and P.J.H., Neate (eds.). Plant Breeding Farnham Royal, England, CAB Publication. Feed stuffs Institute, Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah State University, Longman for Integrated development. Proceedings of the 12th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Hadley G. L., Harsh S. B., and Wolf C. A., (2002) Managerial and Financial Implications of ILCA (International Livestock Centre for Africa). 1990. Livestock System Research manual, ILCA Working Paper No. 1, Volume 1. International Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA), ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute). 1995 .Livestock Policy Analysis, Training ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute). 1996. Annual Project Report. ILRI, Addis
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Institute of Agricultural Research. Iowa State Univ., Ames Iowa State Univ., Ames.J. Dairy Sci. 70:27112731. Iowga, A. B., Urid, N. A., 1987. An inventory of livestock feed resources in Tanzania. In: J. Dairy Sci. 70:27112731. James, F. Roche, 2006. The effect of nutritional management of the dairy cow on reproductive Jimma, Ethiopia.36p. Journal of Agricultural Science.14(1/2): 69-87. JZMSR (Jimma Zone Meteorology Station Report).2004. Ten years calamite data.JZMS. Kearl, L.C., 1982. Nutrient Requirement of Ruminants in Developing Countries International Kenya, 11-15 November 1985. livestock producers, Proceedings of the second PANESA workshop, held in Nairobi, Manual, Nairobi, Kenya. 264p. McDowell, LR., 1985. Nutrition of Grazing Ruminants in Warm Climates.Orlando, FL: McDowell, R.E., 1988. Improvement of Crop Residues for Feeding Livestock in Smallholder Ministry of Livestock Development.Housing. Zero grazing series, Ministry of Livestock Development.Housing. Zero grazing series, Ministry of Livestock Development.Zero grazing, Calf rearing. Mohamed, A., Ahmed, A., Ehui, S. and Yemesrach, A., 2004.Dairy Development in Ethiopia. Mohammed-Saleem, M. A. and Abate, T., 1995. Feed improvement to support intensification of ruminant production systems in the Ethiopian highlands. PP. 296-306. In: Proceedings of National Livestock Improvement Conference . Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 11-13 February 1987. potential of tropical cattle by selection. Tropical Animal Health and Production.30 (1998): Proceedings of 2nd PANESA workshop held at Nairobi, Kenya, 11-15 November 1985. production and milk nitrogen fractions. Journal of Animal Science.62:207-215. Resource Study, Institute of Sustainable Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 102p. Society of Animal Production (ESAP) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, August 12-14, 2004. Streeter, S., 2006. Feeding livestock in temporary holding facilities in the Northern Territory, Sutton, J. D., Aston, K., Beever, D. E. and Dhanoas, M. S., 1996. Milk production from silage Syrstad, O. and Ruane, J., 1998. Prospects and strategies for genetic improvement of the dairy systems of southern Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development.
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Taylor, M., 1984. Assistance of land use planning in Ethiopia. Livestock and feed resources; Technical report No.6. FAO, Rome. 71p. the 3rd Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production. Addis Ababa,. vol. 1.Republic of Kenya. vol. 1.Republic of Kenya. Webster, A. J. F. 1983. Environmental stress and the physiology, performance and health of ruminants. J. Anim. Sci. 57:15841593.

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ANEXES (I) QUESTIONNAIRE FORM FORMAT 1) Rank the following problem according to the way they affect your business 1- Seriously 2- Moderately 3- normal Problem Shortage of feed resources Lack of suitable breeding Lack of control of parasites and disease Poor extension Lack of organized markets Lack appropriate skills for Dairy production Low bull numbers Veterinary services Other (specify) Rank Possible solution

Availability and seasonality of feeds Type feeds Natural pasture Hay Cereal straws(sorghum and maize) Cultivated pasture Dry season Rainy season

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Milk Production 1. Do you milk your cows? Yes No A). If you milk how Milk machine Hand 2. On average how much milk does each cow produce per day (Litters)? ________________________________________________ 3. How much do you consume per day (Litters)? _________________________________________________ 4. How much do you sell per day (Litters)? ___________________________________________________ 4. What is the market for your milk? a) Local b) Neighbours c) Abroad 5. What is the price of the milk? Type of milk Fresh Sour Price/per litter

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6. Who determines the price of milk? ____________________________________________-

7. Has the price milk changed over the last three months? a) Increased b) Decreased c) No change 8. If the price of milk has changed, what are the reasons? 1) _____________________________ 2) _____________________________ 3) _____________________________ 4) _____________________________ 9. How many cattle did you lost in the past two years (2010/011)? _________________________________________________ 10. What are your reasons for lost cattle? a) Consumption b) Culling c) Ceremonies d) Diseases d) Other

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11. At what age do you lost your cattle? Class Cows Bull Heifer Calves Age Reasons

12. Are you willing to sell your cattle? a) Yes b) No a) If yes how many are you willing to sell? ___________________________________ b) If yes, what are the reasons for selling? _______________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ 1. How many lactating cows do you have?

____________________________________________

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2. Use Milk Manure

Why do you keep cattle? Rank

Draught power Others

LAND OWNERSHIP AND USE 1. How much land do you own (ha)?

2. How much land is arable (ha)?

3. How much land is used for grazing (ha)?

4. Is grazing communal? Yes No 1) Are you culled your cattle A) Yes B) No

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2) If yes what are your culling criteria? A). Disease B) .Old age C) Reproductive disease/infertility D) .Poor production E) Another 2, how do you dispose the after birth/fluids/aborts/cadaver? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3) What problems do you face when treating or vaccinating livestock in your farm (rank them)? A. lack of modern services/clinics ________________________________ B. lack of drugs and vaccines ___________________________________ C. transport/distance __________________________________________ D) Another____________________________________________________

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ANEX (2)

Cows feeding dry and old Hay

Poor standing position

Injury 31

AlfaAlfa

Malnutrition

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