Study on the Major Cattle Health and Production Constraints in and Around Haramaya Town, Ethiopia

A Cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 to assess the major Cattle health and production constraints in and around the Haramaya town of Haramaya district, Ethiopia. First, the survey was conducted on animal owners randomly selected from four sites in the study area and followed by clinical case observation of sick Cattles that come from the area to the Haramaya Veterinary Clinic. In our study, we found Cattle (mainly local breeds) were reared in an extensive production system characterized by mixed herd composition kept under low production input in the peri-urban area for different purposes and dairy cows mainly in the town. The main production constraints are lack of feed, water and animal health problems. According to the survey as well as clinical observation, Blackleg, Mastitis, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and Ringworm, Pneumonia and Fasciolosis were the top listed leading causes of mortality. We also noted parasitic and reproductive health problems that affect the quantity and quality of livestock products. This is associated with poor animal health care and extension service, lack of awareness by the farmers on how to contain the above prevailing constraints. Hence, it is recommended that basic training on Cattle health and production improvement needs to be delivered. On top of this, detail Epidemiological studies need to be conducted to evaluate disease risk factors and design the best policies for animal health and production development in the area. Keywords: Cattle, Disease, Production, Constraints, Haramaya, Ethiopia. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-9-01 Publication date:May 31st 202