Research Article
Estimates of Heritability and Repeatability for Milk Composition Traits of Ethiopian Dairy Cattle Breeds
Fikadu Wodajo Tirfie*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-5
Received:
9 December 2024
Accepted:
20 December 2024
Published:
7 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.abb.20251301.11
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Abstract: This study examines the heritability and repeatability of milk composition traits in Ethiopian Boran cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian and Jersey breeds. This investigation was carried out at the Holetta Agricultural Research Center (HARC). The study used breeding data from Ethiopian Boran and crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian and Jersey) to determine milk composition traits such as protein percentage (PP%), fat percentage (FP%), solid nonfat (SNF%), total solids (TS%), and lactose percentage (LP%). WOMBAT software was used to perform statistical studies, including heritability and repeatability estimates, on an animal model. Fixed factors such as lactation season, parity, lactation stage, and calf genotype were added to the model after their significance effect was determined. Heritability estimates were 0.52 for PP, 0.66 for FP, 0.31 for SNF, 0.65 for TS, and 0.86 for LP, showing that these traits have a high genetic effect. The repeatability values for these traits varied from 0.53 to 0.91, exceeding heritability estimates and confirming the dependability of single performance records for selection. Permanent environmental influences have less impact, with strong genetic contributions indicating quick improvement potential through selective breeding. The results emphasize the significance of protein, fat, and lactose percentages as important traits for Ethiopian dairy cow breeding programs. Their high heritability and repeatability values suggest strong genetic predictability and the possibility of making significant genetic gains through focused selection procedures.
Abstract: This study examines the heritability and repeatability of milk composition traits in Ethiopian Boran cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian and Jersey breeds. This investigation was carried out at the Holetta Agricultural Research Center (HARC). The study used breeding data from Ethiopian Boran and crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian...
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Review Article
Comparative Analysis of Wheat Yield and Water Productivity Under Irrigation and Rain-fed Conditions Across Various Regions of Ethiopia: A Review
Minda Tadesse*,
Addisu Asefa
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
6-16
Received:
14 December 2024
Accepted:
26 December 2024
Published:
14 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.abb.20251301.12
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Views:
Abstract: This review presents a comparative analysis of wheat yield and water productivity under irrigation and rain-fed conditions in Ethiopia. The review shows significant yield improvements across various regions due to irrigation, highlighting its transformative impact on agricultural productivity. In Oromia region, East Shoa (Koka) zone, irrigation increased yield by 156%, from 3.1 to 8.2 t ha-1. Secondly Jimma zone recorded the next higher yield, irrigation increased by 119%, from 3.2 to 7.0 t ha-1 reflecting the optimization potential of irrigation practices. In Amhara region (Adet district) experienced a 75% yield boost, indicating irrigation's critical role. In the Afar Region, the rainfed yield is 3.1 t ha-1, and the irrigated yield increases to 4.5 t ha-1, indicating a 45.2% increase. The analysis of water productivity (WPc) revealed significant enhancements. In the Oromia Region, the WPc in Horo Guduru and Jimma zones showed an increase of 144%, rising from 0.7 to 2.1 kg kg m-3, and a 100% rise from 0.7 to 1.75 kg m-3, respectively, demonstrating improved efficiency, which is crucial for optimizing water usage in irrigated wheat agriculture. In the Amhara Region (Koga), irrigation raised WPc by 75%, with figures fluctuating between 0.63 and 1.1. Interestingly, in the Afar Region (Warar), irrigation improved WPc by 92%, with values between 0.66 and 1.27 kg m-3, highlighting the significant impact of water management practices on agricultural productivity. These findings underscore the critical role of irrigation in improving both yield and water productivity, suggesting that Ethiopia can significantly enhance agricultural outputs, contributing to food security and economic growth by adopting efficient irrigation practices. The study aligns with global trends focused on sustainable resource use, addressing challenges such as climate change and water scarcity. Emphasizing efficient water management and advanced irrigation technologies will be vital for securing a resilient agricultural future for Ethiopia.
Abstract: This review presents a comparative analysis of wheat yield and water productivity under irrigation and rain-fed conditions in Ethiopia. The review shows significant yield improvements across various regions due to irrigation, highlighting its transformative impact on agricultural productivity. In Oromia region, East Shoa (Koka) zone, irrigation inc...
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