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This study was conducted to identify the productive and reproductive performance of sheep in the Gedeo zone. Flock of 50 households was randomly selected for a household survey. A total of 189 lambs' growth data and reproductive traits from 125 ewes were collected. A general linear model was employed for the analysis. Sheep flock size shows (8.6 ± 0.11) a significant difference (P < 0.05) among age categories. Weight at birth (3.01 ± 0.3 kg), weaning (14.2 ± 0.9 kg) and six months (22.4 ± 1.1) of lambs were significant (P < 0.01) among parties, birth type, lamb sex and birth season. Body size and growth rate were important traits for breeding sheep selection. The average age at first lambing and lambing interval was 12.3 ± 0.12 and 7.7 ± 0.06, respectively. Other reproductive traits, such as fertility rate (76.7%), litter size (1.51), weaning percentage (81.6%) and lamb survival rate (86.2%), were observed. In conclusion: parity, birth type, lamb sex and birth season are important sources of variation in sheep growth performance that were considered fixed effects during the analysis. Thus, as policy direction, genetic improvement combined with nutrition, health and participatory breeding would contribute to sheep genetic improvement that should be given proper attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossbreeding aims to increase the productivity of local or indigenous animals by introducing exotic breeds. This study aims to assess the effects of crossbreeding using 50% Boer bucks crossed with Ethiopian indigenous Woyto‐Guji goats and to evaluate farmers' perceptions towards crossbred kids. Data were collected from five purposively selected districts in southern Ethiopia. Personal interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field observations were employed to gather information on the goat production systems and farmers' perceptions. The mean ± SD of goat flock size in the study area were 7.31 ± 5.89 heads per household (HH) with larger flock sizes observed in the Alaba zone (10.32 ± 6.56). Goats in the studied areas were primarily kept for income generation. The average age at first kidding was 11.3 ± 1.3 months. Relatively better management practices were observed for crossbred goats in the Alaba, Loko Abaya, and Gurage zones. Respondent farmers highly appreciated Boer crossbred goats due to their superior perception of attractive coat color (4.39 times greater, P < 0.001), docile behavior (3.59 times greater, P < 0.001), fast growth rate (1.64 times greater, P < 0.05), and market preference (5.81 times greater, P < 0.001). However, susceptibility to disease and drought was considered as drawbacks of crossbred kids in the studied areas. It was also reported that crossbreed goats fetched better prices than indigenous goats of a similar age group and under the same management system. All visited farmers expressed a strong interest in crossbreeding. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Boer crossbred goats perform well in southern Ethiopia. Therefore, the continued production of crossbred kids can be disseminated to these areas. Additionally, it is suggested to consider the interests of goat producers in the remaining areas. Integrated improved management systems need to be implemented to enhance the survival of crossbred kids. Sustainable training programs should be organized for goat keepers, focusing on aspects such as crossbreeding, minimizing inbreeding, buck rotation, and improved feeding and management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossbreeding aims to increase the productivity of local or indigenous animals by introducing exotic breeds. This study aims to assess the effects of crossbreeding using 50% Boer bucks crossed with Ethiopian indigenous Woyto-Guji goats and to evaluate farmers' perceptions towards crossbred kids. Data were collected from five purposively selected districts in southern Ethiopia. Personal interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field observations were employed to gather information on the goat production systems and farmers' perceptions. The mean ± SD of goat flock size in the study area were 7.31 ± 5.89 heads per household (HH) with larger flock sizes observed in the Alaba zone (10.32 ± 6.56). Goats in the studied areas were primarily kept for income generation. The average age at first kidding was 11.3 ± 1.3 months. Relatively better management practices were observed for crossbred goats in the Alaba, Loko Abaya, and Gurage zones. Respondent farmers highly appreciated Boer crossbred goats due to their superior perception of attractive coat color (4.39 times greater, P < 0.001), docile behavior (3.59 times greater, P < 0.001), fast growth rate (1.64 times greater, P < 0.05), and market preference (5.81 times greater, P < 0.001). However, susceptibility to disease and drought was considered as drawbacks of crossbred kids in the studied areas. It was also reported that crossbreed goats fetched better prices than indigenous goats of a similar age group and under the same management system. All visited farmers expressed a strong interest in crossbreeding. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Boer crossbred goats perform well in southern Ethiopia. Therefore, the continued production of crossbred kids can be disseminated to these areas. Additionally, it is suggested to consider the interests of goat producers in the remaining areas. Integrated improved management systems need to be implemented to enhance the survival of crossbred kids. Sustainable training programs should be organized for goat keepers, focusing on aspects such as crossbreeding, minimizing inbreeding, buck rotation, and improved feeding and management practices., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Kebede Habtegiorgis et al.)