Assessment of Animal Health and Production Constraints: The Case of Three Districts

Background: Animal production is an important tool for improving the standard of living of humans and is the backbone of Ethiopia's agricultural development. The country is known for its high reproductive potential, but it is not consumed by various factors. Objectives The overall objective of the study is to assess the key issues related to animal health and performance. Methods In addition to case-observation studies at the District Veterinary Clinic, cross-sectional study design using well-designed and structured questionnaire surveys. Results The evaluation was carried out in three intentionally selected districts, namely: Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo. As a result, 200, 145 and 165 respondents were sampled among the animal owners in the districts of Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo, respectively. In all districts, infectious and non-infectious diseases common in the regions were also assessed and classified. In addition, feeds, management systems, water sources, and reproductive status of animals were also assessed. According to the majority of respondents, natural pastures and breeding are the main sources of food and livestock genetic improvement systems, which they rely on to improve their animal production. Conclusion and Recommendations: In the present study, the barriers to livestock health and productivity in districts are high in quality and their number. These include animal feeding, poor animal management, limited ability to use genetics, high prevalence of infectious diseases, and animal husbandry systems. Thus, it is important to increase the veterinary services, extension services and alternative sources of animal feed besides provision of training and capacity building on rational use, reproduction, prevention and control of animal diseases for local farmers.