The dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) feed resources and utilization practices in Borana Plateau, southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Although camel production is the primary source of revenue for pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in the Borana, a number of issues affect camel performance in the area, with one of the most pressing being feed availability. Camel production often involves optimizing available feed availability, which is considered to be the principal limiting factor in a free-browsing environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feed resources that are available for dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) and their utilization practices in the Borana Plateau, southern Ethiopia. A household survey questionnaire, a focused group discussion, and key informant interviews were utilized to collect data from 364 camel herders in nine kebeles in the districts of Yabello, Elwaye, and Gomole. The results show that browsing trees and shrubs (53.3%) were the most commonly known feed resources accessible in the study’s areas, followed by herbaceous feed resources (42.3%). The total dry matter (DM) available was 1379.59 tons less than the total dry matter required for camels, which was 5242.71 tons. The total dry matter balance was −3863.12 tons along the studied districts, which was below the requirements. Camel feed is scarce all year, and the survey results show that 90.9% of respondents do not conserve camel feed in any way. Furthermore, 89.6% stated that they have received no training in feed conservation measures. This finding highlighted the significance of raising herder awareness of fundamental feed management and conservation techniques.

Keywords:

• feed availability
• feeding practices
• camel dromedaries
• feed resource
• feed supply

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

To better focus on the options for providing enough feed resources and alternative nutritional aspects of feeds throughout the dry and rainy seasons, it is important to better understand the availability of feed and current utilization. This can be done by raising pastoralist awareness and informing policymakers about what is available on the ground. The development of unconventional feeding methods has also had an impact on the production of camels, which camel owners must acknowledge. By making the feed situation in the study area accessible, these findings will help improve the feeding system, which is essential for camel farmers in order to maximize productivity.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the faculty at Arba Minch University as well as the camel herders who helped with fieldwork. All data numerators, but especially Bule Golicha and Abduba Roba, should be recognized for their work.

Consent to participate

Informal verbal consent was obtained from all of the Participants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Roba Jiso

Roba Jiso Wako holds a M.Sc. in livestock production and pastoral development from Mekelle University in Ethiopia as well as a B.Sc. in Animal, rangeland, and wildlife science. Over the course of roughly ten years, he served as a development practitioner for numerous humanitarian organizations. His research focuses on the dynamics of camel feed resources, utilization patterns, production challenges, pastoralists’ coping mechanisms, and various aspects of camel production.

Yisehak Kechero

Professor Dr. Yisehak Kechero taught animal nutrition and feed sciences in the Department of Animal Sciences at Arba Minch University. He has written more than 60 academic publications about animal nutrition and feed sciences.

Asrat Guja

Asrat Guja is an assistant professor and researcher at Arba Minch University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences. He had a wide experience in dairy animal research.