Rangeland condition and feed resources in Metema District, North ...

Abstract
The study was conducted in 2006/07 in Metema district, North Gondar Zone of Amhara
region, Ethiopia, with the objectives to characterize the existing rangeland and to
determine the feed resources utilization practices, to assess the natural grazing land
condition based on herbaceous, woody and soil condition and to evaluate the chemical
composition of major livestock feed resources of the area. A single-visit formal survey,
group discussions and visual observations are used to collect the primary information
and secondary sources are also used in livestock feed resources assessment of the
district. A total of 140 respondents from 7 kebeles were selected for interviewing by
stratified random sampling techniques. To assess the range conditions, the samples
were collected by classifying the district into cotton–livestock and sesame–livestock
farming systems. Within a farming system, grazing lands were further stratified into three
sampling areas: communal, road side and enclosure grazing areas. In each of the range
sites a sampling block of 4 km × 1 km was demarcated and this was further stratified
into four sampling plots of equal size. In each of the plot, a belt transects of 50 m × 4 m
was laid out randomly. Then, the parameter used for (herbaceous, soil and woody) grass
species composition, basal cover, litter cover, soil erosion, soil compaction, seedling
count, age distribution and woody density enumeration, canopy cover and hedging
were determined. For the height classes 1–3 m, >3–4.5 m and >4.5 m was
used. Feed samples were stratified by season and types and subjected to chemical
analysis for determination of DM, ash, CP, ADF, ADL and IVDMD. About 83% of the
inhabitants in the district practice mixed crop–livestock farming system. The mean family
size is 5.31 ± 0.20 persons per household, while the average land holding is 6.78 ±
1.33 ha/household. The mean livestock holding per household is 12.52 ± 6.23 TLU,
and is composed of cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys and camels. Natural pasture (55.7%),
crop residues (20.7%), stubble (14.3%) and hay (9.3%) are the major feed resources
for dry season whereas in the wet season only natural pasture serves as feed resource.
The total estimated DM yield of grazing land and stubble is 780,750 and 51,954 t DM
per annum, respectively. The total estimated available feed supply is 833,531.2 t DM
per annum. Of the identified 33 herbaceous species, 14 and 19 are different grasses
and non-grass species. From the non-grass species 6 legumes and 13 sedges and other
species are recorded. Of the grasses, 23.07%, 38.46% and 30.77% are highly desirable,
desirable and less desirable, respectively. Of the identified 20 woody species, 15%,
35%, and 50% are highly desirable, desirable and less desirable, respectively. The largest
proportion of woody vegetation is contributed by different species of acacia (20%)
and commbretum (10%). Trees and shrubs grouped within the height class of >1–3 m
constituted 41.2% in communal grazing areas, 38.5% in road side grazing and 33.3%
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