Open Journal of Animal Sciences, 2022, 12, 366-379
https://www.scirp.org/journal/ojas
ISSN Online: 2161-7627
ISSN Print: 2161-7597
Identification and Chemical Composition of
Major Camel Feed Resources in Degahbur
District of Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State,
Ethiopia
Guled Hassen1*, Kawnin Abdimahad1, Berhan Tamir2, Abdihakin Ma’alin1, Tadele Amentie1
1
Department of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Dryland Agriculture, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
Department of Animal Production, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2
How to cite this paper: Hassen, G., Abdimahad, K., Tamir, B., Ma’alin, A. and Amentie, T. (2022) Identification and Chemical
Composition of Major Camel Feed Resources in Degahbur District of Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. Open Journal
of Animal Sciences, 12, 366-379.
https://doi.org/10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
Received: April 2, 2022
Accepted: June 24, 2022
Published: June 27, 2022
Copyright © 2022 by author(s) and
Scientific Research Publishing Inc.
This work is licensed under the Creative
Commons Attribution International
License (CC BY 4.0).
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Open Access
Abstract
This study was conducted to identify major available camel feed resources
and determine their chemical composition in Degahbur district. A total of
120 respondents were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data
from the selected actors were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire
survey, focus group discussion and field observations. The study revealed that
the majority (82.5%) of the respondents in the study area were male headed
households. Browsing trees and shrubs were the major available livestock feed
resources both in dry (51.6%) and wet (68%) season, and followed by herbaceous species (26.6 and 23.7% for dry and wet season, respectively). The study
identified about 20 herbaceous, 24 trees, 11 shrubs, 7 bush and 17 grass species which are used as camel feed in the study area. Chemical composition
analyses of the sampled feeds indicated that there was a significant difference
in crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber
(ADF) between species in different seasons. The NDF contents in the current
study were above the critical value of 60% which was reported to result in decreased voluntary feed intake, feed conversion efficiency and longer rumination time. In general, the findings indicated that the use of improved forages
and agro-industrial by-products as camel was minimal; thus, camels were fed
on available feed resources which are poor in nutritional quality without any
supplementation. Therefore, the study suggests the need for improving camel
feeding practices in the study area to enhance camel productivity.
Keywords
Camel, Feed, Browse Species, Grass Species, Herbaceous
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028 Jun. 27, 2022
366
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
1. Introduction
Camel (Camelus dromedaries), being the most climate resilient livestock, play a
significant role in the livelihood of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in
Ethiopia [1]. The current world camel population number is estimated to be 35
million heads [2], most of which are in Somalia, Niger, Kenya, Chad, Ethiopia,
Mali, Mauritania and Pakistan. Five bordering Countries: Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya,
Sudan, and Djibouti hold 84% of African and more than half of the world’s camel population [3].
Camels are very important domestic animals that have uniquely adapted to
arid and semiarid zones in Asia and Africa [4]. In Ethiopia, 8.1 million heads of
dromedary camels are reared in arid and semi-arid regions [5] and the majority
of these camels are found in eastern part of the country.
Camels contribute to household food security through meat and milk [6] [7]
[8], are used as pack animals for transport, hides and wool are products that
emanate from camels [3] [9] [10] [11]. Camel milk has a great economic role on
pastoralists’ livelihoods as well as those engaged in marketing of camel milk and
its products in Ethiopia. Camels are the major livelihood alternative in the arid
and semi-arid areas since other animals’ species are less adapted to the harsh and
dry climate [12] [13].
Although camel plays a significant role in supporting livelihood of pastoral
and agro-pastoral communities in Ethiopia including the study area, its production and productivity are affected by a number of factors [14]. Among which,
feed shortage (both in quality and quantity) is the most important one, as camel
in arid and semi-arid areas of Ethiopia feed mainly on natural pasture (like
browser of a broad spectrum of fodder plants, including trees, shrubs, and sometimes hard-thorny, bitter and halophytic (salty) plants that grow naturally in the
desert and other semi-arid areas) which poor in their nutritional quality [15].
Even, these poor quality natural pastures are low in their quantity, and become
more acute in the dry season [16]. This forces camel and their keepers to trek
long distances in search of feed. These expose camels and their herders to different risk factors like livestock disease, clan conflict and others; and decrease
the productivity of camels [17] [18]. To overcome this problem, undertaking
exhaustive studies and providing documented information on camel feed resources is critically important. This is because, such information may be important for governmental, non-governmental and other developmental organizations to undertake relevant development interventions, which improve feeding
system of camel, and thus, increase its productivity in lowland areas including
the study area. However, currently, there is no well documented information
available on camel feed resources in the study area where the majority of camel
and its product produced is supplied to both domestic and cross-border markets. Therefore, the objective of the study was to identify major available camel
feed resources and determine their chemical composition in Degahbur district of
Somali regional state, Ethiopia.
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
367
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Description of the Study Area
The study was conducted in Degahbur district of Jarar zone, Somali regional
state, Ethiopia. The district is located at 8˚13’ North of longitude and 43˚34’ East
latitude at the distance of about 160 km south of Jigjiga town. The altitude of the
district is 1044 meters above sea level. It has mean annual minimum and maximum temperatures of 11 and 33˚C, respectively. The mean annual rainfall and
humidity of the area ranges from 300 to 400 mm and 31% to 36%, respectively.
The rainfall pattern is erratic and has uneven distribution. The farming system
in the district is primarily pastoralists, who mainly keep livestock, particularly
cattle (672,956), sheep (2,726,526), goat (3,981,852), and camels (1,087,831) heads;
and to some extent crop (like sorghum and maize) production is also practiced
in the district [5]. According to Central Statistical Agency [19], the total human
population of the district is estimated at 150,000 of whom 85,000 are men and
65,000 are women.
2.2. Sampling of Camel Herders
Degahbur district was stratified into pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems. Each production system was further stratified into rural kebeles (RKs)
(RK, the lowest administration unit in Ethiopia). Thus, a total of four RKs (2
from pastoral and 2 from agro-pastoral systems) with high camel production
potential were purposively selected for the study. Then the lists of camel producer households in each selected RK were collected from their respective administrations. Eventually, thirty camel producer households from each RK were
selected randomly. Thus, the total number of camel producer households selected to study camel production practices in the district was 120 (2 production
systems * 2 RKs * 30 households). The sampling technique was multistage stratified sampling.
2.3. Sampling of Camel Feeds
First five commonly used grazing lands were identified from each selected RK,
and then feed for laboratory analysis were identified two times during the wet
and dry seasons according to the preference rank given by the respondents.
Natural pasture from each grazing land was harvested randomly from 10 quadrates (with size of 1 × 1 m2) at stubble height (5 cm) to resemble natural grazing by using sickle by selecting the grasses, herbaceous, browse trees and shrubs
in the area which was identified by the respondents during survey part accordingly their preference by livestock Moreover, browse leaves and twigs (with less
than 5 mm stem diameter) were hand plucked.
2.4. Data Collection Procedure
After stratification and identification of camel producer household, focused group
discussions were held with key informants (such as producers having good exDOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
368
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
perience on the subject under study, community leaders and experts) in each
production system to generate information on camel production practices in the
study area. The resulting information were then used for the development of a
survey questionnaire which were pre-tested before administration, and this was
be followed by questionnaire survey. Moreover, field observations were made
to collect some data which properly not described during the questionnaire survey.
For the evaluation of the nutritive value of major available natural feed resources, a total of 12 feed samples (3 from each RK) were collected. The samples
were kept under shade until collection for the day will be completed. After then,
samples were sun dried until the field work will be completed, and all sub-samples
harvested from the same grazing lands were thoroughly mixed to make one
composite sample of one kilo gram, leveled and stored in the sample bags. The
samples were dried by air to prevent spoilage before being placed in the laboratory
oven. For a feed obtained from grass and browse plant their specimens were collected, pressed, labeled, dried and then were transported to Haramaya University
central laboratory for the analysis. Moreover, identification of different grass and
browse species were undertaken following the guide provided in the Flora of
Ethiopia [20] [21] and the Flora of Tropical East Africa [22].
2.5. Chemical Composition Analysis of Feeds
Feed samples were air dried in a well-ventilated room and transported to the
nearby laboratory and further dried in an oven at 105˚C for 24 hours. Then the
samples were separately ground in a grinding mill to pass through 1 mm sieve
and were equilibrated to room temperature for 24 hours. The samples were then
put in plastic bags and sealed for further nutrient analysis. Analysis of feed samples was undertaken at Haramaya University Central Laboratory. The dry matter
(DM), crude protein (CP) and ash contents were determined according to the
standard methods of AOAC [23]. CP was estimated as N × 6.25. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL)
were analyzed according to the procedure of Van Soest et al. [24].
The data collected using a questionnaire survey and field observations were
analyzed using SPSS (version 20). Descriptive statistics were used to quantitatively express the responses of the study participants with respect to their demographic characteristics and natural feed resource management practices. Chisquare test was employed to examine the difference among the categorical variables. Differences were considered to be significant at the level P < 0.05. Moreover, data on chemical composition of natural feed resources were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS (Version 9.1). Mean
comparison was made using Tukey’s adjustment. The following model was used
for the analysis of chemical composition of feeds:
Yij = µ + Si + eij
where, Yij = observations;
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
369
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
μ = overall mean;
Si = effect of ith the season;
eij = random error.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Characteristics of the Respondents
Table 1 shows sex, age and educational level of the respondents in the study
area. Majority of the respondents were males (81.7%) while the rest (18.3%) were
females. Majority of the respondents in the study area belonged to the age group
of 30 - 60 years; indicating that the strongest and active age groups were carrying
out camel herding activities in the study area.
The study also indicated that the overall observed level of illiteracy was 79.1%,
the proportion of respondents who were capable of reading and writing only was
15.9%, whereas 5% of the respondents were educated completing their primary
education. The higher percentage of illiteracy is similar to the findings of Wendimu [25] who reported a higher proportion of illiteracy for Godey and Adadle
districts of Somali region. Similarly, Ma’alin et al. [26] reported higher illiteracy
in Godey, Adadle, Dhanan and Ber’ano districts of Shabele zone, Somali regional
state. The role of education is obvious in affecting household income, adopting
technologies, demography, health, and as a whole the socio-economic status of
the family as well [27]. This demonstrates the need of providing training and
extension services to the local community.
3.2. Major Feed Resources Utilized by Camels
The major available feed resources for camels in the study area are given in Table 2.
Table 1. Table Sex, age and educational level of the respondents in the study area.
Pastoral
Variables
Agro-pastoral
Overall
N
%
N
%
N
%
Male
52
86.7
46
76.7
98
81.7
Female
8
13.3
14
23.3
22
18.3
<30
17
28.3
22
36.7
39
32.5
31 - 60
37
61.7
34
56.7
71
59.2
>60
6
10
4
6.7
10
8.3
Illiterate
53
88.3
42
70
95
79.1
Read and write
7
11.7
12
20
19
15.9
Primary school
0
0
6
10
6
5
Sex
Age (years)
Educational level
N = number of respondents.
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
370
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
Table 2. Major avaialable feed resources for camels in the study area
Pastoral
Agro-pastoral
Overall
Feed resource
N
%
N
%
N
%
Herbaceous species
20
33.3
25
41.7
45
37.5
Browsing trees and shrubs
32
53.3
22
36.7
54
45
Grass species
8
13.3
13
21.6
21
17.5
Herbaceous species
16
26.7
12
20
28
23.4
Browsing trees and shrubs
44
73.3
33
55
77
64.1
Wet season
Dry season
Sorghum Stover
-
5
8.3
5
4.2
Maize Stover
-
10
16.7
10
8.3
In the wet season, camels preferred to browse trees and shrubs (45%), followed
by herbaceous species (37.5%), and grass forage (17.5%). In the dry season,
however, browsing trees and shrubs (64.1%), herbaceous species (23.4%), maize
Stover (8.3%), and sorghum Stover (8.3%) were the most common feed sources
for camels (4.2%). The study revealed that browsing trees and shrubs and herbaceous species were the common feed resources for camels in the study area.
This is in line with the report of Mirkena et al. [28] who reported that the major
feed resources for camels are browsing trees or bushes, but grasses may be consumed when shrubs or trees are not available.
Feed problem is one of the major factors that hinder camel production. In the
study area, browsing plants like trees and shrub species were the major feed resources utilized as camel feed. In the study area, browsing plants like trees and
shrub species were the major feed resources utilized as camel feed. In the district,
most of the land was covered with woody vegetation. Trees and shrubs were
important sources of camel feed thought out the year and browsing was the
main form of camel feed utilization. During wet season, browsing trees and
shrubs were the major feed resource followed by herbaceous species. This is in
agreement with the findings of other studies [29] [30] that indicated browse forage to be the main feed resource for livestock in Ethiopia. Although the availability of crop residues was low, straws of maize and sorghum were fed mainly to
agro-pastoralists during the dry season, which is in line with the study of Abate
et al. [31], who reported that Stover from maize and sorghum was used mainly
during the dry season in south eastern parts of the country.
3.3. Major Herbaceous Species Utilized by Camels
According to focus group discussions and key informants interview, twenty
herbaceous plants were used as a camel feed were identified in the study area as
shown in Table 3. The most widely utilized herbaceous species were Blepharis
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
371
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
Table 3. Available herbacecous species utilized by camels in the study area.
Local name (Somali)
Scientific name
Family name
Yamaarug
Blepharis ciliaris
Acanthaceae
Wancad
Abutilon fruticosum
Acanthaceae
Jid
Actiniopteris radiata
Adiantaceae
Sarin
Cadaba ruspolii
Capparidaceae
Rugumbay
Cadaba longifolia
Capparidaceae
Qodah-tol
Maytenus somalensis
Celstraceae
Ga-gabood
Vernonia mogadoxensis
Compositae
Maadathe
Dicoma Somalensis
Compositae
Fari-hood
Sclerostephane adenophora
Compositae
Hiil
Vernonia cinerascens
Compositae
Madooya
Cadaba longifolia
Convolvulacaeae
Saar
Coccinia grandis
Cucurbitaceae
Qarari
Citrullus lanatus
Cucurbitaceae
Buuhiso
Croton gillettii
Euphorbiaceae
Dhikri
Acalypha fruticosa
Euphorbiaceae
Kab-gal
Hibiscus meyeri
Malvaceae
Baar
Hyphaene benadirensis
Palmae
Haqa-qaro
Tephrosia villosa
Papilionaceae
Jilab
Indigofera uspolii
Papilionaceae
Labi-yar
Sesbania somalensis
Papilionaceae
ciliaris, Indigofera ruspolii, Vernonia mogadoxensis, Abutilon fruticosum and
Hyphaene benadirensis.
3.4. Major Bush Species Utilized by Camels
Table 4 shows a list of bush species that have been identified as locally important camel feeds, along with their scientific and common names. About seven
indigenous bush species were identified as being used as feed sources by camels.
According to the group discussions, camel browsed more trees and shrubs during the wet season compared to bush species. However, during the dry season,
the herbaceous components are less abundant and often become more fibrous.
As the dry season progresses, however, less palatable species like bushes were
browsed by camel during the critical dry season. The pastoralist elders also indicated that the less palatable species and/or some dried or wilted plants, which are
assumed to be poisonous, are eaten by camels during the critical feed shortage
time in dry season.
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
372
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
3.5. Major Tree Species Utilized by Camels
Table 5 shows a list of tree species that have been identified as locally available
Table 4. Available bush species utilized by camels in the study area.
Local name (Somali)
Scientific name
Family name
Jaleelo-geel
Cassia somalensis
Caesalpinaceae
Balan-baal
Abutilon anglosomaliae
Malvaceae
Gamo-dheere
Entada leptostachya
Mimosaceae
Kariiri
Solanum somalensis
Solanaceae
Dhalaan-duuh
Euphorbia longetuberculosa
Euphorbiaceae
Adda-adeey
Sida ovata
Malvaceae
Geed-hamar
Cucumis halabrada
Cucurbitaceae
Table 5. Available tree species utilized by camels in the study area.
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
Local name (Somali)
Scientific name
Family name
Gaheydh
Blepharispermum Fruticosum
Composite
Bilcil
Acacia Mellifera
Mimosoceae
Adaad
Acacia Senegal
Mimosaceae
Dhamaajo
Commiphora Incise
Burseaceae
Adey
Salvadora Persica
Salvadoraceae
Hagar
Commiphora Agar
Burseraceae
Feedho-qandhol
Hildebrandtia Linearifolia
Convolvulaceae
Galool
Acacia Bussei
Mimosacaea
Garbi
Acacia Albida Del
Mimosaceae
Garas
Dobera Glabra Poir
Salvadoraceae
Jeerin
Acacia Edgeworthii
Mimosaceae
Gob
Ziziphus Mauritiana
Rhaminaceae
Madheedh
Cordia Sinensis
Boragginaceae
Hadi
Commiphora Erlangeriana
Burseraceae
Qudhac
Acacia Tortilis
Mimosaceae
Maanyo
Sonneratia Alba
Lythraceae
Mey-gaag
Boscia Minimifolia
Capparidaceae
Maraa
Acacia Nilotica
Mimosaceae
Sarman
Acacia Hoodia
Mimosacea
Qansax
Acacia Reficiens
Mimosaceae
Gumar
Acacia nubica
Mimosaceae
Xagar madow
Commiphora allophylla
Burseraceae
Cadaad-geri
Acacia ogadensis
Mimosaceae
Sogsog
Acacia Etbiaca
Mimosacea
373
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
along with their scientific and common names. A total of twenty-four indigenous tree species have been identified as camel feed sources.
3.6. Major Grass Species Utilized by Camels
Table 6 shows a list of grass species that have been identified as locally important, along with their scientific and common names. A total of seventeen indigenous grass species have been identified as camel feed sources.
3.7. Major Shrub Species Utilized by Camels
Table 7 shows a list of shrub species that have been identified as locally important, along with their scientific and common names. A total of twelve indigenous
shrub species have been identified as camel feed sources. The study indicated
that, camel browsed more shrubs during the wet season compared to herbaceous
and grass species. However, during the dry season, the herbaceous components
are less abundant and often become more fibrous.
3.8. Nutritional Values of Camel Feeds
The nutritive value of plants consumed by foraging animals is one of the criteria
used to select and prioritize them. During both seasons, nutritional fractions
(dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid
Table 6. Available grass species utilized by camels in the study area.
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
Local name (Somali)
Scientific name
Family name
Daba adde
Aerva Spp
Amarahthaceae
Biile
Jatropha dichtar
Euphorbiaceae
Weylo-qab
ChiorissSomalensis
Gramineae
Badhoole
Afrotrichloris hyaloptera
Gramineae
Birqin(bire)
Aristida sieberiana
Gramineae
Dareemo
Chrysopogon aucheri
Gramineae
Dhurbay
Bothriochloa insculpta
Gramineae
Dihi
Paspalum vaginatum
Gramineae
Dooyo
Coelachyrum stoloniferum
Gramineae
Duur
Schizachyrium kelleri
Gramineae
Eir-dhuq
Cenchrus ciliaris
Gramineae
Gargood
Panicum Sp
Gramineae
Harfo
Digitaria ternate
Gramineae
Maadh
Aristida papposa
Gramineae
Maajeen
Aristida magiurtina
Gramineae
Ramaas/Dhikil
Sporobolus spicatus
Gramineae
Timo gabdhoodle
Letothrium senegalense
Gramineae
374
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
detergent lignin, and ash) have an impact on herbivorous animals’ acceptance
of forage plants. The chemical composition of Sporobolus spicatus, Indigofera
ruspolii, Acacia mellifera, Grewia tenex, Dobera glabra and Acacia bussei, of
range pasture species were collected for analysis in both wet and dry seasons and
are given in Table 8. There was significant difference in crude protein (CP),
Table 7. Available shrub species utilized by camels in the study area.
Local name (Somali)
Scientific name
Family name
Dhafaruur
Grewia tenax
Tiliaceae
Hanjo-mukh
Sarcostemma adongense
Asclepiadaceae
Dhebi
Grewia bicolour
Tiliaceae
Hob-hob
Grewia penicillata
Tiliaceae
Dhirindhir
Euphorbia cuneata
Euphorbiaceae
Madheedh
Cordia gharaf
Boraginaceae
Gomosh
Grewia villosa
Tiliaceae
Salalma
Sesamothamnus busseanus
Pedaliaceae
Tiire
Clerodendrum Sp.
Verbenaceae
Higlo
Cadaba heterotricha
Capparidaceae
Qalaan-qal
Boscia coriacea
Capparidaceae
Table 8. Mean chemical composition of preferred forage species in wet and dry seasosn.
Chemical composition (% DM)
Feed stuff
Feed type
Season
DM%
Sporobolus spicatus
Tephrosia villosa
Acacia mellifera
Acacia gussei
65.2b 45.4
90.3
10.7
Dry
92.4
3.9b 75.5a 51.2
a
7.6
11.5
15.2
6.8
14.6
Dry
90.5
9.4b 63.3a 52.5a
8.8
4.2
Wet
90.9
12.4a 56.8b 41.7b
9.4
8.4
Dry
92.2
6.8b 68.7a 46.4a 13.8
5.7
Wet
88.5
14.3a 53.3b 36.8b 22.6 11.2
Dry
91.1
5.5b 62.3a 53.7a 17.9
Wet
93.2
13.7a 40.5b 20.8b 13.2 14.3
Dry
95.3
Wet
92.4
Shrubs
Shrubs
9b
90.6
8.3
64.8a 35.4a
9.9
9.1
12.1a 45.4b 33.3b
9.8
9.9
11.6
8.6
Browse trees
Dry
40.4
b
89.2
Browse trees
55.8
b
10.5 14.9
Wet
Herbaceous
Dobera glabra
NDF ADF ADL Ash
a
Wet
Grasses
Grewia tenex
CP
7.7
b
57.7
a
45.7
a
Means followed by different superscripts within a column are significantly different at P <
0.05, DM= dry matter; CP = crude protein; ADF = acid detergent fiber; ADL = acid detergent lignin, NDF = neutral detergent fiber.
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
375
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) between seasons
however there was no significant difference in dry matter, acid detergent lignin
and ash in both seasons.
In the wet season, the average DM content of selected feeds ranged from
88.5% to 93.2%, while during the dry season, it ranged from 90.5% to 95.3%. The
DM content of identified feeds in this study area agreed with the report of Muhyadin [32] in Kebribeyah district. In the wet season, there was no significant
difference in CP content among the species, whereas in the dry season, a significant drop was observed, particularly in Sporobolus spicatus and Grewia tenex.
During the dry season, the high CP content of forage species may be an advantage for feeding livestock as the nutritional value of rangeland grasses declines.
This finding is in line with the report of Muhyadin [32], who stated that, some
herbaceous and browsers in Kebribayah district are suitable as protein supplements to low-quality pasture and fibrous crop residues because of their high CP
content. However, the CP values in this study were higher than the critical value
of 7.5 percent for optimal rumen function [33].
In general, as forages mature in the dry season, their ash content decreases.
This was in agreement with Ahamefule et al. [34] and Derero and Kitaw [35],
who found that different plants increased or decreased ash content in all pasture
lands. This could be due to differences in soil and other habitat features, which
need to be investigated further. Moreover, Sisay [36] observed that ash contents
of rangeland pasture in Metema district were influenced by seasonal changes.
The reported NDF contents of the current study lie above the critical value of
60% which was reported to result in decreased voluntary feed intake, feed conversion efficiency and longer rumination time [34]. The mean NDF content
found in this study is similar to that found in Metema by Sisay [36], but higher
than that found in Kebribeyah by Muhyadin [32]. If the roughage contains more
than 65% NDF, it is considered poor quality feed, according to Singh and Oosting [37]. Furthermore, while Norton [38] claimed that NDF content of 67% 78% was sufficient to limit DM intake and digestibility, Linn et al. [39] found
that Neutral detergent fiber is the most important determinant of overall forage
quality and digestibility, and has a direct impact on animal performance.
In this study, the mean ADF content of rangeland pasture ranged from 20.8 in
the wet season to 53.7 in the dry season. Natural pasture ADF content was low
during the rainy season and high during the dry season, which is in agreement
with the finding of Sisay [36]. According to McDoland et al. [40], forage species
with high ADF content may have lower digestibility because feed digestibility
and ADF content are negatively correlated.
4. Conclusion and Recommendations
This study identified about 20 herbaceous plants, 11 shrub species, 7 bush species, 24 tree species and 17 grass species used as a camel feed in the study area.
The study also revealed that browsing trees and shrubs were the main feed reDOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
376
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
sources utilized by camels. The chemical composition analysis of feeds indicated
that there was a significant difference in crude protein, neutral detergent fiber
and acid detergent fiber among selected forage species in different seasons, indicating the importance of improving the feeding system of camels in the study
area. Therefore, the study suggests educating, awareness creation and training
camel herders about basic management and conservation techniques of feed resources. Furthermore, further studies are needed to evaluate the nutritive value
of the other feed resources which are utilized by camels.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Jigjiga University for funding the research
project.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.
References
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
[1]
Alemnesh, Y., Mitiku, E. and Kibebew, B. (2020) Current Status of Camel Dairy Processing and Technologies: A Review. Open Journal of Animal Sciences, 10, 362-377.
https://doi.org/10.4236/ojas.2020.103022
[2]
FAO (2019) Camel Population. FAOSTAT, Rome.
https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#home
[3]
Mwinyikione, M. and Mekonnen, H. (2016) Pre-Review of Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Hides Marketing and Challenges in Eastern Africa. Journal of Africa
Leather and Leather Products Advances, 3, 18-27.
https://doi.org/10.15677/jallpa.2016.v3i1.12
[4]
Faraz, A. (2020) Food Security and Socio-Economic Uplift of Camel Herders in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Land Science, 2, 8-11.
https://doi.org/10.30560/ls.v2n2p8
[5]
CSA (Central Statistics Agency) (2021) Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,
Agricultural Sample Survey on Livestock and Livestock Production (Private Peasant
Holdings). Statistical Bulletin No. 589, Addis Ababa, Vol. 2, 40-41.
[6]
Ahmad, S., Yaqoob, M., Hashmi, N., Ahmad, S., Zaman, M.A. and Tariq, M. (2010)
Economic Importance of Camel: Unique Alternative under Crisis. Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 30, 191-197.
[7]
Yosef, T., Mengistu, U., Solomon, A., Mohammed, K., Kefelegn, K. and Tadelle, D.
(2014) Husbandry and Breeding Practices of Dromedary Camels among Pastoral
Communities of Afar and Somali Regional States, Ethiopia. Journal of Agriculture
and Environment for International Development, 108, 167-189.
[8]
Faraz, A., Waheed, A., Mirza, R.H., Ishaq, H.M. and Tariq, M.M. (2019) Socio Economic Status and Associated Constraints of Camel Production in Desert Thal Punjab, Pakistan. Journal of Fisheries and Livestock Production, 7, Article No. 1000288.
[9]
Aujla, K.M., Rafiq, M. and Hussain, A. (2013) The Marketing System of Livecamels
and Camel Products in the Desert Ecologies of Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research, 26, 130-142.
377
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
[10]
Faye, B., Abdelhadi, O., Ahmed, A.I. and Bakheit, S.A. (2010) Camel in Sudan: Future
Prospects. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 23, 11 p.
[11]
Faraz, A., Waheed, A., Mirza, R.H. and Ishaq, H.M. (2019) Role of Camel in Food
Security: A Perspective Aspect. Journal of Fisheries and Livestock Production, 7,
Article No. 1000290.
[12]
Aklilu, B., Madalcho, B., Abera, T., Kefyalew, G. and Gebremedhin, G. (2019) Camel
Feed Characterization of Ethiopian Somali Region Rangelands through Traditional
Knowledge. Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 19, 1-15.
https://doi.org/10.9734/jaeri/2019/v19i330083
[13]
Faraz, A., Waheed, A., Mustafa, A.B., Tauqir, N.A., Mirza, R.H., Ishaq, H.M., Bilal,
R.M. and Nabeel, M.S. (2021) Milk Production Potential of Marecha Camel (Camelus
dromedarius) in Extensive and Semi-Intensive Management Systems. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 53, 273-280.
https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjz/20200227090212
[14]
Getahun, T. and Kassa, B. (2002) Camel Husbandry Practices in Eastern Ethiopia:
The Case of Jigjiga and Shinile Zones. Nomadic Peoples New Series, 6, 158-179.
https://doi.org/10.3167/082279402782311040
[15]
Field, C.R. (2009) Where There Is No Development Agency: A Manual for Pastoralists and Their Promoters: (With Special Reference to the Arid Regions of the
Greater Horn of Africa). NR International, Aylesford.
[16]
Mehari, Y., Mekuriaw, Z. and Gebru, G. (2007) Potentials of Camel Production in Babilie and Kebribeyah Woredas of the Jijiga Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia. Livestock
Research for Rural Development, 19, Article No. 58.
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd19/4/meha19058.htm
[17]
Khanna, N.D., Rai, A.K. and Tandon, S.N., (2004) Camel Breeds of India. Journal of
Camel Science, 1, 8-15.
[18]
Kuria, S.G., Wanyoike, M.M., Gachuiri, C.K. and Wahome, R.G. (2005) Nutritive
Value of Important Range Forage Species for Camels in Marsabit District, Kenya.
Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 5, 15-24.
[19]
CSA (2007) National Statistics (Table 2.2). Wayback Machine.
[20]
Hedberg, I. and Edwards, S. (1989) Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Pittosporaceae to
Araliaceae. Vol. 3. The National Herbarium, Addis Ababa, and Department of Systematic Botany, Uppsala.
[21]
Edwards, S., Tadesse, M. and Hedberg, I. (1995) Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Vol.
2:2. Canellaceae to Euphorbiaceae. The National Herbarium, Addis Ababa, and
Department of Systematic Botany, Uppsala.
[22]
Cufodontis, G. (1996) Flora of Tropical East Africa: [Angiospermae].
[23]
AOAC (Association of Analytical Chemists) (2016) Minerals in Animal Feed. Atomic
Absorption Spectrophotometric Method. Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. 15th Edition.
[24]
Van Soest, P.J., Robertson, J.B. and Lewis, B.A. (2010) Methods for Dietary Fiber,
Neutral Detergent Fiber, and Nonstarch Polysaccharides in Relation to Animal Nutrition. Journal of Dairy Science, 74, 3583-3597.
https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(91)78551-2
[25]
Wendimu, B. (2013) On-Farm Phenotypic Characterization of Black Head Somali
Sheep and Their Role for Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Community in Gode Zone, Somali Region. MSc Thesis, the School of Graduate Studies of Haramaya University,
Haramaya.
[26]
Ma’alin, A., Abdimahad, K., Hassen, G., Mahamed, A. and Hassen, M. (2022) Man378
Open Journal of Animal Sciences
G. Hassen et al.
agement Practices and Production Constraints of Indigenous Somali Cattle Breed in
Shabelle Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
12, 103-117. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojas.2022.121008
[27]
Kerealem, E. (2005) Honeybee Production System, Opportunities and Challenges in
EnebseSar Midir Woreda (Amhara Region) and Amaro Special Wereda (Southern
Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State), Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Alemaya
University, Alemaya.
[28]
Mirkena, T., Walelign, E., Tewolde, N., Gari, G., Abebe, G. and Newman, S. (2018) Camel Production Systems in Ethiopia: A Review of Literature with Notes on MERSCoV
Risk Factors. Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice, 8, Article No. 30.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13570-018-0135-3
[29]
Tsedeke, K. (2007) Production and Marketing of Sheep and Goats in Alaba, SNNPR.
MSc Thesis, Hawassa University, Awassa, Ethiopia.
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/handle/10568/726
[30]
Getachew, T.M. (2008) Characterization of Menz and Afar Indigenous Sheep Breeds
of Smallholders and Pastoralists for Designing Community-based Breeding Strategies in Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Ethiopia.
[31]
Abate, D., Belete, S., Wegi, T., Usman, S., Wamatu, J. and Duncan, A. (2012) Characterization of the Livestock Production Systems and the Potential of Feed-Based
Interventions for Improving Livestock Productivity in Sinana District, Bale Highlands. International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya.
[32]
Muhyadin, M. (2010) Assessment of Livestock Husbandry Practices, Available Feed
Resources and Utilization in Kebribeyah District of Somali Regional State, Eastern
Ethiopia.
[33]
Larbi, A., Thomas, D. and Hanson, J. (1993) Forage Potential of Erythrina abyssinica: Intake, Digestibility and Growth Rates for Stall-Fed Sheep and Goats in Southern Ethiopia. Agroforestry Systems, 21, 263-270.
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00705245
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123028
[34]
Ahamefule, F.O., Obua, B.E., Ibeawuchi, J.A. and Udosen, N.R. (2006) The Nutritive Value of Some Plants Browsed by Cattle in Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 5, 404-409. https://doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2006.404.409
[35]
Derero, A. and Kitaw, G. (2018) Nutritive Values of Seven High Priority Indigenous
Fodder Tree Species in Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Areas in Eastern Ethiopia. Agriculture and Food Security, 7, Article No. 68. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-018-0216-y
[36]
Sisay, A. (2006) Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects of Animal Feed in Different
Agro-Ecological Areas of North Gonder. MSc Thesis, Alemaya University, Alemaya.
[37]
Singh, G.P. and Oosting, S.J. (1992) A Model for Describing the Energy Value of
Straws. Indian Dairyman, 44, 322-327.
[38]
Norton, B.W. (1998) The Nutritive Value of Tree Legumes. In: Gutteridge, R.C. and
Shelton, H.M., Eds., Forage Tree Legume in Tropical Agriculture, CAB Intemational, Wallinford, 1-10.
[39]
Linn, J., Trulla, T., Casper, D.L. and Raeth-Knight, M. (2004) Feed Efficiency of Lactating Dairy Cows. 65th Minnesota Nutrition Conference and Preconference Symposium “On the Cutting Edge of Direct Fed Microbials” Proceedings, 21-22 September
2004, St. Paul MN. https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/201836
[40]
McDonald, P., Edwards, A.R., Greenhalgh, J.F.J. and Morgan, C.A. (2002) Animal
Nutrition. Sixth Edition, Longman, London.
379
Open Journal of Animal Sciences