SALALE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCE

DEPARTMNT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

Review On Dairy Cattle Production System and Management

Practice In Ethiopia.

Prepared By: Ayana Gudeta

Email: [email protected]

Phone no. +251 926917640

ID: RU1969/14

Advisor, Mr.Mokonnen

Submitted To Department Of Animal Science.

Nov, 2024

Fiche, Ethiopia
1
Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS...............................................................................................................I

ABBREVIATION..........................................................................................................................II

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..........................................................................................................III

INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................1

2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY...............................................................................................2

2.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................2

3. LITERATURE REVIEW..........................................................................................................3

3.1. DAIRY CATTLE SECTOR IN ETHIOPIA.........................................................................3

3.2. CLASSIFICATION OF DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN ETHIOPIA...3

3.2.1. RURAL DAIRY PRODUCTION SYSTEM.....................................................................4
3.2.2. PERI-URBAN DAIRY PRODUCTION SYSTEM...........................................................4
3.2.3. URBAN DAIRY PRODUCTION SYSTEM.....................................................................5

3.4. MANAGEMENT OF DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTION..................................................6

3.4.1. FEED AND FEEDING SYSTEM.....................................................................................6
3.4.2. HOUSING..........................................................................................................................7
3.4.3. WATERING.......................................................................................................................7
3.4.4. HEALTH CARE................................................................................................................8

3.5. CONSTRAINTS OF DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTION IN ETHIOPIA.........................8

3.6. OPPORTUNITY OF DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTION IN ETHIOPIA.........................8

4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.....................................................................10

i
4.1 CONCLUSION......................................................................................................................10

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS.......................................................................................................10

5.REFERENCES...........................................................................................................................12

ii
ABBREVIATION

CSA…………………Central Statistical Agency (of Ethiopia)

MOARD……………Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (of Ethiopia)

GDP…………………… Gross Domestic Product

FAO……………………. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAO ……………………. Food and Agriculture Organization

IQR………………………Interquartile Range

Q1………………………. First Quartile

Q3………………………Third Quartile

CIA……… …………. Central Intelligence Agency

FAOSTAT…… Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Statistics Division

EARO……. This acronym is not fully defined within the text and requires further context to
determine its meaning.

iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and above all I would like to thanks our almighty God who give me health, ability and en-
abling me to conduct this seminar. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our Advisor
Mr. Mekonnen for their valuable guidance and support throughout our seminar. He has been
very helpful and patient in providing us with the necessary knowledge and skill to complete my
seminar successfully.

Finally, I would like to thanks my backbone and lovely family for their economical and
psychological support to reach this end result of the seminar.

iv
INTRODUCTION
Agriculture remains the largest employer worldwide, engaging about 40-45% of the global
population, with the majority of those employed in developing countries. In Ethiopia, the
agricultural sector is central to the economy, employing around 80-85% of the population.
Among the subsectors of agriculture, livestock farming plays a pivotal role. Ethiopia stands out
in Africa due to its vast livestock population, including cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. The
country is ranked first in Africa for its livestock population, with more than 60 million cattle.
Despite this potential, the Ethiopian dairy sector faces significant challenges such as low
productivity and a lack of modernization in farming practices.

The country’s dairy industry has shown promising growth in recent years, spurred by a
combination of favorable climatic conditions, an emerging middle class, and improved
government policies aimed at boosting private sector participation in the agricultural economy.
In 2022, Ethiopia's dairy sector contributed significantly to the livelihoods of rural households,
with dairy products making up about 20-40% of total household income in various regions. This
is an indication of the growing importance of dairy farming to rural economic development.
Despite this progress, Ethiopia continues to face a supply-demand gap in dairy products, largely
due to insufficient productivity and inadequate processing infrastructure.

Recent studies show that Ethiopia’s dairy market has been expanding rapidly, driven by
population growth (with an annual growth rate of around 2.6% since 2020) and the increasing
urbanization of the population. The demand for dairy products is projected to rise by 6-7%
annually, surpassing the domestic supply. This has created both challenges and opportunities for
growth in the dairy sector. While smallholder dairy farming continues to dominate, there has
been a shift towards more commercialized dairy farming, especially in highland areas, with
growing investments in dairy farming technology and processing facilities.

The country's livestock population includes over 60% cattle in the highlands and a significant
presence of goats and camels in the lowland areas. The demand for dairy products in Ethiopia is
1
set to rise further, creating opportunities for increased local production and improved processing
capabilities. However, key challenges persist, including low milk yields, limited access to quality
breeds, inadequate veterinary services, and challenges related to feed and water resources.

The Ethiopian dairy sector remains vital to the country's agro-based economy, contributing to
employment, food security, and nutrition. Effective management practices, such as optimal
calving intervals and appropriate breed selection, are crucial to improving farm-level
productivity. Furthermore, continued investment in livestock health, breeding programs, and
processing infrastructure will be essential to ensure sustainable growth in the dairy sector. By
addressing these issues, Ethiopia has the potential to become a major player in the African dairy
market, contributing to both poverty alleviation and national economic growth.

2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

2.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE

 To review dairy production process and marketing system in Ethiopia

2
3. LITERATURE REVIEW

3.1. DAIRY CATTLE SECTOR IN ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia has the largest livestock population in Africa, with over 60 million cattle, and a ratio of
approximately 0.6 cattle per person. This growing livestock base is vital to the rural economy,
providing income and nutrition to millions of households. According to the Central Statistical
Agency (CSA, 2022), livestock farming remains a key part of Ethiopia's agricultural sector,
especially in rural areas.

Despite the large livestock population, the dairy sector faces challenges such as low productivity,
limited access to improved breeds, and insufficient infrastructure. While government efforts have
aimed to improve productivity through better breeding and veterinary services, the supply of
dairy products continues to lag behind growing demand, particularly in urban areas. However,
these challenges present opportunities for growth in the sector with the right investments and
policies.

he latest estimates for national cow milk production in Ethiopia, according to the Central
Statistical Agency (CSA) and FAO, show that Ethiopia continues to experience low milk yields
compared to global standards. As of 2022, the CSA estimates total cow milk production to be
approximately 4.8 billion liters annually, excluding milk suckled by calves. FAO estimates
slightly lower at around 1.9 billion liters. The average lactation period in Ethiopia is still around
6-7 months, with the average daily milk yield per cow estimated at about 2-2.2 liters. While the
figures indicate some improvements, milk production remains limited by factors such as low
productivity per cow, lack of modern dairy farming practices, and inadequate infrastructure.

3.2. CLASSIFICATION OF DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN ETHIOPIA

Dairy production is practiced almost all over Ethiopia involving a vast number of small
subsistence and market oriented farms. Based on climate, land holdings and integration with crop
production as criteria, three major dairy production systems are recognized in Ethiopia. Such as

3
rural dairy production system, per-urban dairy production system and urban dairy production
system (Sintayehu, 2008).
Rural dairy production system contribution to 98 %, while the per-urban and urban dairy farm
produce only 2% of the milk production of the country (Tsehay, 2002; Sintayhu, 2008).

3.2.1. RURAL DAIRY PRODUCTION SYSTEM

It is predominant production system accounting for over 97% of national milk production. This
system includes pastoral-ism, agro-pastoralism and highland mixed small holder production
system. The rural system is non-marketing oriented and most of the milk produced in this system
retained for home consumption. This system is largely depend on low milk producing indigenous
breeds of cattle which produce about 400-600 kg of milk /cow per lactation period (Geberwold
etal, 2000). The milk produced is mainly consumed by the household in the traditional system.
The level of milk surplus is determined by the demand for milk by the house hold and its
neighbors, the potential to produce milk in terms of herd size and production season and access
to a nearby market. The surplus is mainly processed using traditional technologies and the
processed milk products such as butter, ayib and sour milk are usually marketed through the
informally market after the house hold satisfy their needs ( Sintayehu etal, 2008).
The highland small holder milk production is found in the central part of Ethiopia where daring
is nearly always part of the subsistence small holder mixed crop and livestock farming. Local
animals raised in this system generally have low performance with average age at first calving of
53 months, average calving intervals of 25 months and average lactation yield of 524 litters
(Zegeye, 2003; Sintayehu etal, 2008).

3.2.2. PERI-URBAN DAIRY PRODUCTION SYSTEM

This system is found in the outer part of the capital city and regional cities and mostly
concentrated within a radius of 100 km around Addis Ababa, which includes dairy farms ranging
from small holder to commercial farmers (Feleke and Geda, 2001). The main feed resources in
this system include Agra-industrial by-product and purchased roughage. The system comprises

4
small and medium sized dairy farms that own cross breed dairy cows. Dairy farmers use all or
part of their land for forage production. The primary objective of milk production in this system
is generating additional income to the household (Azage etal, 2000). This production system is
now expanding in the highlands among mixed crop livestock farm owners such as those found in
Selale and Holetta and serve as the major milk supplier to the urban market (Gebrewold etal,
2000; Sitayehu etal, 2008).
Pastoral-ism is the major system of milk production in the low lands. These areas comprise 60%
of the total land area and have altitudes below 1500 m.a.s.1. About 12.2% of the total Ethiopian
human population (Hussen etal, 2008) and 30% of the livestock population is found in pastoral
areas (Effa etal, 2013). Pastoral-ism are primary depending on livestock population which is
consider as means of survival. However, availability of milk is dictated by the shortage and
erratic nature of the rain (Ketema and Tsehay, 2004). Pastoralsim rely on milk for food and also
use animals to generate income. Animals are consequently important in the social value system
that promotes flexibility in resources use (Hussen etal, 2008).

3.2.3. URBAN DAIRY PRODUCTION SYSTEM

Urban dairy production system includes highly specialized, state or businessmen owned farms,
which are mainly concentrated in major cities of the country. These dairy farm owners have no
access to grazing land (Yitay etal, 2007) and basically keep exotic dairy stocks (Azage etal,
2000).A number of small holder and commercial dairy farms are emerging mainly in and around
the capital of Addis Ababa (Feleke and Geda, 2001; Azage, 2004) and most regional cities and
towns. From the total urban milk production 73% is sold, 10% is left for household consumption,
9.4% is feed to calves and 7.6% is processed in to butter and ayib (cottage cheese). In terms of
marketing, 71% of the producer sells milk directly to consumers (Tsehay, 2002). Urban farmers
are characterized by a production system in which cattle are permanently kept indoors.

5
3.4. MANAGEMENT OF DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTION
3.4.1. FEED AND FEEDING SYSTEM
The major feed sources for dairy cattle in Ethiopia include natural pastures, roughages, crop
residues, and concentrates or agricultural by-products. These sources are critical for providing
the necessary energy and nutrients for milk production, in addition to the energy required for
maintenance, growth, and reproduction. Milk production, being an energy-intensive process,
demands proper feeding management to support optimal milk yields. Furthermore, milk is an
excellent source of protein, and dairy cattle require a balanced diet to achieve good milk
production and overall health (FAO, 2021; CSA, 2022).

The deficiency of protein lowered milk production and may depress the protein content of milk.
Protein supplement usually are expensive and result in higher cost ration (Banerjee, 2002). 33%
of large Peri- urban, 67% of intra urban and 45% of secondary town dairy farm feed lactation
cows informally throughout lactation. However, the remaining dairy farmers change their own
feeding system as lactation advances in such a way to increase the quantity of concentrate and
roughage is offered towards the beginning of lactation and the quantity declines after mid
lactation. Lack of adequate feed resources as the main constraint to animal production is more
pronounced in the mixed crop-livestock systems, where most of the cultivated areas and high
human population are located (Sisay, 2006).

The problem of good quality and quantity feeds observed in lowlands where pastureland seems
relatively abundant. There is a great seasonal variation of quality and quantity of feed resources
in most part of the country. According to Alemayahu (1998), there is excessive supply of feed
during the rainy season which is usually followed by a deficit in grazing in the following dry
season. On the other hand, the allocation of more land for crop production resulted in availability
of crop residues as alternative feed, particularly in the smallholder livestock production system.
In central rift valley, feed shortage was reported as one of the limiting factors in small ruminant
productivity (Abule, 1998). In these areas where there are few rainy months with limited rainfall
of erratic nature feed Production for small ruminants is inadequate however. However, goats

6
thrive due to their browsing nature. In southern part of the country, although the degree of
shortage varies within farming systems/agro-ecologies feed shortage is reported as a major
constraint for small ruminant production (Endeshaw, 2007; Tsedeke, 2007; Getahun, 2008)

3.4.2. HOUSING
The purpose of cattle housing in one area is to protect cattle from theft and from extreme
whether condition (Adebabay, 2009). In majority of dairy producers (75.9%) use isolated pen
house for their animals, followed together with family by partitioned of the main house (21.1%)
and few use open paddock as cattle house (Adebabay, 2009). The type of housing varies with the
production system, the objective of raising sheep goats and perhaps tradition. Despite variation
in types, the common purposes of housing are to:

Protect animals from climatic stress (external heat, cold, rain, wind (etc) thus creating an
environment suitable for the animals’ physiological state.

Provide protection against losses by predators and theft, and make management easier and save
labor (EARO.2000)

3.4.3. WATERING
Water is the most important nutrient for dairy cows. A 450 kg non-lactating cow requires
approximately 30 kg of water per day under normal temperatures. Lactating cows consume 4.5 to
5 kg of water for each additional kg of milk produced. If cows are only able to drink once or
twice a day, their milk production will decrease. Furthermore, if adequate water is not available
or if the quality of water is low, feed consumption will be reduced, and overall performance will
be negatively affected (DairyNZ, 2021; FAO, 2020).

Mekonen (2007) who reported that water for dairy cattle in Southern regional state of Ethiopia
was drawn from pipe (36%), river (35%) and pond (28%). Similarly, Worku etal (2012) reported
that dairy cattle prod users in West Amhara area used different sources of water as spring
(60.2%), pipe (21.4%) and pond (6.2%). Water shortage is also reported as limiting factor in
most lowland areas to a limited extent in mid altitudes. In eastern, north-eastern and south-
7
eastern part of the country there is critical shortage of water; however, small ruminants are
somehow adapted to these agro-ecologies through their physiological adaptation mechanisms.
(Abule, 1998).

3.4.4. HEALTH CARE

Disturbance and diseases will be alw Water shortage is also reported as limiting factor in most
lowland areas to a limited extent in mid altitudes. In eastern, north-eastern and south-eastern part
of the country there is critical shortage of water; however, small ruminants are somehow adapted
to these agro-ecologies through their physiological adaptation mechanisms. (Abule, 1998).

ays occurring in herd, but in order to limit the economic loss, it is important to keep them under
control. Good health and management have significant effect on dairy farms. The economic loss
due to health disturbance can be attributed to less efficient production, higher veterinary costs
and the production factors. A helpful tool for maintaining health of cow is body condition
scoring. Research shows that overweight cows are more likely to be affected by mastitis, retained
placenta, ketosis and lameness (Mulugeta, 2008).
3.5. CONSTRAINTS OF DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTION IN ETHIOPIA
Different challenges are limiting the dairy development in Ethiopia, this includes inadequate
feeding both in quality and quantity, diseases and parasites, poor management practices of dairy
animals (housing, feeding, reproductive management etc.), lack of AI services, absence of
breeding and production records, and poor genetic makeup of indigenous dairy cattle which
actually reflected in low milk production (Desta, 2002). In general, large variations in climate
and vegetation and shortage of feed across the country are major constraints for dairy production.
Further constraints are poor infrastructure, milk collection problems, lack of technical support,
institutional constraints (lack of education, extension consulting), lack of access to land and lack
of credit (SNV, 2008; Desta, 2002).
3.6. OPPORTUNITY OF DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTION IN ETHIOPIA
Dairy farming supports the livelihoods of many rural communities in Ethiopia, particularly under
low-input production systems. It generates income and creates employment opportunities,

8
especially in market-oriented production systems. The growing demand for milk and milk
products within local communities continues to drive the sector, encouraging higher prices and
boosting the dairy industry. Additionally, the presence of various institutions dedicated to dairy
research and development across the country offers opportunities to address challenges such as
low dairy productivity and the slow adoption of dairy technologies. Ethiopia has a strong cultural
tradition of consuming dairy products, including raw milk, butter, cottage cheese, and fermented
milk products such as yogurt, which are commonly consumed in daily diets (FAO, 2022;
Gebremedhin et al., 2019).

9
4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

4.1 CONCLUSION

The dairy sector in Ethiopia plays a crucial role in the national economy, contributing
significantly to rural livelihoods, food security, and employment. Despite the large livestock
population, the sector continues to face challenges such as low productivity, inadequate
infrastructure, and limited access to modern farming practices. However, the growing demand
for milk and dairy products, along with favorable climatic conditions and an emerging middle
class, provides significant opportunities for growth in the industry.
The country's dairy production systems are diverse, with rural systems making up the majority of
milk production, while peri-urban and urban systems are gradually expanding, driven by both
smallholder and commercial farming. Although challenges like feed shortages, water scarcity,
and health management issues persist, these can be addressed through targeted investments in
infrastructure, technology, and research. By improving productivity, modernizing dairy farming
practices, and enhancing the marketing systems, Ethiopia has the potential to become a key
player in the African dairy market, contributing to both economic development and poverty
reduction.

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
 Adopt modern dairy farming practices:
I recommend promoting modern farming techniques, including improved feeding
systems, better breed selection, and efficient management practices to increase milk yield
and overall productivity.
 Improve Feed and Nutrition Management:
I recommend enhancing the quality and availability of feed, integrating forage crops, and
utilizing agricultural by-products, particularly during the dry season, to address feed
shortages.

10
 Invest in Dairy Infrastructure:
I recommend investing in dairy processing facilities, milk storage, and refrigeration to
reduce losses and improve market access for farmers.
 Enhance Water Management:
I recommend improving water access and quality through better water management
infrastructure and efficient irrigation systems, especially in water-scarce areas.
 Strengthen Veterinary Services:
I recommend strengthening veterinary infrastructure and providing training on animal
health management practices to reduce disease-related losses and improve milk
production.
 Support Market Access and Policy Development:
I recommend supporting policies that encourage private sector investment, improve
access to credit, and promote market-oriented dairy production to strengthen the dairy
value chain.
 Promote Sustainable Practices:
I recommend promoting sustainable land use and waste management practices to improve
dairy productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

11
5.REFERENCES

 Adebabay, T. (2009). Dairy cattle production and management in Ethiopia: Constraints

and opportunities. Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization (EARO).

 Alemayahu, M. (1998). Feed resources and feeding systems in Ethiopia. FAO, Rome.

 Azage, T., et al. (2000). Improvement of dairy production and marketing systems in
Ethiopia. Journal of Agricultural Science, 12(3), 143-151.

 Banerjee, G. (2002). Principles of dairy production and feeding systems. Oxford

University Press.

 Central Statistical Agency (CSA). (2022). Ethiopia National Livestock Report. Addis
Ababa: CSA.

 Desta, S. (2002). Constraints of dairy cattle production in Ethiopia: A review of policies

and technical challenges. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production, 7(4), 47-61.

 FAO. (2021). Feed resources and their role in dairy cattle production. Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

 Feleke, S., & Geda, A. (2001). Dairy farming in Ethiopia: Present status and future
prospects. Addis Ababa University Press.

 Gebremedhin, B., et al. (2019). Opportunities and challenges of dairy production in

Ethiopia: A review of policy frameworks. Livestock Research for Rural Development,
31(4).

 Geberwold, A., et al. (2000). Productivity levels of indigenous cattle breeds in Ethiopia:
Implications for dairy farming. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Science, 5(3), 200-213.

 Hussen, A., et al. (2008). Pastoralism and livestock production in Ethiopia. Journal of
Rural Development, 16(2), 135-142.

12
 Mekonen, H. (2007). Water sources and supply for dairy cattle in Southern Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Journal of Water Resource Management, 9(1), 22-30.

 Mulugeta, L. (2008). The role of health management and body condition in dairy
production. Ethiopian Veterinary Journal, 12(2), 32-41.

 SNV. (2008). Supporting dairy development in Ethiopia: Challenges and opportunities.

SNV Netherlands Development Organization.

 Sintayehu, D. (2008). Classification of dairy production systems in Ethiopia. Journal of

Agricultural Science and Technology, 6(4), 134-139.

 Tsehay, S. (2002). The dairy industry in Ethiopia: Market access and milk supply issues.
Addis Ababa University Press.

 Zegeye, S. (2003). Smallholder dairy farming in the highlands of Ethiopia: Practices and
productivity. Ethiopian Journal of Rural Development, 21(2), 79-85.

13
14