Equine husbandry, reproduction performance and welfare practices in Gozamin District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Equines have made significant contributions to economic development worldwide, including Ethiopia. However, people often underestimate their socioeconomic importance, and they confront various challenges that threaten their welfare and health. This study aimed to assess existing equine husbandry, reproductive performance, and welfare practices in Gozamin District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 230 smallholder farmers. The results indicated that owners primarily kept their equines for packing (39.1%), followed by ploughing and packing (22.2%) and riding and threshing (10%). Across all
agroecologies, the primary feed and water sources for equines were natural pasture (53.9%) and surface water (65.5%). Equines were typically reared in separate, barren shelters (68.7%). The average age of sexual maturity for horses and donkeys was 2.29 ± 0.05 years and 2.16 ± 0.03 years, respectively. The average mating interval for both donkeys and horses after delivery was 34.43 ± 0.53 days. The major welfare problems were poor accessibility of forage (47.8%) and water (30.1%), physical health problems (29.7%), and regular physical contact (61.6%). The study indicated a significant variation (p<0.05) in the purpose of equine milk across different agroecologies, except for the utilisation of milk. There is significant difference (p < 0.05) in feed and water availability, housing, harnessing, disease-related concerns, and most of reproduction factors across agroecologies. This study demonstrated only a significant variation (p < 0.05) in the comfort/housing of equines across different agroecologies through various welfare variables
studied. The overall husbandry of equines, including their feed and feeding practices, was found to be inadequate. To improve equine production and welfare, it is crucial to enhance owners’ knowledge through consistent and organised training programs. Therefore, governmental and non-governmental organisations should prioritise addressing the needs of neglected equines to alleviate these issues.