Small Holder Camel Milk Production Performance in Jigjiga District, Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Jigjiga District of Fafan zone with the objectives to assessed small holder Camel milk production performance. Four kebeles were selected randomly from total of 33 kebeles of the District. Sample households were selected purposively based on the presence of lactating camel in the household. Accordingly ten (10) household were selected from each kebele. Therefore the total sample size was 40 respondents. Out of this 80% and 20% were male and female, respectively. The data were collected from primary source by using semi-structured questionnaires. The age of the respondents were 20-30 (55%), 10-20 (20%,) and 30-40 (25%). Majority (60%) of the respondents were illiterate, whereas only 40% of them were literate. Milking yield of the area was from 1-6 liter per animal per day. According to respondent's response, Majority (75%) of them produced 3 liters per each lactating camel produces, where 15% of them can produce equal or more than four (4) litres per day, where only 10% of them produced two liter per day. Almost all (90%) of the respondents camel produce high milk yield during the spring season, where (10%) of the them can bring with a good output of milk production during autumn season. majority (55%) of the respondents replied that camel's milk production can persist with a time of (24) hrs, where 30% of the respondents camel's milk can exist (36) hrs, Where only15% of the respondents camels' milk can exist (48) hrs. the main factors that affect camel milk were feed (45%), drought (20%), and disease (35%). The weaning age of camel in the study area ranges from 6-18 months, 18 months (70%) is the most common one. The milking frequencies were ranges from 2-3 times per day. Whereas, 3 times per day (80%) are common. Majority of the respondents utilize traditional milk handling equipment's (65%) Dhiil (hourglass) and (35%) Gaawe. In conclusion, Due to lack of better management, nutrition and health care camel milk production is low. Therefore, Successful mitigation measures for improved and sustained camel milk production requires contribution and clear roles of a number of stakeholders.