Watering frequency and its impact on camel milk production in selected districts of the Somali regional state, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Babilie and Kebribeyah districts, Jijiga Zone of the Somali Regional State with the objective to assess watering frequency and its impact on camel milk production. The method of data collection employed was a single-visitformal-survey, and data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). All respondents in the study areas were agro-pastoralists, and migration is common to all. Migration places were different between and within district. The reason for migration according to respondents was in search of forage, water, and mineral salt. The source of water for camels is predominantly well-water in Babilie district whereas in Kebribeyah district Birka (51.7%) and well water. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the districts on the frequency of watering camels in base camps for both seasons. On the contrary, days camels stayed without water in Satellite camps was significantly different (p<0.05) between Babilie and Kebribeyah districts. Water problem is more severe in Kebribeyah compared to Babilie district, especially when the Birka water depletes. During dry season, the price of water increases to the extent of forcing the camel owners to send their camels to other areas. For the better productivity of camels, the major constraint that is, water, should be mitigated