This study aims to estimate genetic parameters and genetic trends for early growth and reproductive traits of Doyogena sheep. Data used in the study were collected over 6 years (2013–2018). Studied traits were birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), 6-month weight (SMWT), average daily gains from birth to weaning (ADG0-3), average daily gains from weaning to 6-month age (ADG3-6), average daily gain from birth to 6-month age (ADG0-6), litter size (LS), lambing interval (LI), age at first lambing (AFL), and annual reproductive rate (ARR). (Co) variance components and genetic parameters were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood (REML). The analyses were carried out using WOMBAT program. Univariate analysis was applied to estimate genetic parameters. Six different animal models were fitted by including or excluding maternal effects. The direct heritability estimates for BWT, WWT, SMWT, ADG0-3, ADG3-6 and ADG0-6 were 0.33 ± 0.06, 0.31 ± 0.06, 0.14 ± 0.06, 0.13 ± 0.04, 0.11 ± 0.07, and 0.02 ± 0.05 respectively. Direct heritability for LS, LI, and AFL were 0.28 ± 0.12, 0.20 ± 0.5, and 0.001 ± 0.3, respectively. The maternal heritability estimates for BWT, WWT, and LS were 0.24 ± 0.12, 0.60 ± 0.07, and 0.24 ± 0.08, respectively. The genetic correlation between BWT with WWT and BWT with SMWT were 0.21 ± 0.07 and 0.21 ± 0.09, respectively. Genetic progress for most of the studied traits has shown promising improvements. Thus, continuation of selection, therefore, suggested for more improvements in the performance of Doyogena sheep. Direct heritability estimates decrease as lamb age increases and selection based on earlier body weight will be more efficient.

Increasing litter size and weight during the marketing time by decreasing mortality among lambs per ewe is the objective of the community-based breeding program (CBBP). This study aims to find out litter size, litter weight per ewe, and preweaning lamb mortality of Doyogena sheep managed under CBBP. The study analyzed the data records of 4530 animals for 8 years from 2013 to 2020. A logistic regression procedure was used to analyze pre-weaning lamb survival rates. Results showed that the overall least-squares means of litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB), and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW) were 1.57 ± 0.02 lambs, 1.50 ± 0.02 lambs, 5.24 ± 0.09 kg, and 24.14 ± 0.69 kg respectively. The incidence of pre-weaning lamb mortality was 4.72%. Year and breeder cooperative vary were observed for pre-weaning lamb losses. Females had lower odds of survival as compared to males. Odds of survival were low for triplets, quadruplets, and low birth weight (≤2 kg) born lambs. The ongoing selection program which aims to improve reproductive and growth performance had a positive influence on the survival rate of lambs. Improvement of the environment in the flock, special care for multiple-born and care for small lambs would lead to further lamb survival improvements.

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth and reproductive performance of highland Dawuro sheep population managed under a community-based breeding program in Ethiopia. Records used in the study were collected over 6 years (2017–2022). In the current study, 3554 records were considered. Studied traits were birth weight (BWT), 3-month weight (WWT), 6-month weight (SMWT), daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG0-3), daily gains from weaning to 6-month age(ADG3-6), litter size(LS), lambing interval (LI), and annual reproductive rates(ARR). The data were analyzed using general linear models of SAS software. The overall least squares mean (LSM± SE) for BWT, WWT, SMWT, ADG0-3, and ADG3-6 were 2.69±0.02; 14.6±0.49, 22.8±0.22 kg, 128.05±2.27 gram (g), and 71.5±0.23 gram respectively. Site difference exerted significantly on BWT, WWT, and SMWT. The result of WWT and SMWT results of Dawuro sheep were comparable with previously reported known Ethiopian sheep breeds. The overall least squares mean ± standard error of LS, LI and, ARR were 1.67±0.04 lambs, 239±31.91 days, and 2.19±0.06 lambs, respectively. WWT and SMWT traits showed good responses to selection. The general implication of the result to future improvement program was continue selection, strengthening the existing breeder cooperatives, integration of full animal health, feed packages, conservation of prolific flocks, improving the management of animals, expanding the current CBBP to adjacent potential kebele, create market linkage and scaling out the existing best practice to a new sites.

Crossbreeding aims to increase the productivity of local or indigenous animals by introducing exotic breeds. This study aims to assess the effects of crossbreeding using 50% Boer bucks crossed with Ethiopian indigenous Woyto‐Guji goats and to evaluate farmers’ perceptions towards crossbred kids. Data were collected from five purposively selected districts in southern Ethiopia. Personal interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field observations were employed to gather information on the goat production systems and farmers’ perceptions. The mean ± SD of goat flock size in the study area were 7.31 ± 5.89 heads per household (HH) with larger flock sizes observed in the Alaba zone (10.32 ± 6.56). Goats in the studied areas were primarily kept for income generation. The average age at first kidding was 11.3 ± 1.3 months. Relatively better management practices were observed for crossbred goats in the Alaba, Loko Abaya, and Gurage zones. Respondent farmers highly appreciated Boer crossbred goats due to their superior perception of attractive coat color (4.39 times greater,P< 0.001), docile behavior (3.59 times greater,P< 0.001), fast growth rate (1.64 times greater,P< 0.05), and market preference (5.81 times greater,P< 0.001). However, susceptibility to disease and drought was considered as drawbacks of crossbred kids in the studied areas. It was also reported that crossbreed goats fetched better prices than indigenous goats of a similar age group and under the same management system. All visited farmers expressed a strong interest in crossbreeding. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Boer crossbred goats perform well in southern Ethiopia. Therefore, the continued production of crossbred kids can be disseminated to these areas. Additionally, it is suggested to consider the interests of goat producers in the remaining areas. Integrated improved management systems need to be implemented to enhance the survival of crossbred kids. Sustainable training programs should be organized for goat keepers, focusing on aspects such as crossbreeding, minimizing inbreeding, buck rotation, and improved feeding and management practices.

The evaluation of breeding schemes against established objectives and selection traits is essential for assessing the performance, outputs, and overall impacts of breeding programmes. In Ethiopia, most Community‐Based Breeding Programmes (CBBPs) have prioritised growth traits, particularly live weight, as the main selection criteria. However, since productivity relies on both reproductive and growth traits, it is critical to evaluate how these traits are evolving to make necessary adjustments in management practices and breeding schemes. This study considered five indigenous sheep breeds (Menz, Semein, Horro, Bonga and Doyogena), managed under CBBPs since 2009. Fixed effects for reproductive traits were estimated using the GLM procedures of SAS 9.4. Genetic parameters were estimated for all traits using the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method with WOMBAT software, employing a multivariate repeated model, except for age at first lambing (AFL), which was analysed using a non‐repeated multivariate model. Significant effects ( p < 0.001) were observed for year of birth, breed of ewe, parity and birth season across all traits in the breeds studied. A general trend of improvement in litter size at birth (LSB), total litter weight at birth (TLWB), litter size at weaning (LSW), total litter weight at weaning (TLWW) and annual reproductive rate (ARR) was noted with increasing ewe parity until the seventh parity, followed by a decline thereafter. Direct heritability estimates for the traits according to the ewe breeds ranged from 0.03 to 0.25 for LSB, 0.02 to 0.16 for LSW, 0.08 to 0.21 for TLWB, 0.07 to 0.22 for TLWW, 0.03 to 0.19 for LI, 0.08 to 0.32 for ARR and 0.15 to 0.36 for AFL. Estimates of direct heritability and repeatability varied by breed and location, generally falling within small to medium ranges. Moderate to high genetic correlations were found between TLWW and other traits suggesting that selection for TLWW may significantly influence reproductive performances across most sheep breeds, with the exception of Menz sheep. The variations in genetic estimates across different breeds and locations indicate that genetic influences may vary depending on the specific context. Moderate to high genetic correlations between TLWW and other reproductive traits suggest that prioritising selection for TLWW could have a significant positive impact on reproductive performance across most sheep breeds, though the Menz breed may not exhibit the same expected benefits. These findings emphasise the need to integrate genetic selection with effective management practices tailored to each breed's specific needs, recommending the culling of unproductive ewes after the seventh parity to enhance the sustainability and productivity of CBBPs in Ethiopia.