Participatory Characterization of the Woyto-Guji Goat and Its Production Environment around Northern Omo, Ethiopia

Abstract

Community based Participatory characterization of  Woyto-Guji goat population around Northern Omo river (Loma) was undertaken to identify breeding objectives and trait preferences, document indigenous knowledge, traditional breeding system and husbandry practice, and characterize goat breed in its environment and production system. Range of participatory tools, including Focal Group Discussions, participatory mappings and transect walks, were employed to study the local community’s Indigenous knowledge and practices in animal breeding. The breeding objective was defined in a participatory manner through own-flock ranking experiments. Physical description of the goat population was made based on the “key characteristics” concept used by the community to distinguish their goat type among other breeds. The Loma community maintains a perception of special association towards the Woyto-Guji goat type, claiming a historic role in its development and adaptation. Local myths persistent in the community associate the origin of the Woyto-Guji goat breed with the communal ethno-history. The community generally practices selective pure breeding employing rather complex indigenous knowledge and traditional practices aimed at polishing the gene pool towards the dictates of the environment. The 91.2% goat showed plain colour patterns while as 6.3% were patched. The head profile exhibited was straight (80.6%), slightly convex (15.2%) and concave (4.2%). The goat population showed either semi-pendulous (69.8%) or horizontal (30.3%) ear type. However, the ear formation was either long ear (97.0%) or short ear (2.3%). Goats were kept for multifaceted purposes ranging from products like meat and milk to functions in socio-cultural and financial state of affairs.