Abstract:
This study was aimed to identify dairy feed value chain actors and their role, analyze the
chemical composition of feed and carbon footprint in Adama-Assela and Jimma milk sheds.
Data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Multistage sampling technique
was used to select representative producers. Eight towns from Assela and Jimma milk sheds
were purposively selected based on access, potential for milk production and supply to the
market. Descriptive statistics and General Linear Model Procedures were used to analyze
the data using SPSS Software version 20. The feed value chain actors identified include input
supplier, feed producer, feed processor, feed traders and end-users. The highest Gross
Marketing Margin (GMM) of producer from wheat bran and concentrate feed were obtained
in Assela channel I (producer ► end-use) (100%). The highest crude protein (CP) content
both from roughage and concentrate was obtained in Assela milk shed while the highest
crude fiber (CF) content was recorded in Jimma milk shed. The CO2 emission in Assela milk
shed from feed production, processing and transportation was significantly higher (P≤0.05)
than that of Jimma milk shed. But inversely the mean CO2 emission from feed transportation
by Jimma feed traders was significantly higher (P≤0.05 than that of Assela feed traders.
In both milk sheds, increasing of feed productivity is associated with decreasing CO2
emission. Hence, in Assela milk shed increasing one quintal of feed production resulted in
decreasing CO2 emission by 7% while in Jimma milk shed increasing feed production by one
quintal decreased CO2 emission only by 1%. Likewise, in Jimma milk shed to transport one
quintal feed increased CO2 emission by 44% while in Assela milk shed it increased CO2
emission by only 10%. Generally, the study indicated that high CO2 emission was recorded
using high rate of synthetic fertilizer and traveling long distance to purchased feed. In the
future, using both organic like animal manure and synthetic fertilizer instead of using
synthetic fertilizer alone especially for Assela milk shed and planting of feed processing plant
for Jimma milk shed are necessary to improve milk production and to reduce greenhouse gas
emission.
