Fifth National Conference Of Ethiopian Society of Animal Production

Abstract

The Ethiopian Society of Animal production (ESAP) is a professional association which has been legally established on 17 August 1990 with the main objective being to promote animal production through sustained scientific research and development initiatives; in order to foster interest in the scientific development of animal production; maintained professional quality and academic standards and to provide national and international fora for the periodical exchange and dissemination of research findings and development efforts. One of the various ways by which ESAP tries to meet its objectives is by organizing annual conference in which national and international research findings and developments in animal production are presented discussed amongst animal scientist and development practitioners; and subsequently, publishing the conference proceedings. Five conferences have so far been convened by ESAP. In general, these conference provide to be successful in bringing a large number of professionals in the field of animal sciences and associated disciplines together, discuss on research and development efforts and at alleviating technical constraints of animal production and addressed policy issues. The proceedings of the first four annual conference have been published in large amount and distributed to various research, academic and grass root level national institutes, and international organizations both within and outside the country; and most of these have sent as encouraging feedback. We are pleased to release the proceeding of the fifth annual conference which was held in may 1997. During the conference, six papers were presented during the plenary session and a total of eight papers in Animal production and 10 papers in feeds and nutrition group sessions. The papers presented during the plenary sessions focused on matters related to livestock demography; factors to be considered in livestock breeding strategy formulation, status of peri-urban dairying, poultry and small ruminants; dairy marketing. The success of the society during the past years were the unreserved hours of volunteer service rendered by the members of the society and dedication of the executive committee. It is through the work of the members that our objectives are achieved in a timely manner. We appreciate the enthusiastic people who attended the workshops and members contribute to the success of the society. Our society should serve as a catalyst in the formulation of approaches on the national research and development work to bring an impact in the livestock sector. We must be involved in all aspects of animal production so that our views are known to those making important decisions. Many government and non-government organizations have financially assisted in sponsoring the fifth workshop and publication of this proceeding. We acknowledge their contribution with gratitude. We would like to thank Dr. Barry Shapiro for his constant encouragement and ILRI for financial support in publishing, and printing this proceeding.