Evaluation of integrated poultry-fish-horticulture production in Arsi Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Arsi Zone, situated about 175 km away from the south east of Addis Ababa, and the objectives were the production evaluation of integrated system of poultry-fish-horticulture. Poultry breeds of Rhode Island Red which was dual purpose for egg and meat production, fish species (Oreochromis niloticus) and different varieties of horticultural crops viz. Bombe red onion (Allium cepa), variety of Malkashola Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) were investigated. The data were collected over a period of November 2009 to August 2011. The production of the integrated system was high as compared to the non-integrated ones. The fish production was positively improved due to the presence of poultry manure and wastes in water that served as fertilizer for horticultural production.