This study was conducted to characterize and
identify husbandry practice and major constraints
of commercial feedlot industries in the
study area. Forty eight commercial feedlot farms
were used to collect data. Data were analyzed
using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
(SPSS). The results showed that, livestock species
such as cattle, shoat and camels were used
in commercial fattening though significant variation
in demand among species. Cattle had got
the highest acceptance in feedlot industries followed
by shoat, however, camel and swine had
least preference. All cattle breeds were granted
equal requirement by domestic market. However,
there is variation in demand among cattle breeds
for export market. Boran was the most preferred
cattle breed compared to the rest of cattle by the
importers. Uncastrated bull demanded for export
market however, castrated and female cattle
were not used for export markets. Pastoralists
were the potential supplier of feeder livestock
followed by small holders to feedlot industries.
Teff straw was predominantly used roughage
feed in most of commercial feedlot farms and
agro-industrial by-products as a source of concentrate.
However, sorghum and maize grains
were utilized by very few farms. Vitamin and
mineral supplementation were not often available
except common salt in all feedlot rations.
Market was noted as the most potential constraints
followed by feed and type of livestock
coming to the markets in the commercial feedlot
industries. The study suggested that, government
and other development partners should
provide and improve all services to pastoralists
or producers in an organized way at their localities
to ensure sustainable supply of livestock to
the market.