Natural mineral spring water (hora) and surrounding soils in southwestern Ethiopia: farmers’ feeding practices and their perception about its nutritional roles on animal performance

Natural mineral water (termed hora in Afan Oromo) and surrounding soils are the most important source of mineral supplement traditionally used for livestock in many parts of Ethiopia. However, limited information exists on feeding practices and the impact of hora on animal performance. Thus, the present study aimed to assess farmers' feeding practices and perceptions about the role of hora and surrounding soils on animal performance. Data were collected from 385 households in four districts (Bedele, Dabo, Gechi and Boracha) through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire with the help of the KoboCollect application. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The majority (72.3 %) of respondents reported hora as an important source of mineral supplement for livestock. About 78.1 % of respondents in Boracha routinely supplement their animals compared with farmers from other districts. Large ruminants were given first priority in supplementation with hora compared to other livestock. Interviewed farmers trekked their animals a distance of 6.5 ± 0.2 km to access hora twice a year during the dry season. The majority of the farmers (68.1 %) believed that hora supplementation improved animal performance, while 35.1 % noted negative impacts such as abortions, birth defects, delayed puberty, decreased conception rates and paralysis due to excessive consumption. This study underscores the perceived importance of hora as a natural source of mineral supplementation for livestock health and productivity. It emphasizes the need for improved management and conservation practices to ensure sustainable utilisation and mitigate negative impacts associated with excessive consumption. Moreover, to validate local farmers' perceptions regarding the importance of hora mineral water in animal nutrition and health, further research is needed to determine mineral composition of hora and livestock responses under controlled feeding trials.