Facilities

The Holeta Livestock Development Center traces its roots back to 1947 in the Ethiopian calendar (E.C.) — which corresponds to approximately 1954 / 1955 AD — when it was founded by the government under what was then the Ministry of Agriculture as the Holeta Best Dairy Cattle Breed Improvement Station. Its original purpose was to introduce modern dairy cattle and improve dairy farming practices in the country, beginning with established Holstein-Friesian pastures and imported heifers to support breed improvement and milk production. Holeta Livestock Development Center is one of Ethiopia’s key livestock research and breed improvement institutions, located in Holeta, west of Addis Ababa. Established in the mid-20th century, the center was originally founded to improve dairy cattle production through the introduction and adaptation of improved breeds such as Holstein-Friesians. Over time, it has expanded its mandate to include broader livestock research, genetic improvement, and the dissemination of improved animal technologies to farmers. The center plays an important role in enhancing dairy and livestock productivity in Ethiopia by conducting research on breeding, feeding, animal health, and management systems. It supplies improved dairy cattle genetics, provides training and technical support to farmers and development agents, and collaborates with national and regional agricultural institutions. Through these efforts, the Holeta Livestock Development Center contributes significantly to strengthening food security, increasing milk production, and supporting sustainable livestock development in the country.