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Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances

Year: 2008 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 3 | Page No.: 138-146
Research Article

Peri-Urban Small Ruminant Production in Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

M.K. Ajala
National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
O.S. Lamidi
National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
S.M. Otaru
National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
A survey to assess the production pattern of peri-urban small ruminants` production in Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria was conducted by means of structured questionnaires. A total of 120 respondents were randomly selected for the study. Statistical analyses were accomplished by means of descriptive statistics. Findings of the study indicated that a high proportion of the respondents involved in small ruminants production were in their middle age, mostly illiterate but are highly experienced in small ruminant production. Most of the respondents (92%) kept the indigenous breed of small ruminants. Management system was mostly extensive. Analysis revealed that in small ruminant flocks, females constituted more than 70% of the flock. Litter sizes for sheep and goats were 1.23 and 1.47, parturition intervals were 246 and 234 days, respectively. The average age at first oestrus was 248 days in sheep and 224 days in goats. Mortality, management system, oestrus detection, timeliness of mating contributed to low reproductive performance. Small ruminants production would be enhanced if adequate attention is paid to the removal of identified constraints to production.
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