Characteristics of Smallholder Sheep Production from selected Local Government Councils and States in Nigeria
E. O. Ahaotu1, O. J. Ifut2 & Akinfemi, A.3
1Department of Animal Production and Health Technology, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo,
2Department of Animal Science, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
3Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Nigeria
Corresponding Author: E. O. Ahaotu
ABSTRACT The study was conducted in eight states (Imo, Akwa-Ibom, Abia, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, Edo and Lagos) in Nigeria with the use of structured questionnaires. 1200 questionnaires were administered randomly in selected three local government councils from eight states sampled. Questions were asked based on background production systems and constraints to sheep production. Data were analyzed separately using descriptive analysis. The results showed that 25% of the sheep owners were females, while 75% commercial sheep farms employed male labour. West African Dwarf sheep was the common breed of sheep raised in the eight communities. Majority of the household owners of sheep (57.57%) practiced free-range system of production, while a large percentage (75%) of the commercial sheep farms practiced intensive system of production. There were no specialized housing and feeding programmes, with a larger percentage of both categories feeding crop residues and cowpea husk to their sheep. The household owners of sheep seldom feed forage to their sheep (17.86%), while 25% commercial sheep farms feed forage to the sheep. The common diseases in the area were diarrhoea, pneumonia and mange. Breeding of animals was not controlled in the study areas. The constraints to sheep production in the area included automobile accidents, seasonal lack of feed, diseases, theft, lack of capital and inadequate land area.
