Open AccessSmall holder herd structure of West African Dwarf goats in a derived savannah environment area of Nigeria
Author(s) -
T. A. Adedeji,
L. O. Ojedapo,
O. O. Ojebiyi,
T. B. Olayeni,
A. O. Akinwumi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nigerian journal of animal production
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0331-2062
DOI - 10.51791/njap.v33i2.934
Subject(s) - herd , flock , stock (firearms) , socioeconomics , limiting , geography , veterinary medicine , engineering , medicine , economics , archaeology , mechanical engineering
The herd structure of small holder farmers engaged in the keeping of West African dwarf goats in Surulere Local government area of Ogbomosho, a derived Savannah zone of Oyo State, Nigeria was surveyed. 30 flock owners having a total of 273 goats were randomly selected and studied using structured questionnaire, on farm visit and personal interviews. The parameters measured include age, sex and occupation of the farmers; Age, sex and number of animals kept, sources of foundation stock, housing type; major problems facing the farmers; time, mode, ease, peak and age of animal disposal. The result indicated that middle age men and married women were more into goat rearing. The herd size ranged from 6.67 – 12.33 goats per farmer with an overall average of 9.10. Goats kept were fairly young. In most cases, stock foundation were acquired through gift and purchase from neighbours. Semi-intensive system of management was mostly embraced because it is less risky, low labour and cost inputs were involved. The major limiting factor is the health problem.