The Contribution of Poultry, Swine and Rabbit Production to the Short-term Solution of Meat Scarcity in Nigeria

Abstract

THE current public concern about meat shortage in Nigeria is a clear indication that the endemic animal protein deficiency which Nutritionists had long diagnosed at the nutrient level, is now being felt at the commodity level. Estimates on the animal protein intake in Nigeria vary between 7 gm and 8.27 gm. A short-term strategy to narrow this gap has to involve a rapid expansion in the production of those farm animals which are known to possess a high level of biological and economic efficiency in their production. Other important considerations are fecundity, maturity rate, generation interval and general acceptability of the animal products. From these considerations poultry, pigs and rabbits emerge as having unquestionable propensity for this objective. Proposals are made for the immediate establishment of an urban poultry in every state and urban piggeries in ten southern states of Nigeria. These additional sources of animal protein are estimated to add about 2 gm to the present animal protein intake, and as such cannot be claimed to provide all the solutions. Other potent sources of animal protein, particularly the importation of dry fish should be expanded Above all, the Governments of the Federation should explore means of involving the masses in the production of their own meat along similar lines with the poultry revolution of the early sixties in the then Eastern Region or the current food drive in Bendel State.