Factors influencing ruminant production systems of agro-pastoralist in two peri-urban centres of Ogun state

Abstract

With the aim to increase meat production for the increasing population, there is need to review the production potential of the agro-pastorialist as it is the major source of ruminant production in most humid tropics. Therefore, this study was carried out through the administration of 200 structured questionnaires to farmers in Yewa north and Odeda local government areas of Ogun State in order to elicit information on the the factors influencing ruminant production systems in the areas. The data obtain from the study for the two divisions were analyzed using descriptive statistics involving frequency and percentages and pie chart. It was found that in the two local government areas animals were maintained semi-intensively; allowed to browse and offered crop residues. The most favoured breed kept mainly by men is the White Fulani with 89.03 % in both Yewa north and Odeda Local Government Areas. PPR was the prevalent disease among the adult animals in the wet season. A preponderance of female cattle over the male for all breeds was recorded in these areas. In all the centres, cattle constituted the major ruminant in the stock (57.40%) while sheep and goat accounted for (24.19%) and (18.41%), respectively, But Yewa north had higher numbers of cattle in stock than Odeda. Crop residues offered all year round was cassava peel. Most of the agro-pastoralists depended on the use of modern medicine for the combating of diseases. Most problems faced by the agropastoralist are income and theft.