Small holder herd structure of West African Dwarf goats in a derived savannah environment area of Nigeria

T. A. Adedeji; L. O. Ojedapo; O. O. Ojebiyi; T. B. Olayeni; A. O. Akinwumi

doi:10.51791/njap.v33i2.934

Authors

T. A. Adedeji Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
L. O. Ojedapo Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
O. O. Ojebiyi Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
T. B. Olayeni Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
A. O. Akinwumi Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v33i2.934

Keywords:

Smallholder, West African Dwarf goat, derived savannah, Nigeria

Abstract

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.