Management practices among small holders of sheep, goats and pigs in the derived savanna zone in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the systems of management adopted by small farm holders of sheep, goats and pigs in Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from a total of 25 farms spread over the villages and towns using structured questionnaires. The study revealed that most farmers keep a combination of sheep and goats. Ninety-two percent of the respondents were private owners, while 12% of the respondents indicated a community or group ownership of the farms. Most of the farm hoiders were males (84%) having 6 to 10 years experience in livestock farming. Personal savings constituted the major source of capital for the enterprise. Sixty-four percent of the farms reared their animals semi-intensively compared with 32% for intensive and 4% for extensive. Eighty percent of the farmers fed their animals twice daily, mainly on pasture along with other feed supplements such as cassava. The animals were infested with various diseases and were treated only when infected. Prevention or control of diseases was done through vaccination and good hvgiene and feeding. Most of the livestock were disposed or sold off at adult age.