Traditional cattle breeding and management systems of smallholder farmers in Yobe state, Nigeria

Abstract

This research investigated the traditional cattle breeding and management practices of smallholder farmers in Yobe state, Nigeria. Information was collected on herds’ size and structure, effective population size, breeding and management systems, using structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using Descriptive statistics of SPSS V. 20.0. Chi square (y2) statistics were used to compare variables between agro-ecological zones. The rate of inbreeding (AF) among cattle populations was estimated. Eastern zone had larger mean herd size (11.4%0.30) composed mainly Red Bororo (6.9+0.24). Higher (1.3£0.09, 2.2+0.13) male and female calves were observed for Northern and Eastern zone, respectively. Majority (41.2%) of the farmers had between 6-10 cattle per herd while 6.0% had more than 20. Effective population size was higher (1466.0) in Eastern zone. Inbreeding rate estimate was low (0.03). Most (97.9%) farmers culled their cattle by selling. Majority (81.0%) of farmers selected their animals based on individual performance. Most (81%) farmers had no knowledge of inbreeding. Only 25.0% farmers in each of Northern and Eastern zones practiced intensive management. A few (17%) farmers kept record on their animals withmajority (33.5%) in the north while 95.0% did not in the southern zone. Cross breeding increased 29.5%, 36.0% to 50.0% in Northern, Eastern and Southern zones, respectively but line breeding decreased from 70.5, 64.5 to 50.0% in Northern, Eastern and Southern zones. Control mating is recognized (43.3%). There were significant (P<0.001) differences across zones on the practice of control mating with higher (68.5%) number in the south.