Other Sources of Animal Protein in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Inadequate animal protein intake is widely orchestrated among Nigerians especially Ogun State indigenes. This led to investigating other sources of animal protein in the rural and suburban areas of the state that could bridge inadequate supply from the conventional sources of animal protein. Structured questionnaires were administered in each of the then twelve local governments of the state to collect information on other sources of animal protein. The study showed that a wide range of animal species - mammals, aves, reptiles, amphibian, pisces, gastropods, insects and crustaceans are widely, though infrequently, consumed in virtually all local governments of Ogun State. But while a few are readily available, many are seasonal. Therefore, a concerted effort by the state governments and well meaning individuals to improve production of these animals especially in the local governments where they abound could make them a ready source of supplementary animal protein for the indigenes.