Pattern of Household Composition and Animal Ethics among Small Ruminant Producers in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey was carried out to assess the extent of animal welfare and ethics among the small ruminant farmers in Iwo Local Government. Iwo Local Government is well accredited for small ruminant production, their production practices were assessed through the use structured questionnaires. Results showed that majority of the farmers were females, married, Muslims within the age bracket 51-60 years and most of them were traders. Higher percentage of the farmers supplied water (87.0%) from the well (76.4%) to their small ruminants but majority (87.8%) did not properly utilize/managed their animal manure. Majority of the respondents did not provide any housing facilities (92.0%) for their animals. It was obvious that some practices by small ruminant farmers in the study area were ethical while others were uncalled for. The farmers may be ignorant of these unethical practices; therefore, there is need to create awareness to this effect. Effective practice of proper animal handling/welfare can improve animal performance/production and general output, the study is of paramount utility to animal scientists and farmers.