Body weight changes of sheep under agro-pastoral system in Zamfara Grazing Reserve, North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Body weight of 141 agro-pastoral sheep across Zamfara grazing reserve, Nigeria was monitored monthly to evaluate effects of location and season. The study animals were identified using plastic number-tags and allocated record cards and were weighed monthly, using mobile scale, for 12 months. Data collected were analyzed using the SPSS package. Means that showed significant difference were separated using LSD-test (t < 0.05). Results obtained showed that non-lactating ewes and weaner lambs in the south recorded higher (P < 0.05) weight gains (1.2±0.73; 2.08±1.01 kg month^-1) than those in the north (0.22±0.74; 0.70±0.37 kg month^-1) and centre (0.06±1.12; 0.83±0.35 kg month^-1). Lactating ewes in the north and centre recorded higher (P < 0.05) weight gains (0.18±0.59 and 0.14±0.59 kg month^-1) than those in the south (0.06±0.46 kg month^-1). Breeding rams in the centre gained higher (P < 0.05) (3.69±1.53 kg month^-1) than those in the south (1.13±1.11 kg month^-1). Non-lactating ewes gained higher (P < 0.05) during rainy season (4.3±0.38 kg) and lost weight (-1.1±2.08 kg) during late dry season. Lactating ewes gained higher (P < 0.05) during early dry season (1.3±0.59 kg) and lost weight (-0.1±0.49 kg) during late dry season. Breeding rams gained higher (P < 0.05) during early dry season (14.4±0.67 kg) than in late dry season (3.0±0.31 kg). Weaner lambs gained higher (P < 0.05) during late dry season (16.2±0.83 kg) and lost weight (-1.6±0.37 kg) during rainy season. Both location and season had significant effect on body weight changes of agro-pastoral sheep in the study area.