Socio-Economic Aspects Of The Management Of Mange Disease By Small Ruminant Farmers In Ido Local Government Area Of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Small ruminants' production in developing countries like Nigeria is beset with series of constraints like poor health, which results in spread of infections like mange disease. Mange is a contagious disease caused by mites, which damages the skin and hides of the animal, thereby reducing the quality of the animal. Thus, the study set to look at the treatment of mange disease by small ruminant farmers in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State. A total of 109 questionnaires were returned out of 120 questionnaires administered in 4 major randomly selected communities in the area
Majority (77.06%) of the small ruminant farmers are between 31 – 50 years of age. Majority (53.21%) are male though almost equal combination of males and females rear sheep and goat. Large numbers are literate (80.65%) and practice semi-intensive system (70.64%) of management. The survey further revealed that rearers of small ruminants like sheep and goat do so for different purposes. Large numbers receive information on the treatment of mange disease from friends and neighbors (44%), parents (21%) and family (19%), while few receive from Extension agents (19%) and mass media (6%). This could likely be the reason why majority use indigenous methods in treating mange disease. Therefore to improve the treatment of mange disease and its eradication in the area, Extension agents and other government agencies should intensify efforts in enlightening the small ruminant farmers in the use of improved techniques for treating mange disease.


Keywords: Small ruminants; Mange disease, Socio-economic, Management.

JOAFSS Vol. 4 (1) 2006: pp. 75-79