Performance assessment of sedentary pastoral managed cattle in Yewa-Awori Axis, Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Performance assessment of sedentary pastoral managed cattle in Yewa Awori Axis, Ogun state, Nigeria was studied with 125 sedentary pastoralists in 5 Local Government Areas (Ado Odo/Ota, Ipokia, Imeko Afon, Yewa South and Yewa North) of Yewa Awori, Ogun State Nigeria. Direct observation and survey methods were used with the aid of structured questionnaires.Results show that 56% were within the activeage of 31-45 years old.Male, female, Muslim and married sedentary pastoralists were 95%, 5%, 100% and 80% respectively. The 52% and 48% had non formal education and First School Leaving Certificate, 6-10 years (32%) was the highestoccupational experience and crop farming (80%)was additional occupation. The 88% of the sedentary pastoralist reared cattle alone while 12% combined sheep and cattle together.White Fulani (Bunaji) is the common breed (44%), followed by N'Dama breed (28%). Sokoto Gudali and Black Bororo (8%) breeds of cattle were not common. Forages recorded highest (68.80%) feed resources, 79.20% involved in ethno veterinary and 56.00% sold the animal at farmgate. Milk off take (lit./day), lactating length (mth), pregnancy rate (%), calving rate (%), calving interval (mth), age at 1st calving (mth) and weaned calf crop (%) were 9.92, 4.84, 72.86, 63.86, 1.31, 7.78 and 63.44 respectively. Moreso, calf mortality in the 1st week of life, mortality between the 1st week of life and mortality between weaning and 1st year were 1.4, 0.12, 0.10, and 2.86 respectively. The majority (71.43%) of the respondents reported that calf mortality has no definite time while 28.57% agreed that calf mortality can occur at any time of the year. Conclusively, sedentary pastoral management of cattle has a great potential forcattle production in South West, Nigeria.

Key words: Sedentary pastoral, Cattle, Nomads, Management, Ogun State