Reproduction Performance of Sheep and Goats under Traditional Management Systems in Zamfara Reserve, North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate some indicators of reproductive performance of sheep and goats under the traditional management systems in the enclave villages of Zamfara grazing reserve, north - western Nigeria, A survey was first conducted to determine flock size and composition of sheep and goats. This was followed hy a monthly performance monitoring study between June 2000 and May 2001, using animals from ten selected households each in the north, centre and south of the reserve, Results showed that, majority offarmers (64 0j,.) kept mixed flocks often with higher flock sizes. Flock size pCI' household increased significantly (P<O.05) from 6.9 in the north to 10.6 in the south. In both species, breeding females accounted for means of 49.0% and 48.5'Y<. respectively. The numbers of breeding and weaned males in the two flocks were on the other hand very low across the zones, with means of ~.()% and 4.6% in the sheep, and 1. 7% and 3,4'Vo in goats respectively. In sheep, except for body weight at first lamhing and litter size at parturitinn, values for reproductive performance imli- cators differed.significantly (P<0.05) between zones. Ewes in the central zone were younger at first lamhing compared to those in the north, prolificacy was higher in the north and south compared to the centre, rate of multiple births was higher in the south compared to the north and pre-weaning survival of lamhs was higher in the north compared to the centre. In goats, except for age at first kidding, values for reproductive performance indicators differed significantly (P<O.05) between zones. Docs in the southern zone were heavier at first kidding compared to those in the north and centre, litter size was higher in the centre and south compared to the north, prolificacy and rate of multiple births were highest in the south and least in the north and pre-weaning survival of kids was higher in the north compared to the centre. Frequencies of lambing and kidding were higher (P<O.05) during the rainy and the early dry seasons compared to the late dry season. The animals possess some pottential for increased performance. This can he achieved by the supply of adequate feeding throughout the year.