URBAN CATTLE PRODUCTION: STOCK OWNERSHIP, HERD STRUCTURE AND GRAZING MANAGEMENT IN SOKOTO

Abstract

Between March and November 1996, a diagnostic study of urban cattle rearing was carried out in Sokoto, northwest of Nigeria. Thirty-six (36) herders and 56 herdsmen were randomly selected and interviewed on various aspects of the subject matter using structured questionnaires. The following findings were obtained: The cattle were owned mainly by traders and civil servants of Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups. Sokoto-Gudali cattle constituted over 70% of the total study cattle population (6,031), with female animals (cows and heifers) constitute about 90%. Grazing of the animals was done by paid herdsmen (and their herdsboys) for about five hours daily in six grazing areas. Identified problems in the gazing practice were non-adequacy of forage supply, lack of all year round accessibility of the grazing areas, encroachment onto the grazing areas and cattle routes by government agencies and individuals, and loss of stock through injury and death caused by road accidents. Major herd health problems were foot and mouth disease, cattle pox, dermatitis, brucellosis, and diarrhoea. Ethno-veterinary practices and consultation with veterinarians were taken for preventing and treating the identified disease condition.