Domestic livestock refers to animals that are raised and bred by humans for agricultural purposes, including meat, milk, eggs, wool, and labor. These animals are classified based on species, functions, and physiological characteristics.
Major classes include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, and rabbits. The production of domestic livestock involves proper breeding, feeding, housing, health care, and management practices to ensure high productivity and sustainability.
Classification of Domestic Livestock Based on Feeding Habits and Digestive System
Farm Animals
FowlsHerbivoresNon-herbivoresTurkeysCattlePigs, DogsGeeseSheep, GoatsRabbits
Cattle Production and Classification
All domesticated cattle belong to the genus Bos of the Bovidae family. The genus Bos is divided into four subgroups:
1. Bos taurus
2. Bos biborine
3. Bos bisontine
4. Bos bubaline
In West Africa, most of the cattle belong to the taurine subgroup.
Origin and Introduction of Cattle into Africa
It is believed that the various breeds and types of cattle currently found in Africa were introduced from Asia, the Middle East, and more recently from Europe.
The earliest introductions include the Ndamas, followed by the humpless short horn Muturus (Bos brachyceros), and later the Zebus (Bos indicus). In West Africa, there is significant breed mixing, although several types are still identifiable.
Types and Breeds of Cattle in West Africa
Cattle (Bos spp)
Humped (Zebus)HumplessLong HornShort HornLong HornShort HornWhite FulaniSokoto GudaliNdamaMuturusRed Fulani/BororoShuwa ArabKuri
Comparison Between Bos taurus and Bos indicus
Almost all cattle in West Africa belong to one subgroup – taurine. This subgroup includes the two most important species: Bos taurus (European types) and Bos indicus (Zebu type), believed to have originated from South-central Asia.
Bos taurus has a global distribution and is the most productive breed under normal conditions. This group, usually humpless, includes the Friesian cattle from the Netherlands and West African Muturu and Ndama.
Bos indicus are tropical cattle not found in temperate zones. They are humped with conspicuous horns. The West African breeds of Zebu include the White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali, Adamawa, and Red Bororo.
Taurine vs Indicine Breeds
Bos taurusBos indicusFriesian, Muturu, NdamaWhite Fulani, Sokoto Gudali, Adamawa, Red Bororo
Common Terms in Cattle Production
1. Cow: A mature female bovine that has calved, reached advanced pregnancy, or is barren but fully developed.
2. Bull: An uncastrated male bovine of any age.
3. Steer: A male bovine castrated early before maturity and development of secondary sexual characteristics.
4. Stag: A male bovine castrated after developing mature male characteristics.
5. Heifer: A young female bovine that has not calved or reached full maturity.
6. Calf: A bovine animal less than one year old.
7. Yearling: Cattle between 12 and 24 months of age.
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Characteristics of Major Cattle Breeds in West Africa
Common Breeds of Cattle and Their Characteristics
1. White Fulani: This breed is raised in northern Nigeria where the average maximum temperature in April is 36.7°C and minimum in December is 13.3°C, with an annual rainfall of 109.2 cm.
The White Fulani, also called Bunaji, is grey with black points. Males have a muscular neck, large hump, compact fleshy body, and medium horns. It is the most suitable milk-producing Zebu breed.
2. Red Bororo: This longhorn breed is common in northeastern Nigeria with annual rainfall of 63.5 cm, a summer maximum temperature of 32.2°C, and winter minimum of 19.4°C.
It has a narrow body, long legs, long horns, and weighs about 408.2 kg at maturity. It is a poor milk producer and matures late.
3. Sokoto Gudali: Found around Sokoto province, this breed experiences maximum temperatures of 41.1°C in April and minimum of 15.6°C in January. It is less resistant to trypanosomiasis than the White Fulani, thus found in drier areas.
It has a developed hump, fleshy compact body, and large dewlap. It is suited for beef and also good for dairy under proper farm conditions. It is docile and easily trained for farm tasks.
4. Ndama: A humpless breed from Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Senegal, introduced into Ghana and Nigeria. The area has a maximum temperature of 30°C, minimum of 23.3°C, and rainfall of 147.3 cm. Its compact body resembles beef breeds, averaging 299.4 kg, though bulls can reach 550 kg under improved care.
It has short legs, broad straight back, and is brown in color. It matures early, is a poor milker, but highly fertile and resistant to trypanosomiasis, making it ideal for tsetse-infested areas.
5. Muturu: A dwarf breed found in the rainforests of West Africa. It ranges from dark brown to black, sometimes with white markings. It has a fleshy body, fine bone, small head, and is hump-less.
It is highly trypano-tolerant, matures in 3–4 years, and weighs about 225 kg. It is low in milk yield and mainly kept for ceremonial purposes, often used as dowry or for burials of prominent individuals.
6. Friesian: This dairy breed originates from the Netherlands. It performs well in West Africa due to its resistance to trypanosomiasis. It is used for crossbreeding to improve local stock. Known for high milk yield, the Friesian weighs between 540–675 kg (cows) and 675–900 kg (bulls) at maturity.
Factors Affecting Cattle Distribution in Nigeria
Cattle occur across Nigeria in herds of varying sizes and depend heavily on open pasture. Their distribution is influenced by:
1. Availability of suitable pasture land: Areas with abundant natural grassland support higher cattle populations.
2. Absence of tsetse flies: Regions free from tsetse fly infestation are more favorable for cattle production.
3. Traditional practices: Cultural norms among cattle-rearing tribes guide the choice of settlement and grazing areas.
4. Breed adaptability: Some breeds adapt better to specific environments than others.
The distribution of cattle often corresponds to the breeds being reared. The White Fulani, due to its adaptability, is widely distributed.
The tsetse-resistant Ndama and Muturu breeds are commonly found in southern Nigeria. Sokoto Gudali is predominantly raised in Sokoto.
Read Also: Aspects of Agriculture on Livestock Production
Types of Cattle
1. Beef Cattle: These have heavy bodies, thick muscles, long broad backs, square-shaped humps, and short fleshy legs. They mature early. Examples: Ndamas, Muturus, Jersey.
2. Dairy Cattle: Noted for well-developed mammary glands and hindquarters, they produce high volumes of milk and exhibit high fertility. Examples: British Friesian (Holstein), Hereford, German Brown, Swiss Brown.
3. Dual Purpose Cattle: These produce both meat and milk efficiently. Example: Gudalis.
4. Draught Cattle: Used for work such as pulling carts and ploughing. These are large animals with strong muscles. Example: Zebus.
Factors Favourable for Cattle Production
1. Use of farm residues: Cattle feed on maize, millet, and groundnut residues.
2. Availability of natural grass: Year-round grazing supports feeding.
3. Utilization of marginal lands: Cattle can be reared on lands unsuitable for crops.
4. Low labor demand: One herder can manage up to 200 cattle.
5. Manure production: Cattle dung enhances soil fertility.
6. Minimal infrastructure: Little investment is needed in housing and equipment.
7. Market demand: Meat and milk are in high demand.
Factors Unfavourable for Large-Scale Cattle Production
1. Slow herd build-up: Cattle have low reproductive rates.
2. High capital investment: Initial setup costs are high.
3. Unsuitability for experiments: Their size makes them impractical for research use.
4. Adverse climate: Heat and humidity reduce productivity in some regions.
5. Prevalence of diseases: Many diseases hinder growth and reproduction.
6. Traditional production methods: These are inefficient for large-scale operations.
7. Seasonal forage scarcity: Pasture and water are not always available.
8. Lack of pasture planning: Especially problematic during dry seasons.
9. Poor breeds: Local breeds yield low meat and milk.
10. Limited credit access: Farmers lack financial support.
11. Research–farmer disconnect: Limited communication between research centers and farmers.
Ways of Improving Cattle Production in Nigeria
1. Control cattle diseases: Prioritize the eradication of major diseases.
2. Adopt modern production methods: Replace traditional practices with scientific ones.
3. Ensure water availability: Provide consistent water sources.
4. Encourage pasture planting: Improve forage supply during dry seasons.
5. Upgrade breeds: Import and cross-breed to improve local stock.
6. Promote resistant breeds: Increase production of trypanosome-resistant breeds like Ndama and Muturu.
Establishing a Herd
A. Choice of Product
Herds can be kept for meat, milk, both, or for draught. Considerations include:
1. Market demand
2. Feed availability and cost
3. Farmer preference
4. Environmental suitability
5. Business scale
B. Selection of Breed
The selected breed should:
1. Match the product goal
2. Survive local conditions
3. Be farmer-preferred
4. Resist disease
5. Have high fertility
C. Management of the Herd
Effective management requires attention to:
1. Housing
2. Feeding
3. Insect and disease control
Sheep Production in Nigeria
Sheep in West Africa are raised mainly for meat, and to some extent, for milk and wool. Their hides are used for leather. They feed on grasses, scrub bushes, and agricultural waste and sleep in dry open areas or roadsides.
A. Classification of Locally Produced Sheep
1. Ouda Sheep: Found in the far north. They have black or brown forequarters and white hindquarters. Rams have spiral horns; ewes are hornless.
2. Y’ankasa: Common in northern regions. White with a black patch around one eye. Rams have curved horns; ewes usually do not.
3. West African Dwarf Sheep: Found in the south, small in size, trypanosome-resistant, and thrive on local grazing.
Goat Production in Nigeria
Goats are widespread in Nigeria, especially in the south, and are raised for meat, milk, and skin. All cultural and religious groups accept goat meat, which boosts their popularity.
A. Breeds of Nigerian Goats
1. Dwarf Goat: Small and adaptable.
2. Sokoto Red: Red, glossy coat, prized for its skin.
3. Kano Brown: Medium size, hardy.
4. Bornu Red: Local breed, adapted to its region.
5. Bauchi Goat: White and red, local variety.
B. Temperate Goat Breeds (Imported)
1. Anglo-Nubian
2. British Saanen
3. Toggenburg
4. Angora
5. Kashmeri
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Frequently Asked Questions
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