Small ruminant animals, such as goats, sheep, and rabbits, have a long history that traces back to ancient civilizations. These animals were some of the first domesticated species due to their ability to adapt to various climates and landscapes.
They were domesticated for their meat, milk, skins, and fibers, which played crucial roles in the survival and development of early human societies. The domestication of small ruminants marked a significant shift in human history, helping to establish settled farming communities and leading to the development of agriculture.
The domestication of goats is believed to have started around 10,000 years ago in the mountainous regions of the Middle East, particularly in areas like modern-day Iran and Iraq.
Early humans noticed the goat’s ability to thrive in harsh environments, which made them an ideal source of food and resources. Goats provided milk, meat, and fibers such as cashmere, which were highly valued. Their hardiness and ability to graze on a variety of vegetation made them a valuable asset to early farmers.
Sheep were domesticated shortly after goats, with evidence pointing to their origins in the Fertile Crescent around 8,000 to 9,000 years ago. Unlike goats, sheep were primarily valued for their wool and milk.
The domestication of sheep allowed ancient civilizations to produce textiles and improve their food sources. Sheep farming spread quickly across Europe, Asia, and later the Americas, adapting to different climates and becoming a staple in agricultural systems worldwide.
Rabbits, although not as ancient as goats and sheep, were domesticated much later, around the 5th century AD in southern Europe. Initially, they were kept for their meat, and over time, they became popular in other parts of the world.
Rabbits are especially valued for their fast reproduction rates, making them an efficient source of meat for small-scale farms. Today, small ruminants continue to be important in various agricultural systems due to their adaptability and the multiple products they provide.
In this article you will learn about sheep and Goats otherwise referred to as small ruminants. Since most of the features, reproductive pattern and management practices of sheep and goats are similar, we shall be discussing them together where there are differences that needs to be mentioned particularly, your attention will be drawn to such areas.
The Origin and History of Domestication of Small Ruminants Animals
The domestication of small ruminants, such as goats, sheep, and rabbits, has been vital in shaping human agriculture. Goats were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East, valued for their hardiness and versatile resources like milk, meat, and fibers.
Sheep followed shortly after, domesticated for their wool, meat, and milk in the Fertile Crescent about 8,000 to 9,000 years ago. Rabbits were domesticated later, around the 5th century AD in Europe, primarily for their meat and fast reproduction.
These animals have remained essential to agriculture throughout history, providing key resources that supported the growth of human societies.
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The sheep
The domestication of sheep has its roots in the ancient civilizations of the Near East, particularly in the Fertile Crescent, an area that stretches across modern-day Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Around 8,000 to 9,000 years ago, early humans began to domesticate wild sheep species, which were native to the region.
These wild sheep, known as the mouflon, had a thick, woolly coat and were used by hunter-gatherers for their meat, hides, and horns. Over time, these animals were selectively bred for traits that suited human needs, marking the beginning of sheep domestication.
The domesticated sheep were smaller and more docile than their wild ancestors, making them easier to manage and breed in captivity. They also adapted to life in the managed environment of early farms, thriving on a diet of grass and being less aggressive than other livestock.
As a result, sheep became highly valued for their wool, which was a significant resource for textile production, as well as for their milk and meat. The domestication of sheep provided early agricultural societies with essential materials for survival and economic trade.
Sheep farming quickly spread across the ancient world, particularly in the Mediterranean region, where they adapted to various climates and landscapes. In ancient Egypt, for instance, sheep were an important part of religious rituals and everyday life, providing wool for clothing and blankets.
By the time of the Roman Empire, sheep were widely farmed across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The rise of the wool industry, especially during the Middle Ages, further cemented the sheep’s role in agricultural economies.
Today, domesticated sheep are found all over the world, with various breeds developed for specific purposes, such as wool production, meat, and milk.
The history of sheep domestication is closely tied to the development of human civilization, as sheep have been essential to the growth of agriculture, trade, and industry. Their ability to adapt to different environments and provide valuable products has ensured their continued importance throughout history.
The Goat
Goats were among the first animals to be domesticated by humans, with their origins tracing back to around 10,000 years ago in the mountainous regions of the Near East, particularly in modern-day Iran, Iraq, and Turkey.
The wild ancestor of the domesticated goat is the bezoar goat, which was known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in rugged terrains. Early humans likely domesticated goats for their meat, milk, and hides, all of which were essential for survival in ancient societies.
Goats’ ability to graze on a wide variety of plants made them particularly valuable to early farmers who were transitioning from hunter-gatherer lifestyles.
The domestication of goats allowed ancient human civilizations to establish more permanent settlements and focus on agricultural practices.
Unlike other livestock, goats are relatively independent and do not require constant supervision, which made them a great addition to early farming systems. Their milk, in particular, was highly sought after for its nutritional value and versatility in producing cheese and other dairy products.
As human civilizations spread, so did the domestication of goats. They were introduced to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, where they adapted to diverse climates and landscapes.
In the Mediterranean, goats were essential to the economy, providing meat and dairy products, especially in areas where the land was not suitable for other forms of livestock.
Over time, selective breeding practices led to the development of numerous goat breeds, each suited to specific environmental conditions or purposes, such as wool, milk, or meat production.
Today, goats are found all over the world and are raised for various purposes depending on the region. They remain a vital part of agricultural systems, especially in small-scale farming, where their adaptability and diverse product offerings continue to support local economies.
The history of goat domestication underscores the significant role these animals have played in human development, providing essential resources for millennia.
Goat domestication has a long history in Nigeria, where goats have been integral to traditional farming practices for centuries. The origins of goat farming in Nigeria can be traced back to the early settlement of the various ethnic groups in the country.
Goats, particularly indigenous breeds like the West African Dwarf goat, have been raised for their meat, milk, and skins, forming an essential part of both rural and urban diets.
Over time, goats have become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s agricultural systems, with local breeds adapted to the country’s diverse climates, from the northern savannah to the southern rainforests.
In Nigeria, goats are highly valued for their hardiness and adaptability, making them a reliable source of income for many small-scale farmers. The goat’s ability to graze on a wide range of plants, even in areas with limited water or harsh conditions, has made them particularly suitable for Nigeria’s semi-arid regions like the north, where they are raised alongside cattle and sheep.
Goats are also a vital source of protein through their meat, which is widely consumed across the country, and their milk is used in various local dairy products, including cheese and yogurt, particularly in the northern parts of Nigeria.
Goat farming in Nigeria has grown in recent years, with an increasing number of farmers recognizing the economic potential of goat production. The demand for goat meat, particularly during festive periods and special occasions, has further increased its popularity.
The goat farming sector in Nigeria also supports a significant number of livelihoods, from herders in the rural north to those involved in the trade, processing, and sale of goat products in urban areas.
Nigerian farmers also engage in breeding programs to improve meat and milk yields, with some farmers crossbreeding indigenous goats with foreign breeds to increase production and quality.
Today, goats continue to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s agricultural economy. They are an essential part of the nation’s food security strategy and contribute significantly to the livelihoods of many farmers.
Goat farming also provides an opportunity for sustainable agricultural practices, as goats are relatively low-maintenance animals compared to larger livestock, making them ideal for small farmers looking to diversify their income streams and contribute to the local and national economy.
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Advantages of Small Ruminants Over Other Ruminants in The Supply of Meat.
In comparison to the worlds average of 6% Nigerian small ruminants contribute about 33% to the nations meat supply.
1. High reproductive rate: Small ruminants have a high fertility rate and high prolificacy ranging from 120 -135%. Twining rate is generally high in goats up to 55 -60% while that of sheep is about 20 – 22% Estrus cycle and estrus period are short about 18 days.
Estrus period ranges from 24 – 48hours up to 72 hours.These are generally shorter in yearlings. Estrus occurs all year round in the tropics. Kidding/lambing interval is about 8 months while generation.
Interval is about 2 years. In cattle calving interval in 2 years while generation interval is about 4 years.
2. Less food needed: Because sheep and goats are ruminants they eat low quality food, particularly fibrous vegetation which cannot be eaten bu humans and non ruminant animals such as poultry and pigs.
3. Products in manageable quantities:
i. The finished product from sheep and goat provide less storage problems hence they are suitable for rural communities with low level of technology.
ii. The meat and milk produce from small ruminants can be consumed within a day the problem of cold rooms for storage is therefore eliminated.
4. Less risk of total loss to arable farmers: In Sahelian countries, drought has demonstrated the greater resistance of sheep and goats over cattle. Small ruminants have survived such conditions and been able to make up for the meat shortage caused by cattle losses.
To the traditional arable farmer, small ruminants offer security of continued food supply during periods of crop failure.
5. Low initial cost: The raising of small ruminants is less capital intensive. While up to 70% of production cost in the monogastric go to feed the small ruminants can be completely raised on browse, pasture and agricultural waste product.
The cost of sheep is much less than the cost of cow and a small holder may be able to afford to have one or two ewes but not a cow.
6. No Cultural barriers: There are almost no cultural barriers against keeping sheep and goats or eating the meat. In contrast Muslims and Jews do not keep pigs nor eat pork and Hindus do not slaughter cattle. Poor people as well as rich people own sheep and goats whereas it is usually only the rich who own.
In conclusion, the domestication of small ruminant animals, such as goats and sheep, has played a vital role in the development of agriculture and human civilization.
These animals have provided essential resources, including meat, milk, wool, and hides, which were crucial for survival in ancient societies. The history of goat and sheep domestication, from their origins in the Near East to their spread across the globe, highlights their adaptability and value to human societies.
In Nigeria, goats have particularly flourished due to their hardiness and ability to thrive in various environmental conditions, from the arid north to the more humid south.
Goats are integral to Nigeria’s agricultural economy, providing a reliable source of food, income, and livelihood for many farmers, especially in rural areas. Their continued importance in Nigeria is evident, with goat farming growing as both a traditional and profitable practice.
As Nigeria’s agricultural sector continues to evolve, small ruminants like goats and sheep remain essential to food security, economic development, and sustainable farming practices.
Their ability to adapt to diverse climates and contribute to various industries from meat and dairy production to wool ensures that they will continue to play a significant role in Nigeria’s agricultural future.
The domestication and history of these animals, particularly in Nigeria, demonstrate their enduring importance in both local and global agricultural systems.
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