In this article, the focus is on sheep and goats, otherwise referred to as small ruminants. Since many features, reproductive patterns, and management practices of sheep and goats are similar, they will be studied together. However, where differences exist, attention will be drawn to those areas.
Small ruminants (sheep and goats) are a major source of livelihood in many areas of Nigeria. Unlike cattle, they are owned even by the poorer sectors of the community. Increasing the productivity of small ruminants is an important route to improving the standard of living for the rural poor and landless peasants.
Origin and History of Domestication of Sheep and Goats
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1. Origin and History of Sheep
All domesticated sheep are included in the genus Ovis Aries. There are four major species of wild sheep:
1. Moufflon (Ovis musimon), mostly found in Europe and Western Asia.
2. Urial (Ovis orientalis), found around Afghanistan to Western Asia.
3. Argali (Ovis ammon), found in Central Asia.
4. Bighorn (Ovis canadensis), found in Northern Asia and North America.
It is believed that the first three wild species contributed to the makeup of present-day sheep. Sheep and goats were among the first ruminants to be domesticated between 10,000 and 6,000 BC. About one-fifth of the world’s sheep are found in the tropics. The sheep population has increased by about 13% in the last decade. Nigeria has about 22 million sheep.
2. Origin and History of Goats
The domestic goat belongs to the genus Capra, which includes three species:
1. The Bezoar (Capra aegagrus aegagrus).
2. The Ibex (Capra aegagrus ibex).
3. The Markhor (Capra aegagrus falconeri).
The domestication of goats is said to have occurred in the mountainous areas of Western Asia around 9,000 – 11,000 years ago. The goat is possibly the earliest domesticated animal after the dog. The Bezoar goat is considered the major ancestor of the present-day goat.
Goats represent about 15% of the total world domesticated ruminant population. They perform best in the drier tropics and on lighter sandy soils. In Africa, the highest goat populations are found in East Africa, Morocco, and Northern Nigeria. Nigeria has about 34 million goats.
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Advantages of Small Ruminants over Other Ruminants in Meat Supply
1. Contribution to Meat Supply
Compared to the world’s average of 6%, Nigerian small ruminants contribute about 33% to the nation’s meat supply.
2. High Reproductive Rate
Small ruminants have a high fertility rate, with prolificacy ranging from 120-135%. The twinning rate is generally high in goats (up to 55-60%) while in sheep, it is about 20-22%. The estrus cycle is short, around 18 days, with the estrus period lasting between 24 to 72 hours.
Estrus occurs year-round in the tropics. The kidding/lambing interval is about 8 months, while the generation interval is about 2 years. In contrast, cattle have a calving interval of 2 years and a generation interval of 4 years.
3. Low Feed Requirements
Sheep and goats, as ruminants, consume low-quality fibrous vegetation that cannot be eaten by humans or non-ruminant animals such as poultry and pigs.
4. Manageable Product Quantities
The products from sheep and goats provide less storage burden, making them suitable for rural communities with low technology. Meat and milk from small ruminants can be consumed within a day, eliminating the need for cold storage.
5. Lower Risk of Total Loss for Farmers
In Sahelian countries, drought has demonstrated the greater resilience of sheep and goats over cattle. Small ruminants have survived these conditions and compensated for meat shortages caused by cattle losses. For traditional arable farmers, small ruminants offer security of food supply during periods of crop failure.
6. Low Initial Cost
Raising small ruminants is less capital-intensive. While up to 70% of production costs for monogastric animals go to feed, small ruminants can be raised entirely on browse, pasture, and agricultural waste products. The cost of sheep is much lower than that of cows, making them affordable for smallholders.
7. No Cultural Barriers
There are almost no cultural barriers against keeping sheep and goats or consuming their meat. In contrast, Muslims and Jews do not keep pigs or eat pork, and Hindus do not slaughter cattle. Sheep and goats are owned by both the poor and the wealthy, unlike cattle, which are usually owned by the rich.
Classification of Sheep and Goats
Several methods of classifying sheep and goats have been proposed based on origin, utility, body size, ear shape and length, and function. Each method has its attributes and limitations.
Based on body size (height at withers), sheep in Nigeria fall into three categories:
1. Large, long-legged, long-tailed breeds.
2. Medium-sized breeds.
3. Short-legged, short-tailed breeds.
| Classification | Weight (kg) | Height (cm) at withers |
|---|---|---|
| Large breeds | > 65 | 30 – 65 |
| Medium breeds | 50 – 65 | 19 – 37 |
| Small breeds | < 50 | 18 – 25 |
Nigerian Breeds of Sheep
There are three major breeds of sheep in Nigeria, falling into these categories.
1. Large Long-Legged Long-Tailed Breeds
Balami: Also known as Bororo, this breed is associated with the Borno tribe. It is predominantly white with a convex facial profile. Males have horns, while females do not. Balami is fast-growing, with good potential for milk production.
Uda (Ouda): Also called the Fulani or Bali-Bali, this breed is found throughout the Sahel and savanna zones. It thrives best in hot, dry environments and is particularly known for its trekking ability.
2. Medium-Sized Breeds
Yankasa: The most numerous and widely distributed Nigerian breed, Yankasa is intermediate in size. It is known for its white coat with black patches around the eyes, ears, and muzzle. Males have curved horns.
3. Short-Legged Short-Tailed Breeds
West African Dwarf Sheep: Also called Fouta Djallon, this breed thrives in the forest belt and is known for its tolerance to trypanosomiasis, a disease caused by tsetse flies.
In conclusion, the origin and domestication of small ruminants have been explored. Small ruminants play vital roles in rural communities, helping to raise the living standards of the poor and landless peasants.
Several breeds of sheep have been described, showing their remarkable adaptation to local environments. There has been both natural and human selection for certain traits, especially in specialized breeds for milk or wool production in developed countries.
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