Reproductive performance of sheep and goats under native husbandry

Abstract

Although over 90% of small ruminant production in Nigeria is done under native husbandry or semiintensive management, relatively little information on their reproductive performance is available. However, information on the reproductive performance of Nigerian small ruminants under intensive management conducted at Research Centres or Institutes is readily available (Adu, Buvanendran & Lakpini, 1979; Adu, Brinckman & Kuteyi, 1979; Molokwu & Umunna, 1980; Osinowo & Ekpe, 1985). Such reproductive information includes age at first lambing or kidding, birth weight, lambing or kidding intervals, seasonal effects and conception rates. Although the latter findings are meant for dissemination through Extension Services to rural producers for application, records of the effects of such application are scanty.