REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP AND GOATS AT VILLAGE LEVEL IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Reproductive performance of 20 pregnant ewes and 20 pregnant does of West African Dwarf breeds at village level in Ogun State, Nigeria were compare in a study which lasted for 8 months. Litter size in ewes was 1.50 while that of does was 1.85. the number of males produced by the two species out-numbered that of females. However, multiple birth were higher in goat that in sheep. Results of birth weights and body weight of lambs and kids at 3 month of age were significantly different (P < 0.05). Lambs were heavier at birth with overall mean birth weight of 2.00kg compared with 1.48kg recorded for kids. At the age of 3 monthes the overall body weight of lamb was 10.38kg while that of kid was 7.61kg. mortality in lamb was 23.33% as against 10.81% in kids. Effective management system of West African Dwarf sheep and goats at village level before and after birth will improve the reproductive efficiency of the species