Goat and Sheep Farming I SS1 Livestock Farming Lesson Note

In Nigeria, goats and sheep are often called “Small Ruminants.” If you walk through almost any village or town, you will see them roaming around. They are very important because they are “hardy”—meaning they can survive in tough conditions where cattle might struggle.

Today, we will look at the different breeds we have in Nigeria and how to properly care for them.

Common Breeds in Nigeria

We have specific breeds that have lived in our climate for thousands of years. They are naturally built to handle our heat and local pests.

1. Popular Goat Breeds:

• West African Dwarf (WAD) Goat: These are short, “stubby” goats common in the South. They are very tough and can survive the humidity and forest diseases.
• Red Sokoto (Maradi): Famous for their deep red skin. They are found mostly in the North. Their skin is very valuable and is used to make high-quality “Morocco Leather” for expensive shoes and bags.
• Sahel Goat: These are tall, long-legged goats from the very dry parts of the North. They are great walkers and can travel long distances to find grass.

1. Popular Sheep Breeds:

• West African Dwarf (WAD) Sheep: Just like the goats, these are short and mostly found in the South.
• Yankasa: The most common sheep in Nigeria. They are usually white with black patches around their eyes and nose.
• Balami: These are large, all-white sheep. They are often kept for festivals (like Sallah) because they grow very big and look beautiful.
• Uda: These are easy to recognize because they are “half-and-half”—usually black or brown on the front half and white on the back half.

Housing for Goats and Sheep

Even though many people let their goats roam the streets, a serious farmer provides a house. Good housing makes them grow faster and keeps them safe from thieves.

Key Features of a Good Small Ruminant House:

1. Raised Floors: Goats, especially, hate wet and muddy ground. In many parts of Nigeria, farmers build “slatted floors” made of wood or bamboo, raised about 2–3 feet off the ground. This allows urine and droppings to fall through so the animal stays dry.
2. Cross-Ventilation: The house should have open sides (covered with wire mesh) to let fresh air flow through. This prevents respiratory (breathing) diseases.
3. The “Ad-Libitum” Corner: There should be a dedicated spot for a “Salt Lick” (mineral block) and clean water that is always available.
4. Security: A strong fence is needed to keep out stray dogs and thieves.

Feeding Practices

Remember, goats and sheep are Ruminants. They have a complex four-chambered stomach designed to turn grass into meat.

• Grazing (The Natural Way): Allowing the animals to go out and eat grass, herbs, and shrubs. Goats are “browsers”—they like to eat leaves from bushes and trees. Sheep are “grazers”—they prefer eating grass from the ground.
• Zero-Grazing (Cut and Carry): The farmer cuts the grass or tree branches (like Gliricidia or Leucaena) and brings them to the animals in their pen. This is safer because the animals don’t catch worms from the field.
• Concentrates: To make them grow extra fast, farmers give them “add-ons” like palm kernel cake, maize offals, or groundnut husks.
• Salt Licks: These animals need minerals. Providing a salt block helps them stay thirsty (so they drink water) and keeps their coats shiny.

Management Differences: Goats vs. Sheep

While they look similar, they behave differently:

Summary: Why Start a Goat or Sheep Farm?

These animals are often called “Small Stock” because you don’t need a lot of money to start. You can start with just two females and one male. They multiply quickly (often having twins), and there is always a market for their meat (Mutton for sheep, Chevon for goats) in Nigeria.

Class Activity / Review

1. Identification: If you see a sheep that is half black in front and half white at the back, what breed is it?
2. Logic: Why is a “raised floor” better than a “cement floor” for a goat house in a rainy area?

Homework: Visit your local market. Compare the price of a Red Sokoto goat and a local West African Dwarf goat. Which is more expensive and why? (Ask the sellers about the skin!).