Buying male animals for fattening can challenge inexperienced farmers. Limited knowledge allows marketers to influence decisions, leading farmers toward costly and unprofitable purchases. Choose wisely.

Breed and genetic potential matter because genetics influence growth, mature size, muscle development, feed utilization, and profitability. Select animals with strong productive characteristics. Genetics matter.

Body condition and conformation reveal important clues about animal quality. Look for sound legs, good structure, healthy appearance, balanced development, and desirable muscling. Examine carefully.

Growth rate and age deserve attention. Younger animals with growth potential may provide better returns, while accurate age assessment prevents selection mistakes. Know their age.

Health status must never be ignored, while feed conversion efficiency shows how economically animals transform feed into weight. Initial weight helps estimate gains. Protect profitability.

Farmers should never purchase based solely on appearance or marketers’ claims. Assessing every factor reduces losses, improves decisions, and supports fattening ventures. Buy with knowledge.

Abdullah Opeyemi Akande
B.Agric. (FUNAAB)
GAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Animal Sci. (UI)
RAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Int’l Business (UU, UK)
Ph.D. in view