Successful ruminant production requires daily attention, discipline, observation, and prevention. Farmers must quarantine new animals, diagnose diseases early, and treat sick animals promptly. Prevention saves losses.

Know each animal's normal behaviour and observe the flock quietly for ten minutes every morning. Behavioural changes can reveal illness before obvious symptoms appear. Observe closely.

Keep animals of similar ages and sizes together to reduce fighting and competition. Maintain a separate sick bay for effective monitoring, treatment, and recovery. Separate wisely.

Worm control deserves serious attention because parasites can contribute to diarrhoea and poor growth. Establish an appropriate deworming programme with professional veterinary guidance. Control parasites properly.

Provide mineral blocks, maintain current vaccinations, keep medication records, and use antibiotics responsibly under veterinary guidance. Never misuse antibiotics or encourage resistance through improper treatment. Protect effectiveness.

Clean water, dry bedding, and consistent supervision are essential. An absent farmer may miss problems quickly. Breeding requires greater expertise than fattening, so choose carefully. Stay involved.

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