Dear Farmers, I see many breeders online searching for three to four month old animals. I understand the attraction, but breeding requires patience, planning, and sound judgement always remember this.

First, weaners require considerable time before reaching puberty, and impatient farmers may become discouraged. Their developing immune systems can also make them more vulnerable to disease and mortality overall today.

Secondly, first time mothers may face dystocia, especially when crossed with larger hybrid males. Their smaller pelvic girdles can increase birthing difficulties, creating unnecessary risks for breeders today too, especially.

For my clients, I recommend animals that have completed one parity, meaning they have given birth once. Such females offer practical advantages and reduce uncertainty during breeding significantly for breeders.

They reach productive breeding stages sooner, are proven mothers, and generally have wider pelvic girdles. Choose wisely, remain patient, and build your breeding programme around sustainability and results confidently today.

Happy New Year in advance. There is no holiday here.

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