MODERN SHEEP AND GOAT REARING: THE FUTURE OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

Modern sheep and goat production strengthens Nigeria’s economy through increased meat, milk, and leather demand. Suitable breeds, improved management, and commercial practices ensure better productivity nationwide. Progress begins with better farming.

Farmers now adopt modern housing, including raised slatted floors and open-sided sheds, improving animal comfort, reducing diseases, and supporting healthier growth across different ecological regions. Healthy housing builds healthy animals.

Balanced nutrition, rotational grazing, hay production, silage conservation, vaccinations, deworming, and biosecurity measures improve animal performance while reducing disease outbreaks and seasonal feed shortages significantly. Good management delivers greater productivity.

Technology, including electronic identification, GPS monitoring, livestock software, and digital marketing, improves decision-making, profitability, product traceability, and stronger value chains for livestock enterprises nationwide. Innovation creates lasting opportunities.

Although climate change, diseases, limited veterinary services, and conflicts remain challenges, commercial small ruminant production offers sustainable solutions, stronger food security, improved livelihoods, and economic growth. The future belongs to prepared farmers.

Best regards,

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