TERM PAPER ON BREEDING OF SHEEP AND GOAT
Prepared by: SHITTU, Olatunji Habeeb
Matric Number: Mtech/SAAT/2024/15062
1.0 Introduction
Sheep and goats are important livestock species in Nigeria, providing meat, milk, hides, manure,
and income for rural farmers. They are highly adaptable, capable of thriving under harsh
environmental and nutritional conditions. Their short gestation period and high reproductive rate
make them ideal for rapid flock expansion. However, productivity remains low due to poor
breeding practices and inadequate management. Effective breeding strategies are essential for
improving genetic potential and achieving sustainable small ruminant production (Adu et al.,
2020).
2.0 Breeding Systems in Sheep and Goats
Breeding involves planned mating to improve traits such as fertility, growth rate, and milk yield.
The main systems include:
1. Natural Mating: The most common among rural farmers. It requires minimal input but
provides little control over genetics and may lead to inbreeding (Okpeku et al., 2016).
2. Controlled Mating: Selected males are mated with specific females to achieve genetic
improvement and prevent inbreeding. This system is used in research and organized
farms (Yakubu & Ibrahim, 2017).
3. Artificial Insemination (AI): Allows the use of semen from superior males, ensuring
rapid genetic progress and disease control. However, limited facilities and expertise
restrict adoption in Nigeria (FAO, 2019).
4. Crossbreeding: Combining local and exotic breeds improves productivity through
hybrid vigor. Careful management is required to avoid loss of adaptive traits (Adu et al.,
2020).
3.0 Breeding Objectives
Breeding programs in sheep and goats aim to:
i. Improve growth rate and carcass quality.
ii. Increase milk yield and reproductive efficiency.
iii. Enhance disease resistance and adaptability to local conditions.
iv. Promote early maturity and higher lambing/kidding rates (Yakubu & Ibrahim, 2017).
4.0 Improvement of Sheep and Goat Breeds in Nigeria
Nigeria has diverse indigenous breeds such as the West African Dwarf (WAD), Uda, Yankasa,
and Balami sheep, and the Red Sokoto, Sahel, and WAD goats. They possess strong adaptive
traits but low productivity.
1. Selective Breeding: Involves choosing superior animals within a breed to enhance
performance while maintaining adaptability. Community-based breeding programs
(CBBPs) have shown success in improving local flocks (Edea et al., 2019).
2. Crossbreeding: Crossing indigenous breeds with exotics such as Dorper sheep and Boer
goats has improved growth and carcass traits. However, genetic erosion can occur
without proper control (Adu et al., 2020).
3. Reproductive Technologies: AI, estrus synchronization, and embryo transfer can
accelerate improvement but remain underutilized due to technical and cost barriers (FAO,
2019).
4. Improved Management: Better nutrition, disease control, and housing conditions
significantly enhance reproductive efficiency and productivity (Yakubu & Ibrahim,
2017).
5.0 Challenges in Breeding Programs
Major constraints include poor record-keeping, lack of improved breeding stock, inadequate
extension services, low funding for research, and uncontrolled crossbreeding leading to genetic
dilution (Okpeku et al., 2016).
6.0 Conclusion
Breeding in sheep and goats is fundamental for improving productivity and achieving food
security in Nigeria. Indigenous breeds are well adapted but exhibit low output. Sustainable
genetic improvement through selective breeding, controlled crossbreeding, and better
management practices can enhance performance while conserving local genetic resources.
Strengthened institutional support and farmer education are crucial for long-term success.
References
Adu, I. F., Yakubu, A., & Ogah, D. M. (2020). Small ruminant genetic resources and breeding
for improved productivity in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Animal Science, 22(1), 47–60.
Edea, Z., Dadi, H., & Kim, S. W. (2019). Community-based breeding programs for small
ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa: Achievements and lessons learned. Animal Genetic Resources,
64, 45–56.
FAO. (2019). The state of livestock diversity in Africa. FAO Animal Production and Health
Report No. [Link]:FAO.
Okpeku, M., Peters, S. O., & Yakubu, A. (2016). Genetic improvement of small ruminants for
meat and milk production in West Africa: Opportunities and challenges. Applied Animal
Research, 44(1), 1–10.
Yakubu, A., & Ibrahim, H. A. (2017). Breeding and management strategies for improving small
ruminant productivity in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 44(3), 95–104.