Small ruminant production constraints among farmers in ika north-east local government area of Delta State, Nigeria

Aphunu, A. and Okoedo and OKoj

Abstract

The study assessed small ruminants’ production constraints among farmers in Ika North- East Local Government Area, Delta State. Data were generated from sixty (60) small ruminant farmers randomly sampled through the use of structured interview schedules analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and Anova and for hypothesis testing. Majority (75%) and (87.7%) of the farmers’ rear goats and using the tethering management system respectively majority (75.7%) never had contact with extension agents. However, respondents indicated that high cost of drugs/vaccines (m=2.68) and inadequate information on improved management systems (m=2.55) were major constraints to small ruminants’ production. It was recommended that appropriate extension services be put in place to enhance the knowledge of farmers on improved husbandry practices.