INDIGENOUS LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN EGBA ZONE OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the management of indigenous livestock in Egba zone of Ogun State using one hundred and forty four farmers and twenty Village Extension Agents. Data were collected with interview schedule and questionnaire respectively. The study revealed that indigenous livestock farmers were of average age of 48 years, mostly (77.8%) native of these communities sampled and literate (63.2%), more female (58.3%) and they were not cosmopolite (83.3%). Poultry, sheep and goats are mostly kept by indigenous livestock farmers, followed by cattle and pig, snail and rabbit by a few farmers. Most (66.7%) farmers raised their livestock on free range while few provided feeding and housing for their animals. Local materials were used for feeding, housing, and ethno-veterinary care for animals. Livestock farmers earned an average of twenty one thousand seven hundred and fifty naira monthly from their animals. The materials livestock farmers used included pawpaw seeds for deworming, lime and sandpaper leaf to control lice, sulphur, lime and palm oil to control mange; Iyeye leaves [Spondia mombin] for treatment of diarrhea in ruminants. Communication methods used in the diffusion of ethno-veterinary practices were town criers, traditional songs and festivals, folk tales, use of signs and symbols, life dramas and face-to-face interpersonal media while the sources of information were extension agents, community leaders, fellow farmers, neighbours, livestock traders, and farmers` union. Most important information came from fellow farmers. Indigenous livestock farmers should be involved in research and extension planning and regular visits to farmers by village extension agents is recommended.