Small Ruminants Production and their Uses Among Farmers in Nigeria: A Review

The paper reviewed small ruminants production and their uses among farmers in Nigeria. It reported that most small ruminant keepers practiced semi-intensive management system whereby the animals are provided shelter and kept indoors for security purpose. Sheep and goats are kept for a variety of economic reasons including savings and investment, security and insurance, stability, and social functions. The small ruminants are also important in the socio-cultural lives of the farmers. Farmers keep small ruminants for income, meat, manure and religious/cultural reasons. The paper identified the major constraints of small ruminant production to include the cost of feed, inadequate extension services and diseases.