Contribution of Small Ruminants (Sheep and Goats) to Meat Supply in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Odo, B.I., Alaku, S.O. and Omeje, S.I. 2000. Contribution of small ruminants (sheep and goats) to meat supply in Enugu state, Nigeria. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 18: 165–169.

The monthly records of various livestock species (cattle, sheep, goat, pig, horse, donkey and dog) slaughtered for meat in Enugu state for a period of 8 years (1988–1995) were used to determine the contribution of small ruminants to meat supply in the State. The contribution made by the small ruminants was lowest (16.13%) in 1991 and highest (24.62%) in 1993 with an average contribution of 20.40±4.02% during the 8 years period of survey. Most small ruminants were slaughtered in the Enugu zone of the state. This study confirms the usefulness of sheep and goats in animal protein supply in the state.

Key words:

• Sheep
• goat
• meat
• Enugu State